Rising from the Ruins: A Call to Restoration
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of "Rising from the Ruins," drawing inspiration from the story of Nehemiah. We began by acknowledging the brokenness in our world, much like Nehemiah did when he learned of the devastation in Jerusalem. Nehemiah's response was not one of despair but of action, as he recognized the ruins and sought God's guidance through prayer and fasting. This teaches us that we must first face the reality of our brokenness before we can begin to rebuild.
We are reminded that brokenness is not the end. Nehemiah's story shows us that God calls us to be active participants in the restoration process. We may not have caused the brokenness, but we are called to be part of the solution. This requires us to recognize the issues and resist the forces that seek to keep us in ruins. Nehemiah faced opposition, yet he remained steadfast, refusing to be distracted or discouraged. His determination to rebuild despite the challenges is a powerful lesson for us today.
Furthermore, we reflected on the ultimate example of resilience and restoration—Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah refused to come down from his work, Jesus remained on the cross, completing the work of redemption. His sacrifice reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming opposition, we can rise from the ruins through faith and perseverance.
As we navigate our own brokenness, whether personal or societal, we are encouraged to bring our burdens to God, trusting in His power to mend and restore. We are called to be like Nehemiah, recognizing the problems and resisting the distractions, while also drawing strength from the example of Christ, who overcame the ultimate brokenness for our sake.
Key Takeaways:
1. Recognize the Ruins: Before we can rebuild, we must first acknowledge the brokenness around us. Denial only delays the solution. Nehemiah teaches us to face reality and let it move us to action through prayer and fasting. [50:22]
2. Be Part of the Solution: We may not have caused the brokenness, but we are called to be part of the rebuilding process. Like Nehemiah, we must be willing to say, "Send me, I'll go," and actively participate in restoration. [54:54]
3. Resist Opposition: When we decide to rebuild, we will face opposition. Nehemiah's story reminds us that the enemy will try to distract and discourage us, but we must remain focused on our mission. [56:18]
4. Draw Strength from Christ: Jesus is the ultimate example of resilience. He faced opposition and remained steadfast in His mission. His sacrifice empowers us to rise from our own ruins and continue the work of restoration. [01:01:07]
5. Bring Brokenness to God: In our brokenness, we are invited to come to God, who is the mender of broken hearts and lives. We must trust in His power to heal and restore, knowing that He holds us in His hands. [01:11:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:11] - Affirmation of Faith
[12:27] - Call to Prayer
[13:20] - Acknowledging God's Presence
[28:23] - Spirit of Generosity
[41:04] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[42:18] - Nehemiah's Burden
[43:16] - Recognizing the Ruins
[50:22] - Facing Reality
[54:54] - Being Part of the Solution
[56:18] - Resisting Opposition
[01:01:07] - Drawing Strength from Christ
[01:11:46] - Bringing Brokenness to God
[01:18:39] - Communion
[01:28:29] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Rising from the Ruins
Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 1:2-4
- Nehemiah 6:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the state of Jerusalem? How did he respond to the news of the city's ruins? [41:04]
2. In Nehemiah 6:1-4, what tactics did Nehemiah's enemies use to try to stop his work? How did Nehemiah respond to their attempts? [56:18]
3. How does the sermon describe the connection between recognizing the ruins and taking action? What role does prayer play in this process? [53:22]
4. What parallels are drawn between Nehemiah's determination to rebuild and Jesus' mission on the cross? [01:01:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important for individuals to first recognize the brokenness in their lives or communities before attempting to rebuild? How does this recognition lead to effective action? [50:22]
2. How does Nehemiah's story illustrate the concept of being part of the solution, even if one did not cause the problem? What does this teach about personal responsibility and community involvement? [54:54]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of opposition when one is engaged in rebuilding or restorative work? How can believers prepare for and resist such opposition? [56:18]
4. In what ways does the example of Jesus' perseverance on the cross inspire believers to remain steadfast in their own missions? How does this relate to the theme of rising from the ruins? [01:01:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation in your life or community where you have recognized brokenness. What steps can you take to address this issue, and how can prayer and fasting be part of your approach? [50:22]
2. Consider a time when you felt called to be part of a solution to a problem you did not cause. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply those lessons to current challenges? [54:54]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you face opposition or distraction. What strategies can you implement to stay focused on your mission and resist these challenges? [56:18]
4. How can the example of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross empower you to persevere through personal or societal challenges? What practical steps can you take to draw strength from His example? [01:01:07]
5. Think about a burden or brokenness you are currently experiencing. How can you bring this to God in prayer, trusting in His power to mend and restore? What specific actions can you take to seek His guidance and healing? [01:11:46]
6. Reflect on the concept of being a "Nehemiah" in your community. What specific actions can you take to actively participate in the restoration and rebuilding of your surroundings? [54:54]
7. How can you support others in your community who are working to rise from their own ruins? What role can you play in encouraging and assisting them in their journey? [53:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Acknowledging Our Brokenness
In the story of Nehemiah, we learn the importance of recognizing the brokenness around us. Nehemiah's journey began when he faced the reality of Jerusalem's devastation. Instead of turning away, he allowed the truth of the situation to move him to action through prayer and fasting. This teaches us that denial only delays the solution. We must first acknowledge the ruins in our lives and the world before we can begin the process of rebuilding. By facing reality, we open ourselves to God's guidance and the possibility of restoration. [50:22]
Nehemiah 1:3-4 (ESV): "And they said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' As soon as I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life that you have been avoiding? How can you bring this to God in prayer today?
