Sermon Outlines for 2023
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 19, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (8 of 13)
Title: The Assembly Delighted!
Text: Nehemiah 8:8-10 (Printed); Nehemiah 8:1-18 (Presented)
8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
[a] Footnotes: a. Or stronghold
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The city walls and gates were now restored; but the people were not! Then Ezra, the priest, shares God’s Word and the people are renewed!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
The Living Precepts of God change us into the Living People of God!
Thot 1: The Reading of God’s Word (8:8)
A. The Torah Expressed (8a);
B. The Translation Extracted (8b);
C. The Telling Explained (8c)
i. Observation;
ii. Interpretation;
iii. Application;
iv. Corroboration
Thot 2: The Response to God’s Word (8:9)
A. The Gathered Leaders (9a);
B. The Given Lecture (9b);
C. The Grieving Lamentation (9c)
Thot 3: The Rejoicing at God’s Word (8:10)
A. The Caring Directive (10a);
B. The Consecrated Day (10b);
C. The Celebratory Delight (10c)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
May God’s Word bring His people (including me) revival!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 12, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (7 of 13)
Title: The Accomplishment Done!
Text: Nehemiah 6:15-7:73 (Printed); Nehemiah 6:15-16 (Presented)
15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, [a] for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. Footnotes: a. Lit and fell greatly in their eyes
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
With God’s help, Nehemiah and his workers complete the wall in 52 days!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people and in record time!
Thot 1: The Restorations Dumbfound (6:15-19)
A. The Task Finished (15a);
B. The Time Framed (15b)
C. The Troubled Foes (16)
i. At the Sounds of the Reports;
ii. At the Sights of the Repairs;
iii. At the Sovereignty of our Redeemer
D. The Textual Folly (17);
E. The Ties of Family (18)
i. The Connecting Links;
ii. The Controlling Longs
F. The Telling of Feats (helpful for Tobiah) (19a)
G. The Topics Falsified (harmful for Nehemiah) (19b)
H. Tobiah’s Tries to Frighten (19b)
Thot 2: The Responsibility Delegated (7:1-4)
A. The Completed Project Appeared (1a);
B. The Competent Professionals Apportioned (1b);
C. The Companions to Positions Appointed (2)
i. Their Faithfulness to God;
ii. Their Fearfulness of God
D. The Charges for Precautions Accepted (3)
i. Confidence at the Gates and Doors (3a);
ii. Caution at the Guard-Posts and Domiciles (3b)
E. The Challenges to the People Acknowledged (4)
i. The Spacious City;
ii. The Sparse Citizens;
iii. Their Shelters Collapsed
Thot 3: The Registry Developed (7:5-73)
A. The List of the Present Group to be Delineated and Recorded (5a)
B. The List of the Previous Groups is Discovered and Reviewed (5b-6)
i. Their Names (7-67);
ii. Their Numbers (7-67);
iii. Their Nativities (7-67);
iv. Their Natures (68-69);
v. Their Niceties (70-72);
vi. Their Networks (73a);
vii. Their Neighborhoods (73b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I say, “God please do something remarkable right now by me for your glory!”
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 5, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (6 of 13)
Title: The Adversarial Devices
Text: Nehemiah 6:1-3 (Printed); Nehemiah 6:1-14 (Presented)
6 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, [a]Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and [b]Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together [c]among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
Footnotes: a, b and d, Or Gashmu; c. Or in Kephirim, exact location unknown
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about? Nehemiah and his people have rebuilt the walls and are nearing completion (lacking the doors) when their enemies again confront him, the leader, repeatedly with various efforts to stop them.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
As key leaders in our families, churches, etc., we too are pummeled with attacks from the devil aimed at disrupting us from doing God’s work.
Thot 1: The Launching of Incessant Distractions (6:1-4)
A. They are Ploys (1-3)
i. The Ruse of It (1-2)
ii. The Response to It (3)
B. They are Persistent (4-5a)
Thot 2: The Letter of Indictment and Defamation (6:5b-9)
A. The Accusations to be Reported:
i. About a Rebelling People (6a)
ii. About a Rebuilding Project (6b)
iii. About a Ruling Potentate (6c)
iv. About a Revealing Prophet (7a)
B. The Answers to be Retorted:
i. These are Fabrications of the Mind (9a)
ii. These are Fearmongering Methods (9b)
iii. These are Fatigue Makers (9c)
Thot 3: The Lying Incitement to Dismay (6:10-14)
A. The Deceptive Scare (10)
B. The Decisive Statement (11)
C. The Discernment of the Spirit (12-13)
D. The Divine Supplication (14)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
As a believer, I will be aware of and rebut the devil’s tricks to deny me from doing God’s work and enjoying the victories that He has appointed for me.
