In this week’s message, Pastor Brian walks through Nehemiah 9:38–10 and the powerful moment when God’s people recommit themselves fully to His ways. After turning from sin and responding to God’s mercy with repentance, the Israelites take the next step: they make a binding covenant—written, sealed, and shared by the entire community.

This message invites us to consider the same question: When you want something to change in your life, how do you get there? Not through striving, spiritual hacks, or trying harder—but by responding to God’s mercy with deep, intentional commitment.

Pastor Brian highlights six commitments the people of God made, each one anchored in Scripture and still relevant for followers of Jesus today: committing together in community, obeying the Word, protecting the covenant of marriage, practicing Sabbath rest, giving generously, and faithfully gathering in worship.

And while the people later fail in Nehemiah 13, their story reminds us of a vital truth: transformation does not depend on our perfection but on God’s persistent mercy. His covenant faithfulness sustains us, restores us, and empowers our obedience as we walk with Him.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Real change begins in view of God’s mercy, not personal effort.

• Covenant commitment is stronger than emotion—it's action, obedience, and shared devotion.

• Following Jesus is not a solo journey; it's a community commitment.

• God's Word is meant to be read, paid attention to, and practiced.

• Marriage is a sacred covenant to protect, uphold, and pray over.

• Sabbath is a gift of rest, freedom, and recalibration—not a burden.

• Generosity fuels mission, frees our hearts, and reflects God’s own generosity.

• Worship is central—we gather not to watch a service, but to meet with God as His people.

• Covenants depend on God’s faithfulness, not ours—He keeps His promises even when we fail.

Key Scripture Passages

Nehemiah 9:38–10; Lamentations 3:23–24; Exodus 34; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 19; Mark 2:27; John 1:14; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9; Hebrews 4:12; Proverbs 3:5–6

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome, Winter Weather & The Lobby Hang(01:45) Starting Question: How Do We Actually Change?(02:30) Repentance, Mercy & Moving Toward Covenant(03:30) A Binding Agreement: Serious, Written, and Communal(05:00) “In View of All This” — Responding to God’s Mercy(06:30) Why Covenant Commitment Matters(07:30) Six Commitments They Made (and We’re Invited Into)(08:00) Commitment #1 — Covenant Together as God’s People(09:00) Being Distinct From the World, Yet On Mission(11:00) Commitment #2 — Obey the Word of God(12:30) Reading, Paying Attention, and Doing the Word(14:00) A Story of Scripture Passed Down Through Generations(15:00) Commitment #3 — Protect and Uphold Marriage(16:30) God’s Design & Mission for Marriage(19:00) Guarding Marriage From The Culture Around & Within(20:00) Praying for Future Spouses(21:00) Commitment #4 — Remember the Sabbath(22:00) Rhythm of Rest: Work Six, Rest One(23:00) Sabbath as Gift, Not Legalism(24:00) A Personal Testimony of Rest(25:00) Past Teaching Series on Sabbath(26:00) Commitment #5 — Give Generously(27:00) Tithes, Firstfruits & Jesus' Teaching on Sacrificial Giving(29:00) Asking “What’s the Minimum?” vs. “How Can I Respond to Grace?”(30:00) Practical Encouragement for Giving(31:00) Generosity Fuels Mission at Branch Church(32:00) Commitment #6 — Worship Without Neglect(33:00) Why Gathering Matters(34:00) God’s Covenant Faithfulness When We Fail(35:00) Closing Prayer & Time of Worship

Keywords

Nehemiah 10, covenant, commitment, repentance, mercy, spiritual formation, obedience, reading Scripture, Sabbath, marriage, generosity, worship, Branch Church, Brian Suter, transformation, community, tithing, holiness, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, Minneapolis church, Minnetonka, spiritual renewal

In Nehemiah 9, God’s people move from celebration to confession—and from confession to repentance. In this week’s message, Pastor Josh explores the difference between simply confessing sin and truly repenting of it. Through personal story and Scripture, he shows how repentance isn’t a one-time moment but an ongoing rhythm of life with God.

