Building God's Kingdom: Every Believer's Vital Role
Summary
Today’s focus is on the vital role each of us plays in God’s unfolding plan, both as individuals and as a church body. Drawing from Nehemiah 3, we see a seemingly mundane list of names and tasks transformed into a powerful illustration of how God calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. Each family, each worker, rebuilt the section of the wall nearest to their home, showing that God’s work is accomplished not by a few, but by the many—each serving faithfully where they are. This is a direct challenge to the consumeristic mindset that has crept into the Western church, where we often approach church as something to be served by, rather than a mission to serve through.
The call of Christ is not one of comfort or convenience, but of radical commitment. Jesus’ words in Luke 14 remind us that nothing—no relationship, no personal ambition—should come before our allegiance to Him. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is not a suggestion, but a command for every believer: to make disciples, to baptize, to teach, and to go. This is not the job of pastors alone, but the shared responsibility of every follower of Jesus.
Our mission is not abstract or distant. Most of us are not called to far-off lands, but to our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our social circles. Just as Nehemiah’s people rebuilt the wall where they lived, we are called to build the Kingdom right where we are. This means engaging in prayer for our neighbors, opening our homes for fellowship, and being intentional about relationships. It means moving beyond comfort, risking awkwardness, and being willing to be “fanatical” about Jesus—because the world is changed not by lukewarm faith, but by those who are all-in.
There is a need for a shift from passive attendance to active participation. The church is not built by a charismatic leader or a perfect program, but by a community of believers who take ownership of the mission. If we want to see lives changed, it will require all of us, together, building, serving, and sharing the good news of Jesus—right where God has placed us.
Key Takeaways
- Every Believer Has a Role in God’s Mission
Just as the people in Nehemiah’s day rebuilt the wall section by section, each of us is called to contribute to God’s work in our own context. No one is exempt or unnecessary; the mission of God advances when every believer takes responsibility for their “section of the wall.” This is not about grand gestures, but about faithfulness in the ordinary places God has put us. [21:38]
- Radical Commitment to Christ Supersedes All Else
Jesus’ call in Luke 14 is uncompromising: our allegiance to Him must come before even our closest relationships and personal comfort. This is not a call to literal hatred, but to a reordering of priorities so that nothing stands in the way of following Christ. True discipleship means bearing our cross and embracing the cost of obedience. [11:40]
- Rejecting Consumerism in the Church
The Western church often treats faith as a product to be consumed, seeking churches that cater to personal preferences. But the biblical model is one of service, sacrifice, and shared mission. The church thrives when its members move from being consumers to being contributors, investing themselves in the life and mission of the community. [26:17]
- Building Where You Are: The Power of Proximity
God’s strategy is often to use us right where we are—our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles are our mission fields. We are called to pray for, serve, and build relationships with those around us, trusting that God will use our faithfulness to draw others to Himself. The Kingdom grows as we intentionally invest in the people and places closest to us. [35:57]
- Fanaticism for Christ Fuels Transformation
The early passion for Jesus can fade with time and distraction, but God calls us back to a wholehearted, even “fanatical” devotion. This kind of zeal is not about emotional hype, but about a deep, abiding commitment that shapes our conversations, our priorities, and our willingness to step into uncomfortable places for the sake of the gospel. Revival begins when we rekindle that first love and let it overflow into action. [32:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: Why Nehemiah 3?
[03:30] - Connecting Romans 10 to Our Mission
[05:43] - The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ
[08:20] - The One Job of Every Christian
[11:40] - The Call to Radical Commitment
[14:14] - Reading Nehemiah 3: The List of Builders
[16:26] - Everyone Has a Role: Lessons from the Wall
[21:38] - The Need for Teamwork in God’s Work
[24:30] - Consumerism vs. Biblical Community
[27:28] - Building a Church for the Community
[29:50] - The Great Commission: Our Shared Responsibility
[32:27] - The Power of Prayer and Neighborhood Outreach
[35:57] - Building Where You Are: Practical Steps
[38:10] - Rekindling Passion and Responding to the Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Nehemiah 3 (The people rebuild the wall, each working on the section nearest their home)
- Luke 14:25-33 (The cost of following Jesus—radical commitment above all else)
- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission—Jesus commands all believers to make disciples)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 3, who was involved in rebuilding the wall, and how was the work divided among the people?