*******
Teacher: Lay Minister Dorian Saunders, Sr.
Time: Sunday Morning, February 26, 2023
Title: A Sense of Urgency
Text: Mark 1:17-18
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 19, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (5 of 13)
Title: The Agonizing Dearth and the Appalling Deeds
Text: Nehemiah 5:1-3, 9-10, 19 (Printed); Nehemiah 5:1-19 (Presented)
5 And there was a great outcry of the people and their wives against their Jewish brethren. 2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons, and our daughters are many; therefore let us get grain, that we may eat and live.” 3 There were also some who said, “We have mortgaged our lands and vineyards and houses, that we might buy grain because of the famine.” … 9 Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this [a]usury! … 19 Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Footnotes: a. interest
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
While rebuilding the wall, a famine worsens and oppresses the people. Some abuse others via high interest charges on debt, and bondage through service.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
We should always treat one another justly as God directs us, whether times are good or bad, and whether it is convenient and advantageous for us or not.
Thot 1: The Misfortunes of the Nation (5:1-5)
A. The Famine Lingers (5:1-2, 3b);
B. The Financed Loans (5:3a, 4)
C. The Forced Labor (5:4-5a);
D. The Failed Liberation (5:5b)
Thot 2: The Mistake by the Nobles (5:6-13)
A. The Embroiled Rebuke Stated (6-7)
i. Nehemiah’s Indignation for them (6);
ii. Nehemiah’s Indictment of them (7)
B. The Embarrassed Reproach Summarized (8-9)
i. The Historical Account Recalled (8a);
ii. The Humiliating Actions Rebuffed (8b-9)
C. The Embedded Resolution Submitted (10b-13)
i. A Detailed Vocalization Made (10b-12);
ii. A Deterrent Visualization Modeled (13)
Thot 3: The Munificence of the Nehemiah (5:10a, 14-19)
A. His Tenderness (10a);
B. His Time (14a);
C. His Tactics (14b - 15)
D. His Task (16a);
E. His Teamwork (16b);
F. His Table (17-18);
G. His Trust (19)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Apply the Golden Rule; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 12, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (4 of 13)
Title: The Answer to Discouragement? Prayer!
Text: Nehemiah 4:6, 8-9, 14, 20 (Printed); Nehemiah 4:1-23 (Presented)
6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. … 8 and all of them (the enemies)* conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. … 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” … 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. *Parenthesis is mine.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The enemies tried to discourage Nehemiah and the people from their work. Nehemiah and the people’s answer was to pray to God for encouragement!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
The enemy (devil) plots to discourage believers from doing God’s work. What is our answer to this diabolical ploy? We too are to pray for encouragement!
Thot 1: The Preying Adversaries (4:1-3,7-8, 10-12)
A. Their Malicious Attitudes (4:1-3, 7)
i. They are Infuriating Madmen (1a, 7);
ii. They are Insulting Mockers (1b-3)
B. Their Malevolent Attempts (4:8)
i. They Conspire Schemes and Abuse (8a);
ii. They Confuse with Shock and Awe (8b)
C. Their Malignant Attacks (4:10-12)
i. They Savor Fatigue (10a);
ii. They Shift Focus (10b);
iii. They Sow Fear (11-12)
Thot 2: The Praying Advocates (4:4-6, 9)
A. The Prayer of Rebuke and Determination (4:4-6)
i. Their Imprecatory Outcry (4-5);
ii. Their Impressive Outcome (6)
B. The Prayer for a Ready Defense (4:9, 13-15)
i. Their Watchfulness Resolutely Constant (9, 13a);
ii. Their Warfare Rightfully Conspicuous (13b-14, 16-23)
iii. Their Work on Repairs Continuous (15 -16-23)
iv. Their Wall and the Rally Call (19-20)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will watch, pray, and courageously accomplish the work God has assigned me!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 5, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (3 of 13)
Title: The Assignments Delegated
Text: Nehemiah 3:1-2 (Printed); Nehemiah 3:1-32 (Presented)
3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 4 And next to them …
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The restoration of the City of Jerusalem, lying in ruins, was a massive undertaking! Yet, God had inspired and enabled Nehemiah to lead a caravan of people there to share in doing the work with him! They enthusiastically embraced and embarked on the work (Neh. 2:18).
