Rebuilding
Fall 2021 sermon series
The Joy of the Lord is your Strength - Modern
October 31, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 8:9–11, Nehemiah 12:43–47
Paul said the body of Christ rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn. Nehemiah said, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Even as children prepare to dress up and adults prepare to give out candy tonight, help us nurture the joy of the Lord that will persist in good and bad times. Help us celebrate even in suffering, because while we will have trouble in the world, Jesus has overcome the world. We ask for the love and joy that surpasses understanding in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Joy of the Lord is your Strength - Traditional
October 31, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 8:9–11, Nehemiah 12:43–47
Paul said the body of Christ rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn. Nehemiah said, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Even as children prepare to dress up and adults prepare to give out candy tonight, help us nurture the joy of the Lord that will persist in good and bad times. Help us celebrate even in suffering, because while we will have trouble in the world, Jesus has overcome the world. We ask for the love and joy that surpasses understanding in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Righteousness is Horizontal And Vertical! - Modern
October 24, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 9:1–8, Nehemiah 9:35–38
A cross would not be a cross if it lacked either the horizontal or vertical plane – it would simply be a line. In the same way, our salvation is not merely a matter of being in right relationship with neighbor or God alone – both are evidence of salvation. As we celebrate our ministry with scouting today, we give thanks that we have a shared investment in helping all people grow in the favor of God and of others. Strengthen us to love and serve both God and neighbor in Jesus’name. Amen.
Righteousness is Horizontal And Vertical! - Traditional
October 24, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 9:1–8, Nehemiah 9:35–38
A cross would not be a cross if it lacked either the horizontal or vertical plane – it would simply be a line. In the same way, our salvation is not merely a matter of being in right relationship with neighbor or God alone – both are evidence of salvation. As we celebrate our ministry with scouting today, we give thanks that we have a shared investment in helping all people grow in the favor of God and of others. Strengthen us to love and serve both God and neighbor in Jesus’name. Amen.
Let it Go! - Modern
October 17, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 6
When Nehemiah faced threats and lies, he remembered his purpose, which was to rebuild Israel’s witness by rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. How is it that we lose sight of our purpose so easily? We major in the minors. Help us see your purpose in our lives so that we can let go of minor things and hold onto major things. Help us shape our lives around your purpose, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let it Go! - Traditional
October 17, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 6
When Nehemiah faced threats and lies, he remembered his purpose, which was to rebuild Israel’s witness by rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. How is it that we lose sight of our purpose so easily? We major in the minors. Help us see your purpose in our lives so that we can let go of minor things and hold onto major things. Help us shape our lives around your purpose, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Revive Us Again - Modern
October 10, 2021 • 2 Timothy 1:1–14
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and neighbor. On Laity Sunday we lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – particularly as we remember the gift of those persons who loved us into leadership. ~excerpt from Discipleship Ministries The United Methodist Church
Revive Us Again - Traditional
October 10, 2021 • 2 Timothy 1:1–14
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Planting the Seeds
September 19, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Nehemiah 1
Loving Lord, it seems as if nothing lasts on this earth – weather, storms, disasters, disagreements, despair, estrangement, and all manner of things seem intent on tearing down whatever we seek to build. And even when something from the outside doesn’t threaten, we are good at sabotaging our own efforts. Forgive us when we don’t build on the foundations you have given us – faith, hope, and love. Forgive us for neglecting those foundations. And help us to have a spirit like you gave Nehemiah, to rebuild even in the face of destruction and despair, for we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.