Brick By Brick
Lessons From Nehemiah - Rebuilding The Wall - July & August 2020
Finish Well - Build For The Future
August 30, 2020 • Robin Stuber • Nehemiah 4—6
This week, we look forward to hearing from Robin Stuber as she brings the Word to the Family of Grace as we conclude our look at Nehemiah... As we end our study of the book of Nehemiah there arises this question: “Are you going to finish, and finish well?” Nehemiah, like us, was faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstances, confusion, opposition, and trials. But in the midst of it Nehemiah was able to persevere with Faith, Focus and Finishing Well. This week we dive into this book one more time to gather the tools and secrets of this great leader on how to “go to the tape” and Finish Well both for now and for the future.
We Are The Church
August 23, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Nehemiah 3:1—4:6
This week we return to Nehemiah. The Israelites begin to work on rebuilding the wall. But, as we saw from two weeks ago, rebuilding the wall is the Lower Story. We will see the Upper Story as we look at Nehemiah 3. There will be too much to read, so before the Worship Service, take time to read the entire chapter of Nehemiah 3. As you read it, try to imagine looking down upon the scene as you soar on Eagles Wings (thanks Dennis for another marvelous sermon). What do you notice? What can you sense is the Upper Story? Then, as we head into chapter 4, Sanballat is back on the scene. He is scoffing and mocking, but the people continue to labor on the wall. How is it possible to do the work of the Lord when others try to threaten and intimidate God's people? The climate is not too different today as we seek to do the work of the Lord. Yet, as we will see, nothing can deter us from doing the work of the Kingdom, for WE ARE THE CHURCH.
Let Us Rise Up
July 19, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Nehemiah 2:11–20
As we continue on in Nehemiah 2.11-20 we see that Nehemiah is now in Jerusalem. He has only heard about the ruins. Now he is able to visit them firsthand. I wonder what his response was when he arrived on the scene. He didn't get right to work. He spent three days in Jerusalem before even investigating the walls. He wasn't just hanging out at the local coffee shop. My guess is he continue to pray and wait. There is so much we can learn from Nehemiah. I am sure that he was overwhelmed by the condition of the walls. Yet, he peacefully, calmly, even secretly surveyed everything before he rallied everybody together. He was a man on a mission, but he operated in the strength of God with the wisdom of God. And, he encountered some antagonizing individuals. Still, he relied upon God. Let us seek God as we worship together, leaning into His character and nature, in order to hear the beating of His heart and to receive the wisdom for whatever we may encounter as we press on with the work He has called us to do.
Seize The Moment
July 12, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Nehemiah 2:1–10
As we continue in Nehemiah, the King recognizes that Nehemiah is "sad" in his presence. Nehemiah has never been "sad" before. The King inquires as to why Nehemiah is "sad". However the King came to that discernment, it appears that he is empathetic. The King then inquires as to what he could do to help. As we gather for worship, perhaps you are "sad", and your heart is heavy. You can put on a good front, but God, the true King, knows your spirit. He also is the one who has what you need. Allow the heaviness in your heart, the confusion in your soul, the weariness of your Spirit to be fully surrendered to the One who sits on the throne and can heal your deepest wound.
Rebuilding & Restoring
July 5, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Nehemiah 1
Communion Sunday - please gather some bread and juice before you begin the service. As we come together for worship, we will begin a new series: Brick by Brick. Our focus will be on the book of Nehemiah as he begins to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Today we will also participate in Communion. As we see how Nehemiah agonizes over the ruins of Jerusalem, and prays for God to rebuild what has been destroyed, we will also be reminded that by the sacrificial death of Christ, God has torn down the great dividing wall of hostility. It is through Christ's death and Resurrection that God has been able to rebuild what was broken and restore what was lost. Christ has reconciled us to God and one another. We now have been given the ministry of reconciliation. God is going to use us to rebuild what was broken, as He begins to restore what is lost. As you prepare for Worship, be sure you have your juice and bread, or whatever you are going to use. More importantly, begin to prepare your heart. Spend time perhaps in silence before you engage in Worship. Invite God to reveal to you where He wants to rebuild and restore your life, your family, your relationships, and even our community, country and world. Because of Christ, and in His Grace, Pastor Bill