Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
September 15, 2024
FALL 2024
Together . . . for the Future
September 1 – November 2, 2024
Preaching Voice: Shepherd
You Are Here!
Ezra 3:1-6; Nehemiah 2:11-17a
Theme for 2024: Together
Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future
CONTEXT: In Ezra 3, both Joshua and Zerubbabel acknowledged the reality of life in Jerusalem without the Temple. They began by simply rebuilding the altar. In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah took time to assess just how much damage had been done to the wall around the city. He acknowledged the devastation and communicated clearly to the leaders of Israel.
LESSONS TO BE LEARNED:
- Before we can begin re-building anything, an honest assessment must be taken.
- After the assessment, we must accept the reality of the situation.
- Acknowledgment of reality must be holistic – emotional responses, accepting responsibility, experiencing the full brunt of the situation --- all are necessary to build a new future.
- Once we have embraced the reality of our situation, acknowledged the need to rebuild ----- resolve must begin to emerge.
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