Rising Together: Faith, Unity, and Rebuilding
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the story of Nehemiah, a man who rose from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and restoration for his people. Nehemiah's journey from a slave to a cupbearer to the king is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Despite the destruction of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was driven by a divine calling to rebuild the city. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God provides a way for us to rise and rebuild.
Our community has recently faced its own trials, with floods causing significant damage and displacing many families. Yet, like Nehemiah, we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and unity. Churches, organizations, and individuals have come together to provide aid and begin the process of rebuilding. This collective effort is not just about restoring physical structures but about renewing the spirit of our community.
Nehemiah's determination to rebuild despite mockery and opposition is a lesson for us all. We are called to rise above criticism and continue the work God has set before us. Our efforts are not for personal gain or recognition but to serve others in the name of Jesus. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we must remain steadfast in our mission.
As we move forward, let us remember that our strength comes from God. It is through His guidance and grace that we can overcome adversity and transform our community. We are His hands and feet, called to serve and share His love with those around us. Let us continue to rise and build, knowing that our labor is not in vain and that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith in Action: Nehemiah's story teaches us that faith is not passive. It requires action and courage to step into the unknown and trust God's plan. When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem's destruction, he didn't just mourn; he took steps to rebuild, showing us that faith must be accompanied by deeds. [49:33]
- Community Unity: In times of crisis, the strength of a community is revealed. Our recent experiences have shown that when we come together, we can overcome great challenges. This unity is a reflection of God's love and a testament to what can be achieved when we work together for a common purpose. [57:01]
- Overcoming Opposition: Nehemiah faced ridicule and opposition, yet he remained focused on his mission. This reminds us that we will encounter detractors in our journey, but we must not be discouraged. Our commitment to God's work will see us through, and His purpose will prevail. [01:07:19]
- Serving in Jesus' Name: Our actions are not for personal glory but to serve others in the name of Jesus. This perspective transforms our work from mere tasks to acts of worship. By serving others, we reflect Christ's love and bring hope to those in need. [01:15:54]
- Endurance in Service: The process of rebuilding is a marathon, requiring patience and perseverance. We must remain committed to the long-term vision, trusting that God will provide the strength and resources needed to complete the work He has called us to do. [01:19:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [11:04] - Opening Remarks
- [12:28] - Community Reflections
- [15:22] - Gratitude and Worship
- [37:19] - Nehemiah's Story Begins
- [47:12] - Nehemiah's Position and Passion
- [49:00] - Nehemiah's Vision for Rebuilding
- [49:49] - Surveying the Destruction
- [52:24] - Facing Opposition
- [53:57] - Community's Recent Challenges
- [57:01] - Rising to Rebuild
- [01:03:04] - Community Support and Unity
- [01:07:19] - Overcoming Mockery
- [01:15:54] - Serving in Jesus' Name
- [01:19:27] - Endurance in Service
- [01:23:07] - Call to Action and Prayer
- [01:33:29] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Nehemiah's Journey of Faith and Community Restoration
Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 2:11-20
Observation Questions:
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the destruction of Jerusalem, and what steps did he take to address it? [49:00]
2. How did Nehemiah prepare for his mission to rebuild Jerusalem, and what role did the king play in this process? [48:00]
3. What challenges did Nehemiah face from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, and how did he respond to their mockery? [52:24]
4. How did the community respond to Nehemiah's call to "rise up and build," and what actions did they take to support this mission? [57:01]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Nehemiah's story teach us about the relationship between faith and action, especially in times of crisis? [49:33]
2. How does the unity of the community in Nehemiah's time reflect the strength and love of God, and how can this be applied to modern-day challenges? [57:01]
3. In what ways does Nehemiah's perseverance in the face of opposition serve as a model for dealing with criticism and obstacles in our own lives? [52:24]
4. How does serving others in the name of Jesus transform our actions from mere tasks to acts of worship, according to the sermon? [01:15:54]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith guide your actions, and what steps did you take to overcome it? [49:33]
2. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and strength of your community, especially during times of crisis? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [57:01]
3. Think of a situation where you faced criticism or opposition. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Nehemiah's response to apply in future situations? [52:24]
4. How can you serve others in your daily life in a way that reflects the love of Jesus? Identify one person or group you can serve this week and plan a specific act of service. [01:15:54]
5. Nehemiah's mission was a marathon, not a sprint. What long-term goals do you have in your life that require patience and perseverance, and how can you remain committed to them? [01:19:27]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to "rise and build." What steps can you take to begin this process, and who can you involve to support you? [49:00]
7. How can you ensure that your actions are not for personal gain but to serve others in the name of Jesus? Reflect on your motivations and consider any adjustments needed. [01:15:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Requires Action and Courage
Nehemiah's story is a powerful illustration of faith in action. When he learned of Jerusalem's destruction, he didn't just sit back and mourn; he took decisive steps to rebuild the city. This demonstrates that faith is not passive but requires us to step into the unknown with courage and trust in God's plan. Nehemiah's journey from a slave to a cupbearer to the king shows that faith, when combined with action, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. His determination to rebuild Jerusalem, despite the overwhelming odds, serves as a reminder that God provides a way for us to rise and rebuild, even in the face of despair. [49:33]
Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV): "Then 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.' And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' So they strengthened their hands for the good work."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel called to take action but have been hesitant? How can you step out in faith and trust God's plan today?
Day 2: Unity in Crisis Reflects God's Love
In times of crisis, the strength and unity of a community are revealed. Our recent experiences with floods have shown that when we come together, we can overcome great challenges. This unity is a reflection of God's love and a testament to what can be achieved when we work together for a common purpose. Just as Nehemiah rallied the people to rebuild Jerusalem, we too have witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and unity in our community. Churches, organizations, and individuals have come together to provide aid and begin the process of rebuilding, not just physical structures but also the spirit of our community. [57:01]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced the power of community support. How can you contribute to fostering unity and support in your community today?
