SERMON TITLE: IT TAKES EVERYONE!

Text: Nehemiah 2:18

“Let US arise and build.” So THEY put their hands to the good work. —Nehemiah 2:18

SERMONIC FOCUS:

The way forward is based on a deep conviction that lies in a fresh understanding of our place in God’s story!

“And I told them how the Hand of my God had been favorable to me…” —Nehemiah 2:8

Convictions can be contagious! They drive ACTION!!
• Contagious refers to the exciting similar emotions, beliefs and conduct in others
• Contagion is not always a bad thing. It describes something irresistible; something you can’t catch, but something we have the potential to spread.
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BIG IDEA:

The way forward is based on a deep conviction that lies in a fresh understanding of our place in the story of God!

What breaks your heart?

Our faith is not for ourselves. It is not to be hoarded but spread to others! It is to be contagious!Convictions are firmly held beliefs that have been proven by biblical principles. Nehemiah’s unwavering convictions are rooted in his relationship with God!

• Your convictions are powerful and can be contagious!

“And because the gracious Hand of my God was upon me.” —Nehemiah 2:8

• Your confidence is a trait that attracts people to you and is influenced by others who are confident in themselves and their abilities.

“Let us…”
—Nehemiah 2:18

The needed changes could not be accomplished singularly! Nehemiah’s goal is to encourage the people to act together with conviction, confidence, and courage!

“It takes a village” is an idiom that means many people must cooperate to achieve a goal.

“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king.’” —Nehemiah 2:19

• Convictions have the power to mobilize one to action! They are so powerful that they can embolden and energize others as well. e.g. Greta Thunberg (of the Peoples Climate Movement) is quoted as saying, “To change everything, we need everyone.” Each and every one MUST participate in the climate resistance movement. We cannot just say we care; we must show it.
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They undertook a bold strategy consisting of:

1. Mass Mobilization—everyone is needed in this movement
2. Movement Alignment—everyone must align their actions and resources toward the missional aim

“We will…”
—Nehemiah 2:18

The goal is to mobilize the people and resources to release the power necessary address and advance change. The people are needed from the grassroots level to affect powerful and lasting change!

Grassroots movements are ones that use collective action from people in a given area as a basis to affect change at various levels.
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KEY:

Convictions drive actions & confidence breeds power, but it will require courage to move forward and take action!

“Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So, they put their hands to the good work! —Nehemiah 2:18
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THOUGHT:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see sharply what has been dimmed by familiarity!
Complication: sometimes we lack the courage and confidence to act according to our faith! Focus on the resource God has ALREADY supplied! (See Nehemiah 2:8 & 18).

We all have a role to play! God uses our skills, gifts, talents, and resources to build his church and impact our community!
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