Bold Faith: Rebuilding Our Spiritual Walls Together

 

Summary

In this season at Alight, we are focusing on providing resources to help deepen your faith. We've introduced books like "Disciplines of a Godly Man" for men and "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebecca Lyons for women, aiming to foster spiritual growth. For February, I felt led to recommend "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller, a transformative book on apologetics that addresses common questions about faith, such as the problem of evil and the significance of the resurrection. This book has the potential to change lives, as evidenced by a young man who came to faith after reading it.

Our journey parallels Nehemiah's story, a man known for his boldness and vision to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah lived during a time of exile and served as a cupbearer to the Persian king. Despite his fear, he boldly asked the king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem, demonstrating that boldness often involves risk. Nehemiah's story teaches us that a vision begins with a burden, and we must move from burden to boldness, trusting God with our plans and relationships.

As a church, we are embarking on a campaign to rebuild our walls, not just physically but spiritually, to saturate Spartanburg and beyond with the gospel. This vision requires all of us to participate, not just a few. It's about equal sacrifice, not equal giving. We are called to trust God with our resources, as He promises to bless those who do. The story of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us to invest what God has given us for His kingdom, aiming to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

This is a historic moment for our church, and I invite you to join us in this journey. If you've never trusted Jesus, today is a great day to start. Surrender your life to Him and become part of something greater. Together, we can change the world for Jesus Christ, starting right here in our community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Growth Through Resources: Engaging with recommended books like "Disciplines of a Godly Man" and "Rhythms of Renewal" can deepen your walk with Jesus. These resources are tools to help you grow in maturity and faith, providing insights and encouragement for your spiritual journey. [49:46]

2. Boldness in Faith: Nehemiah's story teaches us that boldness often involves risk. Despite his fear, Nehemiah boldly asked the king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem, showing that true boldness is stepping out in faith even when afraid. This boldness is a mark of a Christian, rooted in trust in God's plan. [58:11]

3. Vision Begins with a Burden: Nehemiah's vision to rebuild Jerusalem started with a burden for the city and God's renown. Similarly, our vision for the church begins with a burden for our community and the gospel. We are called to move from burden to boldness, trusting God with our plans. [52:57]

4. Trusting God with Resources: The story of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us to invest what God has given us for His kingdom. Trusting God with our resources leads to blessings beyond measure, as He promises to open the floodgates of heaven for those who do. [01:09:10]

5. Participating in God's Vision: Our church's campaign to rebuild is a collective effort, requiring equal sacrifice from all. It's about being part of something greater, trusting God with our resources, and aiming to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is a historic moment for us to rise up and make a difference. [01:13:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Spiritual Resources
- [02:15] - January Book Recommendations
- [04:00] - February's Book: The Reason for God
- [06:45] - Nehemiah's Boldness and Vision
- [09:30] - Historical Context of Nehemiah
- [12:00] - Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem
- [14:30] - Moving from Burden to Boldness
- [17:00] - Risk and Reward in Faith
- [19:45] - The Role of Boldness in Christianity
- [22:30] - Our Church's Vision and Campaign
- [25:00] - Call to Participation and Sacrifice
- [27:30] - Trusting God with Resources
- [30:00] - Invitation to Trust Jesus
- [32:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 2:1-8
- Matthew 25:14-30

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific role did Nehemiah hold in the Persian court, and how did it position him to make his bold request to the king? [52:57]

2. How did Nehemiah's emotional state change over the months before he approached the king, and what does this reveal about his character? [58:11]

3. In the parable of the talents, what were the different responses of the servants to the resources they were given, and what was the master's reaction to each? [01:13:50]

4. What was the king's response to Nehemiah's request, and what additional requests did Nehemiah make to ensure the success of his mission? [01:02:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Nehemiah's story illustrate the relationship between having a burden and taking bold action? What can this teach us about the nature of faith? [58:11]