As the Israelites gather in sackcloth, fasting, and humility, they remember who God is: gracious, compassionate, patient, and abounding in love. Their prayer becomes the longest recorded prayer in the Bible—retelling God’s faithfulness and their own repeated failures. Yet over and over again, God meets their rebellion with mercy, their wandering with provision, and their sin with forgiveness.

This message calls us to return to God with the same honesty and hope. True repentance leads to freedom, joy, and restored relationship—not shame. God is always ready to pardon, always patient with His people, and always inviting us back into His presence.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Confession says, “I’m sorry.” Repentance says, “I’m turning away from this sin.”

• Repentance is an ongoing rhythm of following Jesus—not a one-time moment.

• Reading God’s Word leads to confession → repentance → praise.

• God is compassionate, patient, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

• Like Israel, we often repeat old patterns—but God’s mercy outlasts our rebellion.

• God never abandons His people, even when they repeatedly walk away.

• Repentance leads not to shame, but to joy and freedom in Christ.

Key Scripture Passages

Nehemiah 9; Leviticus 20:26; Romans 2:4; Exodus 16; Deuteronomy 8

Chapters

(00:00) A Conversation About Repentance with a 4-Year-Old(01:30) Confession vs. Repentance — Josh’s High School Story(04:00) Repentance as a Lifelong Rhythm(05:00) Opening Question: When Was Your Last Repentance?(06:00) Reading Nehemiah 9:1–5(08:00) Worship as a Response to God’s Character(09:00) From Celebration to Conviction(10:00) Sackcloth, Fasting & Setting Themselves Apart(11:00) Obedience to God’s Word in Leviticus 20(12:00) Six Hours of Confession & Praise(13:00) The Pattern: Word → Confession → Repentance → Praise(14:00) Freedom From Shame Through Christ(15:00) Beginning the Longest Prayer in Scripture(16:00) Confessing God’s Character & Their Sin(17:00) Remembering God’s Deliverance & Faithfulness(20:00) Where Do You See God’s Goodness in Chaos?(22:00) Marking the Repeated Pattern of Sin & Mercy(23:00) God’s Compassion in Their Rebellion(26:00) God’s Patience With His People(29:00) The Cycle: Blessing → Wandering → Correction → Return(30:00) God Never Tires of Your Return(31:00) Real Confession: “You Are Right and I Am Wrong”(32:00) Closing Song: “Repent (What a Joy It Is)”

Keywords

Nehemiah 9, confession, repentance, compassion, forgiveness, Branch Church, Josh, spiritual formation, mercy, God’s faithfulness, humility, spiritual renewal, worship, Scripture, brokenness, restoration, spiritual disciplines, transformation, joy in repentance

In Nehemiah 8, God’s people gather to hear Scripture read aloud for the first time in a generation—and everything changes. As we learn, the wall around Jerusalem may be finished, but now God begins rebuilding something far more important: the hearts and lives of His people.

Through this powerful moment of worship, conviction, repentance, and joy, we see what happens when God’s Word becomes central again. Pastor Brian walks us through five essential practices for followers of Jesus who want to build their lives on Scripture—hearing it together, paying attention to it, responding in worship, letting it convict us, and walking in joyful obedience.

This message culminates in a moving reading of Romans 8, reminding us that God’s truth is alive, active, and meant to strengthen us with His unshakeable joy. No matter whether you're in a season of rebuilding or strengthening, God invites you to return to His Word—and find freedom, forgiveness, and joy in Him.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• God’s Word is the foundation for rebuilding and strengthening our spiritual lives.
• Followers of Jesus are formed through hearing Scripture together in community.
• True worship is both heart and body—responding to God with our whole selves.
• Conviction leads to repentance, forgiveness, and deep joy.
• “The joy of the Lord is your strength”—God protects, restores, and frees His people.
• Obedience to God’s Word opens the door to joy and renewed life.
• Celebration is a vital part of spiritual renewal.

