Opposition and Response

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Opposition and Response

May 5, 2024 • Ron Moore • Nehemiah 4, Isaiah 12:2, Ephesians 6:10–20, Psalm 56:3–4, Proverbs 18:10

CONTEXT AND INTRODUCTION

Nehemiah held a high position in the Persian Empire when God called him to a greater endeavor. The walls around Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leaving the city without protection, security, and identity. Now, 140 years later, it was time to rebuild the walls. In Nehemiah 3, the true leader did what leaders do best. Nehemiah recruited a team of proven leaders to lead the rebuilding efforts. He placed them at strategic spots along the wall and delegated the work to them. But starting in chapter 4, those involved in the effort started hearing voices.

THE VOICES OF DOUBT

Anti-Jewish agitators were “angry and greatly enraged” that the rebuilding project was underway (Neh. 4:1). Their voices delivered statements that challenged the ability, wisdom, leadership, and resources of the Jews (Neh. 4:2-3).

THE VOICES OF FEAR

Israel’s enemy threatened war to stop the work (Neh. 4:6-8). They said that the Jews working on the wall “will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work” (Neh. 4:11). Even the Jews in the surrounding areas told the Jews working on the wall to stop and flee to safety (Neh. 4:12)

THE VOICES OF DISCOURAGEMENT

Israel had been all in (Neh. 2:18) and worked with determination to rebuild the wall to half its height (Neh. 4:6). But the enemy wore them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their strength began to fail, and they were ready to give up (Neh. 4:10).

Voices of doubt, fear, and discouragement will wear us down. But Nehemiah, the leader, addressed the voices head-on.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE

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CAREGIVING

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GROWTH TRACK

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Confession

June 9, 2024 • Dave DiDonato • Nehemiah 9, Romans 10:9–10, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 5:5–6, Ephesians 2:3–5

I’ll know God’s Word is transforming me when my focus shifts from self-glory to God’s glory. Nehemiah 9, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 12:2 I’ll know God’s Word is transforming me when my pride shrinks and humility grows. Proverbs 29:23, Psalm 25:9, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5-6 I’ll know God’s Word is transforming me when I’m constantly overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy. Nehemiah 9:17, 19, 27, 28, 31, Ephesians 2:3-5 I’ll know God’s Word is transforming me when confession and repentance become a daily priority. Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 32:1-5, Romans 10:9-10 -------- DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit http://biblechapel.org/devo. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at http://biblechapel.org/ GROWTH TRACK We all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, http://biblechapel.org/connect.

Worship Restored

June 2, 2024 • Ron Moore • Nehemiah 8

Read, study, and obey God’s Word. · Read God’s Word to learn who God is and who you are. · Study God’s Word to understand what God desires and how to respond. · Obey God’s Word to experience God’s joy and strength. -------- DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit http://biblechapel.org/devo. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at http://biblechapel.org/ GROWTH TRACK We all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, http://biblechapel.org/connect.

Completion of Wall / Exiles Settled

May 26, 2024 • Ron Moore • Nehemiah 6:15—7:73

Nehemiah held a privileged position in the powerful Persian Empire. When he learned that the walls of Jerusalem—the city of his ancestors—were in ruins, the people were living in disgrace, and God was being mocked, he was moved to action. God put it in Nehemiah’s heart to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls that provided protection, security, and identity to the city. Nehemiah traveled from the capital of the Persian Empire to Jerusalem—about a thousand-mile journey—surveyed the walls, designed a re-building plan, recruited strategic leaders (who recruited others), did a masterful job at delegation, and started a massive repair and rebuilding project. Even in the face of significant opposition and threats of military attack from enemies, the project was finished in fifty-two days. -------- DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit http://biblechapel.org/devo. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at http://biblechapel.org/ GROWTH TRACK We all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, http://biblechapel.org/connect.