This Sunday, we continued the powerful Re-imagine series, leaning into the topic of Keep Building. Pastor Larry reminded us that God’s work in us and through us requires vision, resilience, and trust in His provision. We looked at the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Here we saw a perfect example of how God calls us to take action in faith, even in the face of adversity.
Let’s take a closer look at how God empowers us to keep building, even when we face challenges… With a vision that re-imagines what God can accomplish in our lives, in Rhema South Coast, and in our community.
A Vision for Building | Nehemiah’s Story
In the book of Nehemiah, we read how Nehemiah wept, prayed, and fasted when he heard about the ruined state of Jerusalem. However, he didn’t let the enormity of the problem discourage him. Instead, he sought God’s guidance and took action to rebuild the wall. In Nehemiah 2:17-18, we see the powerful response to Nehemiah’s call: “Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach… So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’”
Here’s an important lesson from Nehemiah: When God gives you a vision, He also provides the resources to accomplish it. Pastor Larry reminded us to declare, “The hand of the Lord is upon me for good, to build and establish His Kingdom!”
If you missed the sermon, you can watch it here.
Building Living Stones
The physical building of walls was important, but even more important was building the people, turning them into “living stones.” Pastor Larry pointed us to 1 Peter 2:5, which says, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” This means that while the building and property at Rhema South Coast provide a space, our mission is to build people, strengthen their faith, and guide them in Christ.
This journey isn’t just about physical structures; it’s about the community we build and the people who will be transformed and discipled. People matter to God. Each one of us has a role to play in building His kingdom by investing in others and being part of His work here.
Facing Adversity Head-On
Nehemiah faced enemies who conspired to stop the work. Nehemiah 4:6 describes their resolve: “So we built the wall… for the people had a mind to work.” Yet, opposition grew. Pastor Larry reminded us that Satan is the author of confusion, as James 3:16 tells us: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
Confusion and opposition are part of building anything worthwhile. But God calls us to hold on tighter to Him in times of adversity. Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Rather than letting adversity shrink our strength, we lean into God’s power, knowing He strengthens us and turns opposition into growth.
Our Source of Strength
When the builders’ strength began to falter, Nehemiah encouraged them to rely on God’s strength, not their own. Pastor Larry emphasised how vital it is to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, giving us the resilience and inner strength to keep building. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” It’s when we feel weak that God’s power is most evident in our lives.
Pastor Larry reminded us that we are never alone in our journey. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, giving us peace, guidance, and wisdom to overcome every obstacle. This is the essence of Re-imagine: to see beyond what we think is possible and trust in the power of God working within us.
For more on building a life of faith, see our post: Jesus gave us authority over everything.
Keep Building Effectively | Working with Purpose
Building a Christ-centred life and church requires wisdom and discernment. We are not called to strive in our own strength but to rely on God’s guidance. As Pastor Larry mentioned, if we try to do things on our own, they become “dead works” and lack true blessing. Only when our work is Spirit-led and grounded in faith can it be lasting and impactful.
This is why, like the builders in Nehemiah’s story, we must stay connected to God’s vision. He has already given us everything we need through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purposes. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Tools for Building and Battling
In Nehemiah’s time, the builders held tools in one hand and weapons in the other. They built the wall but remained ready to defend it. This is a powerful picture of the Christian life. We are called to build up ourselves and our families in faith while guarding against spiritual attacks. Nehemiah 4:17 describes the scene: “With one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.”
Pastor Larry encouraged us to:
- Hold fast to the Word as our guide and source of truth.
- Guard our minds against the enemy’s lies.
- Pray continually, trusting in God’s provision and protection.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
It’s the Holy Spirit who strengthens us to do God’s work. We aren’t called to rely on human effort alone. Romans 8:26 assures us, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” The Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and equips us for every task. Pastor Larry reminded us of the impact that the Spirit has on our lives—He is the fire, the rain, and the power that propels us forward.
Practical Steps for Building God’s Kingdom
In this season of re-imagining, let’s take practical steps to keep building with God’s vision and strength:
- Pray for Wisdom: Seek God’s guidance in everything.
- Rely on His Strength: Trust that His power is made perfect in your weakness.
- Stay Focused: Don’t let distractions pull you away from God’s purpose.
- Work and Guard: Build up your faith while protecting it with prayer.
- Encourage Each Other: We are all “living stones” in this spiritual house. Support one another.
Keep Building with God’s Vision
Church, God has called us to be part of something greater than ourselves. He’s given us a vision for a harvest beyond expectation, and He has promised to provide everything we need to accomplish it. Let’s keep building—through adversity, through opposition, and with the strength of the Holy Spirit guiding us every step of the way.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the vision You’ve given us. Help us to keep building, even in the face of challenges. Strengthen us with Your Spirit, guide our steps, and give us the courage to persevere. We surrender to Your grace, knowing that in our weakness, Your strength is made perfect. May everything we build be for Your glory. Amen.