Day 2: Embracing Our Role in Restoration
Nehemiah's story reminds us that we are called to be active participants in the restoration process. Even if we did not cause the brokenness, we are invited to be part of the solution. Nehemiah's willingness to say, "Send me, I'll go," exemplifies the attitude we should adopt. We must be ready to step forward and engage in the work of rebuilding, trusting that God will equip us for the task. This requires courage and a willingness to act, even when the path is uncertain. [54:54]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can contribute to the restoration of a broken situation in your community or personal life this week?
Day 3: Standing Firm Against Opposition
When we decide to rebuild, we will inevitably face opposition. Nehemiah's story teaches us that the enemy will try to distract and discourage us from our mission. Despite the challenges, Nehemiah remained focused and steadfast, refusing to be swayed by those who sought to hinder his work. This is a powerful reminder that we must resist the forces that seek to keep us in ruins and stay committed to our purpose. [56:18]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What distractions or discouragements are you currently facing in your efforts to rebuild? How can you remain focused and steadfast in your mission?
Day 4: Drawing Strength from Christ's Example
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of resilience and restoration. Just as Nehemiah refused to come down from his work, Jesus remained on the cross, completing the work of redemption. His sacrifice empowers us to rise from our own ruins and continue the work of restoration. By looking to Christ, we find the strength and perseverance needed to overcome the challenges we face. His example encourages us to remain steadfast in our mission, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. [01:01:07]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: How can you draw strength from Christ's example in a current challenge you are facing? What does it mean for you to remain steadfast in your mission?
Day 5: Bringing Our Brokenness to God
In our brokenness, we are invited to come to God, who is the mender of broken hearts and lives. Nehemiah's story encourages us to trust in God's power to heal and restore, knowing that He holds us in His hands. By bringing our burdens to God, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives. This act of surrender allows us to experience His peace and restoration, even in the midst of our struggles. [01:11:46]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: What burden or area of brokenness do you need to bring to God today? How can you trust in His power to heal and restore you?
