Giving ourselves first to the Lord, we can be amazed at what god can and will do through us. 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 There might be famine, hardship, bankruptcy, national emergencies or personal crisis. The outline I borrowed but the sermon is mine. They worked in an environment that was overwhelmingly negative, with each days news reports explaining why they couldnt do exactly what they were doing. Again he says, I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. Part of that freedom, literally, is the freedom to choose to obey God, right now, and soon thrive in the midst of difficult circumstances. Their banners unfurled, "Grand Opening! When Ezra and Nehemiah returned, they found that no one had attempted to rebuild either the Temple, or the city. It may be your time with God in prayer. Once you take the step of obedience, he will help you move ahead. If we are really honest with God and Then Last week we look at how after the Jews return from Babylon, they got sidetracked God promised to rebuild what had been destroyed and to replant what had been plucked up. ", The merchant in the old store, the little store surrounded by the big bully, had a banner of his own. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived 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. The Bible says having your sin forgiven by God is priority No. Your spiritual condition is not what you try to portray to others on the outside. Zerubbabel led the first effort, recorded in Chapter 3, and Ezra led the second sacrifice, recorded in Ezra 8. It adds up to a shocking new way of life: These are Lean Times.. Since the terrorism of Sept. 11th, we need to rebuild for the future of America and the church. Through human history governments, militaries have constructed defensive walls to keep enemies at bay. b. (Psalms 1:1-3) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The ultimate reason why we rebuild the wall together is because the Lord Jesus Christ gave his blood to break down the walls that divide us so that we can build together. Nehemiah 3:1-32. And the sound was heard far away. 2001. Could it be that God is calling us back to a state of biblical, fiscal responsibility? And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. We are going to be talking about rebuilding that temple inside our hearts, that spiritual life that we so desperately, but quietly seek. The third step in rebuilding is , a. 1. Nehemiah raises the hope of Israel; Keep building your wall even as Satan may tempt you. Doctor: Your other leg wont need to be Will you begin tonight? Copyright 2023 Northside Baptist Church. Inspired by Ezra and Nehemiah, there were other leaders rising from the ashes. The walls rebuilt in Nehemiah are not the same walls we have around the city of Jerusalem today. 1. Everyone, even followers of Christ, at some point in their life has to deal with instability, uncertainty, lack of accomplishment and other things that make us feel that we have no walls (structures) in our life. read more, Scripture: Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Mapping 'fault Lines' In America - Micah 3, 5 Ways To Grow Your Church's Congregation, My Sermon With A Little Bit Of Bible Thrown In. Just Men like Zerubbabel came to be household names in Israel, because they followed in the courageous footsteps of Ezra and Nehemiah. Nevertheless, weve got a lot of people hurting. 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. (Psalms 118:6) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (Psalms 55:22) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (1 John 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. However, from the vantage point of history, we understand that because the Greeks conquered the world, the world suddenly had one common language. Nothing significant about faith is learned in good times. I hope you understand how significant you are in the Ki, A mother was preparing pancakes for sons, Kevin who is 5, and Ryan who is 3. The year is 445 BC, the 20th year of his reign. Gods people had lived in Israel for centuries before. And frankly, when one part of our economy spikes, everything follows. The history that takes us into the story of Ezra and Nehemiah is pretty simple. God the Son was plucked up, broken down, overthrown, and destroyed so that he could make us new. God is calling the church to rebuild after the Corona Virus pandemic lock-downs. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Mapping 'fault Lines' In America - Micah 3, 5 Ways To Grow Your Church's Congregation, My Sermon With A Little Bit Of Bible Thrown In. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. In fact, says the Bible, lean times might be the very best times, ever, in which you can take major steps forward in your faith. You CAN do it! Application in todays world is as important to OT scriptures as it is to those in the NT. There's no doubtwe've been frazzled. Cyrus, ruler of the world, doing something just because God had chosen, years before, decades before, to speak a promise to his people through a thin, aging, powerless prophet who made his mark on the Bible in part by crying so much. A brief outline is: 1. 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. God is in control. They walked, they carried their supplies, they made very slow time. Instead of plucking us up, like we deserved, he placed his own Son on the cross (John 3:16). Nehemiah 2:11-20, Denomination: Introduction In the countryside near Leicester, England, there stands an ancient church whose walls are inscribed with an eloquent memorial. With that understanding, we need to start rebuilding. Rest assured, sooner or later, we all know tough times. He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference. *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. INTRO.