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WEEK 1
The Old Testament is the story of God's love to his people through law and covenant.
The New Testament is the story of God's love by way of Jesus. Jesus being the final sacrificial lamb of atonement for our sins. Breaking us free from the law and bringing us into a new covenant.
As we venture through this book of the Bible together, we will be connecting Nehemiah’s process of rebuilding in a couple of different ways. We will be connecting it to where we are as a church body on the small scale, where we are on the larger scale “the greater scope of THE church” and on a personal level, where you are in this process of rebuilding in your own life.
Are there places that have some rubble that needs our attention?
So where are you today? What are you building upon? Where in your life is there rubble and trials and maybe even wreckage?
We literally have a visual of total destruction of a city in Los Angeles. One day it is standing the next day it is a pile of ashes…….
Our lives can feel that way sometimes, where do you turn for your help?
God was using everyday normal people to accomplish His work. During all the time that they were in 70 years of captivity God was using Daniel, a young man taken into captivity he was an ordinary guy (a brilliant ordinary guy) put in a position of honor in the kings court. Served a dangerous king, survived a lion's den, and during this time, he never faltered in his obedience to his God.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived a firey furnace because they would not bow down to an evil king.
Esther's story happened during the time of the reconstruction and what that actually tells us is that even though Cyrus had given permission to rebuild, there was still trouble that happened during the rebuilding process. Hence, Esther's story.
Will you be able to trust that God can do what He says He can and will do in your life? Will you be open to where He might take you?
WEEK 2
God is God, and I am not
If things need to change, then I need to change
Dependency = Ability
The first thing Nehemiah does is call to God for help. He prays and fasts for about 100
days from the day he hears the news of Jerusalem till the time his prayer is answered! How and why did he persist? Because in humility, he knew that in his own strength there was nothing he could do. But he had heard of the LORD God, the God of His ancestors, how He parted the Red Sea, led His people out of slavery, created all things! So he begins his prayer acknowledging Who God is... 'And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants,...” Nehemiah 1:5-6. Praying this way puts things in perspective. In other words, “You are God! I am not. And I needYou!” If we think we can do it, we won’t go to God, but instead, we’ll turn to other things, just like the people of Judah did! The first building block to restoration is prayer through humility. If things need to change, then I need to change.
"Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the
people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. ' Nehemiah 1:6-7
Repentance is: A change of mind
Preceded by a change of heart
Proceeded by a change of life and this is what Nehemiah began to do in his prayer to the
LORD.
The change of heart is a work initiated by the Holy Spirit within us. We see this Acts 2 The
apostle Peter shares with a huge group of people the Word of God and testifies to the work of
Jesus Christ. As he is speaking, The Spirit touches the hearts of 3,000 people, and this is what
happened:
'Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the
apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ' Acts 2:37-38
Is there something in your life that you feel conviction over that needs a change of heart, mind,
and life? Are there decisions you are making that are causing your heart to harden toward God?
This is where repentance comes in.... Seeing our brokenness and softening our hearts to our
own state, wanting something to change and determine that we are willing to do something
about it, and then turning to God with it all in prayer, acknowledging that He can help and we
want His help...This is the process of becoming restored. And it doesn’t happen over night!
'Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.' Romans 12:2
The change of life happens when we stay in this place of oneness with Jesus, allowing Holy
Spirit to continually change our hearts, and as He does, we change or “renew” our minds. This then influences everything we do, and as this process continues, our lives continue to change. '
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ' John 15:5
Dependency = Ability
Often the mentality in church or “Christian culture" is that we need to roll up our sleeves and just be better, make better decisions, just get it together!
Those who you may know that have a solid foundation for their life, that aren’t easily shaken, and that have strength in any adversity, are people who have their life anchored to God, fully dependent on Him, by the fasteners of prayer.
Nehemiah throughout this book, though not perfect, turns to God in prayer and leans on Him for help in time of need.
Even Christ, the God the Man, demonstrated His dependency on God the Father by His prayer
life. In the Gospel of Mark it says, ‘...Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it
was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer. ' Mark 1:35 He would do this often. He would pray at times before and after healing someone, before choosing His disciples, before going to the Cross in the garden where He said, “Father, not my will, but Yours be done”, and even on the Cross. As our example, Jesus showed the power of living in oneness with total dependency on God through prayer.
What in your life needs restoration and rebuilding?
Restoration begins when we bring our brokenness to God in Prayer. As we find out through the
rest of our study of Nehemiah, restoration is hard work and we will face challenges and
obstacles, but in turning our eyes to Jesus in prayer, and persisting in prayer, we will watch the
God who was faithful to His Word continue to be faithful to His Word.