2. In what ways does the parable of the talents challenge believers to think about their own resources and responsibilities? How does this relate to the concept of stewardship? [01:13:50]

3. How does the sermon suggest that boldness is a defining characteristic of a Christian, and what biblical examples support this idea? [01:05:32]

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of community and collective effort in achieving God's vision for the church? [01:09:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt a burden for something or someone. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to move from burden to boldness in your current situation? [58:11]

2. Consider the resources God has entrusted to you. How are you currently using them for His kingdom, and what changes might you need to make to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant"? [01:13:50]

3. Nehemiah took a significant risk by approaching the king. Is there a risk you feel God is calling you to take in your life or community? What steps can you take to act on this calling? [01:02:27]

4. The sermon emphasizes equal sacrifice rather than equal giving. How can you contribute to your church's vision in a way that reflects this principle? [01:09:10]

5. Boldness in faith often involves stepping out despite fear. Identify an area in your life where fear is holding you back. What practical steps can you take to overcome this fear and act boldly? [58:11]

6. How can you engage with the recommended resources, such as "The Reason for God," to deepen your understanding of faith and be better equipped to answer questions from others? [49:46]

7. The sermon calls for 100% participation in the church's vision. What specific role can you play in supporting and advancing this vision within your community? [01:09:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Growth Through Intentional Resources
Engaging with spiritual resources can significantly deepen one's faith journey. Books like "Disciplines of a Godly Man" and "Rhythms of Renewal" are not just reading materials but tools designed to foster spiritual maturity and provide encouragement. These resources offer insights that can transform your walk with Jesus, helping you to grow in understanding and application of biblical principles. By intentionally incorporating these resources into your daily routine, you can experience a more profound connection with God and a clearer understanding of His will for your life. [49:46]

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV)

Reflection: What specific resource can you commit to engaging with this week to deepen your faith, and how will you incorporate it into your daily routine?


Day 2: Boldness in Faith Requires Risk
Nehemiah's story is a powerful example of how boldness in faith often involves taking risks. Despite his fear, Nehemiah asked the Persian king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem, demonstrating that true boldness is stepping out in faith even when afraid. This kind of boldness is a hallmark of a Christian life, rooted in trust in God's plan and His ability to work through our actions. By embracing boldness, we align ourselves with God's purposes, allowing Him to use us in ways we might never have imagined. [58:11]

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to be bold, and what step can you take today to act on that calling despite your fears?


Day 3: Vision Begins with a Burden
Nehemiah's vision to rebuild Jerusalem was born out of a deep burden for the city and God's renown. Similarly, our vision for our church and community begins with a burden for the gospel and the people around us. Moving from burden to boldness requires trusting God with our plans and being willing to take action. When we allow our burdens to drive us to action, we participate in God's work and see His plans unfold in our lives and communities. [52:57]

"And I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.'" (Nehemiah 2:17 ESV)

Reflection: What burden has God placed on your heart for your community, and how can you begin to take steps toward addressing it this week?


Day 4: Trusting God with Resources
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us of the importance of investing what God has given us for His kingdom. Trusting God with our resources leads to blessings beyond measure, as He promises to open the floodgates of heaven for those who do. By faithfully stewarding our resources, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience His provision in our lives. This trust is not just about financial resources but also about time, talents, and opportunities. [01:09:10]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invest your resources—time, talents, or finances—into God's kingdom this week, and what steps will you take to do so?


Day 5: Participating in God's Vision
Our church's campaign to rebuild is a collective effort that requires equal sacrifice from all members. It's about being part of something greater, trusting God with our resources, and aiming to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is a historic moment for us to rise up and make a difference in our community and beyond. By participating in God's vision, we become active contributors to His work, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving His purposes. [01:13:50]

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's vision this week, and what specific action will you take to contribute to the collective effort?

