Sermons on Exile
Cracks in the Legacy
This message explores the complicated final episode of David’s life, which includes sin within his children that David fails to deal with adequately, betrayal by his son, flight from the kingdom, accusations from those who do not like him, and the eventual restoration to power. What can we learn from David’s complicated legacy? (2 Samuel 13-20) Sermon Outline “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2) Tracing the Cracks…
Jesus Rebuilds and Repairs
A message at our annual Eastbrook Outdoors service on how Jesus is the ultimate rebuilder and repairer of all that is broken in our selves, our city, and our world. (Luke 4:1-21) SERMON OUTLINE “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year…
From Exiles to Residents
There are many listings of names in Nehemiah, but it is particularly important to see the transformation that begins to happen amidst repair and rebuilding. Exiles and outcasts become residents with a place. This should give some attention to God’s covenant promises about the land. (Nehemiah 6:15-7:73; 11:1-12:47) SERMON OUTLINE “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) From Exiles to Wanderers to Slaves to Residents…
Overcoming Obstacles
A standalone message from Rev. Yousef Hashweh on overcoming obstacles from Joshua 5:13-6:5. SERMON OUTLINE What is a great encounter with God? Opportunities often come disguised in disaster. How is this true for Joshua? Lessons: There is victory in __________________________. There is victory in __________________________. How can this story from the Bible relate to you? How can you overcome obstacles in your life? DIG DEEPER If you would like to know more about Middle Eastern cultures and how you can…
The Community of Repair
The list of builders by section seems sort of odd to us but is also an important recognition of the workers who apply themselves to the task. This is really not about Nehemiah but about the people. (Nehemiah 3:1-32) SERMON OUTLINE What Reason Did They Have to Rebuild the Wall? The Voice of Reason: We need Walls Nehemiah’s Reason: We are Disgraced (Nehemiah 2:17) The Best Reason: For His Name & on His Heart (Nehemiah 1:9,11; 2:12) What Did It…
Inspecting the Realities of Necessary Rebuilding
Hearing about it from a distance, Nehemiah now sees firsthand what is going on. From that point he urges action: rebuilding. (Nehemiah 2:11-18) SERMON OUTLINE Called to Be Builders Mark 16:15 Nehemiah’s Process Nehemiah Prayed and Prepared (v. 11) Did not rush in, but waited Solidified his motivation: “what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem” Nehemiah Investigated the Situation Personally and Privately (v. 12-16) Inspected – medical term — probing the wound to see the…
Approaching Authority with Need
Nehemiah has to approach King Artaxerxes about the need and his own sense of calling to help with the repair. (Nehemiah 2:1-10) SERMON OUTLINE “I said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’” (Nehemiah 2:3) Living at the Intersection of Prayer and Action (Nehemiah 2:1) Time delay between the report and Nehemiah’s action…
Praying with a Broken Heart
Nehemiah’s response to the brokenness of Jerusalem is a deep prayer. (Nehemiah 1:5-11) SERMON OUTLINE “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night.” (Nehemiah 1:5-6) Beginning with the Greatness of God (Nehemiah 1:5-6a) The greatness of God’s being The greatness of…
Encountering a Broken World
This week will introduce the summer series and Nehemiah’s encounter with the news of Jerusalem’s disrepair. (Nehemiah 1:1-4) SERMON OUTLINE “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4) Introducing Nehemiah The place of Nehemiah in biblical history An overview of the book The two key words for our series: Rebuild Repair The Realities for Nehemiah Exile Jerusalem in Ruins Heartbreak Responding to…
The Way of the Wilderness
The wilderness temptation of Jesus is pivotal for defining his way of ministry as opposed to Satanic pathways. This also echoes the people of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and presents Jesus as a new sort of Israel. Matthew 4:1-11 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) The Wilderness: Where will my provision come from? The Wilderness: Where will my protection come from? The Wilderness: Where will my praise…
Faith at the End of All Things
The last chapter of Daniel looks toward the ultimate end of all things. The final words of Daniel speak of the ultimate end, peace, and one of the only glimpses on the Old Testament of the hope of the resurrection. Sermon OutlinE “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13) Faith in Difficult Times (Daniel 12:5-7) Faith Until…
Faith and the Final Vision
The last two chapters of Daniel look toward the ultimate end of all things. There are king and kingdoms, difficulties and challenges that come, in Daniel’s vision. In light of the New Testament teaching, we have a hope that endures through the end to a better future. How does Daniel’s teaching enliven our faith? Sermon OutlinE “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and…