Let’s Build Something
Sermon Summary
Jesus saves you and makes you new, but He doesn’t stop there. Next, He’ll give you something to do. Pastor Earl McClellan shares from Nehemiah to show that God has called you to build something, but the timing might not be what you expect.
Sermon Highlights
Some of you know you’re a Christian, but you don’t know you’re a builder.
God didn’t save you just to save you. There is something God wants to do in and through you to reach the generation He put you in.
Sometimes, God calls you to repair the walls when your own walls are broken down.
You don’t have to pretend you have it all together.
Don’t believe the lie that you have to be all filled up before God can use you.
Any time you begin to take steps to rebuild walls, you can expect the enemy to bring opposition into your life.
I’m not just a consumer here; I’m a contributor.
What you build now, someone you love will live in later.
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9)
Scriptures
Read this week’s scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them. Pastor Earl covered a lot of the story of Nehemiah. Have your eGroup members read Nehemiah chapters 1-3, and 6 ahead of time to get more context on the full story.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Pastor Earl shared about how his wife came to Christ. How did you come to Christ?
Pastor Earl’s wife was on the elliptical and didn’t know she was in labor. Have you ever experienced or heard a funny birth story?
Discussion Questions
“Don’t believe the lie that you have to be all filled up before God can use you.” Share about a time when God used you even though you didn’t feel like you had much to give.
“What you build now, someone you love will live in later.” Who are you praying will be impacted later by how you serve God now?
“Any time you begin to take steps to rebuild walls, you can expect the enemy to bring opposition into your life.” When have you faced opposition after doing something in obedience to God? Are you facing that opposition right now?
“I’m not just a consumer here; I’m a contributor.” If you’re on a team, share where you volunteer and what you love about it. If not, share how you think God may be calling you to contribute.
PRO TIP: Here’s the link to sign up for e101 Share it with any group members interested in joining a team.
Go Deeper: Prayer Activity. Nehemiah 6:9 says, “'They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” Ask your group: Where do you need to ask God to strengthen your hands?
Have one person prepared to write down each person's responses, then pray over each one in the way that works best for your group. Instruct them to put their open hands out in front of them as you pray, like Pastor Earl demonstrated. If your group is comfortable, go around the circle and have each person pray for the person to their right. Alternatively, choose one or two people you know would be comfortable praying aloud.
After the group ends, share the list of responses in your group chat to continue praying for one another throughout the week.
Prayer Prompt
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
Dear Lord, thank You that You have called us to participate in the mission just as we are right now. We don’t have to wait until we feel ready for You to move through our lives to build others up. We ask that You give us courage to obey what You’re calling us into, and that You strengthen our hands as we do the work. In Your Name, Amen.