4. Nehemiah: Building Unity Brick by Brick - Opposing Forces - 2025/07/13

The power of opposition is intense. History has proved again and again how empires have fallen when facing internal weakness and external pressure. From the Persians seeing Alexander the Great sweep across the known world, to the Inca and Aztec’s falling to Spanish conquistadors, and the Western Roman Empire collapsing under the attacks of small Germanic tribes, it is amazing how opposition exploits weaknesses. Nehemiah and the people were making great progress on the walls, but Sanballat, Tobiah the Ammonite, the Arabs, and men of Ashdod were not ok with Jerusalem coming back to power. They began use weapons of mass disruption by taunting the workers and ridiculing their efforts. Sadly, this would likely be enough to deter many today from the Lord’s work. The people held strong through prayer, but then faced the threat of physical attack. This was no longer a group of bullies, but a real life threatening situation with enemies on all sides growing impatient, and putting their destruction. This brought on the natural discouragement of doing hard work under pressure, and the constant fear of attack and failure. For each of us today these same things plague our lives. From ridicule and threat, to discouragement and fear we all constantly see opposition from outside and within. There is a reality of an enemy who hates us. There is the sinful flesh that distracts us. Both of these desire to destroy us. How do we battle them and keep walking in obedience to God’s call? By doing what Ephesians 6 tells us, and armoring up! Join us for one of our worship services this weekend and MBC as we continue in the book of Nehemiah! - Pastor Ben Key Verse - Nehemiah 4:9 - "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat." For Scripture, notes, upcoming events, & more: http://bible.com/events/49450999