2. According to Luke 14:25-33, what does Jesus say about the level of commitment required to follow Him?
3. What specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers in Matthew 28:18-20?
4. The sermon mentioned that each family or worker rebuilt the section of the wall nearest to their home. Why do you think this detail is important? [[16:26]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that “every believer has a role in God’s mission,” and how does Nehemiah 3 illustrate this? [[21:38]]
2. How does Jesus’ call to “hate” even our closest relationships in Luke 14 challenge our priorities and comfort zones? [[11:40]]
3. The sermon described a “consumeristic mindset” in the Western church. What are some signs that a church or individual has become consumeristic rather than missional? [[26:17]]
4. Why might God choose to use us “right where we are”—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles—rather than sending most of us to far-off places? [[35:57]]
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### Application Questions
1. The people in Nehemiah 3 rebuilt the wall closest to their homes. What is your “section of the wall” in your life right now? Where has God placed you to serve or build? [[16:26]]
2. Jesus calls for radical commitment, even above family and personal comfort. Is there anything in your life that regularly takes priority over your relationship with Jesus? What would it look like to “reorder” your priorities? [[11:40]]
3. The sermon challenged the idea of being a “consumer” at church. In what ways have you approached church as a place to be served, rather than a place to serve? What is one step you could take to become more of a contributor? [[26:17]]
4. Think about your neighborhood, workplace, or social circle. What is one practical way you could begin to “build the Kingdom” right where you are this month? (For example: prayer walks, inviting neighbors for a meal, starting a Bible study, etc.) [[35:57]]
5. The pastor shared about losing and rekindling his early passion for Jesus. Have you ever felt your zeal for Christ fade? What helped you regain it, or what could help you rekindle it now? [[32:27]]
6. The Great Commission is for every believer, not just pastors. Who is one person in your life you could intentionally pray for, serve, or share your faith with this week? [[21:38]]
7. The sermon mentioned that being “fanatical” for Jesus means being willing to risk awkwardness or discomfort. What is one situation where you could step out of your comfort zone for the sake of the gospel? [[32:27]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel Is for Everyone—Our One Job Is to Share It
The message of Jesus is near to each of us, not distant or complicated, and the call is clear: every believer has the responsibility to share the good news. No matter your occupation or background, your primary calling as a Christian is to make Christ known to those around you. The world will not know unless we speak, and the privilege of sharing the gospel is not reserved for a select few but is the task of every follower of Jesus. Let us not be silent or passive, but instead, let us be bold in proclaiming the salvation found in Christ alone. [09:40]
Romans 10:1-15 (CSB)
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation. I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, since Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?” that is, to bring Christ down or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel, and what is one step you can take this week to share Jesus with them?
Day 2: Nothing Comes Before Christ—Radical Commitment to Discipleship
Jesus calls His followers to a level of commitment that places Him above all else, even above family, comfort, and personal desires. True discipleship means bearing your own cross and following Him, even when it costs you relationships or reputation. This radical call is not about literal hatred but about prioritizing Christ so highly that everything else pales in comparison. In a world that often encourages compromise and comfort, Jesus asks for our undivided loyalty and willingness to follow Him wherever He leads. [12:40]
Luke 14:26-27 (ESV)
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have allowed something—even something good—to take priority over your relationship with Jesus, and how can you surrender it to Him today?
Day 3: Everyone Has a Role—Build Where You Are
Just as the people in Nehemiah’s day rebuilt the wall section by section, each according to their place, so too are we called to serve and build God’s kingdom right where we are. No one is called to do it all alone; every member of the church has a unique part to play, whether in their neighborhood, workplace, or social circle. The work of the church is not reserved for pastors or leaders but is a shared mission, requiring the gifts, time, and effort of all believers. When everyone builds where they are, the whole community is strengthened and God’s purposes are accomplished. [21:38]
Nehemiah 3:1-12 (ESV)
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel, repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.
Reflection: Where has God placed you—your home, your job, your community—and what is one practical way you can serve or build up others in that place this week?
Day 4: Reject Consumerism—The Church Is Not About Us
The modern temptation is to approach church as consumers, seeking to be served and entertained, but the biblical model is one of sacrificial service and shared mission. The church is not about our preferences, comfort, or being catered to; it is about being a community that is centered on Christ, committed to truth, and willing to serve one another and the world. When we let go of consumeristic attitudes and embrace our calling to participate, the church becomes a place of transformation and mission, not just another service provider. [27:28]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Reflection: In what ways have you approached church with a consumer mindset, and how can you intentionally shift toward serving and investing in your church community this week?