Nehemiah 8; Romans 8; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Psalm 103

Chapters

(00:00) Legos, Instructions, & Why We Need God’s Word(01:45) The New Season in Nehemiah(03:00) Rebuilding: Strengthening or Starting Over(04:00) A Culture Searching for Truth(05:00) Takeaway #1: Hear the Word Together(07:00) “Bring Out the Book!” — A Hunger for Scripture(08:00) The Role of Community, Bible Study & Branch Homes(09:00) Takeaway #2: Pay Attention to the Word(10:00) How We View Scripture Shapes How We Engage It(11:00) Six Hours of Scripture—A Craving for God’s Voice(12:00) Takeaway #3: Respond to the Word with Worship(13:00) Expressing Worship with Body & Voice(15:00) Theology → Doxology(16:00) Takeaway #4: Let the Word Convict & Lead to Joy(17:00) Repentance → Forgiveness → Joy(19:00) God Celebrates When We Return to Him(20:00) Takeaway #5: Obey God’s Word Fully(21:30) The Festival of Booths & Joyful Obedience(22:30) Living Out What We’ve Heard(23:00) Worship, Reading Romans 8, & Closing Prayer(24:00–30:00) Full Reading of Romans 8

Keywords

Nehemiah 8, the joy of the Lord, Scripture, Bible teaching, Branch Church, Brian Suter, revival, worship, repentance, conviction, Romans 8, celebration, spiritual renewal, obedience, formation, community, spiritual growth, joy, God’s Word, teaching series, Minneapolis church, Minnetonka

In Nehemiah 6–7, the wall around Jerusalem is complete—but God’s work in His people is just beginning. In this message, we learn that restoration doesn’t stop when the rebuilding is done. God calls His people to live distinctly, to set healthy spiritual boundaries, and to cultivate what He has built within.

Drawing from Nehemiah’s leadership, we are challenged to “keep our confidence in God and His faithfulness,” to recognize the difference between self-confidence and God-confidence, and to live with purpose within the boundaries of His design. As the wall is finished, Nehemiah turns from building stone walls to building spiritual walls—protecting what’s sacred and preparing for what’s next.

This message also celebrates an extraordinary milestone in the story of Branch Church and Minnewashta Church, as God continues writing His story through faithful generations of believers. It’s a reminder that every name, every act of obedience, and every “yes” to God matters in His unfolding story of redemption.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Keep your confidence rooted in God’s faithfulness, not self-reliance.

• Boundaries are not barriers—they are protection for what God is cultivating.

• Worship restores and strengthens the people of God.

• Choose leaders and influences marked by integrity and the fear of the Lord.

• Set a spiritual plan: protect what’s external, cultivate what’s internal.

• God’s story continues through the faithfulness of His people.

• “The best is yet to come” — because God’s work is never done.

Key Scripture Passages: Nehemiah 6–7; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20; Romans 12:1–2

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Introduction(01:00) Completion of the Wall – God’s Faithfulness(03:00) Keep Your Confidence in God(05:00) God’s Work Is the Greater Testimony(06:00) Facing Naysayers and Opposition(09:00) The Need for Spiritual Boundaries(11:00) Being Distinct from the World(13:00) Appointing Gatekeepers, Musicians, and Levites(15:00) The Power of Worship in Restoration(16:00) The Call to Gather and Prioritize Worship(18:00) Choosing Leaders with Integrity and Fear of God(20:00) Setting a Spiritual Plan – Rule of Life(22:00) Formation: What Shapes You?(24:00) Growing Spiritually as Families and Individuals(26:00) The Names in Nehemiah and God’s Ongoing Story(27:00) Minnewashta & Branch: A Shared Legacy(29:00) God’s Faithfulness Through Generations(30:00) Looking Ahead: The Best Is Yet to Come

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, Brian Suter, boundary lines, confidence in God, worship, leadership, integrity, spiritual formation, rule of life, holiness, discipleship, restoration, faithfulness, legacy, Minnewashta Church, community, God’s story

In Nehemiah 6, the walls of Jerusalem are nearly complete, but opposition intensifies. Nehemiah faces distraction, deception, and intimidation from his enemies — yet through prayer, integrity, and perseverance, he remains steadfast in God’s mission. In this message, we here what it looks like to face spiritual resistance with courage and faith, reminding us that the real battle is not against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to steal, kill, and destroy.

