Podcasts about nehemiah chapter

Do Not Run From Your Opposition  Nehemiah Chapter 2

Join Rod Hembree and Janice in this enlightening episode of Bible Discovery as they delve into Nehemiah Chapter 8. Discover the powerful moments of scripture reading by Ezra and the insightful discussions on the roles of biblical figures. With archaeological insights, theological discussions, and unified worship, this episode invites listeners to deepen their understanding of the Bible and its teachings. Experience the importance of scripture and community as you explore the Word of God.

Dive into the historical and spiritual journey of Nehemiah, a cupbearer turned leader, as he rebuilds Jerusalem's walls. This episode of Bible Discovery delves into Nehemiah Chapter 2, exploring his significant influence and the challenges faced by the Israelites. Join Rod Hembrough, Corey, and Ryan as they uncover the lessons from Nehemiah's story and its relevance for modern believers.

On Sunday, Pastor Russell Johnson continued through the book of Nehemiah, covering chapter 8 and a crisis that came from inside the community rather than from its enemies. Pastor Russell opened with the story of American contractors from Vermont and New York during the War of 1812 who supplied two-thirds of the advancing British army because the profits were too good to refuse — "myopic, self-defeating, and imprudent at the deepest level." Before entering the text, he established Proverbs 9:10 as the lens for the chapter, defining wisdom as "the skill of living well" and the fear of the Lord as "a settled, life-shaping orientation toward God." He then walked through three layers of economic devastation inside Jerusalem — families unable to eat, landowners mortgaging everything to survive a famine, and families whose children were already enslaved to pay crushing debts — all caused by wealthy Jewish nobles exploiting their own people. Pastor Russell called it "what the absence of the fear of God produces — it makes you dumb and can even make you mean." He traced Nehemiah's response as wisdom in action: anger proportional to the wrong, deliberate reflection before speaking, a public assembly to confront a community-wide sin, and an immediate demand for full restoration. He then walked through Nehemiah's twelve-year record as governor — declining his food allowance, feeding 150 people daily at his own expense, refusing to acquire land — all driven by the fear of God rather than political calculation. Pastor Russell closed with an honest acknowledgment that injustice among God's people is real, a direct apology to those wounded by the church, and a Dallas Willard quote defining disciples as "people who are constantly revising their affairs to carry through on their decision to follow Jesus."

On Sunday, Pastor Russell Johnson continued through the book of Nehemiah, covering chapter 4 and the escalating opposition that met the builders as the wall went up. Pastor Russell opened with a story from his college days hauling hay with his father-in-law Ken, who taught him to always roll a bale of hay toward himself before picking it up in case something was hiding underneath. One day he rolled a bale back to find a nest of baby barn owls — wings outstretched, chests puffed out, beaks clicking — doing everything they could to look big and scary. Pastor Russell compared those puffed-up owls to Nehemiah's enemies: "lots of noise and bravado." He organized the chapter around a repeated pattern — the opposition hears something they don't like, there is anger and posturing, and that posturing is met with an expression of faith. In the first round, Sanballat rolled up to the construction site with a military escort and launched five mocking questions while Tobiah added his one-liner about a fox breaking the wall down. Nehemiah's response was not a clever comeback but prayer, taking the offense to God rather than retaliating. Pastor Russell noted that "the most powerful response to ridicule is not a witty comeback — it's continuing to work." In the second round, the coalition expanded to surround Jerusalem on all sides, and ridicule escalated into threats of violence. Worse, three internal voices — tired workers, threatening enemies, and frightened friends from outlying communities — began singing the same song: stop building. Nehemiah responded with both trust and action, stationing armed men at the vulnerable points and recasting the vision: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." In the final section, after God frustrated the enemies' plan, Nehemiah did not relax but got more organized — splitting workers into builders and guards, assigning weapons alongside tools, posting a trumpeter beside him as a rally signal, extending the workday from "dawn until the stars appeared," and requiring workers to sleep inside Jerusalem. Pastor Russell emphasized the "both-and" of mature faith: "He organizes it because he trusts God and because he understands that God works through prepared and faithful people." He concluded with Nehemiah sleeping in his clothes, sword within reach, the wall half done and the work still going: "Don't be afraid. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome. And fight. Let's keep building."