WEEK 3
Nehemiah 1:11 NIV
11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.
Nehemiah 2:1-3 NLT
Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem
2 Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan,[a] during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 2 So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”
Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
WAITING
There are four months between the time of Nehemiah’s news of the wall to the time he offered his prayer and conversation with King Artaxerxes.
When you get a passion in your heart and you’re anxious to get something done, waiting is not the easiest thing to do. Most of us don’t like the process of waiting, but it’s what we do in that waiting time, that’s important.
Nehemiah asked for favor with the King, perhaps it was these four months that the king took note of who Nehemiah was and the service that he provided. We know that the position of the cupbearer was important and that Nehemiah probably saw the King daily, as a result of his responsibility. So much so that the king took note that Nehemiah was not his usual self. It led Artaxerxes to inquire about his well-being.
In the waiting, God works out all the details. These details are important, as God’s greatest desire is for our hearts to have opportunities for change, not just changed behavior.
We may not understand all the pieces that need to come together, but God does.
PREPARATION IN THE WAITING
This could seem like a long time when you feel the zest of God’s calling. There are times when God’s promises and answers appear to happen instantly and other times they appear to take forever.
We often don’t see that; promises and answers take time and preparation.
Do you ever feel God has something for you to do? You try to pray yet your mind wanders, you get that funny feeling in your stomach, a mixture of excitement and fear. You start second guessing maybe this was a “to much pizza dream” and start to doubt that this is God.
In those four months of waiting, Nehemiah did a lot of praying. I am sure that as he thought about the task, he had moments when he was overwhelmed by the importance of this huge undertaking. Would he have everything needed to do the job, the resources, the people, and the time?
OPPORTUNITY COMES (RECAP)
The King takes notice (what’s wrong?) and asks How can I help?
Scared Nehemiah takes the opportunity and speaks up.
THE RESPONSE
The King gives: permission (relieves anxiety and fear of consequences, freedom to act, clear mind to focus)
Provision (everything to complete the task or meet the need)
Protection (a shield or hedge to buffer from undesired negative forces)
I don’t know if Nehemiah fully understood what he asked for and what he received. That’s because we (he) are often limited in our scope of the situation. Did Nehemiah realize he would need protection? Did he fully know what he would need? Did he understand the possible resistance there would be? I know that God was fully aware and God met all of Nehemiah’s needs to accomplish His will.
All through the Bible we witness God’s provision for his people. He fed all of Isreal during the 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus 16), protected Daniel in the lions (Daniel 6), provided tax payment for Jesus and the disciples in a fish (John 17), and freed the disciples in prison supernaturally (Acts 12) and permitted the disciples to do greater things than Jesus (John 14.)
What is waiting for you? How does God want to use you, and provide for you?
God wants to provide for you and fulfill whatever he has called you to do and he wants to provide for you in your daily life. You will note in verse Nehemiah asks for timber not just for the Temple but for a house for himself.
Nehemiah 2:8
New Living Translation
And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.
One of our core values is: the other six days Our faith in God’s provisions is not just a Sunday or once-a-week thing. It is an everyday provision. All of us are called to share the love of God with others. That’s done by how we live our other six days. If we actively seek God’s face and ask him to help us fulfill His call, He will equip us and provide all the provision we need.
Do you have a need, is God asking you to do something? In the very beginning of Nehemiah, he is with his brother and other men and he asks; how are things? They told him “Not well.” He was greatly concerned and wept.
When presented with the same question, “How are you doing?”
Do we answer honestly?
At connection church, we want the opportunity to minister in meaningful ways. We want to walk with you through your brokenness. We want to be a community for you as God is repairing and rebuilding you.
In chapter one of Nehemiah, it describes the brokenness of those who survived the exile as great trouble and disgrace. The walls are broken down and the gates burn with fire.
Perhaps you feel your life is broken, that you have been burnt with the “fires of life”.
God wants to repair and rebuild your life. He wants to provide for your needs.
Have you asked God what he has called you to? Are you willing to step out in faith, trusting He will provide for your needs to accomplish His will?
Hebrews 12:1
New Living Translation
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
3 takeaways from Nehemiah
If God has called you to do something He will provide all that you need.
If you are broken, He wants to repair that brokenness and He has everything needed to do so.
God is our provider no matter the circumstances. He cares for you.
WEEK 4
Road Block Ahead
(Starting the work Despite the Opposition) Verses 11-20
Road Block Ahead
We’ve been walking through the story of Nehemiah, and this week, we find him finally arriving in Jerusalem. If you’re just joining in, here’s a quick recap: Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, which is modern-day Iran. He was an Israelite, and when he heard about the state of Jerusalem—the broken walls, the burned gates, the disgrace of his people—it wrecked him. His heart was burdened, and he knew something had to be done.
