Embracing God's Goodness and Strengthening Our Faith

Summary

### Summary

Today, we reflected on the unwavering goodness of God throughout our lives. From the moment we were conceived, God's goodness has been a constant presence, guiding and protecting us. This divine goodness is not just a fleeting moment but a lifelong journey. We are reminded that every breath we take, every morning we wake up, and every night we sleep, it is the goodness of God that sustains us. This realization should fill us with joy and gratitude, compelling us to shout praises to the Lord.

We also delved into the story of Nehemiah, focusing on the importance of rebuilding the spiritual walls in our lives. Nehemiah's dedication to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem serves as a powerful metaphor for the need to fortify our spiritual lives against the encroaching evils of the world. Just as Nehemiah faced opposition, we too will encounter challenges when we strive to live according to God's will. However, we must remain steadfast and committed, knowing that God is with us.

The sermon also touched on the shifting cultural landscape and the importance of standing firm in our faith. We must be vigilant about the influences that shape our children's education and moral upbringing. The call to "say no-no to oh-no" is a call to reject the compromises and moral decay that society often presents. We must set boundaries and adhere to the teachings of Christ, ensuring that our lives reflect His glory.

In conclusion, we are called to be unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, we must stand firm and proclaim our faith boldly. This is not just about personal conviction but about ensuring that future generations grow up with a strong moral and spiritual foundation.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Lifelong Goodness of God: From the moment of our conception, God's goodness has been a constant in our lives. This divine presence is not just for a moment but for all our days, guiding and protecting us. Recognizing this should fill us with immense gratitude and compel us to live lives of praise and worship. [28:04]

2. Rebuilding Spiritual Walls: Just as Nehemiah was dedicated to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we must be committed to fortifying our spiritual lives. This involves prayer, fasting, and a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of others. In doing so, we create a stronghold against the evils that seek to infiltrate our lives. [36:55]

3. Standing Firm in a Shifting Culture: Our culture is rapidly changing, often in ways that contradict Christian values. We must be vigilant and proactive in teaching our children and ourselves to stand firm in the faith. This means rejecting societal norms that go against biblical teachings and setting clear moral boundaries. [42:56]

4. The Call to Be Unashamed: In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, we must be unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This involves being willing to face ridicule, opposition, and even persecution for our beliefs. Our commitment to Christ should be unwavering, and we should be ready to proclaim His name boldly. [01:06:53]

5. The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance: We must be aware of the moral and spiritual influences that shape our lives and the lives of our children. This includes being cautious about what is taught in schools and the values promoted in society. By saying "no-no to oh-no," we reject compromises and stand firm in our faith, ensuring a strong spiritual foundation for future generations. [01:14:33]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[28:04] - The Lifelong Goodness of God
[28:30] - God's Protection in Daily Life
[29:36] - Joy in Worship
[30:11] - The Call to Worship
[30:36] - The Reality of Aging
[30:55] - The Power of Prayer
[31:23] - The Joy of Shouting
[31:47] - Honoring God and Community
[32:09] - God's Goodness to Us
[32:37] - God Rules the School
[33:07] - Being Ready to Serve
[34:12] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[35:34] - The Importance of Spiritual Walls
[36:55] - Rebuilding Our Spiritual Walls
[38:07] - A Personal Testimony
[39:45] - Nehemiah's Concern for Jerusalem
[40:45] - The Three Points of the Sermon
[42:56] - The Call to Stand Firm
[46:14] - Facing Opposition
[54:38] - The Call to Come Out
[55:59] - Six Points of Separation
[01:06:53] - Being Unashamed of the Gospel
[01:14:33] - The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
[01:18:12] - A Call to the Youth
[01:20:28] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 6:1-4: "Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, 'Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.' But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?' And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner."

2. Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

3. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's response to the invitation from Sanballat and Geshem to meet in the plain of Ono? ([34:12])
2. According to Romans 1:16, why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel?
3. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, what reasons does Paul give for not being unequally yoked with unbelievers?
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural shifts that challenge Christian values today? ([42:56])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah was so determined to continue his work despite the repeated invitations to meet in the plain of Ono? ([34:12])
2. How does the concept of being "unashamed of the gospel" in Romans 1:16 apply to the challenges faced by Christians in today's society? ([01:06:53])
3. What does it mean to "rebuild the spiritual walls" in our lives, as discussed in the sermon? How can this be practically applied? ([36:55])
4. How can Paul's instruction in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 about not being unequally yoked be applied to modern relationships and partnerships? ([54:38])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the goodness of God in your life. How did that experience shape your faith and gratitude? ([28:04])
2. Nehemiah faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. What are some modern-day "walls" you need to rebuild in your spiritual life, and what opposition might you face? ([36:55])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of standing firm in a shifting culture. What are some specific societal norms or trends that you feel contradict your Christian values, and how can you stand firm against them? ([42:56])
4. How can you be more vigilant about the influences that shape your children's education and moral upbringing? What steps can you take to ensure they are grounded in Christian values? ([01:14:33])
5. The call to be unashamed of the gospel can be challenging in a world that often opposes Christian values. Can you think of a situation where you might face ridicule or opposition for your beliefs? How can you prepare to stand firm in such situations? ([01:06:53])
6. The sermon mentioned the phrase "say no-no to oh-no." What are some specific compromises or moral decays in your life or community that you need to reject? How can you take a stand against them? ([34:12])
7. How can you actively participate in rebuilding the spiritual walls in your community or church? What practical steps can you take to support and fortify the faith of those around you? ([36:55])

Devotional

Day 1: The Ever-Present Goodness of God
From the moment of our conception, God's goodness has been a constant in our lives. This divine presence is not just for a moment but for all our days, guiding and protecting us. Recognizing this should fill us with immense gratitude and compel us to live lives of praise and worship. Every breath we take, every morning we wake up, and every night we sleep, it is the goodness of God that sustains us. This realization should fill us with joy and gratitude, compelling us to shout praises to the Lord. [28:04]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: Think of a specific moment in your life where you felt God's goodness. How can you express your gratitude to Him today in a tangible way?

Day 2: Rebuilding Our Spiritual Walls
Just as Nehemiah was dedicated to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we must be committed to fortifying our spiritual lives. This involves prayer, fasting, and a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of others. In doing so, we create a stronghold against the evils that seek to infiltrate our lives. Nehemiah's dedication serves as a powerful metaphor for the need to fortify our spiritual lives against the encroaching evils of the world. We must remain steadfast and committed, knowing that God is with us. [36:55]

Nehemiah 4:6 (ESV): "So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."

Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life that needs rebuilding. What steps can you take this week to strengthen that area through prayer or other spiritual disciplines?

Day 3: Standing Firm in a Shifting Culture
Our culture is rapidly changing, often in ways that contradict Christian values. We must be vigilant and proactive in teaching our children and ourselves to stand firm in the faith. This means rejecting societal norms that go against biblical teachings and setting clear moral boundaries. The call to "say no-no to oh-no" is a call to reject the compromises and moral decay that society often presents. We must set boundaries and adhere to the teachings of Christ, ensuring that our lives reflect His glory. [42:56]

1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

Reflection: What is one societal norm or cultural influence that you need to reject in order to stand firm in your faith? How can you set a clear boundary in this area today?

Day 4: Unashamed of the Gospel
In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, we must be unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This involves being willing to face ridicule, opposition, and even persecution for our beliefs. Our commitment to Christ should be unwavering, and we should be ready to proclaim His name boldly. This is not just about personal conviction but about ensuring that future generations grow up with a strong moral and spiritual foundation. [01:06:53]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you take a step of boldness to proclaim the gospel in that situation this week?