On Sunday, Pastor Lance Terry continued through the book of Nehemiah by covering chapter 3 and asking one central question: "What does it take to build?" Pastor Lance opened with the story of the Galveston seawall — how after the devastating 1900 hurricane, different groups came together to plan, fund, and construct a massive seawall while raising much of the city by fifteen feet, completing much of the work in just two years. He then connected that engineering feat to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, walking the congregation through a visual reconstruction of the wall section by section, gate by gate, noting that more than forty sections were rebuilt by leaders from different backgrounds and professions — priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, officials, and homeowners. Pastor Lance drew out three things the people needed to recognize in order to build. First, they had to recognize it was not just a brick and mortar project — the high priest Eliashib consecrated the wall at the very start, setting it apart as belonging to God and dedicated to His glory, not their own comfort or fame. Second, they had to recognize where they were vulnerable by strengthening the gates, since gates determined what came in and out of the city and represented their most exposed points. Pastor Lance applied this personally, sharing his family's decision about cell phones for his children and his experience with Re:gen's repentance planning process. Third, they had to recognize it was a group effort, highlighting the repeated phrase "next to him" throughout chapter 3, which painted a picture of everyone working shoulder to shoulder in the same direction. He noted that people of different professions stepped outside their normal work to build, and that most sections were built by the people who lived nearest to them. Pastor Lance concluded by connecting the sermon to a church work day the previous Saturday, where people who were "overqualified to spread mulch" joyfully showed up to serve, and challenged the congregation: "Don't sit back and watch while other people build. Jump in with us. Get to work. Let's keep building."

On Sunday, Pastor Russell Johnson continued through the book of Nehemiah, covering chapter 2 and the remarkable sequence of events that followed Nehemiah's four months of prayer. Pastor Russell opened with a personal story from 2015, when he was leading a church plant in San Saba, Texas — "the Pecan Capital of the world" — and needed a teaching job to support his family of seven. He and his leadership team prayed specifically for a job matching his teaching certificate, for an interview despite having no experience, and for a house big enough for five children in a tiny town, and God answered every one of those prayers in rapid succession. Pastor Russell then walked through Nehemiah 2, showing how prayer, planning, and the providence of God work together. When the king finally noticed Nehemiah's sadness — four months after his initial grief — Nehemiah was "very much afraid," because displaying sadness before the king was a serious breach of court etiquette and he was about to ask Artaxerxes to reverse his own official decree halting the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Pastor Russell highlighted the split-second prayer in verse 4 between the king's question and Nehemiah's answer, explaining that "these normally are the overflow of sustained prayer" and that "we expect God to steady us in the moment of crisis if we have no time with Him before the crisis arrives." Nehemiah's bold, detailed requests — for permission to go, letters of safe passage, and timber from the king's forest — revealed that he had spent his four months not only praying but planning, because "clarity of vision produces clarity of request." After arriving in Jerusalem with a military escort, Nehemiah conducted a secret nighttime inspection of the walls before making his pitch to the people — naming the shared reality plainly, standing with them in it as "we" rather than "you," and sharing the testimony of God's providence. The people responded immediately: "Let us arise and build." When the enemies Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem countered with ridicule and accusations of rebellion, Nehemiah's response was short and decisive: "The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial in Jerusalem." Pastor Russell concluded by observing that "prayer, planning, and trusting in the providence of God produce boldness and courage.

Pastor Russell Johnson launched the book of Nehemiah, beginning with chapter 1. Pastor Russell set the historical context by explaining that Nehemiah's account picks up thirteen years after Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes I (445 BC) — a king whose own father, Xerxes, had been assassinated in his bedchamber by a court attendant. When Nehemiah's brother Hanani arrived from Judah with news that "the remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire," Nehemiah's response was remarkable: he "sat down and wept and mourned for days." Pastor Russell challenged the modern assumption that emotional detachment equals strength, pointing out that "Jeremiah wept. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Paul wept over the churches. And now Nehemiah weeps over a people he hasn't seen, in a city he only grew up hearing stories about." He walked through Nehemiah's four-month prayer — from Chislev to Nisan — showing how Nehemiah prayed the truth about God ("great and awesome...scary and dependable"), prayed the truth about himself by identifying with his people's sin rather than claiming personal exemption, prayed the promises of Scripture back to God from Deuteronomy 30, and finally prayed about his "one big thing" — asking God for favor before the most powerful king on earth. Pastor Russell highlighted that Nehemiah's prayer was not demanding of God but was a reminder to himself of what God had already committed to do. He concluded with the quiet revelation at the chapter's end — "Now I was the cupbearer to the king" — showing that God had been positioning Nehemiah for years, and that his comfort was never the point: "When the call came, Nehemiah was willing to trade his security for a dangerous mission on behalf of people he had never met, in a city he had never seen, because they were God's people, and that was enough."

