Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

September 15, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

You Are Here! 

Ezra 3:1-6; Nehemiah 2:11-17a 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

CONTEXT: In Ezra 3, both Joshua and Zerubbabel acknowledged the reality of life in Jerusalem without the Temple. They began by simply rebuilding the altar. In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah took time to assess just how much damage had been done to the wall around the city. He acknowledged the devastation and communicated clearly to the leaders of Israel. 

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED: 

1. Before we can begin re-building anything, an honest assessment must be taken. 
2. After the assessment, we must accept the reality of the situation. 
3. Acknowledgment of reality must be holistic – emotional responses, accepting responsibility, experiencing the full brunt of the situation --- all are necessary to build a new future. 
4. Once we have embraced the reality of our situation, acknowledged the need to rebuild ----- resolve must begin to emerge.