As we take a look at a man named Nehemiah, who returned to Israel after a 70-year captivity took place in Babylon, we learn what rebuilding after a horrific event looks like. Nehemiah 4:18, Todays message is about being like Jesus. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. But amidst the challenges, it takes uncommon trust and surrender to tackle what God is asking. Text: Nehemiah 4:6-23 Our messages for this quarter are based on the theme, 'Arise and Build.' This theme actually comes from the book of Nehemiah (2:20), which describes how God led the people Israel in the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Life can deal you things that you never thought was possible. They returned from captivity in a trip that would take today, about four hours by air, even counting for a security check at the airport. Christian Church. God will teach you how if you are willing to work at it. By leaning on your relationship with Jesus Christ, a person wont just survive in lean times. As I processed the trials and sorrows of the last year, personally and across the United States, I reread what the Lord said to Jeremiah when he called him into ministry: See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, Your children get hurt, you experience divorce, you lose your job, you have an illness, etc There are times when it seems that we have lost Or sick. Your participation is necessary. Nehemiah 2:11-20 This is the 4th sermon in the series "Rebuilding". read more. The task was simply too big. He also says, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms . This is the 3rd sermon in the series "Rebuilding". Nehemiah organizes resources and teams, then completes the task in 52 days -- all amidst stiff opposition from Judah's enemies. To rebuild successfully Baptist. If a man has a history of fornication, is he disqualified from the office of pastor or can he still be considered the husband of one wife. He took a task that seemed impossible, mobilized a team of people, and accomplished the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Part of that freedom, literally, is the freedom to choose to obey God, right now, and soon thrive in the midst of difficult circumstances. In this passage of Scripture we see the wisdom of Nehemiah as he prepares to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Through human history governments, militaries have constructed defensive walls to keep enemies at bay. Since the terrorism of Sept. 11th, we need to rebuild for the future of America and the church. And what about basic courage? Others from Judah had been there the entire time. The work of rebuilding our personal wall is the effort we put into seeking a strong relationship with Him, and He then provides the defenses for us. The people prayed If you dont know the power of forgiven sin, youre more bankrupt, more in trouble, more destitute, more stricken, than any other kind of human being. They walked, they carried their supplies, they made very slow time. The gold and silver articles totaled 5,400. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Andy Cook on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM. Rebuilding is part of life. (Colossians 4:12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong [allow yourself to be strengthened] in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ezra and Nehemiah, two of the Bibles more famous men, faced a similar reconstruction project. So if we have fewer funds for missionaries and ministries, there will be hardships and challenges that will have to be faced. Workers cleared the Temple Mount, quarried new stones, cleaned old stones, and finally, they laid the foundation for the Temple. One knew the law, and the other one knew people. He wants to make you spiritually strong. Acts 15:16 Verse Concepts GETTING STARTED RIGHT Your children get hurt, you experience divorce, you lose your job, you have an illness, etc There are times when it seems that we have lost Baptist. The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. Life tells us that our missionaries are under a real bind, too, living on American dollars in lands where the dollar is buying far less than it used to. He even says, I will rejoice in doing them good (Jeremiah 32:41). But there was also this: Ezra 3:12-13 He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference. It is important for us to realize that Nehemiah was, in the words of J. I. Packer, "a church builder." 1 Without the restoration of the walls of the city of Jerusalem, there could have been no normal or healthy city life. Our ministries at the church deal as much with energy costs as any business in town. Copyright 2023 Northside Baptist Church. Restoring the Wall (Nehemiah 2:9-7:73). The room was full of workers and And it's easy to lose sight of our mission in Christ amongst all the chaos. A tank of gas feels like a major purchase, and everything from food prices to basic supplies have seen dramatic increases. to destroy and to overthrow, God had told them: Obey Me and youll live in the land for a long time. read more, Scripture: What if God is forcing us into a corner where weve got to make use of renewable energy? But not if individual Christians and individual families say: You know what, the first thing Im doing with my money is what Ive always done with it. 3) The devil does not want you to build up the broken walls in your life either. It adds up to a shocking new way of life: These are Lean Times.. Nehemiahs background Background to passage: Recount briefly the historical setting of the captivity, and the returns of Ezra and Nehemiah under the reign of They rebuild the destroyed temple of God. Introduction: It may be your personal Bible study. If you dont know an area in your life that needs built up, ask God to reveal one to you. read more, Scripture: This is the 4th sermon in the series "Rebuilding". If they die, its unbelievably tough. REBUILDING THE WALLS OF REVIVAL A study of the book of Nehemiah. a. The room was full of workers and read more, Scripture: Zerubbabel led the first effort, recorded in Chapter 3, and Ezra led the second sacrifice, recorded in Ezra 8. Is your family facing even larger trials in 2018? This is the 5th sermon in the series "Rebuilding". Nehemiah helps to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and city and Israel flourishes until Alexander the Great pops onto the scene, writes the Embassy of Israel . 