First Baptist Church of Titusville FL June Granath

We close out this brief study of Israel's history under Nehemiah and see where the emphasis ought to be, and that is on Godly worship and a focus on God's Word.
We do not come here to feel good about who we are, because who we are - are sinners who fall short of what God intends for our lives, and that is to glorify Him.
I. Hunger for the Word vs. 1
II. Hearing the Word vs. 3
III. Honor for the Word vs. 5-6
IV. Handling of the Word vs. 6
V. Heeding the Word (vs. 9-10, 14-15)

Introduction: After completion of the wall, revival breaks out under Ezra, leading to a time of recommitment to God.
I. People re-examined their lives.
II. They made a commitment in writing.
III. They committed to acknowledge God as:
A. The priority of their lives.
B. The priority of their families.
C. The priority of their worship.
D. The priority of their possessions.
Mini-Sermon on Giving: We give of our time, talents, and treasures.
IV. They were willing to take a stand on:
Loving God and obeying Him.
Protecting the sanctity of their homes.
Keeping God's day holy,
Backing up their commitment with all of their lives.

Introduction: All have received criticism. The question is, "How do we handle criticism that is destructive?"
Beware the Seven Last Words of the Church: "We've never done it that way before."
I. Opposition Comes (vs. 1)
Anchored to the Rock, Christ Jesus, but geared to the times best is yet to be!
II. Opposition Builds (vs. 2-3)
The critics failed in their understanding. It was not Nehemiah's wall. It was God's wall.
III. Perfect Posture (vs. 4-5)
There is no time when we are stronger than when we are on our knees before God.
IV. Work Continues (vs. 6-9)
It takes special people with special faith and a special relationship with God to keep picking up one stone after another and keep placing them on the wall-making it better with each one.

I. Introduction
"We are called to be God's people."
II. Spiritual Preparation (vs. 11-13)
"Nehemiah needed some alone time with God and so do we."
III. Contagious Motivation (vs. 17-18)
"There is no substitute for personal testimony."
IV. Discouraging Opposition (vs. 19-20)
"The Kingdom of God moves forward in spite of opposition."

Introduction: If the Lord has authority over kings and rulers of the earth, think what He can do to whoever or whatever seems to have control over you.
I. Nehemiah has a problem (1:3)
II. What did he do? Prayer of:
Adoration (1:5)
Supplication (1:6)
Confession (1:6-7)
Intercession (1:8-9)
Consecration (1:11)
III. The result of his prayer (1:10b)
IV. God makes the change (2:1-8)
"Lord, work Your will through me and my words."
Close: Let God do it
Praying and waiting go together
Faith and action go together
Prepare for opposition

When a black hole comes into our lives, there is a force more powerful and more amazing just beyond it.
I. Jesus has a gentle touch.
II. Jesus has power over death.
III. Jesus is the First and Last.
IV. Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades.