August 20, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 13:15-31Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Celebrate what the Lord has done and what He gives us to do. I. Understanding the Sabbath helps me understand work. (15-22)            A. Rest and wholeness were lost because of sin.            B. Sabbath observance was a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel.  (cf. Exodus 31:13-16; Deuteronomy…

August 6, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 13:1-14Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Every area of my life belongs to the God who redeemed me. I. Revival and reform needs to by my lifestyle. (1-3)            A. When I read the Bible, I see myself as God sees me.  (1 Corinthians 10:11)            B. God will give me understanding as I…

July 23, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 11:1 – 12:47Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Serve Him where He has you, with what He gives you, boasting in what He has done for you. I. The greatest gift I can give God is myself.  (11:1-12:26)            A. I was rescued from self-worship to worship God.            B. The nation gives a…

July 9, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 10:1-39Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  My place in Christ is secure, but am I giving Christ the proper place in my life? I. The people submit themselves to God’s Word.  (1-29; Nehemiah 9:38)            A. The people recommit themselves to follow God’s Law.            B. You cannot truly commit to what you…

July 2, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 9:1-38Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Remember, respond and return to the great God of grace! I. In light of God’s faithfulness, we confess our faithlessness.  (1-8; Nehemiah 8:17-18)            A. Worship needs to be thoughtful.            B. Let worship take time.  (Ephesians 3:20-21)            C. Worship begins with focusing on the greatness of God.…

June 11, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 8:13-18Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Rejoice as you read of the great things our God has done, is doing and will do. I. Respond to God’s Word by studying it more. (13; Ezra 7:10)            A. Joyless and boring teaching is a tragedy.            B. Some are responsible to lead others in understanding…

June 4, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 8:1-12Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Knowing our good God comes from knowing and responding to His Word. I. Right response to God depends on clear understanding.  (1-8; Ezra 7:10)            A. Seeking God’s word begins with a receptive heart.            B. God’s Word powerfully cleanses the heart.  (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26)            C. Study…

May 28, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 7:1-73Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Guard the work, grow together in Christ, and give thanks to God. I. We must guard the work that has been done. (1-3)  (2 Timothy 1:12-14)            A. Good leaders need good help.            B. Pay attention to what comes into the church, mission and family.            C. Satan…

April 23, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 6:1-19Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  I expect enemy opposition, but I know God will finish this work. I. When we walk by faith, the enemy invites us to compromise. (1-4)            A. Almost done is not the time to let up.            B. Resist the invitation to “just get along”—stay salty!            C. Nehemiah…

April 16, 2023Passage:  Nehemiah 5:1-19Speaker:  Pastor Josh HollandMain Point:  Selfishness ends with hearts motivated by God’s redeeming love. I. While I work for God, He works on my heart. (1-5)            A. The enemy’s favorite weapon is selfishness.            B. Without humility and mercy, there is no unity.            C. God tells us how we should act in…