Sermon Central
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Restoring And Renewing The People Of God - A Study Of Ezra And Nehemiah
Contributed by David Owens on May 12, 2014 (message contributor)
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1. Our Promise-Keeping God
Contributed on May 12, 2014
We have a God who keeps His promises.
Introduction: A. Ann Landers, former advice columnist, challenged her readers to come up with the world's 3rd -biggest lie. She wrote, “The world’s biggest first two lies are: ‘The check is in the mail’ and ‘I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.’ ...read more
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2. When There's Conflict, Resolve It!
Contributed on Aug 31, 2014
Conflict is inevitable in our lives. Therefore, we must learn how to work toward conflict resolution. Nehemiah is an excellent example for us on resolving conflict.
Introduction: A. Today, I want us to begin this sermon by looking at a couple of cartoons to get us thinking about “conflict resolution.” 1. Cartoon #1 – Here we have a typical church committee meeting… a. Someone makes the proposal – “I think the church ...read more
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3. Ezra - A Person Of Influence
Contributed on Jul 1, 2014
In this sermon, we see that Ezra had an impact on others because he was devoted to the Word of God, he was devoted to prayer and fasting, and he was dependent on the hand of God.
Introduction: A. I like the story told of a preacher and a NYC taxi driver who both died and went to heaven. 1. The apostle Peter was at the Pearly gates waiting for them. 2. “Come with me,” said Peter to the taxi driver. 3. The taxi driver did as he was told and followed Peter to ...read more
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4. Dealing Decisively With Sin
Contributed on Jul 7, 2014
This sermon covers chapters 9 and 10, where Ezra deals with the sin of intermarriage that he discovers among the exiles in Jerusalem. It is a good example of the right reaction to any kind of sin.
Introduction: A. There is a story told of four preachers who were good friends, who lived in a small town many years ago, during a more simple and conservative time. 1. They often met for lunch at the local diner to talk about their lives and ministries. 2. During one of those gatherings, one ...read more
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5. When There's Opposition, Overcome It
Contributed on Aug 11, 2014
Whenever we attempt to live for God and accomplish God's purposes, we should expect opposition from God's enemies. In this lesson, we see how Nehemiah and God's people were able to overcome the opposition they faced.
Introduction: A. I like the story told of a hunter who one day raised his rifle and took careful aim at a large bear. 1. When he was about to pull the trigger, the bear spoke in a soft soothing voice, “Isn’t it better to talk than to shoot? What do you want? Let's negotiate the ...read more
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6. When The Walls Are Broken Down, Pray!
Contributed on Jul 14, 2014
Nehemiah's reaction to the bad news he hears is a great example for us about what to do when we face difficult circumstances.
Introduction: A. Have you ever had someone deliver you some news saying, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news, which do you want first?” B. Here are a few “Good news/bad news” items for preachers. 1. Good News: You baptized seven people today in the ...read more
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7. When There's A Problem, Address It!
Contributed on Sep 15, 2014
This is the last sermon of the series and covers Nehemiah 13. There are at least 4 major problems that Nehemiah had to address after he came back to Jerusalem for a second time.
Introduction: A. Let’s start with this cartoon. 1. This mother stands at the door of her son’s room, and the room is a mess – toys and clothes are scattered everywhere. a. Have any of you mothers and dads come upon a scene like this? b. It’s an everyday experience for ...read more
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8. When There's A Big Job To Do, Work As A Team!
Contributed on Aug 3, 2014
In this lesson, we learn important principles to help us serve God together as a team.
Introduction: A. How many of you have heard of elephant jokes? 1. Elephant jokes were a fad in the 1960s. 2. An elephant joke is a joke that is usually an absurd riddle or conundrum, and often a sequence of such that involves an elephant. 3. For instance: Q: How can you tell if an elephant is ...read more
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9. When Everything Is In Ruins, Rebuild!
Contributed on Jul 28, 2014
In this sermon, we see how Nehemiah helped the exiles begin rebuilding the walls, and we learn how to begin rebuilding out lives.
Introduction: A. The story is told of a company who felt like it was time for a shake-up, so they hired a new CEO. 1. This new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. 2. On a tour of the facilities, the new CEO noticed a guy leaning on a wall. 3. The room was full of workers ...read more
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10. When There's An Opportunity, Speak!
Contributed on Jul 21, 2014
As we examine the story of Nehemiah 2, where we see Nehemiah speaking up for God's people when he had the opportunity, we are challenged to learn to share the good news when we have opportunity.
Introduction: A. The story is told of a college student who was in a philosophy class, where there was a class discussion about whether or not God exists. 1. The professor tried to prove his point that there is no God by using this logical progression: a. He asked the class: “Has anyone ...read more
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11. Following God's Lead
Contributed on May 18, 2014
In this second sermon in this series, we explore how Israel follows God's lead after King Cyrus gives them permission to return and rebuild the Temple of God.
Introduction: A. Many of us have our favorite songs. Maybe it’s a song that describes the theme of our lives or of our relationships. 1. Major league baseball now uses what are called a player’s walk-up song – It is used as a player heads to the mound or walks to the ...read more
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12. When It's Dead, Revive It!
Contributed on Sep 8, 2014
God brings revival into people when they have their hearts prepared through involvement with prayer and the Word of God.
Introduction: A. On a bright and clear morning in July of 1982, two amateur prospectors were dredging for gold in a cold California river. 1. Mike Astle was in the river and had on a wet suit to protect him from the icy water, while his friend Dave Burgess stood nearby on the riverside ...read more
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13. Getting Started
Contributed on Jun 2, 2014
In this sermon we learn about the priority of worship and the Word of God.
Introduction: A. The story is told of a minister who was giving the children’s sermon one day at his church. 1. He had decided to talk to the kids about how to write a good sermon, in hopes of inspiring some to grow up and go into the ministry or become a Sunday School teacher. 2. So he ...read more
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14. Overcoming Obstacles (Part 1)
Contributed on Jun 11, 2014
In this sermon, we wrestle with the doubts, fears and compromise that comes when we face obstacles and opposition.
Introduction: A. Life is full of obstacles. 1. So the most important question is not: “Will we face obstacles?” 2. Rather, the most important question is: “How will we overcome the obstacles we face?” B. I like the story told of three men who were hiking in the ...read more
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15. Overcoming Obstacles (Part 2)
Contributed on Jun 16, 2014
In this sermon, we see how God worked through the prophets to get the building of the temple resumed and we see how God is always with us providing what is needed along the way.
Introduction: A. How many of you have seen the “Keep Calm and Carry On” Posters? 1. “Keep Calm and Carry On”- this slogan, printed on a colored background and topped with a royal crown, has cropped up everywhere. a. It is emblazoned on everything from totes and T-shirts ...read more