Recent figures indicate that 36% of Americans struggle with deep loneliness, while the number goes up to 61% for those 18-25. This message shows how the formation of community is central to God's creative purposes in the world and to the nature of the gospel.
The Bible tells us to be mercifull. But mercy can be really difficult to show, since mercy is not contrasted with hate or greed. Instead, mercy is contrasted with things that normally sound good, like righteous acts, judgment (justice), and sacrifice.
Life is about choices. And one of the choices a disciple must make is to deny themselves. But this isn't just about suffering for no good reason. Instead, Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves in hopes of gaining something better in the end.
Paul is teaching the Philippians that salvation is a group effort. He tells them to work out their salvation in fear and trembling. We cannot work out our personal salvation in isolation from one another.
There is a great deal of wrong things going on in our world today, but the Psalmist reminds us to also be mindful of the wrong things that are going on within ourselves.
In this historic moment the churches of Christ must assertively remind our fellow citizens that the only remedy for today’s social ills is not simply the love of God, but the love of God as we see God existing in our neighbor.
Those rebuilding the wall experience financial hardship during a time of famine. Nehemiah attributes the hardship to an economy where the wealthy prey on the poor. In this message, Bob proposes that an economy rooted in self-interest will always divide the people of God. But practices of sharing and generositiy can bring God's peace.
It only took 52 days to build the wall. Nehemiah relied on the power of God and the unity of the workers. Workers were merchants, goldsmith, politicians, and even a perfume maker. This church and city will be rebuilt when we focus less on our personal gifts and more on the mission that God has put in front of us.
Nehemiah's route back to Jerusalem was blessed by God and King Artexerxes. But it wasn't easy. No journey is. There are times in our lives when God says "Go" but obstacles make us rethink our calling. This message reminds us of our highest calling and the way that it motivates us to keep going even when things get difficult.
There is so much for us to learn from Nehemiah’s prayer for Jerusalem. Nehemiah affirmed promises made by God while also recognizing the human side of the covenant. Nehemiah confessed the sins of the system while also maintaining personal responsibility. Nehemiah prays boldly, as should we for our city and our country.