A Vision for a City Without Limits

Sixteen and final message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 11-12

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When we come to the closing chapters of Nehemiah there is still much to be accomplished for the restoration of Jerusalem. The exiles have been in the land for over 90 years: The Temple is restored, the city walls have been rebuilt, and the people have experienced a mighty revival. However, the city must be re-inhabited. lf God’s glory was going to return to Jerusalem, people had to be willing to invest their lives to the rebuilding of the city.

1. Our Constant  Nemesis: Drifting from God’s Purpose
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:3-5)

2. The Grand Theme of Nehemiah Building a City within a City

• Building a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)
• Jesus speaking
• Neighbor loving
• Community transforming

3. Nehemiah’s Relocation Plan  (Nehemiah 11:1-3)
There were only a few residents living in the city. Most were living in villages. Apparently the housing situation and living conditions in the city were not very good. And so it isn’t surprising that many of the Jews were unwilling to move in the city. So Nehemiah decided to cast lots and choose a tenth of the people to repopulate the city.

4. Dedicating Ourselves to the Future (Nehemiah 12:43)

• The people dedicate the work to God
• They dedicate the wall to God
• They dedicate the future to God

And there was the angel who talked with me, going out, and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and  will be the glory in her midst.’ (Zechariah 2:3-5)

Renewing the Covenant

Fifteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:36-10:39

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When we come to Nehemiah chapter 10, the people realized they needed to renew the covenant before God. Covenant is a word used throughout the Bible used to describe God’s special relationship with His people. Webster’s Dictionary defines covenant as “a formal, solemn, and binding contract between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.” Ezra and the people understand that the strength of their covenant pledge does not rest in their ability to perform but is God’s faithful character.

God has always used Covenant as a means of relating to His people. God’s Covenant with Adam and Eve, Abraham, David and Christ are examples of how God enters into redemptive relationship with His people.

Nehemiah and the people renew the Covenant in three important areas:

1. They pledged themselves to be a people of God’s Word (Nehemiah 10:29)

God’s Word is the highest authority.

God’s Word defines both sin and righteousness.

All of God’s Word is to be obeyed.

2. They pledge themselves to be a separated people for God’s glory (Nehemiah 10:30-31)

From the beginning of Israel’s calling they were to be a people separated unto the Lord. To walk in covenant relationship with God meant they were  to be a holy nation, God’s special people, a kingdom of priests to him; and  it also meant they were to live and worship separate from the other nations (Exodus 19:1-6)

Two areas of spiritual distinction:

• No mixed marriages
• Sabbath observance

3. They pledge themselves as a people devoted to the house of God (Nehemiah 10:32-39)

And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the LORD; will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:35-39 NKJV)

 

What Does True Confession Sound Like?

Fourteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9 and Psalm 51

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Corporate confession of sin is biblical, powerful and much needed in the church However, there is the tendency for it to become routine when it’s a constant part of our liturgy. When we recite words often enough, it is easy to rattle them off without examining our hearts of being disgusted about the ugly truth of our sinful condition. Our corporate confession is never to serve as a substitute for personal confession, repentance and forgiveness. What does true confession of sin sound like?

1. True confession begins with careful examination of sin. 

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (John Owen)

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

2. True confession is modeled for us in Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

3. True confession is not just acknowledging sin but leads to repentance of sin.

…these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me… Isaiah 29:13

4. True confession expresses godly sorrow.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Willing to take full responsibility for one’s sin (Psalm 51:1-2)
• Recognizes one’s accountability before God (Psalm 51:4)
• Recognizes his need for cleansing (Psalm 51:4-7)
• Confession based in hope (Psalm 51:10-14)
• Confession always leads to reconciliation.

Peacemaker’s seven A’s of confession:

1. Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)
2. Avoid if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)
3. Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions)
4. Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)
5. Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)
6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)
7. Ask for forgiveness

The Power of Public Confession

Thirteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9

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In Nehemiah 9, Ezra the scribe has taught the people the Word of the Lord.  After a careful reading of God’s word, the people realized they needed to tum back toward God. Hearing the Word has led to a deep conviction of sin and the people realize they must practice the very important step of confession so that the work of repentance is sealed in their hearts. Confession of sin that leads to true repentance is one of the greatest gifts that God has given to us.

