February 22, 2014 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "Swords, Bricks, and Prayers - Part 4 - Nehemiah: Of Bricks and Prayers" - Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Randy Speyer

Baptism: Nicolás Andrés Belliard, Aaron Thomas Mirasol, Chloe Nicole Rolle Roda - Randy Roberts, Doug Mace

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 4:15–20 - Sonya DeLange

Note: Child Dedications and Baptisms are on the extras section of the dvd.

Sermon Notes:

If you have not done so already, I encourage you to go home this afternoon and read through Nehemiah 4. As you do so, notice the creative ways that Sanballat and his associates try to discourage Nehemiah from the work in which he is engaged. And then, take notice of the firm ways in which Nehemiah responds to these challenges. And, as you do so, ask yourself the question: How do I respond to challenges when they come? How willing am I to show the mettle, grit, and resolve Nehemiah showed in facing his opposition?

I am convinced that our ultimate success or failure in most of what we face in life will be determined not by the opportunities we have, the intelligence we’ve been given, the amount of money we have, or the overall support for our efforts. Rather, our success or failure will be determined largely by the way we handle opposition.

I can almost guarantee that whatever dream God has placed in your heart, there will be opposition to its fulfillment. How you deal with that opposition will be key to the kind of life you ultimately live. And Nehemiah has much to teach us about this.

Let’s learn from him. Together. Today.

Randy Roberts
Senior Pastor