Nehemiah
Feb–May 2016
Nehemiah Part 11 - Nehemiah 11:1-12:47
April 24, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
Through the story of God’s people in Nehemiah, we learn that our foundation and motivation for worship is the finished work of Christ securing our identity in him and the more we are saturated in the story of God, the greater our capacity and desire is to worship God with our lives. Nehemiah 11:1-12:47; Exodus 6:6-8
Nehemiah Part 10 - Nehemiah 9:38-10:39
April 17, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
As the people of God are reminded of the story of God it leads them to recommit to the obligations of the covenant, which includes observance of the law, giving, worship, commitment to a holy identity, Sabbath observance, and contribution to the priests/temple. As we understand the story of God and who we are in Christ, it compels us to live a life reflecting the goodness and grace of God. Nehemiah 9:38-10:39; Exodus 19:4-6; Nehemiah 5:5; Nehemiah 8:13; Ephesians 2:4-10, 2:19-22, 4:1-3, 4:17-24
Nehemiah Part 8 - Nehemiah 8:1-18
April 3, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
As Ezra read from the law, the Hebrews are faced with their restored identity and place in the story of God, and respond with an eagerness to learn the scriptures, repent of sin, celebrate God’s grace and live differently. Nehemiah 8:1-18
Nehemiah Part 6 - Nehemiah 6:1-14
March 13, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
With the internal struggles and oppression among the Hebrews dealt with, Nehemiah’s attention is turned, once again, to the completion of the wall. The wall is almost done, but there was a final effort from external enemies to oppose the work in the city of Jerusalem, by harming, intimidating and discrediting Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s singular focus on God’s mission, in the face of opposition, shows us how to resist distraction, temptation, and disobedience to God’s call on our life, for his mission. Key Texts: Nehemiah 6:1-14; James 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; 1 Peter 5:8
Nehemiah Part 5 - Nehemiah 5:1-19
March 6, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
The people of Israel cried out because of the oppression from within the people of God. Nobles and officials were exacting crushing interest and bankrupting their brothers and sisters, forcing them to go into slavery. Nehemiah roots out the sin of the people, calls them to repentance and strive for holiness, and shows them how to live in their restored identity as God’s people. KEY TEXTS: Nehemiah 5:1-19; Deuteronomy 28:15, 32-33; Leviticus 25:35-37; Ephesians 4:17-24
Nehemiah Part 3 - Nehemiah 3:1-32
February 21, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
God’s heart for the brokenness of this world involves a call to his people to respond in obedience and faithfulness. KEY TEXTS: Nehemiah 3:1-32; Nehemiah 2:18-20; Nehemiah 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-12; Matthew 5:16; 2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 40:4-8
Nehemiah Part 2 - Nehemiah 2:1-20
February 14, 2016 • Bert Alcorn
Thriving in exile, Nehemiah garners the favor of the kind and goes to Jerusalem to rally and cast vision to God’s people to restore the wall of the city. As he casts vision, he encounters opposition and encouragement, but ultimately as we go into the areas God has called us, God gives us our identity, strength, power and foundation. KEY TEXTS: Nehemiah 1:11-2:20; Nehemiah 1:4-11a; Romans 8:31-34; 1 Peter 2:9
Nehemiah Part 1 - Nehemiah 1:1-11
February 7, 2016 • Matt Larson
There is a break in the story when God’s people are not living out their identity as the people of God walking in the Word of God. As Nehemiah hears this, his prophetic heart breaks and something must be done to restore God’s people to their proper way. It’s a tragic thing when God’s people are not living their identity as God’s people. Key Texts: Nehemiah 1:1-11; Luke 19:41-44