Easter puts life into perspective because the Resurrection of Jesus is just that significant. It is the lens by which we view life, understand truth, and the primary reason we have to trust God’s character.

1. Power of TRUTH. Jesus' Resurrection puts reality into perspective. Power of TRUTH.

2. Power of TRUST. Jesus’ Resurrection is one more reason to trust God’s character.

3. Power of TRANSFORMATION. Jesus’ Resurrection demonstrates the power we all have been given to live the Christian life.

The first opposition Nehemiah faces in Jerusalem’s reconstruction is mockery and threats of smear campaigns. His only response was to fall back on the Word of God and the truth of why they were there.

1. Hatred of the Jewish people is the first and greatest mark of the heart of Satan.

2. Spiritual backgrounds mean nothing if they don’t impact who we are today.

3. The only response we should have towards lies is the truth.

The Triumphal Entry the week before Jesus' Resurrection was a fulfillment of prophecies centuries in the making. This attention to detail and punctuality on God's part gives us one more reason to believe He won't overlook similar details and promises He's made to us.

1. God doesn't overlook details.

2. God is never early or late. His timing is perfect.

3. God knows where He's taking us is worth the journey.

Nehemiah is an example of faith in action by trusting God every step of the way he was brought through His will for his life. We can learn from his example by understanding what trusting God looks like in action. He was patient, flexible, and unwilling to isolate himself in the process.

1. Blessed are the flexible. They won’t be broken.

2. God considers impossible circumstances as ideal opportunities.

3. God never limits His work to one person.

John's second letter addresses Christians concerning their source of joy. Antichrist religions posing as Christianity will challenge it, but the foundation of our hopes won't be disappointed if they're informed through God's Word.

1. Joy is the emotional reaction to hope fulfilled.

2. Joy is protected by informing your hopes through God's Word.

3. You rob yourself of joy by isolating yourself from others.

Nehemiah spends months in prayer that ultimately leads up to this moment. He is given the request God had been putting on everyone’s lives who were involved in a process that had significance that went beyond anything they could imagine.

1. The purpose of prayer is to change our hearts, not God’s mind.

2. The time spent preparing for a work is just as important as the work itself.

3. Never underestimate the work God can do through your life

John's final word in his letter is a warning about idolatry. It destroys lives in a very subtle way. And Christians are more at risk of falling into it than anyone else.

1. There is no greater burden than great potential.

2. The biggest mistakes are the product of small compromises made regularly over time.

3. Corruption takes place by erosion, not explosion.

Nehemiah’s ministry begins with his heart breaking over the state of Jerusalem. While nothing practical is accomplished yet, he makes the first and most important step in being used by God. He takes the time to make sure his own relationship with God was informed and equipped for whatever God desired of him.

1. The purpose of prayer is aligning your desires with God’s.

2. The love of God is impossible to show apart from the power of God.

3. The key to being used by God is showing up and trusting He will take care of the rest.