"Rebuilding the Broken Walls: From Nehemiah to Christ
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— Today we are finding and exploring the parallels between Nehemiah’s rebuilding of the Temple and Christ’s restoration of us, our church, our community and our world.
— We are looking at Nehemiah 2. It begins on page 398 in the bibles in front of you in the pews. Of course it’s also found on your bible app and in our own bible.
— Nehemiah 2 unfolds a narrative of a man chosen by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem—a task that extends far beyond physical restoration to the spiritual revival of God's people.
— As we look to Scripture this morning we will discover some truths that point to Christ as the ultimate Rebuilder of our lives and communities.
Point #1 - Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem is a parallel for Christ’s burden for humanity.
— Nehemiah uses prayer to get the King on board with the Jews leaving Babylon to Return to Israel, Rebuild the Temple and Restore the worship of God to Israel.
— Christ is the ultimate builder and “rebuilder” of our lives. We have no need to go to a human King and ask for the tools for rebuilding.
Question: How do we leave “indifference” and become PASSIONATE about growing our spiritual lives and our church?
— Yes, there are people who are “mad” and leave our church. That is a reality!
— There are those people who stop investing in their spiritual lives with God. They become indifferent to the things of God.
— They have lost their passion for God!
— Here is some scriptures that emphasize the importance of passion and commitment in growing our spiritual lives and contributing to our church community:
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
— This verse encourages a wholehearted commitment to everything we do, including our spiritual journey and contributions to the church.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
— The Apostle Paul urges believers to maintain their enthusiasm and spiritual passion as they serve the Lord, emphasizing the importance of passion in our faith.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
— Believers are to be steadfast and fully dedicated to the work of the Lord, in our own spiritual lives assuring them that their efforts in REBUILDING the church and REBUILDING themselves are meaningful.
— By praying through, by meditating on and by applying these scriptures, believers can find inspiration and guidance to leave indifference behind and actively pursue a passionate and committed spiritual life within their church community.
Let’s take a look at Nehemiah 2.
Nehemiah made a BOLD request…
5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”
— Nehemiah prayed and then brought his request to Artaxerxes. He brought it with BOLDNESS.
— In the same way that we can come before God… BOLDLY and with CONFIDENCE
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
— Our prayer can be marked by boldness, knowing that our God is both merciful and gracious and wants to answer us.
— Hebrews here emphasizes the importance of community and encourages believers to actively engage with one another, spurring each other on in love and good deeds.
Question: Are you approaching the "Throne of Grace" with confidence and boldness, seeking God's intervention in your life, your church, and the world around you?
— God is inviting us to come boldly before His throne, encouraging us to be honest and forthright in presenting our needs and desires.
— Consistent prayer builds a connection with God, and the more we approach Him, the more He listens and responds to the deepest needs of our hearts.
— This highlights the importance of seeking favor through honest communication.
Nehemiah 2:8b (ESV)
8 … “And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.”
— Nehemiah experienced God's favor and provision, and similarly, God is present and supportive in our lives.
— God is actively present in the lives of each believer in this church and community, providing guidance and support.
— God assures us that He will fulfill all our needs, emphasizing His commitment to providing for the well-being of His people.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
— Nehemiah found favor with the king, who granted him permission and gave him many of the resources he needed to Return, Rebuild and Restore the Temple
— God will provide every need we have to do the same here at First Baptist
Point #2 Nehemiah's journey begins with the favor of God, that his plans, purposes, and desires are centered in God Himself.
— Nehemiah's prayerful preparation sets the stage for the monumental task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.
—Similarly, our lives will find purpose and direction when anchored in prayer and dependence on God.
— The process of reconstructing the temple, revitalizing our church, and renewing our lives demands a collective effort to rebuild together.
Question: Are you prepared and willing to do the work of returning, rebuilding and restoring your life in Christ? And restoring our church?
— I am prepared but I don’t know what to do or how do it
— I want to but I don’t even know how to start
— Can you help me…
— Yes, I and your Elders are ready, willing and able to pray with you, get you involved in discipleship (where you can learn about your faith).
— We will walk alongside as you grow and mature in your faith.
Rebuilding Together: The Body of Christ
Rebuilding Together: The Body of Christ
— Inspiring Others through Vision casting
— Late last fall I asked several of you to be part of a vision clarifying group for our church
— Now is the time to call to action.
— I will be reconnecting with you and scheduling 2 or 3 sessions where together we can set a vision and a course for First Baptist.
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV 1900)
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
— We will spend a considerable time in prayer; seeking what God wants from each of us to rebuild our own temple and rebuild our church.
— Nehemiah shared his vision for rebuilding the walls, rallying the people to a common purpose.
— We, too, are called to cast a vision for our communities, churches, and families, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah's leadership.
— In all of our planning, praying, watching and waiting
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
— Opposition will come… our un-wavering Faith is our forward facing battle against that opposition
— Nehemiah's efforts were opposed, detractors were seeking to discourage and hinder the work.
— Resist satan and his minions
— Resist becoming complacent, lazy if you will; remain ACTIVE and engaged in your faith
— In the face of opposition, Nehemiah's response serves as a model for us to persevere with unwavering faith.
Point #3 As we rebuild together, recognizing and valuing our differences, the Church becomes a powerful force for restoration.
— Each member, each attender is important in our rebuilding efforts
— Returning, Rebuilding and Restoring our church and ourselves to what God wants of us is our only desire
— Not everyone is gifted in the same way… But all gifts, from everyone are vital in our efforts
— As it says in 1 Corinthians 12:12 “12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
— As we rebuild together, recognizing and valuing our differences, the Church becomes a powerful force for restoration.
— It draws a parallel to the Body of Christ, suggesting that similar unity and shared purpose are essential for thriving amidst challenges.
Point #4 The Ultimate “Rebuilder”Christ's Work on the Cross
— Christ must be our Cornerstone
— Nehemiah emphasized the need to rebuild around Jerusalem's gates and walls.
— Paul in the Book of Ephesians reminds us of our position and standing with Jesus
— Listen to Eph2.19-22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
— We are together as believers to be “living stones”, built into a spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone.
— Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the physical walls, Christ is the cornerstone of our spiritual restoration.
— Christ is the cornerstone of our churches restoration.
Point #5 Our future lies in the The Promise of a New Jerusalem
— Nehemiah's efforts led to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, but the Book of Revelation foretells us of a New Jerusalem.
— A place where believers will reign with Christ for 1000 years. And will act as a gateway to eternity in Heaven
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
— Christ's ultimate rebuilding work culminates in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where God's glory will shine forever.
Prayer —-
Lord God, May we be inspired by Nehemiah's boldness in prayer, unity in leadership, and perseverance in the face of opposition.
In our own lives and communities, let us rebuild with Christ at the center, trusting in His timing, provision, and the transformative power of the cross.
May the Holy Spirit empower us to be agents of restoration, pointing others to the hope found in Christ, the ultimate Rebuilder of broken walls. Amen.