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Whatever God is asking you to do, He will inspire and enable you (and provide people to join you) in the realization of it!
Thot 1: The Repairs for the Workers are Abundant! (3:1-32)
A. The Doors (Gates)
B. The Dividers (Walls)
C. The Defenses (Towers)
Thot 2: The Responsibilities of the Workers are Abreast! (3:1-32)
A. The Work Beside Them (1-32)
B. The Work Before Them (28, 30b)
Thot 3: The Reputations about the Workers are Absolute! (3:1-32)
A. Most Do Nominal Work (1-32)
B. Some Do No Work (5b)
C. Few Do New (More) Work (5a, 8, 13, 27, 30a)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens (enables) me!
*******
Teacher: Lay Minister Luis Rodriguez
Time: Sunday Morning, January 29, 2023
Title: To be announced
Text: To be announced
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 22, 2023
Theme: North America Prayer P.U.S.H.
Title: And When They Had Prayed!
Text: Acts 4:31; 5:14, 16 (Printed); Acts 4:23-31; 5:12-16 (Presented)
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. … 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, … 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The early church, reeling from persecution, gathers to pray; and God brings a shaking to them; and a transformation among them!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Prayer changes things! Prayer changes people!
Thot 1: An Awakening to Prayer by the Spirit’s Presence! (4:23-30; 5:12)
A. Their Current Persecution (4:23)
B. Their Correct Perspective (4:24-28)
C. Their Confident Petitions (4:29-30)
Thot 2: A Shaking in Prayer by the Spirit’s Power! (4:31)
A. Their Spiritual Filling Within (31a)
B. Their Special Flowing Without (31b)
Thot 3: A Making from Prayer with the Spirit’s Purpose! (4:32-37; 5:12-16)
A. Their Singleheartedness in Gathering (4:32; 5:12b, 16a)
B. Their Stretch via Going (4:33)
C. Their Stewardship in Giving (4:34-37)
D. Their Stellar Growing (5:13-14)
E. Their Supernatural Gracing (5:12a, 16b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I believe that prayer can change me (us) today! Let’s take time to P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)! Oh, God, wake me (us) up! Shake me (us) up! Make me (us) up! Transform me (us) into who You want me (us) to be!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 15, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (2 of 13)
Title: The Assessment of the Damages
Text: Nehemiah 2:17-18 (Printed); Nehemiah 2:11-20 (Presented)
17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies [a]waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set[b] their hands to this good work.
Footnotes: a. desolate; b. Lit. strengthened
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Equipped with God’s favor and the king’s authority, Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem, evaluates the ruins, inspires the people, and they together begin the repairs to rebuild the city; while dismissing the fault-finders and nay-sayers!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Buoyed with God’s favor and authority, believers should examine themselves, identify any brokenness, and begin rebuilding while snubbing their detractors.
Thot 1: Viewing the Ruins (2:11-16)
A. His Courageous and Humble Presence in the City (2:11)
B. His Careful and Harmless Privacy at the City (2:12, 16)
C. His Candid and Holistic Perusal of the City (2:13-15)
Thot 2: Voicing the Responsibility (2:17-18)
A. His Proclamation from God is Reported Heartily (2:17)
B. His Praises toward God Resound Heavenly (2:18a)
C. His People for God Respond Helpfully (2:18b)
Thot 3: Vanquishing the Rivals (2:19-20)
A. The Personal Rebukes Hurled at Him by His Enemies (2:19)
B. The Powerful Routing Heaped by Him upon His Enemies (2:20)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will honestly examine my situation; believe God’s Word; and walk in His favor. With God’s help, and the support of believers, I will rise and begin repairing what is broken in all the areas of my life; and not listen to any critics.
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 8, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (1 of 13)
Title: The Anxious Dilemma
Text: Nehemiah 2:4-5, 6b (Printed) Nehemiah 1:1-2:10 (Presented)
4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.” 6b … So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Nehemiah hears a troubling report that the exiles in Judah are suffering and that Jerusalem still lies in ruins. He desires to return and rebuild the city. He prays to God, and the king grants him permission, provision, and protection.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
When we hear disturbing reports, we too can pray to God and seek His favor for us to do something to remedy the situation at hand; and He will use us!
