We Can Do More Together
Name what's broken.
They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 1:3 NLT
If we ignore our community problems, then we forfeit our right to influence our community.
We don't have influence because we are right, we have influence when we care.
Don't ignore what's broken.
...In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer. Nehemiah 1:11 NLT
It's okay to expect a miracle, but not okay to wait for one.
You can't expect to rebuild something without it costing you something.
Proximity always changes your perspective.
The closer to the brokenness, the more impact we have.
But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Nehemiah 2:17 NLT
They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. Nehemiah 2:18 NLT
Do something you don't know how to do.
Everybody needed to rebuild the town was already there.
When the parents stood in the gap, the enemy decided not to attack.
Expect to see God but not necessarily the God you expect.
3 things that happened once the wall was rebuilt:
*those outside changed what they believed about God
When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:16 NLT
*those inside changed how they listened to God
From morning to noon he read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:3 NLT
*a generation changed how they worshipped God
They were all filled with great joy! The Israelites had not celebrated like this since the days of Joshua. Nehemiah 8:17 NLT
Working together can change how a generation sees God.