Live out Sunday all week long with the RESPOND GUIDE.
MAY 5, 2024
"MORE THAN A WALL"
DR. KEVIN UECKERT
Lead Pastor
READ
Nehemiah 7:1-73a
FOR YOU | FOR FAMILY | FOR SMALL GROUPS
READ
THIS WEEK'S TEXT
CONSIDER
Read this week's text aloud as a group. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.
In this sermon, we explore the significance of biblical community as seen in the book of Nehemiah, where the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem serves as a backdrop for a deeper spiritual lesson. The sermon emphasizes that it takes more than physical walls to protect God's people; it requires the joy of the Lord, which is our strength. The gathering of all generations to hear the Word of God, the central role of Scripture, and the various postures of worship all contribute to the experience of joy in the community. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder that the joy of the Lord is not just for mountaintop experiences but is designed to be rekindled regularly in community, fueling our mission and sustaining us through all of life's seasons.
1. How does the rebuilding of the walls in Nehemiah relate to our spiritual lives today?
2. Why do you think the people wept when they heard the Law, and how does this relate to our response to God's Word?
3. Do you come expectant to worship on Sunday? Describe what that looks like in your own life practically.
4. Why is it important for all generations to be involved in biblical community? Do you invest in this in your own life? How?
5. Discuss the statement "The joy of the Lord is our strength." Consider things like: What IS the joy of the Lord? How is it different than happiness? How is it strength? How have you experienced it in your life?
Next Steps:
As we move forward, we are encouraged to show up with expectation, knowing that God is ready to work in our midst. We are to respond to the Lord together, sharing our experiences of weeping and joy, and to ask for help within our community. By doing so, we stoke the fire of the joy of the Lord, which is essential for our spiritual strength and mission.
PRAY
Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You and being part of Your family. We pray that the discussions we've had will bear fruit in our lives and that we will carry the joy of the Lord as our strength into the world. Help us to be a light to others, sharing the love and joy we have in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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READ
THIS WEEK'S TEXT
CONSIDER
Read this week's text aloud as a family. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.In this sermon, we explored the importance of being faithful and walking in the fear of God as we bear responsibility for protecting our biblical community. Nehemiah's story is not just about the physical rebuilding of walls but about the spiritual fortification of God's people. We are reminded that it takes more than structures to safeguard the mission; it requires the hearts and hands of those committed to service, prayer, and generosity. The sermon challenges us to consider our roles within the church and our homes, urging us to keep the gates of our lives shut to the enemy's lies and to maintain a critical mass of prayer and giving for the mission to thrive.
What does it mean to be faithful?
Ask the children what they think faithfulness means in their everyday lives. How can they show faithfulness in their actions at home, in school, or in their community?Why is it important to "fear God"?
This can be a deeper concept, so tailor it for younger kids by explaining that fearing God means having great respect and love for Him, wanting to do what He thinks is right. Discuss examples of what this might look like in their lives.How can we protect our community like Nehemiah protected his?
Encourage your children to think about their own "community" This could be their family, friends, or school. Ask them to come up with ideas on how they can help keep it safe and happy, such as standing up for each other or helping someone in need.What are some lies the "enemy" might try to tell us, and how can we shut them out?
This question can lead to a discussion about honesty and integrity. Help them identify common 'lies' they might hear, like "you're not good enough" or "no one will find out," and talk about ways to counter these lies with truth and positive thinking.
Next Steps:
This week, let's each identify one area in our lives where we can be more faithful or walk more closely in the fear of God. It could be in our service to the church, our personal devotion time, or in being more generous with our resources. Let's commit to making a tangible change in that area and share our experiences with each other next time we meet.
PRAYLord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the wisdom and guidance You've provided through Your word. May the discussions we've had today take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. Help us to be vigilant gatekeepers of our souls, to be generous in spirit, and to be steadfast in prayer. Strengthen us to be Your faithful servants, living in awe of Your majesty and committed to Your mission. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Are you regularly utilizing the Respond Guide? We'd like to get feedback from you!
Help Us Make Respond Guide Better -
-
READ
THIS WEEK'S TEXT
CONSIDER
Read this week's text aloud as a group. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.
In this sermon, we explore the significance of biblical community as seen in the book of Nehemiah, where the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem serves as a backdrop for a deeper spiritual lesson. The sermon emphasizes that it takes more than physical walls to protect God's people; it requires the joy of the Lord, which is our strength. The gathering of all generations to hear the Word of God, the central role of Scripture, and the various postures of worship all contribute to the experience of joy in the community. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder that the joy of the Lord is not just for mountaintop experiences but is designed to be rekindled regularly in community, fueling our mission and sustaining us through all of life's seasons.
1. How does the rebuilding of the walls in Nehemiah relate to our spiritual lives today?
2. Why do you think the people wept when they heard the Law, and how does this relate to our response to God's Word?
3. Do you come expectant to worship on Sunday? Describe what that looks like in your own life practically.
4. Why is it important for all generations to be involved in biblical community? Do you invest in this in your own life? How?
5. Discuss the statement "The joy of the Lord is our strength." Consider things like: What IS the joy of the Lord? How is it different than happiness? How is it strength? How have you experienced it in your life?
Next Steps:
As we move forward, we are encouraged to show up with expectation, knowing that God is ready to work in our midst. We are to respond to the Lord together, sharing our experiences of weeping and joy, and to ask for help within our community. By doing so, we stoke the fire of the joy of the Lord, which is essential for our spiritual strength and mission.
PRAY
Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You and being part of Your family. We pray that the discussions we've had will bear fruit in our lives and that we will carry the joy of the Lord as our strength into the world. Help us to be a light to others, sharing the love and joy we have in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Are you regularly utilizing the Respond Guide? We'd like to get feedback from you!
Help Us Make Respond Guide Better
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