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Sermon Title: “Determined”

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Text: Nehemiah 4:1–23

Delivered at Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA 22835 (February 15, 2026)

Local Message Highlight
If you are searching for a Bible-preaching church near Luray, VA, this message from Nehemiah 4 shows what happens when God’s work meets resistance. Ridicule turns into threats, weariness sets in, and the enemy pushes hard to stop progress. The call is simple: stay determined, keep building, keep praying, and keep trusting the Lord who is “great and terrible.”

What This Sermon Covers
From Nehemiah 4, the message lays out four areas where the church must be determined. First, be determined to work, because “the people had a mind to work,” and the wall moved forward when everyone carried their part. Second, be determined to pray, because “nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God,” and no opposition should choke off a believer’s prayer life. Third, be determined to prepare, as Nehemiah set a watch day and night while continuing the labor. Fourth, be determined to fight the right way, standing firm for brethren, sons, daughters, wives, and houses, with the sword as the weapon. The message closes by calling believers to persevere until the work is finished, and it includes a clear Gospel invitation for the lost to come to Christ.

Why Visit Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA?
Forward for Christ Baptist Church is a King James Bible-believing church serving Page County and the Shenandoah Valley with clear preaching, traditional worship, and a desire to see souls saved and believers strengthened. If you are looking for a church family that loves the Word of God, prays together, and stays faithful through opposition, you are welcome here.

Questions and Answers

Quick sermon takeaways from Nehemiah 5:1–19, focused on facing opposition from the inside.

What is the main point of the 2/15 sermon?

Nehemiah 5 shows that opposition does not always come from the outside. Sometimes it rises from within, and God’s people must respond the right way: with sympathy, humility, wisdom, and boldness to confront sin, so the work of God can keep moving forward.

What problem is happening in Nehemiah 5?

The people cry out because they are being mistreated by their own brethren. Some have mortgaged lands and houses to buy food, others have borrowed money to pay the king’s tribute, and some families are even being forced into bondage. The conflict is internal, and it is hurting God’s people.

How did Nehemiah react when he heard the cries of the people?

Nehemiah said, “I was very angry” (Nehemiah 5:6). The sermon explains that anger itself is not the whole issue, but how we handle it matters. Nehemiah’s anger was tied to sympathy, because he cared that the people were being taken advantage of.

What did the sermon teach about anger and love?

The message connected Nehemiah’s anger with the reminder that “charity… is not easily provoked” (1 Corinthians 13:5). God’s people will face situations that stir anger, but we must respond with grace, love, and the right spirit, not quick, fleshly reactions.

What does Nehemiah 5:7 mean when it says, “Then I consulted with myself”?

The sermon pointed out that Nehemiah paused before speaking, choosing humility and self-examination instead of reacting in the heat of the moment. He gathered the facts, considered the matter carefully, and approached the situation with wisdom before confronting the sin.

Why is humility so important when conflict rises inside the church?

The sermon stressed that God resists pride but gives grace to the humble. If we want God’s help and God’s favor, we cannot handle problems with pride. Humility keeps our words seasoned with grace and helps us address issues in a way that honors the Lord.

How did Nehemiah confront the sin without backing down?

Nehemiah rebuked the nobles and rulers for usury and said plainly, “It is not good that ye do” (Nehemiah 5:9). The sermon emphasized that sympathy and humility do not cancel boldness. There are times when sin must be confronted directly.

What did Nehemiah call the leaders to do to make it right?

He called for repentance and restoration: to stop the usury and restore lands, vineyards, houses, and what had been exacted from the people (Nehemiah 5:10–11). The sermon highlights that real repentance is not just words, it corrects wrongs and makes things right where possible.

How did the people respond after Nehemiah addressed the problem?

They answered, “We will restore them, and will require nothing of them” (Nehemiah 5:12). Nehemiah then brought accountability, and the congregation said “Amen” and praised the Lord, and the people followed through (Nehemiah 5:12–13).

How did Nehemiah lead by example after the conflict was addressed?

Nehemiah refused to live off the people as former governors had done, and he continued the work (Nehemiah 5:14–16). The sermon emphasized leadership that fears God, stays committed to the work, and lives with integrity, not entitlement.

What did the sermon highlight about generosity in Nehemiah 5?

Nehemiah provided for many at his table, including rulers and others who came from among the heathen (Nehemiah 5:17–18). The message tied this to trusting God’s provision and being willing to help people rather than adding to their burdens.

What is the closing challenge and invitation of the sermon?

The sermon closes by calling God’s people to be sympathetic, humble, and bold, so the church can keep a burden for souls and continue the work. It also extends a clear Gospel invitation for the lost to come to Christ, and an altar call for believers facing “inside” opposition to seek God’s help.

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