How We Rise and Rebuild As A Church

I NEED TO FEEL THE BURDEN TO BUILD

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept…”

Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

• Nehemiah hears about the brokenness of Jerusalem and is immediately moved to MOURN, FAST, and PRAY.

• The work of building begins not with bricks but with BURDEN - a heart broken by what breaks God’s heart. Before the mission can be FULFILLED, it must be DEEPLY FELT.

“Jesus approached Jerusalem… he wept over it.”

Luke 19:41 (NIV)

• Jesus was heartbroken because those who should have been WITH him would REJECT him.

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed & helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

• Jesus felt the BURDEN of the PEOPLE, deep in his heart and it SPURRED him to ACTION.

“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people…”

Romans 9:2–3 (NIV)

• Let’s have HEARTS that feel the BURDEN like Nehemiah, Jesus, and Paul.

I COMMIT TO BUILD TOGETHER IN UNITY

“Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV)

• Everyone has a PLACE in the WORK! 

• Men and women, rulers and commoners, priests and tradesmen, all side by side on the wall. It was a UNIFIED commitment.

“From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

“All the believers were one in heart and mind.”

Acts 4:32 (NIV)

I WILL DEAL WITH OPPOSITION BOTH INSIDE & OUT

“With one hand they carried materials, and with the other they held a weapon.”

Nehemiah 4:17 (NIV)

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”

Titus 3:10 (NIV)

“Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

Romans 16:17 (NIV)

“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left… rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

Acts 5:40–41 (NIV)

I REFUSE TO BE DISTRACTED & COME DOWN FROM BUILDING

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”

Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV)

• Satan’s favorite weapon is DISTRACTION. If he can’t DESTROY you, he’ll try to DETOUR you. 

• Don’t come down. The mission matters too much.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders… and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

“Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

I CELEBRATE GOD’S GLORY & THE WORLD’S OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HIM

“And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:43 (NIV)