Join Pastor Gary Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle for the Sunday AM service as we embark on a new sermon series on the book of Nehemiah. This week, we begin with an introduction to Nehemiah, a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful figure in the Old Testament. Unlike the familiar stories of Daniel, Esther, and the Babylonian Captivity, Nehemiah's narrative unfolds in the final chapters of Israel's exilic period. Written between 433-431 BC, the book offers a unique first-person account of a man who left the opulence of Shushan to address the dire state of Jerusalem. Discover how Nehemiah's deep concern for the ruins of Zion and the plight of his people ignites a journey of dedicated, discerning zeal for God's work.
In this sermon, Pastor Boyd delves into Nehemiah's reaction upon receiving devastating news about Jerusalem from his brother Hanani. Despite living a comfortable life in the Persian royal city of Susa, Nehemiah's heart breaks over the suffering and desolation of a place he had never seen. His response of mourning, fasting, and prayer highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to be moved by the misery of others. As we explore Nehemiah's story, we are challenged to examine what moves us today and how we might be indifferent to the needs around us. This powerful introduction sets the stage for understanding the remarkable impact one person can have when fully surrendered to God's calling.