The walls of Jerusalem weren’t just physical barriers; they represented security, dignity, and legitimacy for God’s people. Without them, the city was vulnerable—both physically and spiritually. That’s where Nehemiah stepped in, taking on the hard work of restoration.
But here’s the thing—restoration isn’t just an ancient story. It’s our story, too.
Take a moment and think: What walls in your life are in ruins? What areas need rebuilding? Maybe it’s a broken relationship, a shattered dream, a ministry that feels stuck, or a personal struggle that’s left you feeling exposed and vulnerable. This story isn’t just about Nehemiah—it’s about us. Individually, as a church, and as a nation, we have broken places that need God’s restoration.
Step 1: Assess the Damage Before You Rebuild
Nehemiah didn’t rush in swinging hammers and stacking bricks. Instead, he took time to survey the land. Nehemiah 2:11-15 tells us that he went out at night, quietly inspecting the walls. He didn’t make a big announcement. He just took it all in, seeing firsthand what he was up against.
That’s wisdom. How often do we rush into fixing things without a plan? Without taking a step back to pray, prepare, and understand the full scope of what needs to be done? Just because it’s God’s plan doesn’t mean we don’t need preparation. Even when we’re doing kingdom work—whether it’s a ministry, a business, or personal healing—it won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take effort, setbacks, and perseverance.
So, what does preparing look like in our lives?
Pray first. Before making big decisions, bring them before God.
Make a plan. If you’re stepping into something new—whether in ministry, business, or personal growth—do your homework. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) isn’t just for businesses. It’s practical wisdom for life.
Seek wise counsel. Learn from those who have walked similar roads.
Ask God: What do You want me to work on? Many of us are so busy that we don’t even realize what’s broken. Take the time to let God reveal what needs rebuilding.
Step 2: Be Wise About Who You Involve
Nehemiah didn’t broadcast his plans right away. He kept it to a small, trusted group at first. Why? Because timing matters. If he had started talking too soon, opposition could have shut the project down before it even started.
We see this wisdom in Jesus, too. In Matthew 8, after healing a man with leprosy, Jesus told him, “Don’t tell anyone about this” (Matthew 8:4). Why? Because the timing wasn’t right. Jesus knew that premature publicity could disrupt His mission.
When God places a vision in your heart, not everyone needs to know about it immediately. Not everyone will understand or support it. And that’s okay. Wisdom means knowing when to share and when to wait.
Step 3: Expect Opposition
As soon as Nehemiah shared the plan, two reactions emerged:
Some people were immediately on board: “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” (Nehemiah 2:18). They were ready for change.
Others mocked and questioned: “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” (Nehemiah 2:19).
Sound familiar? Any time we step into God’s calling—whether rebuilding a broken part of our life, starting a new ministry, or making a bold move—there will be voices of doubt. Some will cheer you on. Others will question, criticize, and try to discourage you.
But Nehemiah’s response? Boldness. “The God of heaven will help us succeed” (Nehemiah 2:20). He knew who called him, and he stood firm in that truth.
What about us? When opposition comes, do we shrink back, or do we stand firm in God’s calling? Peter and John faced the same challenge in Acts 4. After healing a crippled man and preaching about Jesus, they were dragged before the religious leaders. Their response? Boldness. They declared the name of Jesus with confidence, and even their enemies “were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John” (Acts 4:13).
When God calls us to rebuild, we can stand with that same boldness.
Step 4: Remember—This is God’s Plan, Not Ours
One last thing: The rebuilding wasn’t Nehemiah’s idea. It was God’s. And that’s key.
Sometimes we think we have to do everything on our own. But Nehemiah wasn’t building for himself—he was part of something bigger. God doesn’t call us to rebuild because we’re special; He calls us because He has a plan. He equips us with talents, creativity, and drive, but ultimately, it’s His work.
Could God have rebuilt the wall in an instant? Of course. But He chose to work through Nehemiah. Just like He chooses to work through us.
So, what’s your wall? What is God calling you to rebuild? Maybe it’s a personal struggle, a broken relationship, a dream you’ve put on hold, or a ministry He’s stirring in you. Whatever it is, know this:
God has given you a vision for a reason.
He will equip you for the work.
He will be with you in the opposition.
And He will complete what He has started.
So, take the first step. Assess the damage. Make a plan. Move forward in wisdom. And trust that God is in it.
Because just like in Nehemiah’s time, restoration is possible. And it starts with saying, “Yes, let’s rebuild.”