Libin recounts an unexpected interaction with Charlie Sheen, who sought $200 under the guise of needing help for a church member. Libin, initially moved by the potential for spiritual outreach, later realized it was a scam. He then draws parallels to Nehemiah's challenges in Nehemiah 6, highlighting distractions of opportunity, false accusations, and compromise. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as Nehemiah did, despite external pressures. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to trust in God's strength and to persevere in their respective missions.
Libin discusses the transition from external opposition to internal injustice in Nehemiah 5, highlighting the famine, high taxation, and debt that led to severe oppression among the people of God. Nehemiah's response is characterized by righteous anger, careful consideration, and courageous confrontation. The solution involves correction, accountability, and personal commitment to justice. Dr. Darrell Bock emphasizes the biblical roots of justice, rooted in God's character and the gospel. He stresses the importance of empathy, listening, and understanding in fostering justice and mission. The church's role in caring for the vulnerable and promoting justice is celebrated, with specific examples of local outreach and individual efforts.
Libin's sermon focuses on Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem's wall despite opposition. Nehemiah faced public ridicule from Sanballat and Tobiah, who questioned the Jews' ability to rebuild. Despite this, Nehemiah prayed and persevered, leading the people to build the wall to half its height. He also took precautions, stationing guards day and night. Internal discouragement arose, but Nehemiah reminded the people of their purpose and the Lord's protection. Libin emphasizes the importance of prayer and action, drawing parallels to modern-day challenges and encouraging perseverance in faith.
Libin emphasizes the importance of teaching our children how to handle emotions and problems healthily. Libin draws parallels to Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem, highlighting the need to "close the distance," start from rest, assess the need, gather a team, and work the mundane. He stresses the significance of ordinary actions, citing Nehemiah's repair of the pool of Siloam, which later became crucial in Jesus' ministry. Libin concludes by encouraging faithful daily obedience and rest, inspired by the example of Lois Han, who prayed for the youth and diversity in her church.
Libin Abraham discusses the human struggle of finding purpose and the importance of discovering one's "why." He emphasizes that true purpose is found in knowing Jesus, as outlined in Ephesians 2:10. Abraham uses the story of Nehemiah to illustrate the journey of finding and acting on one's calling, highlighting the need for waiting, courage, and preparation. He notes that waiting is not wasted and that courage is found in prayer and dependence on God. Libin also points out that calling often involves conflict, which should be embraced as an affirmation of one's purpose.
Libin shars a story of a missionary's work in war-torn regions, highlighting the conversion and subsequent betrayal of a spy. Despite challenges, the missionaries were instructed to continue their work, leading to the establishment of a Ministry Center on the Gaza border. Libin emphasizes the global brokenness, citing 60,000 children dying weekly from hunger, 2.5 billion without clean water, and rising suicide rates in America. He calls for active engagement in missions, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's journey, urging the congregation to question, lament, and pray for God's guidance and restoration.
Ed Stetzer dives into the four commissions that Jesus gave his disciples between his resurrection and ascension, emphasizing their importance for Christians. He shares his personal journey from working at Lifeway to focusing on global and local faith-sharing. The first commission is "We are sent," highlighting that all believers are missionaries. The second is "To all different kinds of people," stressing the need to reach diverse communities. The third is "With a message," underscoring the gospel's centrality. The fourth is "Empowered by the Spirit," urging believers to be witnesses globally. We are called for a renewed focus on missions and evangelism.
Libin discusses the divisive nature of modern society, drawing parallels to childhood tug of war. He highlights the cultural, racial, and political tensions that divide the Church and society. He emphasizes Paul's message in Colossians 3:11, urging unity in Christ regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status. He explains the historical context of first-century relationships, advocating for mutual submission, love, and respect within marriages, parent-child dynamics, and slave-master relationships. He underscores the transformative power of faith in fostering unity and love, calling for the church to embody these virtues.
Libin contrasts our visible, temporary selves with the invisible, eternal selves hidden in Christ. Using the story of a hidden copy of the Declaration of Independence found at a flea market, he illustrates the unseen value of the soul. Drawing from Colossians 3, he urges believers to seek things above, live from their true identity in Christ, and grow in discipleship by practicing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.
Caleb Willis teaches on the early Christian church in Colossians, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the faith and not being deceived by false teachings. Willis stresses the significance of gratitude, noting its frequent mention in Colossians and its role in deepening one's relationship with God. He concludes by urging the congregation to express gratitude and align their practices with their position in Christ.
