Introduction

One of the most captivating stories in the Bible can be found in Nehemiah chapters 1-7. Let me share this story with you. In Deuteronomy 12:5, Moses instructed the Israelites to seek the place where God would choose to dwell. Later, it was revealed that this place was Jerusalem, a city known for its glory and the spread of God's name. However, due to the Israelites' unfaithfulness, Jerusalem was destroyed, and its walls lay in ruins. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, was deeply saddened by this and felt compelled to take action. He obtained permission from the king to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and rallied people from all walks of life to join him in this monumental task.

Principle 1: Recognizing Broken Walls

There will always be broken walls that need to be rebuilt. We can see brokenness all around us, such as lives shattered by sin, hurt, and past failures. Churches may also be broken, either by compromising the truth or becoming focused on entertainment rather than spiritual growth. Even our country and government can be broken when they stray from godly principles. As followers of Christ, we should care about these broken walls and the lives affected by them.

Principle 2: God's Strategic Placements

God often places people in strategic positions to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer was crucial, as he had the trust and ear of the king. Similarly, each of us has a divine purpose and unique positions where we can make a difference. As a church, Discover Life Church has been placed in Johnson City for a reason, with a responsibility to touch the lives of those who are broken.

Principle 3: Unity and Collaboration

Nehemiah understood the power of community and teamwork. God used not only Nehemiah but also ordinary people from various backgrounds to work together towards a common goal. When God's people unite and work together, incredible things can be achieved. In our current world, where there is often a divide between management and workers, we must remember the strength that comes from working as a team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of Nehemiah teaches us valuable principles for rebuilding the broken walls in our lives, churches, and society. We must recognize the brokenness around us and care enough to take action. God has strategically placed each of us in positions where we can make a difference. By working together in unity, we can accomplish great things for God's Kingdom. Remember, every person has value and plays a vital role in the work of God. Let us be a church that actively seeks to rebuild the broken walls and touch the lives of those in need.

Get the Full Sermon

• Sermon Notes
• Midweek Discussion Questions