Live Is Rising (Easter)

Note: This message has been re-recorded the day after our worship gathering as the live broadcast had technical issues.

Mark 8:31-32
Mark 9:31
Mark 10:33-34
Matthew 27:62-66

Readings:
Luke 24:1-16
Luke 24:28-46
John 21:1-14
Luke 24:50-53

Five signs that LOVE IS RISING:
sense of awe
pursuit of Jesus
spiritual passion
heart of worship spirit of joy

Is there a love for Jesus rising in you?

Nehemiah (12-13) In the End, Everything Falls Apart


Nehemiah 12:27-47
Nehemiah 13:1-31

People are terrible, and God’s people (sometimes) are the worst!

We’re not that different from the people in Nehemiah’s day

“Man is of his own nature, fleshly and carnal, corrupt, sinful and disobedient to God without any spark of goodness in him, without any virtuous or Godly motion; only given to evil thoughts and deeds.”
~ Scott Baker

Many years have gone by since man failed to obey. Unable to help ourselves, though we try, for by one man, all have gone astray; The goodness of man? Still a lie. Depravity then; corruption today.

This world lies in darkness with no lasting satisfaction. Chasing after the wind and every form of vile distraction; never considering the end of the chase. ~DW

Genesis 6:5

Nehemiah (10-11): Making Deals With God

Nehemiah: 10-11
Nehemiah 9:36-38
First term: no foreign women
Deuteronomy 7:1-4
1 Kings 11:4-8
Second term: keep the sabbath
Exodus 20:8-11
Third term: give tithes and offerings
2 Corinthians 8:7
2 Corinthians 9:7

The terms of their “deal with God”:
We’ll honor You in our relationships.
We’ll honor You in our time.
We’ll honor You in our finances.

We can’t really make deals with God.
Acts 17:24-25, 28 NIV
“God, I will do whatever you want me to, no matter the result.”

Nehemiah (9): Is This What Revival Looks Like?

Revival (defn) 1) an improvement in the condition or strength of something. 2) an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again.

“Revival is the awakening or quickening of God’s people to their true nature and purpose.” Robert Coleman

Nehemiah 9:1-3
They hear God’s word.
They ask God’s forgiveness.
They cry out in worship.

Nehemiah 9:4-25
Acknowledging God’s goodness.
Nehemiah 9:26-30
Acknowledging God’s discipline.
Nehemiah 9:31
Acknowledging God’s mercy.
Nehemiah 9:32-35
Acknowledging God’s righteousness/faithfulness.
Nehemiah 9:36-37
Acknowledging their need for the Lord.

They hear God’s word, they ask God’s forgiveness, and they worship Him. They start to acknowledge him for who he truly is.

Nehemiah (8): The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Nehemiah 8:1-8
We need to be eager to hear and understand his word.


Nehemiah 8:9-12
The very fact that you are being convicted by God’s word is evidence that he still loves you… is still pursuing you… and still hasn’t given up on you. It is cause for great joy.

Nehemiah 8:13-18

Nehemiah 8:10b “Do not be grieved” Nehemiah says, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Deuteronomy 34:6-7

(The last few minutes includes our outreach spotlight segment.)

Nehemiah (5): God’s Will, God’s Way, God’s Heart

Nehemiah 5:1-13
Repent: Respond the right way when we’re called out for being in the wrong.
Nehemiah 5:14-19
Reflect: Be an example of God’s heart.

Video: Faces of human Trafficking

Fighting oppression or injustice:
Do what you can to make a difference.
(Make Sure you’re life backs it up)
Do it with a right heart.
Do it as an example to others

Nehemiah (4): I’m Not Coming Off This Wall

Resist: Defend Against Your Opposition
Nehemiah 2:9-10
Nehemiah 2:19-20
Nehemiah 4:1-4
Nehemiah 4:5-8
Nehemiah 4:9-23

Weak Insignificant Foolish Defeated
Inadequate Incapable Inept

Nehemiah (Stand Strong) by Jon Egan (This song occurs at 28 min in, but it did not record properly. You will only hear keyboard. Please skip ahead to 32 min for the rest of the message)

Pray. Work. Fight.

Portico Church in Oshkosh, WI