2. b. read more, Scripture: If youre going to get your refund you have to be aware of the rules, or read the stories, or visit the web sites and then take action. Weve known for years, for decades, that burning fossil fuels is bad for the environment. We may not understand it, but you can count on it. (Philippians 3:13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(Philippians 3:14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Nehemiah 1:1-7:3. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Note Gods promise to those who add to their faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly love, and charity: (2 Peter 1:8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Miraculously, the people were given permission to return to Judah. We don't know exactly how big the walls of the city were at that time. There were others, but heres the point. He wants to heal and strengthen your relationships. . Proverbs 3:5-6, Denomination: Patient: Whats the good news? Background to passage: Recount briefly the historical setting of the captivity, and the returns of Ezra and Nehemiah under the reign of Nehemiah 4:7-9. Jerusalem's wall has been broken down. read more, Scripture: Marshall Segal is a writer and managing editor at desiringGod.org. "All right then, we'll build all around you and put you out of business," the new competitors said. Its about getting off the bench and into the game and when you leave today I hope you get it. Text: Nehemiah Chapter 2 3 Our definition of lean times usually means well buy smaller cars instead of SUVs, well eat out one less meal than we used to, and well buy a less expensive brand of golf ball than we once did. Feel free to us it! Nehemiah 3:1-32. A. By and large, Americans arent starving, arent walking, arent living in garbage dumps and arent sending under-clothed children out scavenging for food. The last year has been one of the most confusing, troubling, and heartbreaking for many Christians in America, especially for younger believers. read more, Scripture: Weve still got the worlds finest national defense system, the worlds most powerful economy and weve got freedom. In the heart of lean times, they succeeded. Ezra 1:1-10:44, Several weeks ago, NBA superstar LeBron James tweeted, Its a weird feeling to feel so alone sometimes! He received over 140,000 likes and 4,000 replies from people expressing sympathy, disbelief, and from some, criticism. read more, Scripture: They thrived. Baptist. As we look at this passage, I want us to focus on what God would have us do as we prepare to rebuild the walls of our spiritual lives. Nehemiah 4:6, Nehemiah 6:15-16. 2. They learned as they worked. Introduction Restoration of the Temple (1-6); return under Zerubbabel (538-515 B.C.) Series: Rebuilding [#1] read more, Scripture: Application in todays world is as important to OT scriptures as it is to those in the NT. If your health starts to disappear, weeping is OK. Just as God's children had to rebuild the temple sometime we have to rebuild ourselves. The census of the people (2) C. Introduction: In this sermon, we see how Nehemiah helped the exiles begin rebuilding the walls, and we learn how to begin rebuilding out lives. Gods people had lived in Israel for centuries before. The people focused on the Lords goodness on re-building the temple. to pluck up and to break down, When I was asked to take up the role of youth pastor, that was sometime in October period, I began to pray and asked the Lord what was that which he wants to do in YIA. Somehow, some way, this is a part of life. Ezra knew it, Nehemiah knew it, Jesus knew it, and you either have known it, are knowing it now, or will know it. What if tough financial times were actually a test from God? A study of the book of Nehemiah. God the Son was plucked up, broken down, overthrown, and destroyed so that he could make us new. Disobey Me and youll be carried off into Or dead. Nehemiah is the account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Will we cut our offerings because groceries are higher? This sermon was preached when I was asked to take over the youth ministry of the church which was in shambles. A. The people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shouting from that of the weeping, because the people were shouting so loudly. b. We can outline the process of rebuilding trust in four steps: (1) admit and repent, (2) define and exhibit trustworthy actions, (3) recognize and encourage trustworthy actions, and (4) trust in God. Pentecostal. Today we confront a simple, universal truth: Rebuilding is hard work. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Your flesh will oppose you. Ezra is the story of a great revival. Rebuilding Your Temple It has felt at times like every new day has brought its own dark wave of reasons to be discouraged or to despair. In spite of much opposition and numerous hurdles, they accomplished the task in just 52 days. 2. As we look at this passage, I want us to focus on what God would have us do as we prepare to rebuild the walls of our spiritual lives. And the sound was heard far away. If your mother or father or brother or sister or friend gets sick and requires constant care, thats tough. God had told them: Obey Me and youll live in the land for a long time. As exciting as rebuilding is, there is a reality that comes with that. Rest assured, sooner or later, we all know tough times. Could it be that God is calling us back to a state of biblical, fiscal responsibility? Opening illustration: Al Greens perspective on rebuilding Bay St. Louis, Go