ryan peterson
Lead Pastor
Like Nehemiah, we must leave our comfort zones to rebuild our cities, battling and building with God’s guidance.
Listen + Watch the Message
(new sermons published every Monday)
Sermon Summary:
Comfort is killing our courage. The book of Nehemiah describes a massive transition that he went through from the comfort of the palace into the thick of the challenges of rebuilding. Nehemiah left the complacent yet lush culture of being an assistant to the King of Persia and went to a desolate city in ruins, all because he wept over what God put in his heart. The church finds itself in a similar season of shedding security to rise up and build our city. Renewal of our city comes out of the burden of revival in our hearts. We must leave the comforts that have led us to be dormant and stoke the fire of God again to hear His agenda for our city. We are called to use both of our hands—battling with one hand, building with the other. Let’s gather together and discover how we can lay bricks and pick up our swords for the good of our city.
Scripture References from the Sermon
Nehemiah 1:2-3 | Nehemiah 1:4 | Nehemiah 2:12 | Nehemiah 4:7-9 | Nehemiah 4:14 | Nehemiah 4:17b
Discussion Questions
- Nehemiah 1:2-3 describes the condition of the people in Jerusalem. How do you relate?
- Nehemiah went through a transition from the palace to the city. How do you see this transition happening in your life from comfort to purpose?
- Nehemiah is moved deeply by the condition of his city. Are you too numb or wounded to be moved deeply? When was the last time you wept over something that was on God’s heart? Are you too busy to feel things deeply? (Nehemiah 1:4)
- What are you building? Do you notice warfare opposing you? (Nehemiah 4:7-9)
- In the effort to build and battle, what are you fighting for? (Nehemiah 4:14)
- How can you live a life that is building and battling, not forsaking one for the other?
Event Highlight | Summer Serve
- We’re excited that so many of you have joined a team for Summer Serve!
- It’s not too late to serve! We invite you to step in and serve just three times over June, July, and August in gKids, Production, or Guest Services! We think once you try it, you’ll love it!
- Scan the QR code or visit gracechurchsp.org/serve to join a team!