Message Series: Rise Up and Build

The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in the 5th century B.C. Under the strong leadership of Nehemiah, Israel renewed her commitment to God and her mission of being salt and light to a world that had gone astray. Nehemiah serves as a type of Christ. Jesus Christ is our strong Leader. He sacrificed himself for our redemption. He prays for our sanctification. And now he calls us to be his ambassador to those who don't know him. Under his supervision and with his Spirit's empowerment, we can "rise up and build" the Kingdom. This series will help us refocus our attention on our mission as a church, and recommit ourselves to faithfulness to God and to one another.

Faithfulness

In this final message in his series on Nehemiah, Mike Osborne explains what happened in Jerusalem when Nehemiah decided to return to Susa, the capital of Persia, for a time. You've heard the old adage: "When the cat's away, the mice will play"? That seems to be borne out by Nehemiah 13. But Nehemiah was a faithful friend to the Israelites. His actions upon his return to Jerusalem point us to Jesus Christ, the one true and faithful Friend. Living a life of dependence upon his grace will help you be a faithful follower of God.

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Worship in the Hope of Renewal

This message was delivered by the Rev. Scott Simmons, Director of Curriculum for Third Millennium Ministries in Orlando. It focuses on the dedication of the Jerusalem wall, described in Nehemiah 12. After listening to Scott's sermon, see how you would answer the question, "What is your stool softener?"

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Shattered

Mike Osborne preached this message on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Using Nehemiah 9, he said that we should respond to this national tragedy in two ways: repentance and lamentation. Nehemiah 9 records a prayer of confession and supplication by Israel's priests. Their situation is remarkably similar to that of the church today. The need of the hour is repentant hearts and faithful, heartfelt prayer. It is our hope that this sermon will help you see the gospel in the midst of tumult and grief.

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The Danger and Delight of God’s Word

What role does the Bible play in your life? Do you read it regularly, and when you read it do you really listen? Nehemiah 8 tells about an amazing morning-long encounter with the Bible by the people of Judah thanks to the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra. Perhaps this message will jump start your own new encounter with God's Word.

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A Family Tradition

This week we continue our study of the book of Nehemiah. Although Nehemiah has averted the attacks of Sanballet and the rebuilding of the wall is well on its way, once again our story takes a turn for the worse. The irony is, however, that this time the tribulation is coming from inside the camp.

For the first time in this story the malaise of the Jewish people is a result of their own flesh and blood, their Jewish brothers and sisters! The wealthy in the nation of Israel are exploiting the needy to the extent that the needy are fearing for their very lives and crying out in desperation for help.

But once again it is Nehemiah to the rescue. Instead of acting like the typical tyrant of his day, Nehemiah intervenes as a gracious father and a sacrificial brother and eases the suffering of the people.

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The Fight

Are you discouraged? Ever feel like quitting the Christian race? If so, this message may give you new direction. In Nehemiah 4, we see not only the reality that spiritual conflict is an unavoidable part of the Christian life, but also how to respond to the enemy's attacks. The nations surrounding Jerusalem sought to halt work on the city wall. Their intimidation tactics almost worked, were it not for Nehemiah's able handling of the situation. Find out what Nehemiah did and how to apply it to your own life.

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Gonna Take a Miracle

In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem to see what he can do to help God's people get back on their feet spiritually, emotionally, and economically. His first objective is to get the walls rebuilt.

In this message, Mike Osborne explains how Nehemiah serves as a type of Christ, who leads us in building the kingdom and making all things new. We live among ruins in a broken world. We ourselves have wounded, idolatrous hearts. We need Jesus to lead us through ruin to hope and eternal life.

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When Things Fall Apart

In this first message of his series on Nehemiah, Mike Osborne introduces the book and explains the mission Nehemiah felt compelled to undertake on behalf of his people. When things fall apart around you, Nehemiah's example is an inspiring guide for prayer, faith, and action.

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