As Nehemiah prays, “Lord, strengthen my hands,” we are reminded that the strength to endure and finish the work God has called us to doesn’t come from us — it comes from Him. Pastor Brian offers five practical principles from Nehemiah’s example for standing firm in the face of opposition and staying faithful to the mission of Jesus. The message closes with a meaningful invitation to communion, a reminder that grace, not perfection, is the foundation of our strength and unity.

Five Principles for Facing Opposition:

1. Do not get distracted from the mission God has given.

2. Declare the truth to combat lies and gossip.

3. Pray the opposite of the enemy’s plot.

4. Meet intimidation with courage and integrity.

5. Give it all to God and finish the work.

Key Scripture Passages: Nehemiah 6:1–15; Ephesians 6:10–18; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 40:31; Joshua 1:9

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Communion Invitation(02:00) Preparing Our Hearts for the Lord’s Table(04:00) Introduction to Nehemiah 6(06:00) The Mission and the Battle(07:00) Distraction and Deception: “The Plains of Ono”(09:00) Staying Focused on God’s Calling(11:00) The Danger of Lies and Gossip(13:00) Guarding Unity and Truth in the Church(16:00) Declaring Truth with Confidence(17:00) Praying Against the Enemy’s Intentions(18:00) “Lord, Strengthen My Hands”(19:00) Courage and Integrity Under Pressure(21:00) Refusing to Violate God’s Word(22:00) Giving It to God Instead of Getting Even(24:00) Finishing the Work in God’s Strength(26:00) Communion Reflection and Invitation

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, spiritual warfare, opposition, perseverance, prayer, courage, faith, integrity, truth, leadership, resilience, communion, discipleship, Ephesians 6, spiritual growth

In Nehemiah 5, the rebuilding of Jerusalem pauses as Nehemiah confronts a crisis of injustice among God’s people. While the wall rises, the community itself begins to crumble—families are starving, children are being sold into slavery, and the wealthy are exploiting the poor. In this message, we reflect on what true spiritual integrity looks like when our faith is tested by issues of justice, generosity, and compassion.

Through Nehemiah’s righteous anger and humble leadership, we see how faithfulness requires both courage and care. Nehemiah doesn’t just correct the injustice—he leads by example, choosing generosity over gain and reverence for God over self-interest. This message challenges each of us to examine our own hearts: are we more concerned with outward success than inward health? And do we confront brokenness with humility, justice, and love?

The teaching concludes with a moving story about Together for Good, an organization helping vulnerable children and families. Their testimony reminds us that God’s people are called not only to notice injustice but to act in love—opening homes, hearts, and hands in obedience to Him.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• God calls His people to generosity, justice, and inward integrity.

• Righteous anger leads to restoration when rooted in love.

• Leadership means going first—doing what’s right before asking others to.

• True repentance produces joy and praise, not shame.

• God’s grace cancels our spiritual debt so we can extend grace to others.

• The church’s call: notice, respond, and participate in God’s redemptive work.

Key Scripture Passages: Nehemiah 5:1–19; Exodus 22:25; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:40

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org
Learn more about Together for Good: tfgood.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Introduction(01:00) Snowboarding Story – What Truly Matters(03:00) Life and Death in Nehemiah’s Time(05:00) The Crisis of Injustice and Debt(07:00) Outward Rebuilding vs. Inward Neglect(09:00) Nehemiah’s Righteous Anger(10:00) Learning to Pause and Ponder Before Acting(12:00) Calling Out Injustice and Leading by Example(14:00) The Nobles’ Repentance and God’s Grace(16:00) Nehemiah’s Model of Humble Leadership(19:00) Reverence for God as Motivation for Justice(21:00) True Repentance and Spiritual Conviction(22:00) How God Uses Repentance for Future Ministry(23:00) Guest Interview: Together for Good(30:00) How to Support Vulnerable Families(33:00) Returning to Nehemiah – The Debt Paid in Full(34:00) Jesus as the Greater Nehemiah(35:00) Invitation to Receive Grace and Freedom