Thot 1: The Report to Nehemiah about Judah (1:1-3)
A. The Place of Shushan (1:1)
B. The Probe about the Survivors (1:2)
C. The Perilous Situation (1:3)
i. Their Distress and Noticeable Reproach (3a)
ii. The Destruction and Need for Repairs (3b)
a. Broken Dividers (Walls)
b. Burned Doors (Gates)
D. The Prayer of Supplication (1:4-11)
i. His Response before God’s Fearsomeness (4-6a)
ii. His Repentance and God’s Forgiveness (6b-7)
iii. His Reminder about Gods Faithfulness (8-9)
iv. His Request for God’s Favor (10-11)
Thot 2: The Return of Nehemiah to Judah (2:1-10)
A. His Presentation is Sad (2:1-3);
B. His Prayer is Sudden (2:4)
C. His Petition is Sought (2:5)
D. His Permission is Sanctioned (2:6)
E. His Provision is Supplied (2:7-8)
F. His Protection is Secured (2:9-10)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will seek to become a solution to the problems around me. I will find a need and fill it. I will find a hurt and heal it. I will make this world a better place!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan.
Time: Sunday Morning, January 1, 2023
Title: Fasting and Praying for Our New Year’s Journey
Theme: New Year's Message (21 Days of Prayer and Fasting)
Text: Ezra 8:21-23 (Printed & Presented)
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
As they begin their journey from their internment in Babylon (i.e., meaning confusion or puzzlement) to their independence in Jerusalem (i.e., meaning calm or peace), Ezra and the Israelites fast and pray for God to open a pathway for them, give protection around them, and make provision for them.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
As we journey into a New Year, let us seek God in fasting and prayer for His pathway for us, His protection around us, and His provision for us. Let us abandon last year’s bondage and rather abide in the New Year’s blessings!
Thot 1: Ezra’s Ruling for Fasting (21)
A. His Submitting Deferentially to God (21a)
B. His Seeking Direction from God (21b)
Thot 2: Ezra’s Remarks before Fasting (22)
A. His Self-consciousness about His Dismay before God (22a)
B. His Self-confidence in His Dependency upon God (22b)
Thot 3: Ezra’s Results from Fasting (23)
A. His Suffering Diligently for God (23a)
B. His Support Directly from God (23b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will seek God in prayer and fasting for His shepherding of me, His security around me, and His supplies for me for this year as He frees me and favors me.
Time: Sunday Morning, March 19, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (8 of 13)
Title: The Assembly Delighted!
Text: Nehemiah 8:8-10 (Printed); Nehemiah 8:1-18 (Presented)
8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
[a] Footnotes: a. Or stronghold
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The city walls and gates were now restored; but the people were not! Then Ezra, the priest, shares God’s Word and the people are renewed!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
The Living Precepts of God change us into the Living People of God!
Thot 1: The Reading of God’s Word (8:8)
A. The Torah Expressed (8a);
B. The Translation Extracted (8b);
C. The Telling Explained (8c)
i. Observation;
ii. Interpretation;
iii. Application;
iv. Corroboration
Thot 2: The Response to God’s Word (8:9)
A. The Gathered Leaders (9a);
B. The Given Lecture (9b);
C. The Grieving Lamentation (9c)
Thot 3: The Rejoicing at God’s Word (8:10)
A. The Caring Directive (10a);
B. The Consecrated Day (10b);
C. The Celebratory Delight (10c)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
May God’s Word bring His people (including me) revival!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 12, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (7 of 13)
Title: The Accomplishment Done!
Text: Nehemiah 6:15-7:73 (Printed); Nehemiah 6:15-16 (Presented)
15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, [a] for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. Footnotes: a. Lit and fell greatly in their eyes
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
With God’s help, Nehemiah and his workers complete the wall in 52 days!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people and in record time!
