1. Nehemiah
Rubble Removal

2. Neh. 4:6-13 “6 So we built the wall
Neh. 4: “6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. 7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. 10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So…”

5. Anyone serious about being redeemed must first be willing to be redeemed.

6. Matt. 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, [but] you were not willing!”

7. 2. What you are redeemed out of is insignificant compared to what you are redeemed into.

8. CS Lewis “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink, sex, and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”

9. 3. Anyone serious about being redeemed will come to this conclusion… “There is too much rubble”. (Neh 4:10)

10. How do we remove Rubble in our lives?
Have a mind to work. (willingness + determination)
You Need Help from others!
You must set a guard. (Prov 4:23, Psalm 141:3)
Physically remove it. (Stuff, Debt, Bad Food, Poor Communication Styles, Bad Habits, Dysfunction)
Don’t be overwhelmed by your rubble.

11. Relativism

12. John 18:37-38 “37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king
John 18:37-38 “37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?””

13. God does not give special amnesty of the truth in your special case!
(and you would not want it if He did)

14. What is the rubble in our lives?
Sin (esp hidden)
Lack of discipline
Dysfunction (esp relational)
Stuff
Debt
Health

15. That’s what Discipleship is for.
We all need HELP removing rubble in our lives!
That’s what Discipleship is for.

16. Matt 28:19-20 ”19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

17. FirebrandChurch.com/Resources
Whole Counsel of God. (Michael Eaton)
Foundations Book
Relationships Sheet
Journeling (speak to Mike)
Disciple Questions sheet
Budgeting (speak to Meg, Barb, Barry, Dawn)
Parenting / Marriage (Classes coming)