Chestnut Ridge Church
People love Bible stories, because they involve ordinary people doing extraordinary things—with
the help of God.
Our summer series, The Ordinaries, will explore examples & lessons from some of the most beloved
Old Testament Bible stories.
Music from today
Hallelujah for the Cross, Worthy of Your Name, Holy Spirit
The Ordinaries - Part 7: Nehemiah [August 12, 2018] Tim Haring
Problem: We don't allow ourselves to be impacted by the brokenness around us
Solution: Unless we are impacted by things, we won't make an impact on things
A FRACTURE OF THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH
Unless we are impacted, we won't make an impact
· 722 B.C. – Assyrians defeat and exile northern Israel
· 605 B.C. – Babylonians attack southern Israel for the first time
· 586 B.C. – Babylonians attack again and destroy Jerusalem and temple
· 538 B.C. – Temple restoration begins under Zerubbabel
· 478-464 B.C. – Esther reigns as queen. And then about 20 years later…
· 445-425 BC – Nehemiah, who was a cupbearer to the king, travels to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall.
Nehemiah 1:1-3 HCSB
"Royal cupbearers in antiquity, in addition to their skill in selecting and serving wine and their duty in tasting it as proof against poison, were also expected to be convivial and tactful companions to the kings. Being much in his confidence, they could thus wield considerable influence by way of informal counsel and discussion.”
– Williamson
Nehemiah 1:3 HCSB
Nehemiah 1:4-11 HCSB
Nehemiah 1:5 HCSB
Nehemiah 1:6-7 HCSB
Nehemiah 1:11 HCSB
Unless we are impacted, we won’t make an impact
Nehemiah was immediately burdened for his city. The fact that he was more than 700 miles away made no difference; nor did it matter that he was enjoying luxury and prestige in the palace of the king. He did not say, “The city’s plight is not my fault!” Immediately his heart was touched, and he wanted to do something to save his city. For four months he wept and prayed.
– Wiersbe
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ne 1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Nehemiah 2:1-5 HCSB
Nehemiah 2:8 HCSB
• Draw close to God, so you’ll see the heart of God.
• Pray. Ask God to change your heart.
• Take opportunities to meet the needs of others
• Ask God for wisdom as to when you should help and when you shouldn’t