FBC Greenview IL

05/31/2026

05/27/2026

Weekly Wednesday Discipleship:

You’ve probably seen Jeremiah 29:11 on coffee mugs, graduation cards, and social media:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
It’s a beautiful and comforting verse, but it often gets misunderstood. Many people treat it like a personal promise that God will give us an easy, successful, trouble-free life filled with constant health, wealth, and success. They also get upset when it doesn’t happen. That idea is very popular, but it is not what the Bible teaches.
To put this into context, God spoke these words to the people of Israel while they were in exile in Babylon. They were suffering under God’s judgment for their sin — taken from their homes, discouraged, and wondering if God had abandoned them. In that dark season, God reminded them that He still had good plans for them.
This verse is not a guarantee of constant health, wealth, or success. In fact, there is no place in the entire Bible where God promises His people a life without hardship, pain, or difficulty. The same Bible that contains Jeremiah 29:11 also shows us the reality of godly people facing trials: Joseph in prison, David hiding in caves, Daniel in the lions’ den, Paul beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned, and Jesus Himself crucified.
God’s idea of “prosper” is much deeper than money or comfort. It means He is working all things for our ultimate good, to shape our character, strengthen our faith, and conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.). His plans are good because He is good, even when the road is hard.
The real promise of Jeremiah 29:11 is this: No matter what season you’re walking through, even if it’s exile or suffering, God has not forgotten you. His plans for His people ultimately lead to hope and a future with Him.
If you’re in a difficult place right now, hold tightly to this truth. Instead of demanding the kind of “prosperity” the world promises, ask God to help you trust His plans and grow closer to Him through whatever you’re facing. He is faithful.
Jesus calls us to follow Him with our whole lives — trusting that His plans are better than ours, even when we can’t see the full picture.

05/23/2026

Join us this week as Paul advises the men & women of the church on Biblical decorum, demeanor & appropriate roles for each within the church.
Worship with us in person or watch our livestream here at 10:30am Sunday morning.

05/22/2026

Here are our upcoming June Birthdays & Anniversaries!

05/20/2026

Weekly Wednesday Discipleship:

“With Every Breath, I Long to Follow Jesus” Is That Realistic?
Do you ever feel convicted by the words of a worship song? One of my favorite worship songs has the line, “With every breath, I long to follow Jesus.” Many worship songs express that same beautiful sentiment of having Jesus as the single focus of our lives, total devotion, every moment centered on Him.
If you’re like me, those lines can be really encouraging… but they can also bring conviction. I know I don’t live up to that ideal. My days get busy, my mind wanders, and there are plenty of moments when following Jesus isn’t the first thing on my heart. I doubt I’m alone in that. So how realistic is this expectation, and how do we pursue it in the middle of real, busy lives?
The desire for wholehearted devotion to Jesus is absolutely biblical. Jesus Himself said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
That is the goal. That is the direction we’re called to run toward.
But the honest truth is that none of us perfectly live this out every single moment this side of heaven. Even the Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on…” (Philippians 3:12). The Christian life is not about reaching flawless devotion overnight. It’s about a lifelong direction, a growing desire and increasing faithfulness.
God knows we live in busy, distracted, messy lives. He doesn’t expect robotic perfection. He wants our honest hearts moving toward Him. The good news is that the same grace that saves us is the grace that helps us grow in devotion, one day at a time.
Start small and practical. Choose one ordinary part of your daily routine (driving, doing dishes, walking the dog, starting your workday) and turn it into a moment of “with every breath” devotion. Pray a simple prayer, thank Jesus for being with you, or sing a line of one of those worship songs. Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your desire to follow Him. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Jesus is patient with us. He’s not disappointed that we’re not perfect yet. He’s glad we want to follow Him more. Let’s keep pressing on together.

05/17/2026

Paul was a man who did not believe, and openly persecuted Christians, until he was called by Jesus Christ himself as His chosen instrument to carry His name to the Gentiles. His God given instruction is just as relevant to the church today.
Join us tomorrow morning at 10:30 as we hear what Paul has to say about how we are to behave as Christ's church.