Lets BuildTogether
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Manuscript
Week 5: Rallying the Workers
Text: Nehemiah 2:17-18
Theme: “Let’s Build Together”
Introduction
Good morning, St. Matthew! It is a blessing to stand before you once again. As we gather today, I want to challenge and encourage us as a church family to rise up and rally together for the work of the Lord. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” Our subject for today is "Let’s Build Together,"
In this passage, Nehemiah saw a problem, shared a vision, and inspired people to take action. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down its gates were burned, the city was vulnerable, and a disgrace. Now the walls had a twofold purpose. Exclusion and Inclusion.
With no walls of exclusion, the enemy oppressed and persecuted them.
With no walls of inclusion, the Jews had no place to flee to for safety in times of danger from their enemies.
The walls were a status symbol as well as a means of protection.
Yet Nehemiah didn’t just sit back and complain—he rallied (brought them together) the people and led them to rebuild. They had to want it.
Look, the work of building God’s kingdom today is no less urgent than rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. St. Matthew, the question for us today is: Are we willing to build together?
1. The Problem: A Need for Revival
In verse 17, Nehemiah says, “You see the trouble we are in.” He doesn’t sugarcoat the situation. Jerusalem was in shambles, and the people were vulnerable to attack.
Likewise, we must be honest about where we stand as a church. Membership has dwindled, but truthfully we were declining. COVID-19 hit us hard, and we’re still recovering. Our community is crying out for help and healing. But, God has placed us here for a reason! He’s calling us to be a beacon of light in the darkness.
But here’s the truth: complacency has crept into many of our hearts. We’ve become satisfied with things as they are. We’ve grown comfortable with coming to church, sitting on our favorite pew, and leaving without ever stepping into the work God has called us to.
The question is, do we see the need around us? Do we see the families who are struggling, the young people looking for direction, and the lost souls in need of salvation? If we do, we cannot stay silent or passive. It’s high time to act.
2. The Vision: Rebuilding Together
Nehemiah didn’t just point out the problem; he cast a vision. He said, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” He didn’t say, “Let me rebuild” or “You rebuild.” He said, “Let us rebuild.”
Church, building the kingdom is not a one-person job. It’s not just the pastor’s responsibility or the deacons’ job. It requires all of us—young and old, men and women, seasoned saints and new believers—to come together.
The vision for St. Matthew is clear: we must be a church that loves, serves, and shines the light of Christ in Ridgeland and beyond. But we cannot do it alone. It takes collective effort. It takes each of us committing to a specific ministry or outreach initiative.
3. The Motivation: God’s Hand Is Upon Us
Nehemiah inspired the people by sharing his testimony. He said, “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me.”
Nehemiah reminded them that this wasn’t just his idea; it was God’s plan. He told them how God had blessed and helped him thus far.
Some of you may feel like you don't have much to contribute. You might not feel like God’s hand is upon you. But I’m here to tell you today that God’s hand is upon us—and upon me as your pastor. Maybe not to the same extent that it was with Nehemiah, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that His hand is on me, and I’ve been doing my best for 19 years trying to lead this church.
4. The Response: Let Us Start Rebuilding
After hearing Nehemiah’s vision, the people responded, “Let us start rebuilding.” And they began the good work. They didn’t just talk about it; they acted.
St. Matthew, it’s time for us to act. We can’t just say, “That sounds like a good idea” or “I hope somebody does something.” It’s time for each of us to put our hands to the plow.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to step up.
If you’ve been waiting for someone to ask, consider this your invitation.
If you’ve been praying for God to show you your purpose, He’s calling you now.
There’s work to be done in everywhere:
Ministries inside the church: Choir, usher board, Sunday School, youth ministry.
Outreach to the community: Feeding the hungry, helping the hurting, mentoring young people, visiting the sick.
Building relationships: Sharing the gospel, inviting others to church, showing love to our neighbors.
The Challenge: Commit to Serve
I want to challenge each of you today to commit to serving in a specific ministry or outreach initiative. Don’t leave here without deciding where you will get involved.
Look, Nehemiah and the people rebuilt the wall in just 52 days because they worked together. Imagine what we could accomplish if we all committed to building God’s kingdom together!
Conclusion
Church, the time is now. The need is great, the vision is clear, and God’s hand is upon us. Will you answer the call?
Let’s declare today, like the people in Nehemiah’s time: “Let us start rebuilding.” Let’s build together for the glory of God.
Let us pray.