Day 3: Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah faced ridicule and opposition, yet he remained focused on his mission to rebuild Jerusalem. This reminds us that we will encounter detractors in our journey, but we must not be discouraged. Our commitment to God's work will see us through, and His purpose will prevail. Nehemiah's determination to rebuild despite mockery and opposition is a lesson for us all to rise above criticism and continue the work God has set before us. Our efforts are not for personal gain or recognition but to serve others in the name of Jesus. [01:07:19]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you are facing opposition or criticism. How can you remain steadfast in your mission and trust in God's purpose for you?
Day 4: Serving Others as an Act of Worship
Our actions are not for personal glory but to serve others in the name of Jesus. This perspective transforms our work from mere tasks to acts of worship. By serving others, we reflect Christ's love and bring hope to those in need. Nehemiah's story teaches us that our efforts should be directed towards serving others and fulfilling God's purpose, rather than seeking personal recognition. As we serve, we become His hands and feet, called to share His love with those around us. [01:15:54]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: Consider a way you can serve someone in need today. How can you make this act of service an expression of worship and love for Jesus?
Day 5: Endurance in the Journey of Service
The process of rebuilding is a marathon, requiring patience and perseverance. We must remain committed to the long-term vision, trusting that God will provide the strength and resources needed to complete the work He has called us to do. Nehemiah's story is a testament to the endurance required in the journey of service. As we move forward, let us remember that our strength comes from God, and it is through His guidance and grace that we can overcome adversity and transform our community. [01:19:27]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Reflect on a long-term goal or project you are working on. How can you cultivate patience and perseverance, trusting that God will provide what you need to see it through?
Quotes
1. "I have been blessed. So I come to rejoice today and we come to to worship. I rejoice today also that our Guatemala mission team is home. They got home last night from a week and down there. We will hear from them in a couple of weeks and they will come back and give their report to us. I'm grateful they're home safely. And I'm grateful for the work that they did while they were gone. Very, very thankful. And I'm thankful that we can just come and worship today as the people of God. And so I welcome you today as we come to worship today." [15:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He woke up one day as a slave, a servant in a foreign country, and somewhere along the line, he just put what he had to work. And for whatever reason, he ended up as a cupbearer to the king, which means he had access to the king. How that happened, we don't know. But a slave became a cupbearer, and that is an important position. He had access to the king on a daily basis. He heard word that back in his home country that life had gone to pot. It was destroyed. And it grew. It grieved him greatly. And it became a passion of his that he wanted to go and make it better, and he didn't know what to do. And God spoke to him and said, there's going to be a way. There's going to be a way." [47:12] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And then for the first time catch these words. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem that we may be no more a reproach. Verse 18. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was upon me and also the king's words because the king had sent him out with papers that he had spoken upon me. And they said, here comes those words again. Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good. work." [52:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But the thing that Nehemiah did, it took him three days to assess the destruction. and then he said let's rise and build verse 18 he he said three times i i called out those words he said let us rise up and build three different times he said to the people who were there before they had done anything he said let's rise up and build rise up and build so it's verse 20 it says and so they strengthened their hands to do the work it is important for us to know that the work was good work good work and it was good to be in rebuilding not just the walls but in rebuilding a community" [57:01] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see, because we're going to rise up in them. We're going to rise up in the world. But that's not all of this story. You see, Nehemiah came and said, we're going to rise up and build. And you want to know the first response? Some people who lived there laughed at him. And they mocked him. They scorned him. They scorned him. They said, you're not going to do anything good." [01:07:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And Nehemiah was not going to let the detractors have the final say. And neither are we. I will tell you, there were lots of people who called us. And they wanted to help. They were going to send things. And send things they did. But there was a lot of anger in their voices. That there were certain, they were only going to help if we did it in certain ways. Because they were going to help us. Because they didn't like certain things. It's been mind -boggling to me. But that's not going to stop us. It didn't stop Nehemiah. And it's not going to stop us. Because the words of Nehemiah are we are going to arise and build. We're going to build our community. We're not going to be discouraged by what is said. Or how it is said." [01:11:09] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I have seen walls between churches break down. I have seen preachers who don't have a whole lot to do with other preachers. I have seen preachers who don't have a whole lot to do with other preachers. Sit down and hold hands and pray together. I have seen people from across our county get together and figure out how we are going to do this in the name of Jesus. Because we are convinced we are going to rise up and build." [01:13:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And remind us, just as Nehemiah did in verse 20, when he said this, when he looked at his detractors and said, the God of heaven, He will guide us. He will lead us. Therefore we, His servants, will rise up and build. It is in the name of Jesus that we go out and offer a cup of cool water and a willing hand. It is in the name of Jesus that we will not be just singing for ourselves, but we will be singing for the Lord. It is not just that we are cleaning for ourselves, and clean to help our fellow person, but that we will be cleaning in the name of Jesus Christ. And we will be cleaning for Him, and that we will not be working for ourselves, but we will be working in the name of Jesus. We're not laboring for ourselves, but we do so in the name of Jesus." [01:15:54] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And we are going to tell it that in the name of Jesus Christ, we will go forth and work. And we will tell the world one day, again, the miracle that what he did, and I will tell you, our little community. The miracle of how he took something horrible and transformed a town and a community that will tell the story of Jesus and his power and his grace and his love. Nehemiah said, said, let us arise and let us build. Let His words, the power of the gospel, resonate through every core. of our being today. And let us continue to make that difference in the name of Jesus." [01:19:27] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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