Thot 1: The Restorations Dumbfound (6:15-19)
A. The Task Finished (15a);
B. The Time Framed (15b)
C. The Troubled Foes (16)
i. At the Sounds of the Reports;
ii. At the Sights of the Repairs;
iii. At the Sovereignty of our Redeemer
D. The Textual Folly (17);
E. The Ties of Family (18)
i. The Connecting Links;
ii. The Controlling Longs
F. The Telling of Feats (helpful for Tobiah) (19a)
G. The Topics Falsified (harmful for Nehemiah) (19b)
H. Tobiah’s Tries to Frighten (19b)
Thot 2: The Responsibility Delegated (7:1-4)
A. The Completed Project Appeared (1a);
B. The Competent Professionals Apportioned (1b);
C. The Companions to Positions Appointed (2)
i. Their Faithfulness to God;
ii. Their Fearfulness of God
D. The Charges for Precautions Accepted (3)
i. Confidence at the Gates and Doors (3a);
ii. Caution at the Guard-Posts and Domiciles (3b)
E. The Challenges to the People Acknowledged (4)
i. The Spacious City;
ii. The Sparse Citizens;
iii. Their Shelters Collapsed
Thot 3: The Registry Developed (7:5-73)
A. The List of the Present Group to be Delineated and Recorded (5a)
B. The List of the Previous Groups is Discovered and Reviewed (5b-6)
i. Their Names (7-67);
ii. Their Numbers (7-67);
iii. Their Nativities (7-67);
iv. Their Natures (68-69);
v. Their Niceties (70-72);
vi. Their Networks (73a);
vii. Their Neighborhoods (73b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I say, “God please do something remarkable right now by me for your glory!”
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, March 5, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (6 of 13)
Title: The Adversarial Devices
Text: Nehemiah 6:1-3 (Printed); Nehemiah 6:1-14 (Presented)
6 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, [a]Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and [b]Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together [c]among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
Footnotes: a, b and d, Or Gashmu; c. Or in Kephirim, exact location unknown
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about? Nehemiah and his people have rebuilt the walls and are nearing completion (lacking the doors) when their enemies again confront him, the leader, repeatedly with various efforts to stop them.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
As key leaders in our families, churches, etc., we too are pummeled with attacks from the devil aimed at disrupting us from doing God’s work.
Thot 1: The Launching of Incessant Distractions (6:1-4)
A. They are Ploys (1-3)
i. The Ruse of It (1-2)
ii. The Response to It (3)
B. They are Persistent (4-5a)
Thot 2: The Letter of Indictment and Defamation (6:5b-9)
A. The Accusations to be Reported:
i. About a Rebelling People (6a)
ii. About a Rebuilding Project (6b)
iii. About a Ruling Potentate (6c)
iv. About a Revealing Prophet (7a)
B. The Answers to be Retorted:
i. These are Fabrications of the Mind (9a)
ii. These are Fearmongering Methods (9b)
iii. These are Fatigue Makers (9c)
Thot 3: The Lying Incitement to Dismay (6:10-14)
A. The Deceptive Scare (10)
B. The Decisive Statement (11)
C. The Discernment of the Spirit (12-13)
D. The Divine Supplication (14)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
As a believer, I will be aware of and rebut the devil’s tricks to deny me from doing God’s work and enjoying the victories that He has appointed for me.
*******
Teacher: Lay Minister Dorian Saunders, Sr.
Time: Sunday Morning, February 26, 2023
Title: A Sense of Urgency
Text: Mark 1:17-18
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 19, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (5 of 13)
Title: The Agonizing Dearth and the Appalling Deeds
Text: Nehemiah 5:1-3, 9-10, 19 (Printed); Nehemiah 5:1-19 (Presented)
5 And there was a great outcry of the people and their wives against their Jewish brethren. 2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons, and our daughters are many; therefore let us get grain, that we may eat and live.” 3 There were also some who said, “We have mortgaged our lands and vineyards and houses, that we might buy grain because of the famine.” … 9 Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this [a]usury! … 19 Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Footnotes: a. interest
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
While rebuilding the wall, a famine worsens and oppresses the people. Some abuse others via high interest charges on debt, and bondage through service.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
We should always treat one another justly as God directs us, whether times are good or bad, and whether it is convenient and advantageous for us or not.