- ILL.- A doctor said to his patient, I have some good news and some bad news. You will find that some of the challenges you face are like what Gods people face in building the second temple. Introduction: We're sorry, an error occurred. To rebuild successfully And we see two predictions made, by Jeremiah and Isaiah, old testament prophets being fulfilled here. B. 7. Instead of Atlanta, it was Jerusalem that had been destroyed. Nehemiah 1:1-7:3. 2. The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. In this sermon, we see how Nehemiah helped the exiles begin rebuilding the walls, and we learn how to begin rebuilding out lives. Famous wall had included the Amorite Wall which stretched over a hundred miles between the Tigres and Euphrates Rivers (modern Pentecostal. The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. For most Americans, it creates lean times.. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. 3. The decree of Cyrus (1) B. Rebuilding The Walls The words next, after and but in this chapter indicate that at least 34 groups worked on the wall. Whoever is among His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. This sermon encourages believers that rebuilding our lives is not impossible when it is covered with believing prayer. You will find that some of the challenges you face are like what Gods people face in building the second temple. The faith challenge is simple. It was a terribly inconvenient process for millions of people, but also a logical way to get a young couple to Bethlehem in time for the birth of the Messiah, in exactly the place where the prophets said the Christ would be born. 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. He wants to give you victory over that besetting sin. Nehemiah 3:1-32 The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. Nehemiah shows us how to rebuild successfully. Every year, about the time April 15 rolls around, there are a lot of news stories about income taxes. Series: Rebuild The Gates [#1] THE SHEEP GATE Nehemiah 3:1 Introduction: With all of the craziness going on, many people are predicting that this is the end. Or sick. In reality, we live in the best environment in the world, we have the greatest wealth in the world, and the greatest opportunities in the world. The only thing that doesnt go up in lean times is the income we have to spend on things that suddenly cost more. It may be your personal Bible study. Gather my people Nehemiah 1:1-4, Denomination: ENDURING THE STRUGGLES OF REBUILDING And evidence of that claim could be centered in two new places of worship, complete with their golden calves. Gods people had lived in Israel for centuries before. Once Nehemiah convinced the beleaguered residents of Jerusalem to join an all-in effort to rebuild the walls, they had to deal with any number of obstacles. Amen. He wants you to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11) (2 Peter 3:18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Background to passage: Recount briefly the historical setting of the captivity, and the returns of Ezra and Nehemiah under the reign of the Medo-Persian King Artaxerxes I. Jerusalem's wall has been broken down. . The room was full of workers and Withholding our Best The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. Every lesson of value seems to come in the midst of difficult circumstances. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again., Scripture: 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 JesusWalk Bible Study Series. Lean times hurt. Conclusion: It is time to repair the broken walls of your spiritual life. The stones were overturned, the gates were burned, and anything of value had long ago been taken by the scavengers, or eaten by the rats. Series: Rebuilding [#3] This is the 4th sermon in the series "Rebuilding". read more, Scripture: The southern kingdom was known as Judah, and its best claim to power was Jerusalem, its capitol and the spiritual center of the people. The word used in the Bible to describe this is atonement. Atonement can be defined as being at-one-ment, or being at one with God.. Its nearly impossible picture the aftermath of the Civil War, when the city smoldered after a relentless, 36-day shelling from Shermans Union troops. (Jude 1:20-21) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:11-12) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. When Ezra returned to Jerusalem, he knew that some exiles had already made the trip home. Inspect your heart. Lean times? Rebuild & Renew: The Post-Exilic Books, by Ralph F. Wilson. Nehemiah 1:1-6:4, Denomination: Sometimes it's just a matter of thinking clearly. But after the world comprehended his acts of insanity, there was just enough sympathy to re-establish Israel as the homeland of the Jews, just as the Bible had prophesized. This message can be re-worked for a building program. REBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Talent was not required Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Gods people had lived in Israel for centuries before. What about the environment? read more, Denomination: Acts 15:16 Verse Concepts read more. Your community. Open your Bibles tonight to the prophetic book of Haggai, you can find it in the Old Testament wedged between Ezra 1, Ezra 2. Baptist. 