What happens when three months of fasting, prayer, and mourning collide with one pivotal moment before the king? In this week's Forward Motion, we dive into Nehemiah Chapter 2 and discover how Nehemiah's consistent character and continuous prayer life positioned him for a bold, God-sized ask. From the danger of showing sadness before a king who could take your life, to the courage it took to request not just time off but letters, lumber, and a blank check — Nehemiah shows us what it looks like to trust God in the tension. We also explore the often-overlooked power of "micro-prayers" — those quick, in-the-moment conversations with God that keep us surrendered and aligned with His will throughout the day. Whether you're waiting on God to open a door, facing an intimidating conversation, or wondering if your everyday work even matters — this episode will challenge you to see your life as a mission field and your prayer life as the fuel that keeps you moving forward.Chapter References: Nehemiah 2:1–8 | 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Keith teaches through the beginning of Nehemiah Chapter 2.

Nehemiah 3 is not the kind of chapter most people linger on. It is a list of names, gates, and construction notes that we are all tempted to skim. But if we look close enough, tucked inside those overlooked details is one of the most vivid portraits of the Christian life found anywhere in Scripture. The walls, gates, and towers surrounding ancient Jerusalem serve as a roadmap for spiritual growth, personal boundaries, evangelism, restoration, and the lifelong journey of walking with Christ. In today's episode pastor Greg Axe of Crest Bible Church joins us to unpack how this “boring chapter” becomes a practical, convicting, and hope-filled blueprint for every believer wanting to build, rebuild, or strengthen their life in Christ.Greg Axe is author of several great books—including this recently released one called This is Your Life: A Study of Nehemiah Chapter 3 The Walls and Gates and Towers of Jerusalem.Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmorePurchase This is Your Life by Greg Axe at https://www.lfbi.org/books

Keith teaches through Nehemiah Chapter 1. 

Why do we need God's Law to truly repent? We can't turn away from something if we don't know it's wrong. God's Law helps us understand right from wrong so we can recognize our sin, repent, and renew our relationship with Him. The Israelites in Nehemiah 9 finally get this when God's Law highlights the uncomfortable truth...they're no different than their ancestors. Their response is beautiful.Join us as we dive into one of the most powerful prayers in Scripture and walk with the Israelites through their incredible day of repentance. With this masterclass in confession, the Levites show us how to renew our relationship with God using the ACTS model of prayer. Themes of this podcast: Why wearing scratchy sackcloth matters (and what it means for us today)How repentance creates a pathway to relationship with GodGod's covenant renewals throughout Scripture all point to JesusNehemiah 9 is the last recorded covenant renewal before 400 years of silence. Then Jesus shows up with a New Covenant that He writes on our hearts.Show Notes:ACTS ModelWe love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Contact Bible Book ClubDonate or pick up merch here Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!

This begins a series on Nehemiah. Nehemiah teaches us how to think about our condition in this world, how to pray, what to love, how to be diligent and work toward our goal, and about the glory of God and the truth of his covenant.

Sermon from Ron Evans at Agape Center Ministries on November 16, 2025 - Nehemiah 4

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

by Elder Chris McCool, Pastor (preached on July 20, 2025) When we paused the sermon yesterday, we were continuing to examine the prayer/sermon of Nehemiah Chapter 9. We are looking at the content of this prayer/sermon, which traces the history of the Nation of Israel from their formation up until the present time of Nehemiah....

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

A media ministry publication of Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Moments of transforming grace from the Bible.

Nehemiah Chapter 1 Salt Church teaching

In this talk, Nick Dox delves into Nehemiah Chapter 4, drawing parallels between Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and our journeys of growth and faith. Focusing on facing opposition—whether through belittlement, aggression, discouragement, or division—the message emphasizes the importance of prayer, community, and standing firm in faith. It reminds us that we are part of a greater kingdom with God's grace and mercy as our foundation. --- Looking to grow deeper in your faith and engage in the mission of Jesus? Check out Commonwealth Theological College for courses that equip you in theology and ministry, and SENT School of Mission, a program for 18–24-year-olds passionate about living a life on mission.

Nehemiah chapter 4 (parts of chapters 1, 2, & 3 as well) | 12 January 2025

Weekly Message from Maranatha Church of Jacksonville. Find out more at maranathajax.com

Weekly Message from Maranatha Church of Jacksonville. Find out more at maranathajax.com

Bible Study - Consecrated Sisters @ St Stephen Retreat Centre - Titusville, FL ~ June 25, 2024

Bible Study - Consecrated Sisters @ St Stephen Retreat Centre - Titusville, FL ~ June 25, 2024

Bible Study - Consecrated Sisters @ St Stephen Retreat Centre - Titusville, FL ~ June 25, 2024

Bible Study - Consecrated Sisters @ St Stephen Retreat Centre - Titusville, FL ~ June 26, 2024

NEHEMIAH Lesson 4, Chapter 2 conclusion Last week we established a key point of reference for the history of Nehemiah: he was essentially a politician and government leader. And while he was indeed a Godly man, a Jew educated by Ezra to some degree on the Torah, nonetheless his role in the ongoing matter of […] The post Lesson 4 – Nehemiah Chapter 2 Concl. appeared first on Torah Class.