Thot 1: The Misfortunes of the Nation (5:1-5)
A. The Famine Lingers (5:1-2, 3b);
B. The Financed Loans (5:3a, 4)
C. The Forced Labor (5:4-5a);
D. The Failed Liberation (5:5b)
Thot 2: The Mistake by the Nobles (5:6-13)
A. The Embroiled Rebuke Stated (6-7)
i. Nehemiah’s Indignation for them (6);
ii. Nehemiah’s Indictment of them (7)
B. The Embarrassed Reproach Summarized (8-9)
i. The Historical Account Recalled (8a);
ii. The Humiliating Actions Rebuffed (8b-9)
C. The Embedded Resolution Submitted (10b-13)
i. A Detailed Vocalization Made (10b-12);
ii. A Deterrent Visualization Modeled (13)
Thot 3: The Munificence of the Nehemiah (5:10a, 14-19)
A. His Tenderness (10a);
B. His Time (14a);
C. His Tactics (14b - 15)
D. His Task (16a);
E. His Teamwork (16b);
F. His Table (17-18);
G. His Trust (19)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
Apply the Golden Rule; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 12, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (4 of 13)
Title: The Answer to Discouragement? Prayer!
Text: Nehemiah 4:6, 8-9, 14, 20 (Printed); Nehemiah 4:1-23 (Presented)
6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. … 8 and all of them (the enemies)* conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. … 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” … 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. *Parenthesis is mine.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The enemies tried to discourage Nehemiah and the people from their work. Nehemiah and the people’s answer was to pray to God for encouragement!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
The enemy (devil) plots to discourage believers from doing God’s work. What is our answer to this diabolical ploy? We too are to pray for encouragement!
Thot 1: The Preying Adversaries (4:1-3,7-8, 10-12)
A. Their Malicious Attitudes (4:1-3, 7)
i. They are Infuriating Madmen (1a, 7);
ii. They are Insulting Mockers (1b-3)
B. Their Malevolent Attempts (4:8)
i. They Conspire Schemes and Abuse (8a);
ii. They Confuse with Shock and Awe (8b)
C. Their Malignant Attacks (4:10-12)
i. They Savor Fatigue (10a);
ii. They Shift Focus (10b);
iii. They Sow Fear (11-12)
Thot 2: The Praying Advocates (4:4-6, 9)
A. The Prayer of Rebuke and Determination (4:4-6)
i. Their Imprecatory Outcry (4-5);
ii. Their Impressive Outcome (6)
B. The Prayer for a Ready Defense (4:9, 13-15)
i. Their Watchfulness Resolutely Constant (9, 13a);
ii. Their Warfare Rightfully Conspicuous (13b-14, 16-23)
iii. Their Work on Repairs Continuous (15 -16-23)
iv. Their Wall and the Rally Call (19-20)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will watch, pray, and courageously accomplish the work God has assigned me!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, February 5, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (3 of 13)
Title: The Assignments Delegated
Text: Nehemiah 3:1-2 (Printed); Nehemiah 3:1-32 (Presented)
3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 4 And next to them …
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The restoration of the City of Jerusalem, lying in ruins, was a massive undertaking! Yet, God had inspired and enabled Nehemiah to lead a caravan of people there to share in doing the work with him! They enthusiastically embraced and embarked on the work (Neh. 2:18).
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Whatever God is asking you to do, He will inspire and enable you (and provide people to join you) in the realization of it!
Thot 1: The Repairs for the Workers are Abundant! (3:1-32)
A. The Doors (Gates)
B. The Dividers (Walls)
C. The Defenses (Towers)
Thot 2: The Responsibilities of the Workers are Abreast! (3:1-32)
A. The Work Beside Them (1-32)
B. The Work Before Them (28, 30b)
Thot 3: The Reputations about the Workers are Absolute! (3:1-32)
A. Most Do Nominal Work (1-32)
B. Some Do No Work (5b)
C. Few Do New (More) Work (5a, 8, 13, 27, 30a)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens (enables) me!
*******
Teacher: Lay Minister Luis Rodriguez
Time: Sunday Morning, January 29, 2023
Title: To be announced
Text: To be announced
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 22, 2023
Theme: North America Prayer P.U.S.H.
Title: And When They Had Prayed!
Text: Acts 4:31; 5:14, 16 (Printed); Acts 4:23-31; 5:12-16 (Presented)
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. … 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, … 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
The early church, reeling from persecution, gathers to pray; and God brings a shaking to them; and a transformation among them!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Prayer changes things! Prayer changes people!
