Renew (Nehemiah Pt 2) Series

Series: Renew 2021

Thesis: We need to be renewed by connecting or re-connecting with the Lord this year in 2021. To do this requires a renewed mind, a renewed soul and a renewed passion for Jesus.

Key theme Scriptures for the year:

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:30-31

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Our theme for 2021 is Re-new we accomplish this by:

1. Renewing the mind

2. Refreshing the soul

3. Reigniting a passion for Jesus

When we decide to go after these (RE’s) another (RE) occurs – the word is revival – what is a revival? – it’s an extraordinary event moved by the power of the Holy Spirit to get people to repent and come to the Lord. It takes place within the church, within individuals lives, family lives and within the community. Revival is a great spiritual awakening and will change people, families, churches and communities – it’s a divine move of God.

Key point: The “Re’s” we have been exploring are all key ingredients to revival and renewal – these “Re’s” are to be looked on as beacons of light and hope for us to be renewed in 2021. We have to decide to put them into action to get a prayer for revival and renewal.

Sermon 2: Renewal (Nehemiah part 2)

Thesis: The Body of Christ in America needs to be renewed in 2021. They need to follow the example of Nehemiah who returned to Jerusalem by the direction of the Lord to rebuild, restore, rejuvenate, and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. To bring peace and security to the people of Jerusalem. All these elements are a part of revival!

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 2:1-10:

Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem

1During the month of Nisan£ in the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was king, I served him his wine, as I had done before. But this was the first time I had ever looked depressed.

2So the king said, “Why do you look so sad? You’re not sick. Something must be bothering you.” Even though I was frightened,

3£ I answered, “Your Majesty, I hope you live forever! I feel sad because the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and its gates have been burned down.”

4The king asked, “What do you want me to do?” I prayed to the God who rules from heaven.

5Then I told the king, “Sir, if it’s all right with you, please send me back to Judah, so that I can rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”

6The queen was sitting beside the king when he asked me, “How long will it take, and when will you be back?” The king agreed to let me go, and I told him when I would return.

7Then I asked, “Your Majesty, would you be willing to give me letters to the governors of the provinces west of the Euphrates River, so that I can travel safely to Judah?

8I will need timber to rebuild the gates of the fortress near the temple and more timber to construct the city wall and to build a place for me to live. And so, I would appreciate a letter to Asaph, who is in charge of the royal forest.” God was good to me, and the king did everything I asked.

9The king sent some army officers and cavalry troops along with me, and as I traveled through the Western Provinces, I gave the letters to the governors.

10But when Sanballat from Horon and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about what had happened, they became very angry, because they didn’t want anyone to help the people of Israel.

See the Bible for rest of the text Nehemiah 2:1-4:23

We need to follow the call of God to rebuild, restore and reinforce that which was broken down and left destroyed by the evil one. We need to follow the re’s that Nehemiah followed to get the building project started and completed. This will require faith, work, courage and a willingness to defend the building project. Yes, it also requires risk and standing strong on God’s Word and Truth in the midst of opposition, but it must be done to complete the task.