Renewal & Revitalization

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Originally preached on August 31, 2025.

scripture

Psalm 85

summary

Psalm 85 is used as a “state of the church” reflection that moves through four movements: looking back on God’s past faithfulness and grace, digging down into present spiritual and relational barriers shaped by change and loss, moving forward through repentance and a renewed commitment to deeper community and trust in God, and looking ahead to a vision of kingdom life where God’s righteousness, peace, and steadfast love shape a renewed people. The sermon calls the church to lean into its longing for more of God by pursuing unity, forgiveness, and a deeper life together in Christ.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead (Psalm 85)
Aaron Halstead

A Prayer for Restoration

Originally preached on September 21, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 1:5–11

series

Rebuild

summary

Nehemiah 1:5–11 models a prayer for restoration shaped by reverence, repentance, remembrance, and request. Nehemiah begins by honoring God’s greatness, confesses his and his people’s sin, recalls God’s promises to restore His people, and then asks for favor to act. The sermon emphasizes that prayers for restoration are fueled by a vision of God’s grace and lead us to depend on Him for renewal.

A Prayer for Restoration (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
Aaron Halstead

The King's Favor

Originally preached on September 28, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 2:1–8

series

Rebuild

summary

The story continues in Nehemiah 2:1–8 as Nehemiah makes his request to the king to return and Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His boldness and courage can inspire confidence in us as New Testament believers, especially when we consider that the King we can approach is full of mercy and compassion.

The King's Favor (Nehemiah 2:1-8)
Aaron Halstead

What We Need

Originally preached on October 5, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 2:9–20

series

Rebuild

summary

In the last text, King Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah to begin rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. In this text, Nehemiah begins the rebuilding process. Throughout this story so far, Nehemiah has been careful to acknowledge that whatever success he has experienced has been because God has supplied everything he needed and has been with him.

What We Need (Nehemiah 2:9-20)
Aaron Halstead

From Mundane to Mission

Originally preached on October 12, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 3:1–32

series

Rebuild

summary

All the preparation for rebuilding the wall had been made. In chapter 3 of Nehemiah, the work begins. Though he is not named in the chapter, it’s a fair assumption that Nehemiah organized and administered all the work that was done in the chapter. Though it’s a pretty mundane and monotonous read, there are some lessons we can draw on in our mission to make disciples.

From Mundane to Mission (Nehemiah 3:1-32)
Aaron Halstead

Responding to Insult

Originally preached on October 26, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 4:1–6

series

Rebuild

summary

The work to rebuild the wall has begun! But now the people of Jerusalem are facing opposition from their opponents, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, two governors of rival provinces nearby. The opposition starts off with just insults, but Nehemiah’s story can give us a guide for how to navigate when we face insults as disciples of Jesus.

Responding to Insult (Nehemiah 4:1-6)
Aaron Halstead

Responding to Intimidation

Originally preached on November 2, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 4:7–23

series

Rebuild

summary

When their enemies openly mocked and insulted them and their work to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah and the people continued to work with all their hearts. But their enemies were only angered all the more and conspired to attack them. Opposition to God’s people doesn’t always stop at insult; sometimes it escalates to intimidation. How should we respond?

Responding to Intimidation (Nehemiah 4:7-23)
Aaron Halstead

You Better Care

Originally preached on November 9, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 5:1–19

series

Rebuild

summary

The opposition from surrounding nations is thwarted, but Jerusalem is now threatened by an internal threat! While they have been working to rebuild the wall, the rich and powerful have taken advantage of their fellow citizens. Now, Nehemiah has to confront injustice in his own ranks. But his confrontation has much to teach the church about caring for our neighbors.

You Better Care (Nehemiah 5:1-19)
Aaron Halstead

Through the Threats

Originally preached November 16, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 6:1–19

series

Rebuild

summary

Insults are withstood. A planned attack is stopped. Injustice is made right. Nehemiah and the people can finally focus on rebuilding the wall without opposition, right? Nope! Even more sneaky threats arise, this time against Nehemiah personally, to try to stop him from rallying the people to work.

Through the Threats (Nehemiah 6:1-19)
Aaron Halstead

Restored Together

Originally preached November 23, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 7:1–73a

series

Rebuild

summary

Nehemiah 7 is not merely a long list of names. It is the story of a restored people. After the wall is rebuilt, Nehemiah begins the shift from construction to community formation. God is restoring, not just structures, but a people who worship, serve, and live together under His name.

Restored Together (Nehemiah 7:1-73a)
Aaron Halstead

Dedicated Together

Originally preached February 8, 2026.

scripture

Nehemiah 11–12

series

Rebuild

summary

After the wall is completed, Jerusalem still lacks people. Leaders live there, but most prefer the towns and villages. One-tenth of the people are chosen to relocate, and some willingly volunteer. This moment reveals that God’s work doesn’t move forward by structures alone—it requires people who are willing to step into less comfortable places for the sake of God’s purposes.

Dedicated Together (Nehemiah 11-12)
Aaron Halstead

When Reform Turns Harsh

Originally preached February 15, 2026.

scripture

Nehemiah 13:1–31

series

Rebuild

summary

Nehemiah 13 shows the final stage of Israel’s restoration slipping into both compromise and overzealous reform. The people misapply Scripture in ways that become exclusionary, while Nehemiah responds to real problems with intense but often harsh and inconsistent actions that mix faithfulness with anger and overreach. The chapter ends with repeated appeals for God to “remember” him, highlighting the tension between sincere devotion and flawed motivation. Overall, it warns that both compromise and uncontrolled zeal can distort God’s work.

When Reform Turns Harsh (Nehemiah 13:1-31
Aaron Halstead