• Confession of sin has always been a part of Israel’s worship in the Day of Atonement.

Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send  it  away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. (Leviticus 16:21 NKJV)

• Israel understood the value of a corporate identity.

 Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. (Nehemiah 9:1-2 NKJV)

•  Public confession is an act of worship that involves both faith in God and confession of sin.

• We worship when we confess Christ for who He is and what He does.
• And we worship when we proclaim our faith in the gospel by confessing our sin.

•  The Power of Public Confession

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10 NKJV)

Almighty God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.  We have not loved You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Deepen within us our sorrow for the wrong we have done, and the good we have left undone. Lord, You are full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy; there is always forgiveness with You! Restore to us the joy of Your salvation; bind up that which is broken, give light to our minds, strength to our wills, and rest to our souls. Speak to each of us, and let Your word abide with us until it has wrought in us Your holy will. Amen.

The Marks of Revival

Twelfth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 8

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ln Nehemiah chapter eight we find one of the greatest means of spiritual reform. As Ezra the scribe teaches from the first live books of the Old Testament, a revival breaks out. What a scene! Fifty thousand people are convicted in their heart, fall on their face and begin confessing their sins to God. The question is often asked, what does true revival look like? The story of Nehemiah helps us identify some very important aspects of true revival.

1. Revival comes from a love for God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:1-8) When God’s word penetrates our hearts and we truly yield to what God’s word declares revival takes place. The Spirit of God uses the Word to cleanse and revive the hearts of the people of God. David speaks of God’s word as being a source of personal revival. “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:25 NKJV)

2. Revival ignites the heart of men to move toward God His Word and their home. “Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.” (Nehemiah 8:13 NKJV) One of the great signs of true revival is men coming of Christ and turning their hearts back to their families. “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:6 NKJV)

3. Revival is a renewal of deep gratitude, restoring joy and grace in God’s people. (Nehemiah 8:14-17) “And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths…” (Nehemiah 8:14 NKJV)

How many cases can you remember‘? Such remarkable providence, some wonderful turn of events, that saved you from ruin. Set down the instances of God’s goodness to you when you were in sin, before your conversion, for which you have never been thankful enough; and the marvelous mercies that you have received since. How long the catalogue of instances where your ingratitude has been so black that you are forced to hide your face in confusion? (Charles Finney, Revivals of Religion)

The People of the Book

Eleventh message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10

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Amazingly in just 52 short days, the walls which fortified the city of Jerusalem had been restored. The city was now able to be reoccupied in safety and security. It’s now time to build the people instead of the walls and so Nehemiah takes one of his most important steps in the restoration of the people of Jerusalem: he appoints Ezra the scribe to proclaim the Word of God before the people. Ezra performs several important ministries through the Word.

1. Ezra brought the Book of the Law before the people – So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding… (Nehemiah 8:2a)
2. Ezra connects the Word to God’s redemptive work – …on the first day of the seventh month. (Nehemiah 8:2b)
3. Ezra uses the platform (pulpit) to address the people – So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose… (Nehemiah 8:4)
4. He opens the Book – And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5a)
5. Ezra raised the book above the people – …for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5)
6. Ezra blessed the Lord – And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with theirfaces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:6)
7. Ezra brought understanding to God’s Word – Nehemiah 8:2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13
8. Ezra showed them the full purpose of God’s Word - …for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

Cultural Architecture (Transforming Community)

Tenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 7

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When we come to chapter seven we see a major shift in the book. The wall is completed, the gates are restored and the city is safe from outside invaders. But Nehemiah’s work is not finished. He knows that a city is more than walls, gates and houses. A city is people and Nehemiah recognizes the need for transforming the community to reflect the glory of God. If he is going to build a community he must become a cultural architect. Instead of a culture of love, forgiveness and peace, this was a culture of criticism, judgment, unforgiveness and betrayal. Nehemiah takes several wise steps to bring about the needed reforms.

