sf700 - Turning Problems into Possibilities (Neh 1 1-4)
How to turn PROBLEMS into Possibilities
Overcoming Obstacles to Victory Part 1 of 8
Nehemiah 1:1-4
Introduction
Background
Ø 586 BC - Jerusalem destroyed; Jews deported to Babylon
Ø 537 BC - First group of Jews allowed to return
Ø 516 BC - The Temple was rebuilt
Ø 458 BC - Ezra led a second group back to Jerusalem
Ø 445 BC - Nehemiah asks permission to return to Jerusalem with a third group to rebuild the city walls.
A Problem is an Opportunity in Disguise
We need to see the Opportunity in every Problem not the Problem in every Opportunity
Three Steps…
1A. Investigate the Problem(1-3)
1B. Ask the Right Questions (1-2)
Nehemiah wanted to know the condition of God's people and city.
He asked the right questions
2B. Evaluate the Situation (3)
The walls were destroyed
Ø The people were defenseless
Ø The people were discouraged
The walls of doctrine have fallen
Ø Liberalism is a parasite
The walls of decency have fallen
Ø Crime
Ø Pornography
Ø Abortion
Ø Alcohol/drug abuse
The walls of defense have fallen
Ø Divorce from 3% in 1870 to over 50% today
Ø Feminism is attacking our homes
H. Clinton - wants the community to raise your children!
2A. Intensify Your Prayer Life (4-11)
1B. Nehemiah Responds By…
Ø Weeping
Ø Mourning
Ø Fasting
Ø Praying
2B. Notice His Prayer
Prayer of conviction (4-5)
Ø He was broken over the problem
Prayer of confession (6-7)
Ø He was burdened about his sin
Prayer of confidence (8-10)
Ø Recounts God's promises
Ø Find out what God wants and pray for that!
Prayer of commitment (11)
Ø Nehemiah had it good
Ø He stepped out in faith
Ø We must be willing to risk our comfort if we are ever going to experience God's blessings.
3A. Initiate God's Plan (2:5-8)
1B. Ask for the King's Permission (5)
2B. Ask for the King's Protection (7)
3B. Ask for the King's Provision (8)
Application
Turning problems into possibilities requires a solid foundation
(1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV) "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
(John 1:11-13 NIV) "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."
(Acts 16:31 NIV) "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.""
(Romans 10:9-10 NIV) "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
(Matthew 10:32-33 NIV) ""Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. {33} But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
How to Turn Problems into Possibilities
Building Winners in a World of Losers Part 1 of 8
Nehemiah 1:1-4 - August 17, 1997 p.m.
Introduction
Background
Ø 586 BC - Jerusalem destroyed; Jews deported bo Babylon
Ø 537 BC - First group of Jews allowed to return
Ø 516 BC - The Temple was rebuilt
Ø 458 BC - Ezra led a second group back to Jerusalem
Ø 445 BC - Nehemiah asks permission to return to Jerusalem with a third group to rebuild the city walls.
1A. ___________________________ the Problem(1-3)
1B. Ask the Right _______________________ (1-2)
2B. Evaluate the _____________________ (3)
The walls were destroyed
The walls of doctrine have fallen
The walls of decency have fallen
The walls of defense have fallen
2A. Intensify Your ________ ___________ (4-11)
1B. Nehemiah Responds By…
2B. Notice His Prayer
Prayer of conviction (4-5)
Prayer of __________ (6-7)
Prayer of _____________ (8-10)
Prayer of ________________ (11)
3A. _____________________ God's Plan (2:5-8)
1B. Ask for the King's ___________ (5)
2B. Ask for the King's _____________ (7)
3B. Ask for the King's ______________ (8)