Libin Abraham discusses Colossians 1:24-29, emphasizing Paul's joy in suffering for the church and the mystery of Christ in believers. He highlights five aspects of a meaningful life: an indwelt life (Christ in us), a transformed life (maturing in Christ), a missional life (proclaiming Christ), an empowered life (striving with Christ's strength), and a glory-bound life (eternal hope in Christ). Abraham uses personal anecdotes and historical references to illustrate the emptiness of worldly success and the fulfillment found in Christ. He encourages believers to live out their faith boldly, trusting in Christ's power and purpose.
Libin Abraham discusses the importance of revelation over opinion, particularly regarding Jesus. Libin emphasizes that Jesus is not just a prophet or myth but the manifestation of God, the Lord of Creation and the New Creation. He references Colossians 1:15-20, a hymn from the early church, to illustrate Jesus' supremacy and role in reconciliation. Abraham encourages faith in Jesus alone, highlighting His death and resurrection as the means of redemption and reconciliation with God.
Libin Abraham draws a parallel between children's vision problems and spiritual nearsightedness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a broad spiritual vision. Abraham references the early church in Colossae, which faced similar challenges with philosophies diluting their faith. He encourages the congregation to focus on Colossians over six weeks, writing down two to three verses daily to deepen their understanding of Jesus. Abraham highlights the importance of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.
Libin Abraham discusses the importance of faithfulness to traditional values. He emphasizes the need for the church to remain true to its roots, citing Acts 2:42-47, which describes early Christian devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Abraham highlights four key aspects of early Christian life: learning truth, caring relationships, serving others, and knowing God intimately. He encourages the congregation to embody these practices, stressing the importance of devotion, community, and spiritual growth.
Libin Abraham reflects on the importance of prayer and generosity as counter-cultural practices, emphasizing their role in combating the enemy's strategies of lust, greed, and pride. Abraham cites 1 John 2:16 and Matthew 6 to illustrate how giving in secret, praying in secret, and fasting in secret can counteract these temptations. He encourages us to engage in these practices to experience freedom from greed, pride, and fleshly cravings, ultimately finding their hope in Jesus' victory over sin.
Haley discusses the practice of Sabbath, emphasizing Jesus' interruptible nature and compassionate responses to interruptions, contrasting with today's hurried culture. She highlights the concept of "hurry sickness" and its symptoms, such as irritability and workaholism. Haley introduces the "pace of God," noting Jesus walked slowly because He is love. She outlines a framework for Sabbath: stop, rest, delight, and worship, advocating for intentional rest to foster love, joy, and peace. Haley encourages the audience to practice Sabbath, suggesting activities like walking, reading scripture, and spending time with loved ones, to reconnect with God and experience deeper rest and joy.
Hunter, the high school pastor at Bent Tree, shares his personal journey of balancing family life with spiritual practices- in particular stillness and solitude. He discusses the challenges of finding quiet time with God amidst daily distractions. Hunter emphasizes the importance of silence and solitude, citing biblical references where Jesus often withdrew to pray. Hunter concludes by highlighting the transformative power of silence and solitude in deepening our relationship with God.
Caleb Willis, the worship and arts pastor, discussed the importance of engaging with Scripture through interpretation and meditation. He highlighted two contrasting ideologies: elevating Scripture to the place of God and dismissing it entirely. Willis referenced Dietrich Bonhoeffer's two steps for studying Scripture: interpretation and meditation. He shared statistics from a study by the Center for Bible Engagement, showing significant positive changes in life aspects for those engaging with Scripture four times a week. Practical tips included using apps like the Bible Project and Blue Letter Bible, and replacing distractions with Bible reading. Willis emphasized the transformative power of Scripture, quoting Isaiah 55:11.
Tammy emphasized the importance of sharing faith, citing Mark 16:15 and 1 Peter 3:15, which advocate for respectful and loving witness. She linked faith sharing to a deepening relationship with Jesus. Tammy concluded by encouraging intentionality in prayer and spiritual conversations, emphasizing that believers are never alone in their mission.
Guest speaker Reward Sabanda explores the spiritual practice of fasting, emphasizing it as a counter-cultural invitation to submit to God's lordship and grow in intimacy with him. He discusses fasting as a way to humble the soul, quiet mental noise, and create space for spiritual connection, viewing it not as a deprivation but as an opportunity for more of God's presence.