Day 5: Fanatical Faith—Reignite Your Passion for Christ
It is easy for our passion for Jesus to fade over time as life’s pressures and distractions take center stage, but God calls us to a faith that is vibrant, bold, and even fanatical. Remember the zeal you once had for Christ, and ask God to rekindle that fire in your heart. Being a change agent for the gospel may mean stepping into uncomfortable conversations or situations, but it is through such boldness that lives are transformed and the church is built. Pray for renewed passion and courage to live out your faith with conviction and joy. [35:57]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Reflection: When was the last time you felt truly passionate about your faith, and what is one step you can take today to rekindle your love and zeal for Jesus?
Quotes
The message of Jesus Christ is so close to you, it's like your tongue to your brain. It's like your heart to your entire being. That's how close the righteousness, the message of Jesus is. And it says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God is raised from the dead, you will be saved. [00:08:46]
You see, in this section of scripture, in conjunction with the great permission found in Matthew 28, it makes it abundantly clear that if you're in here and you're a Christian, you've got one job in your life. One job. Your job. You may be looking at me and saying, oh, my job is to be a line cook, or my job is to work for the federal government, or my job is to, no, you've got one job in here. Your job, if you're in here, if you're a Christian, is to spread the gospel of Christ. [00:10:06]
How are they to know? How is anybody to know if we do not tell them? How are they supposed to hear if we do not send people to go tell them? How are they supposed to be saved if we are tight -lipped about it, right? [00:10:36]
Everything in this world, outside of the great commission, what we're supposed to be doing, telling people about Jesus is secondary. [00:11:02]
That means quite literally that nothing in this world is supposed to come before Jesus and what he calls us to do. We are called to be fanatical about our relationship with Jesus. [00:11:31]
The problem with the church in America and in the Western world is that we've lost our fanaticism about the gospel. We've lost our fanaticism about our relationship with Jesus. But what we are doing, what we've done instead, is we have turned everything around to be consumeristic. [00:12:19]
Nothing in this world, including our own families, according to Luke, are supposed to get in the way of God and what he's called us to do. [00:12:48]
Here's what's so amazing about Scripture, guys. Even a section of Scripture like this that you read through and you're like, this is hard and I don't know what I'm supposed to be. If you take God's Word and you open it up, everything from the stuff that we consider to be interesting in the New Testament all the way to the Levitical laws to this section of Nehemiah, if you open God's Word and you start reading it and you ask God, God, enlighten me, show me what you want me to get from this section of Scripture. Or in my case, God, show me what you want me to give your people. Show me what you want me to give your church. If you do that, God will always show you what He has for you in this Scripture. [00:19:46]
We all have a role to play in God's plan for us and our church. [00:20:34]
There is no way Dylan and I are going to be able to do all of this by ourselves. There's no way just me and Mr. Bradner are going to be able to do it. There's no way just me and Mr. Bradner are going to be able to do it, or anybody else. We all have a role to play in building this church plant. And what are we going to do? We're going to build it where we are at. [00:23:53]
The major lifting of this church plant is going to have to be done by the people of this church. [00:24:21]
We've got to get out of this mind state that the church has got to be built around us. [00:26:08]
When you're going to pick a church, here's what your number one concern should be. Are they a Bible -believing church that preaches out of the Scripture? Are they willing to call sin, sin? Are they willing to call me to repentance? Are people there, are lives being changed there? Or is it a church full of status quo, nobody's changing, nobody's doing anything, and it's consumeristic and it's all about us? [00:28:05]
If what you're expecting is to come in here and for us to serve you, and you're expecting that nothing is going to be expected of you, you're in the wrong place, and I love you. But you're going to need to go to the church down the road where they're going to go ahead and try their best to serve you. [00:29:00]
If this church rises and falls on whether or not I'm smart enough and good enough to build this church up by myself, we're dead in the water and we all might as well go home. I'm not good enough. I'm not smart enough. It can't be on me. We have to do this as a team. [00:30:38]
The church is going to live and die as a congregation by how we respond to Matthew 28. [00:31:29]
Great commission. That's what we're supposed to be doing. [00:32:11]
We build where we are. This means your neighborhoods, your jobs, your social circles. [00:32:20]
You will talk about what you're passionate about, right, think about that, the conversations that you have with people are generally something that you're passionate about, listen, if you're passionate about Christ, if you're fanatical about Christ, just meet your neighbors, meet your coworkers, naturally, you're going to end up talking about Jesus. [00:36:49]
What we're going to need is some change agents in this church, what we're going to need is some fanatics, we're going to need some people that are willing to go to uncomfortable places in their life, and I don't mean like, I mean uncomfortable as far as talking to your neighbor, talking to your coworkers, talking to the people around you, it's a little scary, but the people in China are being arrested and put in jail for it, and Christians in the Middle East are literally dying, they're being murdered for sharing the love of Jesus with people. [00:39:06]
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