7. Nehemiah

8. Nehemiah’s background A member of an oppressed minority Successful in his imposed home Prepared for all that God had for him

9. trauma A messenger from God not a missile from Satan Nehemiah was concerned for the state of the land Nehemiah was concerned for the reputation of the LORD

10. The importance of being earnest “When I heard these things I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4) Nehemiah’s twin realities: How things should be How things are

11. Nehemiah grasped the true nature of God “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps the covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands” (Nehemiah 1:5)

12. Nehemiah’s confession “I confess the sins that we Israelites, including my father’s house, have committed against you” (Nehemiah 1:6)

13. Nehemiah held God to ransom “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses … even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there …” (Nehemiah 1:8)

14. Nehemiah’s unbelievably, irresponsibly, unreasonably short shopping list “give me favour” (Nehemiah 1:11)

16. victoria baptist church bringing faith to life