Day 5: The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
We must be aware of the moral and spiritual influences that shape our lives and the lives of our children. This includes being cautious about what is taught in schools and the values promoted in society. By saying "no-no to oh-no," we reject compromises and stand firm in our faith, ensuring a strong spiritual foundation for future generations. We must be vigilant about the influences that shape our children's education and moral upbringing. [01:14:33]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: What is one specific influence in your life or your children's lives that you need to be more vigilant about? How can you take action to guard against this influence today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The songwriter didn't say some of my life It says all my life All my life Of the goodness of God Not, not, not A year Not a moment But from the day that you were conceived Can somebody say amen? Amen From the day you were born Amen From the moment your mother held you in her arms And breastfed you Whatever, a stem milk or whatever They gave you All of my life All of my life Amen That's to make you stand up and shout Amen Amen You didn't make it this morning on your own But the goodness of God Woke you up Amen Amen Amen" [28:04] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You didn't do nothing But get old one more day And so I was Yesterday My knee After came to visit I tried to tell him That he was not welcome But he didn't want to go nowhere So I put my brace on That ain't doing no good so I just began to pray You know I like to shout Hey, hey, hey I can't sing worth a bit But I sure enough can shout Hey, man Hey, hey, hey They ain't gonna have to worry about When John get to heaven He gonna say there he is I saw him down at Destiny And every other place That he went He was shouting He ain't faking it He never fakes it I don't care if you don't shout with me I'm gonna shout all by myself" [30:55] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are today the house of God. We are the presence of God. We are the security of God. Jesus said, let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and do what? Glorify the Father which is in heaven. And if we don't have our walls built up, amen. How can we stand strong in a world that has no walls?" [40:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen. And sin is sin. And I don't care who doesn't like it or who doesn't agree with it. Then you're going to say, well, Reverend, that's the kids in school. It's in our corporations. Amen, amen, amen, amen. We got people on my job." [01:15:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I'm too old. I'm too old. I'm too old now. I'm too. I ain't got that. I don't know how long I have to live. I don't know. We just need to go in L.A. I don't know. We don't have to go in L.A. May not be long. Well, the back or that may not be. I don't know what I'm here to tell you right now. Those children sitting back there on that back row back there. And high school kids back there. Yeah, you don't be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. I'm calling you out back there. I'm praying for you. I'm telling you right now. Back there, young people don't believe. Don't you believe the stuff they're telling you? It won't last." [01:18:12] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We are living in a time when many of the walls of restraints and boundaries to sin that our society has built up over the years in our country and over the centuries have fallen down. Yes, our country has a history of some evil deeds, wars, slavery, corruption, mafia, gangs. But there were always walls built around these types of behavior in our society. Built into the fabric of our society for the saints of God as people, as a part of this nation, as a part of this country." [36:55] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We must begin to rebuild our walls. We must begin to rebuild the wall of God within our lives. To fortify ourselves against this evil that is unleashed around us. Oh, y'all don't hear me, do you? Amen, amen, amen. In the book of Nehemiah, the prophet, it tells of Nehemiah's sin, the devastation of the walls of Jerusalem. See, he was living good. He was in a kingdom. He was in a church, his house, and the palace. And he was living good." [39:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "He said, therefore, that means what I've said before. I'm pointing you back to what I just talked about, okay? So he's trying to remind us, therefore, therefore, for that reason, so to speak. He says the second thing. He said, come... He said, those who leave a place on their own accord. Oh, you hear me? He said, he said, come out, I want you to leave on your own accord. I can't make you make a decision, but you got to make a decision on your own. If you don't want to go to Ono, you got to make your own decision to say no, no to Ono. I'm not buying that. I'm not buying that. I'm not buying that way of life. I'm not buying that way. belief i'm not going to oh no" [55:59] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You know one of the things about getting saved when you get saved you got to unlearn some stuff oh yeah christ just don't take all that stuff for fifth i was gonna say 50 maybe 20 30 years whenever you get saved there's still still stuff in you that you've learned that christ has to eradicate and take out and change your thoughts and your belief systems and when he said touch not he said then it's the fourth thing he said separate that means to mark off from others by boundaries and limits mm-hmm come on now we gotta have some boundaries we gotta we gotta have some limits y'all don't hear me let me say it again we gotta have some boundaries there's just some things i won't do there's just some places i won't cross oh come on there there there's just some things i i won't go that far that's too far for me to cross we gotta set some boundaries he said set some boundaries the saints have to set some boundaries and we got to be able to say no no oh no i can't go to oh no no no there's something happening in oh no that i can't go oh lord have mercy" [57:47] (88 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We gotta be ready to take the gospel to places that folk don't want to hear it we gotta be ready to stand up for jesus christ regardless of what somebody's saying so he said i'm ready he said i'm ready i say i'm he said i'm ready i'm i'm ready to go in the lions are you ready to go in the lions then are you ready to be ostracized and talked about and accused and laughed at ridiculed maybe even lose your job no no no you're not because you didn't shout come on now come on if somebody came to you on your job and said if you mentioned jesus christ we will fire you would you mention oh lord i'm i'm i'm gonna i'm gonna close" [01:04:40] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?