Text: Nehemiah 8:1-18 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: After the wall was finished and the people finally had rest from the attacks of their enemies, they turned to another rebuilding effort. This time it wasn't the external structures of their city, it was the internal affections of their hearts. As they gathered together to hear God's Word read and preached, revival broke out. The people saw their need to reorder their lives around God's law, and in doing so they found great joy. And that same joy, which is ours in Christ, is the strength of God's people today.

In this lesson we examine a contemporary alternative to biblical friendship and what it produces.

Text: Nehemiah 6:1-7:73 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: We return to the common theme of suffering and adversity as Nehemiah faces a continued onslaught from Sanballat and company. Yet he and the people persevered through all the deception and temptation and finally, after 52 grueling days, the wall was finished and they had rest. How did they withstand so much suffering, and how can God's people today? Through God's help (6:16), and by centering their lives around the cross and the Bible.

In this lesson we sketch out a biblical framework for friendship from the created order found in Genesis.

Is friendship important? What is the state of friendship in our culture? What even is a friend and what are some modern barriers to friendship?

Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: All was not well within Jerusalem as the walls were being rebuilt. Not only did enemies surround them on the outside, but from within God's people also began to exploit and harm one another. Nehemiah did not participate in the extortion and exploitation; he put an end to it "because of the fear of God" that he had (Neh. 5:15). We all must have a proper fear of the Lord that leads us to self-sacrificial love and service to others.

Text: Nehemiah 2:17-4:23 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: Under Nehemiah's leadership the people began the difficult work of rebuilding the city walls, and they immediately faced opposition. They were met first with ridicule, then with violent threats, until finally they were able to build in relative peace. From their responses in each moment, we learn how we too should respond in both adversity and achievement. As we seek to follow Christ we will certainly face both, yet we can respond in faith as we rest in his ultimate victory.

Text: Romans 5:1-11 | Speaker: Chris Taylor

Text: Genesis 1:26-27 | Speaker: Lucas Lawrence Lucas is an intern at Gospel Fellowship PCA in Springfield. Along with his intern duties, he leads a young adults Bible study on Saturday evenings with his wife of six months, Sarah. Lucas is beginning his Masters work with Birmingham Theological Seminary this spring.

Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: God's Word alone is our only rule for faith and life. In it, we learn everything that we need to believe about God, and what he requires of us. The Bible teaches us all of it. Not just what to believe, but what to do. Doctrine and Duty; Creed and Conduct. In this passage, Paul reminds Timothy to keep this high view of Scripture. And we need that reminder too.