Quotes
"God, we realize today that it's only in you that we move. we breathe and we have our very being so we stop in this moment Lord and acknowledge you as God and beside you there is no other Lord we come into this place today welcoming your presence to manifest in our lives as only you can Lord in the midst of all that's happening around us we thank you that you remain a very present help in the time of trouble the righteous run therein and they are safe and Lord we come today to find safety safety in your wings safety in your name safety in your hands safety in your protection safety." [00:13:33]
"When a plane crash is somehow the fault of diversity, equity and inclusion, something is broken. when government programs to help the most vulnerable or frozen without any regard for the quality of life something is broken when the people who ransacked the Capitol don't get punishment but get pardons while people with low by non violent drug offenses sit behind bars for 20 and 30 years something is broken when immigrant families are being torn apart and economic opportunities are being stripped away something is broken let me tell you today church what is broken doesn't have to stay that way I just wanted to say that in your presence I got this done today and I'm text today will prove to us that Nehemiah shows us how to respond when things are falling apart and if you don't hear anything else I say today hear this we may not have caused the brokenness but we must be in the business of rebuilding even now like the generations that came before us God calls us to rise from the ruins so what do you do when something is broken how do we still rise when all they want is our ruin Nehemiah shows us two things we must recognize and we must resist can you say that this morning recognize and resist recognize and resist look at Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 2 I want to talk first of all about recognizing Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 2 says Ananias one of my brothers came from Judah with some other men and I questioned him about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile and also about Jerusalem and I said to him and he said to me those who survived the exile are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and his gates have been burned with fire remember Nehemiah is of Jewish descent too and Nehemiah has made it big Nehemiah has got to Persia and he's become the cup bearer for the king Nehemiah is safe in the king's court he has notoriety he has security yet when he hears what is happening back in his home he doesn't turn away but he acknowledges what's happening he recognizes the ruin church you cannot fix what you are not willing to first faith some people don't want to acknowledge the destruction." [00:46:56]
"Recognizing the ruins. He didn't just cry and move on. But the Bible says he moves from recognizing the ruins to recognizing his redeemer. Why? Because the Bible says he didn't just weep, but he began to pray. He began to fast. And I come to say to you, church, we just can't shake our heads at injustice. We can't just say, Lord, have mercy and turn and then walk away. But we've got to be willing to get down on our knees in prayer and then stand up in power." [00:52:08]
"See, before you know, you're not held accountable. But what happens when you know that somebody's suffering? What happens when you know that we're under attack? What happens when you know that we're in ruins? Are you just going to agonize? Or are we going to strategize? Are we going to mourn? Or are we going to mobilize? Are we going to get angry? Or are we going." [00:52:50]
"But we never see the solution. But Nehemiah, he saw the ruins. And instead of running away, he said, Lord! Send me. I'll go. I know it's easy sometimes. Like these to just holler and throw our hands up. But we cannot afford to stay in a comfortable place. While the walls around us are falling down. It's somebody else's rights today. But it might be your rights tomorrow." [00:54:13]
"Nehemiah asked for permission to go back and rebuild the walls in Jerusalem. But the moment Nehemiah picked up the bricks, the enemies picked up their weapons. And the same is true today, church. When we stand for justice, systems of oppression will continue to push us back. When we fight for justice, systems of oppression will continue to push us back. When we fight for truth, the enemy spreads lies." [00:55:41]
"Sanballat and Tobiah couldn't stop the work that Nehemiah was doing. So what did they try to do? They tried to pull him down from the work. And you need to understand, church, that when the enemy can't destroy you, he'll try to distract you. When the enemy can't devour you, he'll try to discourage you. Many of us are losing battles, not because the enemy is stronger, but because we've allowed the enemy to distract us. But Nehemiah resisted. He said, I'm doing a good work. And why should I come down for you? The Bible says resist the devil and he shall flee from you. And if you don't remember that, remember we used to sing a song that said, Don't let the devil ride." [00:57:43]
"Because Nehemiah is not the only one who recognized the ruins and resisted opposition. Somebody else came to rebuild what was broken. Somebody else came and faced enemies who wanted to stop him. Somebody else came and had the chance to come down, but he stayed on the mission and his name. It's Jesus." [01:00:28]
"They said, if you be the son of man, come down from there and save yourself, but he would not come down because if he would have come down, we wouldn't be able to get up. It looked like something. It looked like something that was broken." [01:01:07]
"You've got to come to a father, a savior who takes the broken pieces and mends them. If you're here today and you find yourself in brokenness, I want you to know you're in a good place. You're in a good place today because there's a stranger in town and he's giving sight to the blind." [01:08:39]
"We thank you that you know what to do with our brokenness we thank you Lord that you are a mender of our broken hearts our broken spirits our broken lives our broken relationships our broken past our broken careers our broken states of being our broken homes our broken families thank you thank you that we have an opportunity to come to the potter's house and God we know that you are a rewarder of them who diligently seek you God we pray in the name of Jesus." [01:11:57]
"we speak your peace we speak your provisions and God we thank you that even in a day like this even in a time like this you remind us that you have us all in your hands we thank you Lord that you will never lead us to a place that your hand cannot sustain us we're trusting you today those who come to this altar God bless meet the needs spirit of God do what only you can do spirit of God do what only you can do spirit of the living God do what only you can do somebody's not sleeping well somebody's not sleeping well." [01:13:51]
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