1. He Appoints Leaders to Lead – Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than man (Nehemiah 7:1-2 NKJV).

• Assistants
• Gatekeepers
• Guards

2. He Assigns Singers to Sing –Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed (Nehemiah 7:1 NKJV). (He) ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:16 NLT).

 3. He Assembles the People to be the People – Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it (Nehemiah 7:5 NKJV).  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).

4. Principles of Cultural Transformation:

• Back to zero
• Stating the obvious
• Transitioning emotionally

Completion, Continuation and Community

Ninth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-19

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When we come to close of chapter six we see that Nehemiah moves from the completion of the task to the continuation of the work. Completing the wall was a great accomplishment, but Nehemiah realizes that a city is much more than walls, gates, and houses. A city is people. Rebuilding the wall served to unite the people together and refocused their attention to God’s purpose. Now it was time to rebuild the community of God’s people. Even though Nehemiah has accomplished a great task, he realizes he can’t stop here. He must continue.

1. Completion Must Be Followed With Continuance – So the wall was finished…  (Nehemiah 6:15)
2. Humility Is Key To Moving Forward – So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days … for they perceived that this work was done by our God.  (Nehemiah 6:15-16)
3. Faithfulness Speaks the Loudest – And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (Nehemiah 6:16)
4. Recognizing Systemic Problems – Also in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. For many in Judah were pledged to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. Also they reported his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me. (Nehemiah 6:17-19)
5. Moving Forward With The Right Heart Attitude

• Let Jesus’ example encourage you (1 Peter 2:21-24)
• Do everything you can to live in peace (Romans 12:18)
• Grieve your loss and move forward (Psalm 27:10)
• Forgive (Ephesians 4:32)

Living and Working Before Greatness

Eighth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 6

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To this point in the story, Nehemiah’s enemies have failed in their attempts to stop the rebuilding the wall. However, as Nehemiah nears the completion of the work he is about to encounter one of enemy’s most vicious attacks. Sanballat and Tobiah attempt to distract, disgrace and deceive the leader. Yet Nehemiah demonstrates remarkable discernment, confidence and clarity in the face of opposition. How was this possible? I believe the answer is found in the fact that

Nehemiah possessed a keen awareness of the greatness of God.

1. Saying “No” To Distractions! - Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
2. Confronting Attempts To Disgrace! - “In the same way, Sanballat, for the fifth time, sent his servant to me with an open letter in hand.” In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king.  (Nehemiah 6:5-10)
3. Exposing Compromised Deception! - And  said, “Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!” Then I perceived that God had not sent him at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.  (Nehemiah 6:11-15)
4. Living And Working Before True Greatness!  - ”I am doing a great work, so that  cannot come down. Why should the work cease while  leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Like Nehemiah, we need a deep conviction of God’s greatness that shapes the way we view and live life.

• Our character development is a great work! (Philippians 2:12)
• Our purity is a great work! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• Our marriage and family is a great work (Ephesians 5:32-33)
• Our Church us a great work! (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28)
• Out ministry is a great work! (2 Timothy 2:20-22)

Making Course Corrections (Dealing With Setbacks)

Seventh message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 5

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When we come to the end of Chapter 4, everything seems to be going well.  But all is not well.  Just halfway through the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah faces a new kind of opposition.  This time it’s not opposition from without, but from within.  One of the most challenging things a leader can face are complaints, disagreements, problems coming from his own ranks. Nehemiah is about to learn three powerful lessons as a leader.

1.  Care for the oppressed and neglected (Nehemiah 5:1-5)

How should leaders handle complaints? Should we dismiss them? To dismiss a complaint is the right response if it is coming from someone who believes complaining is a virtue, or they see it as their gift to keep the leader in check.  But dismissing a complaint is the wrong response if the complaint is legitimate. That person may have a concern which needs to be heard. Or it may be coming from someone who doesn’t understand the vision, or as in this case is being oppressed.

