Rebuilding the Walsl

Beginning of Rebuilding Ezra – Rebuild the temple / heart – “You are the temple” – 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19

Beginning of Rebuilding Nehemiah – Rebuild walls of protection We are vulnerable without walls

Beginning of Rebuilding “... going in and going out” – Deut 28 Walls – keep in / keep out Walls of salvation; gates of praise – “Enter with thanksgiving in your heart; his courts with praise” Thoughts, emotions and will

Facing Distractions Distract – take attention from “your” project – Weary – Compromise Intermarry Tempted to serve other gods

Facing Distractions The world becomes friends – Cyrus, Artaxerxes and Darius – Mindful of their own interests (Luke 16:8)

Facing Distractions The religious become enemies – Sanballat and the Pharisees – Defensive of their errors

Walls of Salvation Respect God – Offer defiled sacrifices (Ro 12:1) Respect all vows – Violate the ones we are to protect

Walls of Salvation Respect God’s love – Withhold ourselves from God and others Respect serving God – “What’s the point?”

God’s Story God is reconnecting with Judah Moving toward the heart

Their Story Drawing toward the “dark side” Vulnerable without walls Challenged to live righteously

Our Story Salvation changes the heart There will always be opposition! Put up “walls of salvation” We need vision – see where God is going