God is the Balm
Pastor Jamie Self - 9/14/2025
In a world marked by deception and spiritual decay, the prophet Jeremiah's lament in Jeremiah 8:18–9:11 reveals deep emotional conflict—grief for his people and frustration over their rebellion. The sermon draws a powerful parallel between ancient Israel and today’s culture, highlighting how truth is being replaced with lies, especially through the ideology of expressive individualism ("I am what I feel I am"). Yet, amid confusion and exile, the good news emerges: God is the balm in Gilead—offering healing through Jesus Christ, who absorbed God’s wrath and rose again to bring truth, life, and restoration to all who believe.
Weekly Reflection
“"Is there no balm in Gilead?" (Jeremiah 8:22) — In a world suffering from truth decay and the wounds of deception, God Himself is the balm. Jesus absorbed wrath and rose again to bring healing, truth, and restoration.”
We live in a culture where the dominant message is, “I am what I feel I am.” But feelings, when disconnected from God’s truth, can become lies we train ourselves to believe. Like Jeremiah, we see the brokenness around us—and sometimes within us—and ask, “Is there no healing?” The sermon reminds us that our confusion, grief, and even anger are not disqualifying; they are invitations to cling to the One who is the Truth. Amid a culture that denies God's authority, Jesus steps in as our Physician, our Balm.
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This Week’s Challenge:
Heart Question: Where have you begun to believe “I am what I feel” instead of “I am who God says I am”?
Action Step: Identify one lie you’ve believed about yourself this week. Then read Romans 12:2 and speak aloud a Scripture-based truth to replace that lie.
Scripture:
Jeremiah 8:18–9:11