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, generosity, justice, compassion, leadership, repentance, spiritual integrity, righteous anger, restoration, Together for Good, community care, discipleship, faith in action, Jesus, grace, redemption

This week is a special celebration at Branch Church — Baptism Sunday! Pastor Brian Suter pauses our Nehemiah series to reflect on the meaning, beauty, and power of baptism. Rooted in Romans 6, this message reminds us that baptism is far more than a ritual — it’s a public declaration of new life, identity, and unity with Christ.

Through Scripture and story, Pastor Brian walks us through what baptism symbolizes: dying to our old selves, being raised to new life in Jesus, and proclaiming our freedom from sin. He also explains why Branch practices baptism by immersion, when the best time to be baptized is (“now”), and why this act of obedience and celebration is central to the life of the church.

As we hear the testimonies of those being baptized, we’re reminded that every story is a reflection of God’s grace — that He still transforms, redeems, and makes all things new.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Baptism is commissioned and commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20).

• It’s a symbol of salvation, not salvation itself.

• Through baptism, we declare: “I am no longer who I was; I belong to Christ.”

• We are united with Jesus in both His death and resurrection.

• We live a new life, no longer slaves to sin.

• Baptism is a testimony — God’s story told through His people.

Key Scripture Passages: Romans 6:1–11; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 8:26–39; Romans 10:9–10

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Branch Camp Recap(02:00) Introduction to Baptism Sunday(03:00) Why Baptism Matters(04:00) Jesus’ Commission in Matthew 28(05:00) Reading from Romans 6:1–11(06:00) New Identity in Christ(07:00) United with Jesus in Death and Resurrection(08:00) Living a New Life in Freedom(09:00) The Symbolism of Baptism(10:00) The Hope of Eternity(12:00) Why We Practice Immersion(13:00) Baptism as a Symbol, Not Salvation(14:00) When Should You Be Baptized?(15:00) Stories of Baptism and Testimony(16:00) A Celebration of God’s Transforming Grace

Keywords: Baptism, Branch Church, Brian Suter, Romans 6, new life, faith, salvation, testimony, grace, identity in Christ, discipleship, obedience, worship, celebration, freedom from sin, spiritual growth

In Nehemiah 4, God’s people face fierce opposition as they rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Through ridicule, threats, and exhaustion, Nehemiah models how to stand firm and trust that God fights for His people. In this message, Pastor Brian Suter unpacks what it looks like to respond to resistance—not with fear or retaliation—but with prayer, perseverance, and faith.

When the enemy pushes back, Nehemiah doesn’t lose focus. He prays, posts a guard, and leads with courage. The people rebuild with tools in one hand and swords in the other, showing us that spiritual resilience requires both dependence on God and active obedience. This message reminds us that opposition is inevitable when we follow God—but victory is certain because the battle belongs to the Lord.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Expect opposition when God is building something in your life.

• Pray first, then act—dependence before action.

• Our battle is spiritual, not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6).

• Resist discouragement through prayer, community, and remembrance.

• “Blow the trumpet”—invite others to pray and fight with you.

• God Himself fights for His people.

