Along with external resistance that tried to discourage, deceive, and distract, Nehemiah was also dealing with internal resistance that threatened to divide. Self-orientation among God's people leads to division. When this happened to Nehemiah's team, he experienced righteous anger and rebuked those who were doing wrong, leading to repentance and restoration. Nehemiah had the credibility to do this because he took up responsibility, laid down his rights, and laid down his resources. 

Every vision, every team, and every good work will experience resistance. 

When resistance tries to discourage us, we devote ourselves to God's call

When resistance tries to deceive us, we defend ourselves with God's truth

When resistance tries to distract us, we depend on God's power

You can have a burden. You can have a vision. But you won't get far without a team.

On an effective team, everyone unites, everyone serves, and everyone matters. 

Vision means seeing what should be. Nehemiah's God-given burden led him to a God-inspired vision. But there were obstacles that would challenge his vision. In this message we see that vision requires courage, clarity, and confidence (in God).

A BURDEN leads us to BUILD.

A BURDEN is a PROBLEM that awakens a PASSION that leads us to PRAY. 

Life without the Lord looks like seizing control. Life with the Lord means surrendering control, in our work, in our world, releasing our worry to Christ.

“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain...

Jesus is worthy as the righteous Shoot of Jesse, the royal Son of David, and the reigning Savior of the nations. 

The Lion is worthy to receive (praise, victory, and fear)

The Lion is worthy to rule

The Lion is worthy to receive

Is He worthy? He is!

The first message in our Advent series from Revelation: Is He Worthy?