Let’s Build! // Bishop D. A. Sherron

The congregation is called to "build back better" by tracing the life of Joseph as a theological blueprint for renewal. Drawing from Psalm 105 and Genesis, the narrative emphasizes that God ordains leaders ahead of decisive moments, positions them for a specific season, and allows hardships that refine character and readiness. Trials are reframed as preparation: the pit, prison, and false accusations become stages of development that shape humility, patience, and spiritual maturity. Promises from God often arrive with a pause—an intentional testing of the word—so the question becomes who one must become to fulfill the spoken destiny.

A crucial distinction is made between dreams and vision: dreams are vivid pictures, while vision anchors purpose and provides moral and spiritual restraint. Joseph is held up as a typological figure of Christ—beloved, rejected, falsely accused, and ultimately used for the salvation and wellbeing of many—demonstrating how personal calling intersects with redemptive history. Practical application centers on three pillars for rebuilding: stewardship (managing what survives), structure (building systems that can sustain blessing), and submission (accountability that prevents self-destruction). These three S’s form the framework for moving from survival into flourishing.

Financial obedience and trust are treated as spiritual disciplines essential to the rebuilding process. Giving is reframed not merely as a transaction but as an expression of 100% trust that seeds future harvests; an invitation is issued to experiment with faithful stewardship through a ninety-day tithe challenge. The address closes with pastoral invitation: salvation and discipleship are available, practical avenues for giving are provided, and a new sermon series from Nehemiah is announced to guide the community in reconstruction and revival. Throughout, the tone is both prophetic and pastoral—declaring God’s forward movement, urging patient endurance under testing, and calling the community to disciplined, covenantal action as they prepare for a bright future.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God sends leaders ahead God’s sovereignty arranges people into positions before the moment of need arises; being sidelined by others does not mean being sidelined by God. A perceived setback can be divine relocation, positioning for a strategic season rather than mere punishment. This perspective invites endurance and expectancy rather than bitterness when timing appears delayed. [07:53]
• 2. Refinement shapes future fruitfulness Suffering functions as a formative curriculum—chipping away pride, deepening character, and cultivating patience that will sustain future influence. Character formation is the prerequisite for trusted responsibility; God often uses hardship to prepare competence, humility, and wisdom. Recognizing pain as sculpting work reframes waiting as active preparation, not wasted time. [14:55]
• 3. The word tests the dream Prophetic promise brings a testing season in which fidelity is proved and identity is solidified; the dream itself becomes the refining fire. Preparation matters more than immediate vindication—spiritual maturity is developed in the pause between promise and fulfillment. The question to answer is not when fulfillment will come but who must be in order to steward it well. [16:39]
• 4. Rebuild with stewardship, structure, submission Lasting reconstruction requires stewardship of resources, structural systems that hold blessing, and submission to accountability that preserves integrity. These three practices prevent collapse when prosperity arrives and guard against the temptations of self-sufficiency. They transform personal gifting into sustainable, communal impact. [21:50]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - Leadership, Legacy, and Vision
• [01:02] - Share the Worship Link
• [02:31] - Fire in February (Announcements)
• [03:05] - Psalm 105 and Joseph Introduced
• [04:54] - Theme: Build Back Better
• [07:53] - God Sends a Man Ahead
• [14:55] - Refined by Pain
• [16:39] - Tested by the Word
• [18:04] - Dreams vs. Vision
• [21:50] - Three S’s: Stewardship, Structure, Submission
• [28:30] - 90-Day Tithe Challenge & Giving
• [35:01] - New Series Preview (Nehemiah)

1. According to Psalm 105:17-19, who did God send ahead of the people, and what specific physical hardships did he endure while he was waiting?
2. The message describes three specific "schools" or "academies" that God uses to refine us when we go through painful experiences. What are these three areas of development mentioned? [15:29]
3. To "build back better," the sermon outlines three specific pillars starting with the letter 'S' that are necessary for rebuilding. What are these three pillars? [21:50]

1. The Psalmist writes that God "sent a man ahead," referring to Joseph. How does viewing a setback as a "divine relocation" rather than just a rejection change how we interpret difficult seasons in our lives? [14:11]
2. A distinction is made between having a dream and having a vision. If dreams are just "pictures," why is it necessary to have a vision that provides "restraint" and covers our "nakedness"? [18:54]
3. Psalm 105:19 states that the word of the Lord "tested" Joseph until his time came. In what ways does receiving a prophetic promise or a dream actually serve as a fire that refines a person's character rather than just a source of excitement? [17:07]

1. "Faithfulness brings fruitfulness," but often the fruit comes in a different place than where we were faithful. Are you currently serving in a place where you feel unseen or "underground," and how can you maintain faithfulness while waiting for the fruit to appear? [06:22]
2. God often uses pain to chisel our character before He can trust us with the palace. When you look at your current struggles, can you identify which "academy" you are currently enrolled in—Character, Humility, or Patience? [15:29]
3. "Dreams without structure collapse." We need to manage what survives through stewardship and build systems that can hold the blessing. What is one practical area in your life (finances, schedule, relationships) where you need to build better structure to sustain what God is going to give you? [23:00]
4. Submission protects us from becoming what we prayed against by keeping us accountable. Do you have people in your life who have permission to check you and keep you aligned with your assignment? [24:26]
5. We are challenged to move from a mindset of just a 10% tithe to 100% trust. As we look at the concept of a "90-day tithe challenge," what fears or hesitations come up when you think about trusting God completely with your resources? [30:58]