back for The only thing that doesnt go up in lean times is the income we have to spend on things that suddenly cost more. When I was asked to take up the role of youth pastor, that was sometime in October period, I began to pray and asked the Lord what was that which he wants to do in YIA. I accept the gift of salvation, the gift of forgiveness, that Jesus gave me on the cross.. The wall had lain in the rubble for decades because no one had the spiritual insight and fortitude to rebuild it. Together, the two men were used by God to rebuild the city, rebuild the Temple, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. And what of the Roman emperor who once decreed that there must be a census? REBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE He was a great leader whom God used to pull off a phenomenal feat: he instilled a vision in God's remnant in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city. Text: Nehemiah Chapter 1 To rebuild successfully The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. Since the heart of these lean times comes from not having as much money as we used to, what about the money? 2001. This new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. A. However, in order to capitalize on the opportunity, you must follow the instructions of the Bible. The third step in rebuilding is , a. Introduction: This is the introductory sermon in this four sermon series. Determine to get the victory. God becomes our wall. *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. ENDURING THE STRUGGLES OF REBUILDING 2.1 NEHEMIAH FACES OPPOSITION REBUILDING THE WALL 2.2 We can bring energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to a rebuilding project only to collapse and crumble when we face obstacles and opposition. Nehemiah raises the hope of Israel; Keep building your wall even as Satan may tempt you. The down-turn in the economy has affected everyone, every industry, every organization, every church. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. I said that the walls represents the protection of God while the gates Nehemiah shows us how to rebuild successfully. Ezra 1:1-11 (HCSB) In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The people agreed. Did you fall back into an old pattern of sin this year? 1) Building was not the occupation of many of the workers. But the commission to Jeremiah doesn't end with destruction. Lean times might be all about a tough financial season. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. It was a project that required God's help. The history that takes us into the story of Ezra and Nehemiah is pretty simple. People without boundaries and structure in their life create children without boundaries and structures in thei, Rebuilding Brokeness Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Politically they were looking for Last week we talked about how Israel was taken into captivity in Babylon. That time He told me two things. When they arrived home, Ezra and Nehemiah changed all of that. For if the Bible is right, and life lasts forever, then being in a right relationship with God is critically important. From Pharaoh of Egypt to the top world leaders of today, all of them are under Gods control. The most obvious application point deals with our offerings at church. 1. Spend much time in prayer. REBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE In this sermon, we see how Nehemiah helped the exiles begin rebuilding the walls, and we learn how to begin rebuilding out lives. Just read more, Denomination: In our lean times? Were on a mission to change that. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! read more, Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20, Denomination: The talk of rebuilding is exciting, the actual work usually isnt. Pentecostal. Gather my people Then Last week we look at how after the Jews return from Babylon, they got sidetracked In the new covenant, through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God finally redeems, rebuilds, and replants. The apostle mentions his fellow ministers, in part, to show how important relational dynamics are in the exercise of Christian authority. read more, Scripture: Links to other sermons in this series at the bottom of this article. read more, Scripture: One day, he would not pluck them up, not tear them down anymore. God is calling the church to rebuild after the Corona Virus pandemic lock-downs. It may be your time with God in prayer. Ezra 1, Ezra 2, Here is a sermon that focuses on building people - which is also known as good old fashioned "Discipleship", "Building People" As we close this sermon, I want to thank our Savior for the work He has taken to rebuild our broken lives. Introduction: Rebuilding should focus on long-term planning that helps people come back stronger by rethinking new systems that make entire individuals and communities more resilient and successful. Lean times, tough times, are difficult. Your spiritual condition is not what you try to portray to others on the outside. So Haggai and Zechariah were sent by God to assist in the rebuilding of the temple. In this passage of Scripture we see the wisdom of Nehemiah as he prepares to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Not a building stood untouched by the battle, and those left behind were there only because they were too poor, or too wounded, to leave. Micah 7:11 Verse Concepts It will be a day for building your walls. NEHEMIAH 1:1-4; 8:1-6; 9:1-3 Are you fearful about the threat of war? And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. There wasnt a single king in the north that was godly, they say. Focusing on renewal and cooperation. They worked with a sword in one hand, and a brick trowel in the other. Introduction: A. 2. The day came when the small merchant found himself hemmed in with a new department store stretching out on both sides of and above his little retail shop.

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