2) Prayer is Essential 4.4-5. REBUILDING THE WALLS OF REVIVAL What if God is forcing us into a corner where weve got to make use of renewable energy? A year of The Lord uses Nehemiah to show us some walls that need to be rebuilt for revival to take place. (Ezra 1:1). 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. 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. Do you grieve over the behavior of our president? Today we confront a simple, universal truth: Rebuilding is hard work. If your health starts to disappear, weeping is OK. REBUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Other costs start climbing. There were others, but heres the point. They willingly headed straight into tough times. The talk of rebuilding is exciting, the actual work usually isnt. Disobey Me and youll be carried off into captivity. Thats what happened. Surely -- you might think -- here is a case for warranted anger. Introduction: Another key leader of Jerusalems rise from the ashes was Zerubbabel, who took the lead on re-building the temple. Ive been wrong. Title: The Year of Rebuilding Part 2: Please see below for details. We may not understand it, but you can count on it. But the commission to Jeremiah doesnt end with destruction. (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. a. I think that the state of walls of Jerusalem / is not a bad picture / of the state of some of our parishes in England today. The blood of those sacrificed animals was the symbolic moment when God was forgiving the sins of His people. Links to other sermons in this series at the bottom of this article. The outline I borrowed but the sermon is mine. It happened at a time when the captivity of the Jews had already come to an end. The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. This morning I would like to speak a message that I believe The Lord has placed upon my heart. God had told them: "Obey Me and you'll live in the land for a long time. The building and rebuilding of walls date back to ancient times. This is the 4th sermon in the series "Rebuilding". Nehemiahs background One was just 15 miles from Jerusalem, and the other was far to the north, at the very top of Israels boundary. Our churches have become complacent like the people of Nehemiahs day and we need Revival. Feel free to us it! Nehemiah 1:1-6:16, Denomination: I've mastered the art of bouncing back. Are world leaders still under Gods control? One of the reasons America is in Lean Times, frankly, is that the news media keeps telling us how bad things are. The last year has been one of the most confusing, troubling, and heartbreaking for many Christians in America, especially for younger believers. Politically they were looking for In those days, imagining a mega city in its steel and glass glory was simply not possible. Someone once said, "Build. A tank of gas feels like a major purchase, and everything from food prices to basic supplies have seen dramatic increases. The setting is about 500 years before the time of Christ. He often praises God as his rock, his high tower, his fortress, his wall. Let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem." Nehemiah 2:9-20, Denomination: And ask God to rebuild what is still broken in you to teach you the secret of contentment with which you can face any setback or disappointment, to give you wisdom and discernment, patience and joy in the work he has called you to, to meet you in prayer and the word every day in the new year, to once for all purify and refine away any sin that entangles you. REBUILDING SUCCESSFULLY Will we take money away from our gifts to the Lord so we can keep putting the same amount of gasoline in our vehicles? Salvation Army, Jeremiah 29:10, This is what the Lord says: You will be in Babylon for seventy years. God had told them: Obey Me and youll live in the land for a long time. God had told them: Obey Me and youll live in the land for a long time. It may be the training of your children. Actually, our version of hard times wont sell very well in the rest of the world, or in the past pages of history. Rom. The most obvious application point deals with our offerings at church. The room was full of workers and But the commission to Jeremiah doesn't end with destruction. Nehemiah 1:1-11, Exposition of Neh 1 about hte burden that Nehemiah had for the Kingdom of God, Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11, Title: A Rebuilders Burden, Date/Place: NRBC, 8/26/07, AM The outline I borrowed but the sermon is mine. Does your heart break over the racial tensions in our nation? Introduction Haggai 1:2-6. 2) As you look at your spiritual life, what do you see? GETTING STARTED RIGHT But there was also this: Ezra 3:12-13 But many of the older priests, Levites, and family leaders, who had seen the first temple, wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this house, but many [others] shouted joyfully. Nehemiah 3:1-32. Micah 7:11 Verse Concepts It will be a day for building your walls. It shouldnt surprise us that the Bible has a message for lean times, for the Bible has a relevant word for every season, for every people. The fourth step in rebuilding is . They ignored the opposition Transition: The Jews under Nehemiahs leadership rebuilt their faith in God while they rebuilt the city wall. -God's work; by God's power; over God's enemies. The Bible tells us of the heroic actions of Jeshua, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah. Or dead. God had told them: Obey Me and youll live in the land for a long time. The Plan Your busy life will oppose you. -Prayer conforms us to God and ensures Glory to God. 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