1. Stone of Preparation

2. December 17, 2002

3. Can you imagine the time spent in preparation?
What if the same preparation went into our homes and families?
What about church?

4. Preparation is important when it comes to “building up”
A house or home will not grow or build without preparation
A church will not shine if there is no preparation
Nehemiah didn’t rush to rebuild the walls
I Peter 2:5

5. The Stone of Preparation

6. Nehemiah prepared by Petitioning the king
Nehemiah knew he couldn’t rebuild the walls of Jerusalem from Susa
Nehemiah received the king’s approval by praying, working as a cupbearer, and his countenance
Nehemiah was ready to answer the king when asked

7. He asked for letters of authority to rebuild the walls
He requested letters of authority for the materials needed to rebuild the walls
He needed a letter to approve his work
We have been given the “letter” to know of God’s approval (Word)

8. Nehemiah prepared by Probing the ruins
He took three days to prepare before laying the first stone
He went at night (2:11)
He found the walls broken and the gates burned (2:13)
He saw more at night than those who saw at day

9. Thought and planning must go into any building, especially with people
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)

10. Nehemiah prepared by Persuading the residents
Nehemiah was wise enough to know that he couldn’t do the job by himself
He challenged others to arise and build
He reminded the people of the distress they were in
The people had gotten use to their deplorable situation

11. Nehemiah was ridiculed for stepping out and doing something
He was in good company
Jesus was riddled on the cross
The apostles were ridiculed by some on Pentecost
We need to be persuaded to arise and build up the Lord’s church

12. Be Prepared!