Sermon Archive

1 Peter 2:4-10

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Nehemiah 13:1-31

Mark’s sermon, Finishing Strong, draws parallels between Mr. Rogers and Nehemiah, emphasizing their dedication to making the world better and pointing people to God’s purpose. Nehemiah’s story, as seen in Nehemiah 13, shows his commitment to rebuilding the wall and restoring the people’s faith, yet upon his return years later, he finds the people had fallen back into sin, neglecting the house of God, dishonoring the Sabbath, and disobeying marriage laws. Despite Nehemiah’s passionate efforts, including drastic corrective actions, the story ends with him asking God to remember his work, highlighting humanity’s inability to fully measure up. This points to our need for Christ, who fulfilled the law perfectly. The message concludes by calling believers to finish strong by living as disciples of Jesus, obediently standing apart from the world and relying on Christ’s finished work for salvation, assurance, and eternal life.

Nehemiah 11-12

Ross’s sermon highlights how Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem was about more than restoring walls—it was about God restoring His people’s hearts for His glory. In Nehemiah 11-12, the Israelites pause to marvel at God’s work and respond by dedicating themselves to Him through worship. Ross identifies three marks of a life dedicated to God: setting our hearts on His purposes, rejoicing in His faithfulness, and giving sacrificially. He challenges us to reflect this dedication by making God our ultimate treasure, committing everything we have and are for His glory.

Nehemiah 9:38-10:39

In Marty’s sermon, he uses the analogy of a "Jar of Life" to illustrate the importance of prioritizing our lives according to God’s design. The jar represents our life, filled with big rocks, pebbles, and sand. The big rocks symbolize our primary commitments—things that shape our character and relationship with God. The smaller pebbles and sand represent lesser priorities and trivial matters. Marty emphasizes that if we fill our lives with insignificant pursuits, we won’t have room for the crucial commitments to faith and family. Drawing on Nehemiah’s example, he outlines five foundational commitments that should guide us as believers: honoring God’s Word, living a set-apart life, dedicating time for worship, supporting those in need, and upholding the church. Just as Nehemiah’s people committed themselves to God’s ways, Marty calls us to evaluate and prioritize our own lives for God’s glory, reminding us that true discipleship requires intentional commitment and change.

Nehemiah 9:1-37

Mark's sermon highlights that Nehemiah’s story isn’t about building walls but about shaping God’s people. While the wall was built swiftly, the heart transformation took much longer. After completing the wall, the people, now familiar with God’s Word, move from celebration to true repentance—confessing their sins and recalling God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout Israel’s history.

True repentance means more than just feeling sorry; it requires an honest heart change. As the sermon reminds us, we too need God’s Spirit and a new heart to break cycles of sin. Jesus fulfills this, empowering us to live fully as God’s people.

Nehemiah 8:1-18

In this sermon on Nehemiah 8, Pastor Ross emphasizes the pivotal moment when God's people, having completed the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, now turn to spiritual restoration. The focus shifts to a renewed passion for God's Word. Ezra reads the Law to the gathered people, who respond with conviction, understanding, and worship. Nehemiah encourages them not to grieve but to find joy in the Lord, as His Word becomes central to their lives. The sermon identifies four key aspects of a passion for God's Word: reading it, teaching it, celebrating it, and obeying it. Ross challenges the congregation to make God's Word the foundation of their lives, as it is the only way to truly live for God's glory.