John 15: As we start a new summer series we're calling "Follow Me" we're going to focus on building character in a world that prefers to gloss over it–and pursuing discipleship in a world where individualism reigns. In John 15, Jesus shares an image of a plant, where he is the center stalk, and those who believe in him are the branches. He provides life, truth, meaning–they bear fruit, bud leaves, reach to the sun. God, is the gardener. In this image we can see that it's first essential that we have certainty in our faith, then that we remain in Jesus's teaching, living with his Holy Spirit–and the outcome will be an infectious and attractive conviction–a unique and significant character we've always admired–will be ours.

Nehemiah 13: In the final chapter of Nehemiah, the happy moments of the climax of Chapter 12 take a turn. Nehemiah travels back to Persia to report to Artaxerxes, and the leaders and citizens of Israel double-back on each oath they committed to so fervently in Chapter 10. In this very unexpected, yet resoundingly human resolution, we see that Nehemiah is illuminating the big themes of his memoir. The very heart of which is the desperate need for Christ. This is shown four times by Nehemiah, when in agony, having done all he can do–he cries for mercy from God, "Remember me, Oh God, for Good”.

Nehemiah 11:1-2, 12:26-47. A wall, a temple. But next to no one living in the once great City of God. In the climax of Nehemiah, we discuss strength in weakness as central to the Christian life. Chapter 11 and 12 give us clear glimpse of Christ among the repentant nation of Israel. Recommitted, they sacrifice for each other as Christ sacrificed, they join in unity as Christ sought to build unity, and they ask the father for his mercy, as they sing praises in his presence.

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:32-39 & 2 Corinthians 8-9: The Israelites commit to give and care for the Temple, and those who serve and care for the worship of God. In this teaching, Jon presents a comparative study between the tithing of the Old Testament, and the giving of the New Testament, as witnessed by Paul. The goal, to ask these questions: 1) Why give to the church? 2) How do we give, and how much? 3) What does giving reveal in our heart?

Nehemiah 10:28-29, 31. The Israelites single in on the Sabbath as they recommit to keeping this commanded holy day of rest. Why and how were the Israelites commanded to rest? How do we understand this in the 21st century? How do we rest, especially in the face of the recent killing of George Floyd, protests, hatred and Racial Injustice all around us this very evening? Jon teaches on working alongside a God who rests when you cannot, and resting alongside a God who works even when you cannot.

Nehemiah 10:28-30 - Part 2 of a mini-series within Nehemiah, we are exploring oath-taking. What are the particular sins that the people of Jerusalem are most concerned with? Where do they anticipate the most difficulty in "righting the ship"? Today we'll explore a scourge of sin on the people of Israel. Intermarriage–not as a racial concern, but a spiritual concern–which has historically drawn the people away from the one true God to worship the Gods of the peoples around them. Ezra calls them a "faithless" people for doing this. While intermarriage may feel like a very Old Testament issue, it should cause us to ask–where do I remove the ring of my marriage to God? When do I choose to take it off? Am I married, yet sometimes living as if unmarried? Can I have it both ways?

Nehemiah 9:1-38 - Following Chapter 8, the people of Israel gather again. This time, the Levites regale them with an epic poem, an identity song, which praises their God, the keeper of promises, and confesses their hearts as promise breakers. Interestingly, this praise and confession does not depress them, but rather enlivens them with hope.

Nehemiah 7:5-8:18 - Following a 72 verse census account, the people of Israel gather within the walls of Jerusalem. Here, "as one" they desire God–requesting the spoken scriptures, worshiping and lamenting. So undone are they by their nations broken vows, that they weep amidst the grace God has given them to rebuild the walls of their city. Not until the leaders instruct them to celebrate, do they enter into praise and adoration. But it is from the weeping, the gravity of God's grace, that the joy of his love and protection is so much sweeter.

This week, we examine Chapter 6:1-7:4 of Nehemiah. We ask the question today, Why go on? When life is seemingly impossible, what does a follower of God do? Looking to Nehemiah we see here, that once again, Nehemiah's character is under assault. Yet his response is firm, he is not led out and distracted by the Enemy, nor put off by public libel against him. Even more, he does not seek self-protection, when it would call him to sin. No, Nehemiah stands firm. With God as his strength, he stubbornly perseveres in the constant battle against evil, because he is doing God's Great Work.

Nehemiah 5: Who doesn't wish to be a person of integrity? No sooner has Nehemiah braced his people to build the wall of Jerusalem and guard from enemies at, literally, the same time, then he reveals corruption from within. In a court-drama, the people of Israel report injustices among their brothers, and Nehemiah must use wisdom. Wisdom is this, realizing what is right by God (what contains the fear of God), and what is wrong by Him. And holding oneself to the same standard to which they hold the other. Well that's easier said than done, am I right? Hence, the crucial importance of Christ's sacrifice, and God's grace, at the cross.