Quotes

One of my favorite things we've been doing in this season at Alight is providing some resources for you to grow deeper in your faith. We've been putting in front of you a book or two every month that will help you grow deeper in your walk with Jesus. [00:22:18] (12 seconds)


In January, we had a couple of books that we put in front of you that were really helpful. The first one was this, Disciplines of a Godly Man. I've seen a lot of people actually reading this around the church. It's a great way for men to grow deeper in their walk with God as well as grow deeper in their maturity. If you're a guy at our church and you want to get more connected to Jesus this year, I really encourage you to take this up and maybe read it with a friend. [00:22:31] (24 seconds)


Ladies, Tabitha actually picked this book out for you by Rebecca Lyons called Rhythms of Renewal. It's a great spiritual book for you if you want to get deeper in your walk with Jesus this year. Tabitha really recommended this. I actually know Rebecca from my time in Nashville. She's a wonderful person. I think you'll really enjoy this book. Then for February, I was praying a lot about what God wanted us to put in front of you. I settled on this book, The Reason for God by Tim Keller. [00:23:02] (27 seconds)


I'm telling you, I don't know if there's a book that's changed my life more than this one. This one is a great book on apologetics and how to talk about your faith. It answers a lot of the main questions that people have about God and some of the obstacles people have about taking a step further into their faith. Tim does a really great job of unpacking how people think about God when they're not coming at it from a Christian worldview and answering people's real questions in a way that's really helpful. [00:23:23] (27 seconds)


About a month later, he came back. We went back to coffee. He said, okay, I read that book. I believe in Jesus. Now what do I do next? And I said, well, have you prayed and give your life to Jesus? He said, no, I haven't done that. So, well, the next step is actually put your faith in Jesus. He said, okay, I'll do that then. And that young man went on to be a follower of Jesus and serve and lead a life group. He ended up having his life changed because he just read this book. So just kind of put that in front of you. Reason for God, great book. I think every Christian should have this in their library. [00:24:26] (29 seconds)


He has a burden for it, which is what we saw last week, that all vision begins with a burden. And I challenged you last week to begin to have a burden for this city, for your neighbors, for your friends, for the people that don't know Jesus, those who've lived here forever, as well as those who are coming to our city, that God would give us a burden for them. That would not just simply be something that we just can get over, but that we would weep and mourn for the fact that there are men and women that we know that do not know Jesus and are going to hell unless God intervenes. [00:55:04] (33 seconds)


And keep in mind that a lot of us, when we think about boldness, we think that boldness feels like being strong and that you're not afraid. But Nehemiah is terrified, and yet he takes this step of boldness where he says, I don't know what's going to happen next, but I am going to ask the king to let me go. And Nehemiah tells the king, he says, the reason I'm sad is because the walls of my city are broken. And the king asks him, he says, hey, so what do you want? And Nehemiah gives a clear exclamation of what he wants. Look with me in the scriptures. Look with me in verse five. He answers the king and says, if it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried so that I may rebuild it. [00:58:49] (56 seconds)


Sometimes we can be so afraid of offending somebody that we won't take a step of boldness and trust God with the relationships that we have. But all risk is worth it, because there is a reward on the other side of that risk. And Nehemiah was risking the relationship with the king. Again, he could have lost his job. He could have lost the relationship. The king might have like executed him because he's suspecting him of treason. But Nehemiah says, the burden matters more to me than my safety. [01:00:10] (33 seconds)


And when you have favor with the king of kings, God, you can do whatever you need to do with the king who's right in front of you. Because favor that God gives you really isn't dependent on how good you are. Favor isn't fair. It's something God blesses you with. [01:03:21] (17 seconds)


The mark of a Christian is boldness. Now that doesn't mean arrogance, and it doesn't mean you have it all figured out, but it should be what distinguishes us. Why do I say that? Because the early church was marked by boldness. [01:04:22] (14 seconds)


And we as a community need to move from burden to boldness. We care about the city. We need to be bold to enter into it. Why? Because that's the kind of people First Baptist really is. That's who we are. [01:07:12] (16 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?