Rise and Build
This sermon marks the transition from Joseph’s elevation to Nehemiah’s calling — shifting from being elevated to what we do with elevation. It emphasizes clarity, availability, boldness, teamwork, and resistance as essential components of building what God has assigned.
📖 Key Scripture
Nehemiah 2:11–20
These verses anchor the message: God calls His people to rise, build, and move — even when the work is hard and opposition is loud.
✨ Major Takeaways from the Sermon
1. Elevation Is Already Happening — Recognize It
You woke up in your right mind — that’s elevation.
You walked into God’s house — that’s elevation.
Stop waiting for elevation and start acknowledging what God has already done.
Elevation comes with responsibility, not relaxation.
2. God Requires Surrendered Availability
You can’t put God on pause.
Availability rarely comes at convenient times — sometimes God calls at 3 a.m.
You must be willing to pause your comfort to respond to God’s call.
Nehemiah moved when God stirred him, not when it fit his schedule.
3. Before You Build, You Must See Clearly
Nehemiah inspected the walls at night — quietly, humbly, intentionally.
He didn’t rush, brag, or announce prematurely.
He brought a few trusted people with him — not everyone, just the right ones.
You cannot fix what you refuse to examine honestly.
Clear vision requires humility, patience, and multiple perspectives.
4. God Builds Through Teams, Not Lone Rangers
Nehemiah didn’t try to rebuild alone.
He gathered people, listened to people, and involved people.
God works through collective wisdom — “let us rise and build.”
Your church’s discipleship teams, assessments, and planning are part of this divine pattern.
5. Speak the Vision Boldly
Nehemiah didn’t whisper the assignment — he declared it.
He reminded the people of God’s hand and the king’s provision.
Bold speech activates faith in others.
Vision must be spoken, not hidden.
6. God Provides Everything Needed for the Assignment
The king gave Nehemiah letters, wood, soldiers, and protection.
God gives His people “the king’s wood” — resources they didn’t earn.
God positions relationships, finances, buildings, and partnerships long before the work begins.
Your church’s story — free rent, unexpected support, divine connections — mirrors Nehemiah’s.
7. Expect Resistance — Internal and External
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mocked and despised the work.
Resistance comes from:
Internal doubt (“I’m not enough”)
Internal fear (“What if it fails?”)
External voices (“Why are you doing this?”)
Spiritual opposition
Resistance is not a sign to stop — it’s a sign you’re building something that matters.
8. Stand Firm in God’s Authority
Nehemiah didn’t argue with the opposition — he declared God’s promise.
“The God of heaven will prosper us.”
When God calls you to build, you don’t need permission from critics.
Walk in authority, not arrogance — confidence in God, not self.
9. Building Requires Faith + Action
Faith without movement is fantasy.
Nehemiah prayed, planned, inspected, gathered, spoke, and built.
God elevates you so you can move, not sit.
Rise and build means:
Rise in faith
Rise in unity
Rise in purpose
Rise in obedience
Rise in courage
10. God’s Plan for the Church Is Bigger Than Any One Person
The work is not about personal preference — it’s about kingdom purpose.
God is preparing Rowlett Friendship for something greater than comfort.
The church is being positioned to:
Welcome
Grow
Go
Serve
Shine
God is building something that will outlast every individual.