Key Scripture Passages: Nehemiah 4; Ephesians 6:10–18; Romans 12:19; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Introduction(02:00) Recap of Nehemiah’s Story(03:00) The Reality of Opposition(04:00) Spiritual Battle and God’s Victory(05:00) Facing Ridicule and Discouragement(07:00) Responding to Criticism with Prayer(10:00) Pray First, Then Act(12:00) Guarding the Work and Working with Faith(14:00) The Power of Community Prayer(16:00) Courage in Leadership(18:00) “Remember the Lord Who Is Great and Awesome”(20:00) A Challenge to Men and Spiritual Leadership(22:00) Strength in the Lord and Spiritual Alertness(25:00) “Blow the Trumpet” – Calling in the Church(27:00) God Fights for You(29:00) The Armor of God and Worship Response

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, Brian Suter, facing opposition, spiritual battle, prayer, perseverance, courage, leadership, unity, community, armor of God, faith, hope, discipleship, spiritual warfare, resilience

In Nehemiah 3, God mobilizes an entire community to rebuild what was broken. Through this detailed chapter—often overlooked as a list of names and places—we discover a powerful picture of unity, purpose, and divine collaboration. Pastor Brian Suter unpacks how God calls everyone to participate in His redemptive work, showing that rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem wasn’t just about construction—it was about transformation.

This message challenges us to consider what God is rebuilding or repairing in our own lives and reminds us that every role, gift, and person matters. From priests and rulers to perfume makers and daughters, each one played a part. The same is true today—God is using ordinary people through ordinary days to accomplish extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Are you in a season of rebuilding or repairing?

• God works through ordinary days to prepare extraordinary breakthroughs.

• It takes everybody—there’s diversity of work but unity of purpose.

• Families who serve together grow together.

• Everyone matters; your contribution is vital in God’s story.

• As God works through you, He is also working in you.

Key Scripture Passages: Nehemiah 3; Ephesians 3:20; Romans 12:4–6; 1 Peter 4:10; Revelation 21

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Communion Overview(02:00) Introduction and Recap of Nehemiah 1–2(03:00) Extreme Home Makeover Illustration(04:30) Overview of Nehemiah 3 and Its Details(06:00) Rebuilding vs. Repairing Seasons(09:00) God’s Power to Restore What’s Broken(09:45) The Ordinary Days That Prepare the Extraordinary(12:00) Strengthening Marriages and Everyday Faithfulness(13:00) It Takes Everybody – Unity in Diversity(14:00) Completing, Not Competing(16:00) Serving as an Expression of God’s Grace(17:00) Almost Everybody’s In – A Warning Against Pride(19:00) The Tinker Team Example(20:00) Families Who Serve Together Grow Together(21:00) Everyone Matters to God(22:00) God Works in You While Working Through You(24:00) Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Rebuilding Story(25:00) Revelation 21 and the Eternal City(27:00) Invitation to Salvation and Communion

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, rebuilding, repairing, unity, purpose, service, community, discipleship, restoration, ordinary faithfulness, spiritual growth, family, church life, grace, teamwork, God’s kingdom, Revelation 21

In Nehemiah 2:9–20, Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and begins the work of assessing the city’s ruins. Before rushing into action, he waits, prays, and carefully takes inventory of the destruction around him. This message challenges us to do the same in our own lives: to pause, take stock of what has become “white noise,” and ask God to reveal the areas of brokenness we’ve ignored or normalized.

Like Nehemiah, we are called to trust Him, stand firm against opposition, and rebuild what has been lost—not in our strength, but through His power.

Key Scripture Passage: Nehemiah 2:9–20

For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org

Chapters
(00:00) Recap from Nehemiah 2:1–8(02:00) White Noise Illustration and Personal Story(05:00) Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah(09:00) Nehemiah Waits and Assesses the Situation(11:00) Wisdom in Leadership and Taking Inventory(14:00) Calling Out the Problem: “You See the Trouble We Are In”(16:00) The Gracious Hand of God at Work(18:00) The People Respond to Rebuild(19:00) Identifying “White Noise” in Our Lives(22:00) Building Walls of Protection with God’s Help(24:00) Renewed Opposition and Nehemiah’s Bold Response(26:00) Standing Firm in God’s Power and Success

Keywords: Nehemiah, Branch Church, taking inventory, white noise, prayer, rebuilding, leadership, opposition, God’s gracious hand, discipleship, restoration, courage, spiritual growth, trust in God, hope