Sustaining a Heavenly Burden Through Prayer

As we continue our series of learning lessons from the book of Nehemiah, Ben shares how to remain resilient even under the arrows of discouragement. Key Passages: Nehemiah 3:1-4, 12; Nehemiah 12:10; Genesis 12:3, Psalm 22:27; Ezra 5:12,Join us on Sundays at Antioch Raleigh, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Raleigh, NC. Learn more at antiochraleigh.com

Jesus was the coolest person to ever walk the planet. We weren't made to be accepted by others. We were made to abide in Yahweh's perfect, steady love.Video testimony here

As we continue our series, Ben shares three pillars for a family of purpose that we find in the book of Nehemiah.Key Passages: Nehemiah 3:1-4, 12; Nehemiah 12:10; Genesis 12:3, Psalm 22:27; Ezra 5:12, Join us on Sundays at Antioch Raleigh, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Raleigh, NC. Learn more at antiochraleigh.com

God’s love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a covenant promise. Looking at Exodus 34:6 and the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15, we saw how Yahweh’s steadfast love and faithfulness come to full light in Jesus, “full of grace and truth,” who stays faithful to us even when we are faithless.

God is slow to anger. In Hebrew the phrase literally means “long of nose,” so Yahweh doesn’t flare up quickly the way we do, but when His anger does come, it is good: it comes from His love for His people and His commitment to justice. We see that patience most clearly at the cross, where Jesus took the judgment we deserved, and we’re invited to receive that grace and to reflect God’s patience as we invite others into His rest.

As we continue our series, Ben shares three lessons for the people of God found in the book of Nehemiah.Key Passages: Nehemiah 1:1-4; Nehemiah 2; Isaiah 52:1-10; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 4:11; Matthew 4:19Join us on Sundays at Antioch Raleigh, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Raleigh, NC. Learn more at antiochraleigh.com

God's mercy and grace is freely available to us, but it isn't meant to end with us. As we behold His glory and receive his goodness, we become partners with Him in the earth. He's looking for a people who are so in love with Him that they carry His heart into their families, schools, teams and friendships.Discussion Questions1. Who do you relate the most with in the story of the prodigal son? Why?2. Suppose that there was a third son in the story who shared his father's heart. What would he be like?3. How would you describe your relationship with the Father?4. Where in your life do you have influence?/What has God entrusted to you? (e.g. family, school, sports, friendships, etc.)5. What would it look like to share God's heart for that space?ActivationIn small groups, ask God to give you His heart for these spaces. Intercede for these spaces. Ask for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done.

As we continue our series in Nehemiah, we talk through three key takeaways on how to contend for a burden from the Lord.Key Passages: Nehemiah 1:1-4; Nehemiah 2Join us on Sundays at Antioch Raleigh, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Raleigh, NC. Learn more at antiochraleigh.com

The first thing Yahweh says about Himself is that He is merciful (compassionate) and gracious. He reveals Himself as a God who feels deep, tender compassion for us, like a mother with her newborn, and who acts to rescue us in our time of need. This is who He is, and this is how He meets us in when we turn to Him.Discussion QuestionsWhat are Bible stories that emphasize Yahweh’s mercy and grace? What do they tell us about Him?Why is confession important?ActivationPractice confession in groups of 3-4:1. Ask the Lord, "Is there unconfessed sin in my life that's keeping me from enjoying your mercy and grace"?2. Share honestly.3. After someone shares, declare the mercy of God over them. Respond with "you are forgiven".4. Pray over them.5. Keep what's shared confidential.

Last week we kicked off our new series in Nehemiah by talking about receiving a heavenly burden from the Lord. This week, we talk about how to sustain that burden from the Lord.Key Passages: Nehemiah 1:1-4; Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 5:14-15Join us on Sundays at Antioch Raleigh, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Raleigh, NC. Learn more at antiochraleigh.com