The most important part of the weekend was the opportunity to get away from the world and focus on God. IRBC’s Chapel is currently going under construction. So obviously the theme of the weekend is Godbuilt, Construction Zone: Psalms 100:3. . The emphasis of our time at IRBC was on being under continual construction as God builds us how he wants us to grow. This included growing in out relationships with God and with others. Pastor Cox was our speaker. He did an amazing job challenging us out of God’s word on how we are Godbuilt. He used Nehemiah’s life story to teach us about being Godbuilt.
I have put up my speaker notes from his three Bible Challenges. I hope that it will be a reminder for those that heard the message, and chance to hear about what they missed for those who were unable to attend.
Background
Nehemiah was the cup bearer for the King; in other words he would test any drink before the King consumed it. In today’s word he was equivalent to the secret service for the president.
A Real Relationship with God; Nehemiah 1
The News (v1-3)
Nehemiah was presented with bad news.
Nehemiah found out that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down
The Reaction (v4)
Nehemiah reacted to the news he heard.
Wept
Mourned
Fasted
The Praying (v5-11)
~ 4 Keys to Praying~
Praise
Confession of sin
Claim Gods promises
Request Help
A Proper Appeal to Authority; Nehemiah 2
People will always have authority of your life
No Bad Attitude (v2)
Nehemiah had never been sad around the king
King noticed when something was wrong in Nehemiah's heart
Sometimes we get down – not a bad thing
Deal with it Biblically
Attitude makes a huge difference
Respect those in Authority (v3)
God put the authority in your life for a reason
Disrespecting authority is disrespecting God
~Tell the truth ~
Lying will never help you
Pray for Wisdom (v4)
Be dependent on God
Make you Request with Respect (v5-8)
Different than respecting the person
Nehemiah said ‘if it pleases the King’ twice
Include details - why, what, when, where
He knew exactly what he wanted with all the details sorted out
In The Face Of Adversity; Nehemiah 6
Don’t Give Up; Don’t Give In
Stay Focused (v1-3)
Don’t get distracted
Stay Committed (v4)
Do what you know what is right
Stand for God
Don’t fold under pressure
~ Focus on the root cause ~
Stay Truthful (v5-9)
Don’t doubt the truth
Just because someone said it does not mean it is true – people lie
~ Know the Truth ~
Stay Alert (v10-14)
Be ready for opposition from all sides
Opposition comes from –
Friends
Family
Strangers
I really enjoyed Pastor Cox’s speaking and the rest of the weekend. I am sure others did too.
A special Thank You to the adults who took time out of there busy schedules in order to chaparone us.
>Thank You Jeff, Jenny, Peter, Chris & Amy< It was great to have you along for the fun. and we really appreciate everything you have done for us.
