3. The Story Finding Your Story in God’s Story “Rebuilding the Walls” Series 2 - God Pursues His People

4. Review Chapter 20 “Queen of Beauty and Courage” Series 2 - God Pursues His People

6. Susa Z & J E N

7. I. Vulnerability Nehemiah 1: The City of Jerusalem is without walls – therefore vulnerable Great trouble and disgrace Nehemiah’s prayer Repentance Reminding God of his word Favor with the king

8. Nehemiah 2 Request to the king

9. Send me to Judah to rebuild the city Letters for safe travel through territories Supplies for gates for the city walls and a house for Nehemiah

10. Requests granted because the gracious hand of God upon Nehemiah

11. Nehemiah inspects the walls and reports Here’s the problem – we are in trouble Here’s the solution – let us rebuild the wall People motivated to rebuild the wall

12. The Opposition You are rebelling against the king God will help us succeed

13. II. The Work Begins - Nehemiah 3

14. Nehemiah 4 – Terroristic Threats 4:8 - They made plans to come and fight 4:9 – We prayed

15. 4:9 – They made threats 4:13 – We placed armed guards

16. 4:14 – The rally call 4:15-18 – Working while armed

17. Nehemiah 6 – the work completed 6:15 – The wall was finished in just 52 days This work had been done with the help of our God

18. III. Spiritual Renewal Nehemiah 8-10

19. Ezra reads the law

20. The Levites read and explained the meaning – helping the people understand

21. People weep when listening to the words of the law

22. Don’t be dejected – the joy of the Lord is your strength

23. The people confess their sins The people make vows

24. A prophetic word from Malachi Offering defiled sacrifices – crippled and diseased animals Priests’ instructions have caused many to stumble into sin Unfaithful in marriage vows Cheating God of tithes and offerings Cursed with a curse Call to repentance

25. IV. Application God stirs in your heart to do his work – assuming you have made it your purpose to live for him Psalm 37:4 (NASB) 4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

26. Doing the work of God will stir up opposition 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

27. Work with one hand and be armed with the other Ephesians 6:10-13

28. Your success will be as a result of the gracious hand of the Lord upon you Grace – God’s enabling power, giving you the ability to do what he has called you to Philippians 4:13 (NLT) 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Colossians 1:29 (NLT) 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

29. Stay true to your commitment to Jesus RepentantYieldedWilling Fruitful in your works