Lesson 6 – Nehemiah Chapter 4 NEHEMIAH Lesson 6, Chapter 4 CJB Psalm 2:1 Why are the nations in an uproar, the peoples grumbling in vain? 2 The earth’s kings are taking positions, leaders conspiring together, against ADONAI and his anointed 3 They cry, “Let’s break their fetters! Let’s throw off their chains!” 4 He […] The post Lesson 6 – Nehemiah Chapter 4 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 7, Chapter 5 Last week we studied Nehemiah chapter 4, and in it Nehemiah and the Jews of Judah were faced with violent threats from 4 local and regional gentile rulers who did not want the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt or the city itself rehabilitated unless they were given at least partial control […] The post Lesson 7 – Nehemiah Chapter 5 appeared first on Torah Class.

Lesson 8 – Nehemiah Chapter 5 and 6 NEHEMIAH Lesson 8, Chapter 5 and 6 Nehemiah is nothing if not persistent. First he had to face the King of Persia and persuade him to release Nehemiah for an unknown amount of time from his responsibility in the King's court as cupbearer. Next Nehemiah had to […] The post Lesson 8 – Nehemiah Chapter 5 and 6 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 5, Chapter 3 When we ended chapter 2 of Nehemiah, he had concluded his assessment of the situation with the destroyed walls surrounding Jerusalem and called together the Judeans of various levels of society to enlist them to the mammoth task of rebuilding. As a leader with authority he could have dogmatically ordered […] The post Lesson 5 – Nehemiah Chapter 3 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 2, Chapter 1 We began our study of Nehemiah last week by means of a brief introduction to the book and reading Chapter 1. The introduction focused on explaining the regional political realities at the time of Nehemiah because only with this information and context can we understand why the Persian King was […] The post Lesson 2 – Nehemiah Chapter 1 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 3, Chapter 2 While the books of Ezra and Nehemiah work together (similarly to the books of Kings and Chronicles), the men Ezra and Nehemiah and their assignments from God were quite dissimilar and distinct. Ezra was a Priest and a Torah Teacher. His job was to revive the Priesthood into a properly […] The post Lesson 3 – Nehemiah Chapter 2 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 2, Chapter 1 We began our study of Nehemiah last week by means of a brief introduction to the book and reading Chapter 1. The introduction focused on explaining the regional political realities at the time of Nehemiah because only with this information and context can we understand why the Persian King was […] The post Lesson 2 – Nehemiah Chapter 1 appeared first on Torah Class.

Lesson 9 – Nehemiah Chapter 6 and 7 NEHEMIAH Lesson 9, Chapter 6 and 7 I need you to be a bit tolerant of me today, as it may seem (at first) that I'm wandering; I hope I'm not. But I feel strongly led to go this direction to bring you an important connection that […] The post Lesson 9 – Nehemiah Chapter 6 and 7 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 9, Chapter 6 and 7 I need you to be a bit tolerant of me today, as it may seem (at first) that I'm wandering; I hope I'm not. But I feel strongly led to go this direction to bring you an important connection that can be easily overlooked in our study of […] The post Lesson 9 – Nehemiah Chapter 6 and 7 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 7, Chapter 5 Last week we studied Nehemiah chapter 4, and in it Nehemiah and the Jews of Judah were faced with violent threats from 4 local and regional gentile rulers who did not want the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt or the city itself rehabilitated unless they were given at least partial control […] The post Lesson 7 – Nehemiah Chapter 5 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 3, Chapter 2 While the books of Ezra and Nehemiah work together (similarly to the books of Kings and Chronicles), the men Ezra and Nehemiah and their assignments from God were quite dissimilar and distinct. Ezra was a Priest and a Torah Teacher. His job was to revive the Priesthood into a properly […] The post Lesson 3 – Nehemiah Chapter 2 appeared first on Torah Class.

NEHEMIAH Lesson 10, Chapter 8 Today is going to be packed with information so have those pencils ready. Up to now the story of Nehemiah has been mainly about a devout, skilled, single-minded Jewish man who was sent to Jerusalem from the Persian capital by God to lead an endeavor that others had tried but […] The post Lesson 10 – Nehemiah Chapter 8 appeared first on Torah Class.