Caring leaders handle complaints patiently and wisely (Nehemiah 5:6-7) (James 1:19, 3:17)

2.  Learn to negotiate peace (Nehemiah 5:8-11)

There are important times in a churches journey when peace must be fought for and championed. Leaders must be willing to become peace makers and fight for true peace. Nehemiah avoided the traps of peace faking and peace breaking.  Peace making requires the courage to confront sin through confession, repentance and forgiveness so reconciliation can be achieved.  Nehemiah demonstrated his ability to negotiate peace.

• He confronted sin and injustice.
• He confessed his own sin.
• He called for restitution.

3.  Give yourself to the work, but stay close to the people

• He treated the people with honor and respect. (verse 15)
• He worked on the wall beside the people. (verse 16 )
• He shared his table with the other leaders and the people. (verse 17)
• He cared for the people. (verse 18)

Because Nehemiah was willing to stay close to the people he established a culture of peace and maintained a spirit of worship among the people. (verse 13)

Pain and Progress (Part 2)

Sixth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 4

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In the fourth chapter, Nehemiah encounters a growing opposition to rebuilding the wall. As long as the people in Jerusalem were content with their weakened condition, the enemy left them alone. But when the Jews began to serve the Lord and bring glory to God’s name, the enemy became active. Nehemiah learned the important lesson — Opposition is not only evidence of God’s blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow. Satan wanted to use these problems as weapons to destroy the work, but God used them as tools to build His people. The difficulties that came to the work brought out the best in Nehemiah and his people. Here’s the principle: The price for progress is pain.

Everyone working for God’s cause should expect opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Expect apathy (Nehemiah 3:5)
• Expect anger (Nehemiah 4:1)
• Expect ridicule and criticism (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
• Expect a fight (Nehemiah 4:7-8)

The question is: How will we respond to opposition?

Four Tactics of Opposition the Enemy Uses to Stop the Work:

1. Compromise  (Nehemiah 2:20)
2. Distraction and Draining  (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
3. Discouragement Nehemiah 4:10 – Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”
4. Fear and Intimidation Nehemiah 4:14b-15 – “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.

Strategies for Building and Fighting

1. Guard the weak and vulnerable areas (4:13)
2. Send a faith message to the enemy (4:15)
3. Equip yourself with tools to build and weapons to fight (4:16-18)
4. Let the conflict unite you, not divide you (4:18-19)
5. Focus on the greatness of God (4:14)

Pain and Progress (Part 1)

Fifth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 4

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In the fourth chapter, Nehemiah encounters a growing opposition to rebuilding the wall. As long as the people in Jerusalem were content with their weakened condition, the enemy left them alone. But when the Jews began to serve the Lord and bring glory to God’s name, the enemy became active. Nehemiah learned the important lesson — Opposition is not only evidence of God’s blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow. Satan wanted to use these problems as weapons to destroy the work, but God used them as tools to build His people. The difficulties that came to the work brought out the best in Nehemiah and his people. Here’s the principle: The price for progress is pain.

Everyone working for God’s cause should expect opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Expect apathy (Nehemiah 3:5)
• Expect anger (Nehemiah 4:1)
• Expect ridicule and criticism (Nehemiah 4:2-3)
• Expect a fight (Nehemiah 4:7-8)

The question is: How will we respond to opposition?

Four Tactics of Opposition the Enemy Uses to Stop the Work:

1. Compromise  Nehemiah 2:20 – So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”
2. Distraction and Draining  Nehemiah 4:2b-3 – “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish— stones  that are burned?” Now Tobiah the Ammonite  was  beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up  on it,  he will break down their stone wall.”

We’ll look at the last two next time.

Leading and Laboring In Times of Change

Fourth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-23

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When we come to chapter three we see that Nehemiah is beginning to implement his vision of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. “Implementation” can be one of the most difficult steps in the vision process, because at that point you are asking people to change. People love vision talk. They love to hear sermons, read blogs and articles about vision. But often when they realize implementing vision requires change, they begin to think and act differently.

