11/30/2025 Midtown Church Elk Grove

“Discerning The Times”

Pastor Christa Armstead

Review of Nehemiah: 

• A Time for Weeping, Fasting & Prayer – Nehemiah 1:4
  “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.”
• A Time to Rebuild – Nehemiah 2:4–5
  “Send me… so I can rebuild it.”
• A Time for Justice – Nehemiah 5:6–7
  “I called a meeting to deal with them.”

The BIG Idea: Don’t Let Opposition Keep You from God’s Mission!

 1. TIME TO RETURN TO THE WORD

• Nehemiah 8:1–3
• All people gathered before the Water Gate; Ezra brought out the book of Moses.

2. TIME TO RESPOND

• Nehemiah 8:6–12, 9:1–3
• Listen attentively, reverently, responsively, responsibly.
• Our Role: Receive and pursue understanding through Groups, POUR, Purple Book, Bibles, and Bible Recap.

3. TIME TO WATCH & PRA

• Opposition is the price of progress.
• Maya Angelou: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
• Nehemiah 13:2b – God turns curses into blessings.
• 1 Peter 5:8 – The enemy seeks to devour.

Final Thought:

TIME FOR REST, JOY & CELEBRATION

• Nehemiah 8:9–10 – “Do not mourn… enjoy… and send portions to those who have nothing.”

Spiritual Renewal Produces:

• Justice | Generosity | Compassion | Care for the vulnerable