How to Build

Booneville church of Christ

By Jim Bradshaw

Sunday Evening, Feb. 1, 2015

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Can the Lord’s church Still Grow today?Many would argue today that we need to change our pattern.

The Bible was simply written for different times.

Heb 6:18 NKJV that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

God’s word is our standard!

We face God’s wrath if we stray from the pattern.

Lev 10:1-2 NKJV Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. (2) So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Nehemiah – a great leader

Read Nehemiah 1:1-11

Nehemiah Shows Concern for God’s City

Jerusalem was God’s City.

1Ki 11:36 NKJV And to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for Myself, to put My name there.

The Exiles had returned

1. Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple (536 BC, Ez. 1:1-4)2. Rebuild the city (457 BC, Ezra 7:9-11, 9:8-9)3. Nehemiah sent to rebuild wall (444 BC, Neh. 2)

Nehemiah was concernedNeh 1:3-4 NKJV And they said to me, "The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire." (4) So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

How concerned are we about the church today?

Nehemiah Prays to GodNeh 1:4 NKJV So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

What is our attitude when we pray? James 4:6-10

Jas 4:6-10 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." (7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (8) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (9) Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Nehemiah Prays to GodNehemiah:

1. Prays day and night for the children of Israel

2. Acknowledges the sins of Israel & himself Neh. 1:6,7

3. Brings up God’s promises, Neh. 1:8, 9

4. Asks for mercy (help for one in need)

How many pray for the church?Joh 17:20-21 NKJV "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; (21) that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

How many pray for the church?

Do you pray for:

1. The church as a whole

2. Local congregation

3. Mercy

Uses His Talent and Position

Nehemiah was the king’s cup bearer.

1. It was a prominent position

2. He would have stood out

3. Dangerous to bring personal requests to king

4. Regardless he would use his position for Jerusalem

What Talents do you have?Mat 25:24-30 NKJV "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. (25) And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' (26) "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. (27) So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. (28) So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

What Talents do you have?Mat 25:24-30 continued (29) 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. (30) And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Uses His Talent and Position

1. How will you use your talents next years to help the church?

2. What skill(s) will you learn and develop in the next 5 years?

3. Are you a leader or can you become one?

For us to Grow

1. We must show concern for the Lord’s church.

2. We must pray often for the Lord’s church.

3. We must use all of our abilities.