Seven truths about change

1. Most of us don’t like being asked to change.
2. People can handle only so much change.
3. People feel awkward when asked to do something new.
4. When people are confronted with change, they often think first about what they must give up.
5. Change makes people feel like they are alone.
6. People tend to revert back to their old behavior the minute the reason to change is removed.
7. People are at different levels of readiness for change.

The need for a good “change theology”
Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Leading in change requires strong and compassionate leaders
Nehemiah 3:1, 6, 13, 14, 15, 28

• Lead by example
• Lead by humility
• Lead by hard work

Judges 5:2 – “Israel’s leaders took charge, and the people gladly followed. Praise the LORD!

Laboring in change requires a people willing to work!
A great many people have got a false idea about the church. They have the idea that the church is a place to rest in… to get into a nicely cushioned to charities, listen to a minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of actual work in the church never enters their mind. (D.L. Moody)

See God’s work as the best personal investment of our lives
Nehemiah 3:10 – Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house.

Vision: The Only Way To Travel

Third message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20

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Nehemiah is a great study in vision. First of all, Nehemiah is one of the most visionary leaders in the Bible. With God’s help, he pulled  a project that is one of the most amazing feats recorded in Scripture. But also the story itself is like a road map for vision. The book literally contains a step by step process of vision and one of the most important steps of vision is heart preparation. Here is some of the “heart preparation” that we see in Nehemiah’s life.

• Vision is a holy discontent for status quo
• Vision comes to those who are desperate
• Vision is given to those who wait on God

Vision is about a journey
Nehemiah 2:9a – Then  went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters.

Vision rests in the kings authority
Nehemiah 2:9b – Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Vision focuses on restoration
Nehemiah 2:13-14 – And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but  there was  no room for the animal under me to pass.

Vision is sustained by hope
Nehemiah 2:17 – Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we  are  in, how Jerusalem  lies  waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”

Vision sees past the opposition of criticism
Nehemiah 2:19 – But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard  of it,  they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What  is  this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”

Nehemiah, A Great Leader!

Second message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:11-2:8

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After much prayer and planning, Nehemiah approaches King Artaxerxes with a request for the resources needed to build back the city of Jerusalem. In this second sermon in the Nehemiah series, we see how Nehemiah’s actions give us a great example of a prayerful, faithful, humble and bold leader who puts his trust completely in the Lord.

A man of prayer
Nehemiah 1:11 – Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring You. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”

A faithful man
Nehemiah 1:11 – In those days  was the king’s cup-bearer.

A passionate man
Nehemiah 2:2-3 – And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that  took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.

A humble man
Nehemiah 2:2-3 – Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick?  This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid, I said to the king “Let the king live forever.”

A courageous man
Nehemiah 2:4-5 – Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So  prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

A thoughtful man
Nehemiah 2:7-8 – Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I  come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that will occupy.”

Building a City Within a City

First message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

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In the first sermon in this series, we are introduced to Nehemiah, a man whose heart aches for the sad state of his people in Jerusalem. Nehemiah was a city builder and as such was a forerunner of Jesus. Christ’s vision for His church is to be a ‘city set on a hill,’ a city within a city, an alternate city. Like Nehemiah, we need the Holy Spirit to break us out of our tendency to accept the fallen conditions of our world as the norm for how things should be.

Introduction To Nehemiah

• Written about 445 BC.
• Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem 141 years earlier.
• Nehemiah lived during the time known as the Restoration Period.
• Nehemiah is part of the third exile from Babylon.
• Originally Ezra  Nehemiah were one book and later separated.
• Ezra focuses on rebuilding the Temple.
• Nehemiah focuses on rebuilding the city wall.

The True Purpose of Nehemiah - Building a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)

• Gospel-speaking.
• Neighbor-loving.
• Community-transforming.

The spiritual lesson we learn: Often our lives can have aspects which things are broken and devastated and need the power and benefits of the gospel to bring strength and stability.

The Response of Nehemiah
How are we to understand Nehemiah’s response when we realize the report he received from Hanani was not new news? Breaking out of normalcy.

The Prayer of Nehemiah
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4)

• Adoration
• Confession
• Remembrance