Thot 1: An Awakening to Prayer by the Spirit’s Presence! (4:23-30; 5:12)
A. Their Current Persecution (4:23)
B. Their Correct Perspective (4:24-28)
C. Their Confident Petitions (4:29-30)
Thot 2: A Shaking in Prayer by the Spirit’s Power! (4:31)
A. Their Spiritual Filling Within (31a)
B. Their Special Flowing Without (31b)
Thot 3: A Making from Prayer with the Spirit’s Purpose! (4:32-37; 5:12-16)
A. Their Singleheartedness in Gathering (4:32; 5:12b, 16a)
B. Their Stretch via Going (4:33)
C. Their Stewardship in Giving (4:34-37)
D. Their Stellar Growing (5:13-14)
E. Their Supernatural Gracing (5:12a, 16b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I believe that prayer can change me (us) today! Let’s take time to P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)! Oh, God, wake me (us) up! Shake me (us) up! Make me (us) up! Transform me (us) into who You want me (us) to be!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 15, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (2 of 13)
Title: The Assessment of the Damages
Text: Nehemiah 2:17-18 (Printed); Nehemiah 2:11-20 (Presented)
17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies [a]waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set[b] their hands to this good work.
Footnotes: a. desolate; b. Lit. strengthened
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Equipped with God’s favor and the king’s authority, Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem, evaluates the ruins, inspires the people, and they together begin the repairs to rebuild the city; while dismissing the fault-finders and nay-sayers!
Truth: What do these scriptures mean?
Buoyed with God’s favor and authority, believers should examine themselves, identify any brokenness, and begin rebuilding while snubbing their detractors.
Thot 1: Viewing the Ruins (2:11-16)
A. His Courageous and Humble Presence in the City (2:11)
B. His Careful and Harmless Privacy at the City (2:12, 16)
C. His Candid and Holistic Perusal of the City (2:13-15)
Thot 2: Voicing the Responsibility (2:17-18)
A. His Proclamation from God is Reported Heartily (2:17)
B. His Praises toward God Resound Heavenly (2:18a)
C. His People for God Respond Helpfully (2:18b)
Thot 3: Vanquishing the Rivals (2:19-20)
A. The Personal Rebukes Hurled at Him by His Enemies (2:19)
B. The Powerful Routing Heaped by Him upon His Enemies (2:20)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will honestly examine my situation; believe God’s Word; and walk in His favor. With God’s help, and the support of believers, I will rise and begin repairing what is broken in all the areas of my life; and not listen to any critics.
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan
Time: Sunday Morning, January 8, 2023
Theme: Fixing What’s Broken (1 of 13)
Title: The Anxious Dilemma
Text: Nehemiah 2:4-5, 6b (Printed) Nehemiah 1:1-2:10 (Presented)
4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.” 6b … So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.”
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
Nehemiah hears a troubling report that the exiles in Judah are suffering and that Jerusalem still lies in ruins. He desires to return and rebuild the city. He prays to God, and the king grants him permission, provision, and protection.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
When we hear disturbing reports, we too can pray to God and seek His favor for us to do something to remedy the situation at hand; and He will use us!
Thot 1: The Report to Nehemiah about Judah (1:1-3)
A. The Place of Shushan (1:1)
B. The Probe about the Survivors (1:2)
C. The Perilous Situation (1:3)
i. Their Distress and Noticeable Reproach (3a)
ii. The Destruction and Need for Repairs (3b)
a. Broken Dividers (Walls)
b. Burned Doors (Gates)
D. The Prayer of Supplication (1:4-11)
i. His Response before God’s Fearsomeness (4-6a)
ii. His Repentance and God’s Forgiveness (6b-7)
iii. His Reminder about Gods Faithfulness (8-9)
iv. His Request for God’s Favor (10-11)
Thot 2: The Return of Nehemiah to Judah (2:1-10)
A. His Presentation is Sad (2:1-3);
B. His Prayer is Sudden (2:4)
C. His Petition is Sought (2:5)
D. His Permission is Sanctioned (2:6)
E. His Provision is Supplied (2:7-8)
F. His Protection is Secured (2:9-10)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will seek to become a solution to the problems around me. I will find a need and fill it. I will find a hurt and heal it. I will make this world a better place!
*******
Teacher: Bishop Ben Duncan.
Time: Sunday Morning, January 1, 2023
Title: Fasting and Praying for Our New Year’s Journey
Theme: New Year's Message (21 Days of Prayer and Fasting)
Text: Ezra 8:21-23 (Printed & Presented)
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tale: What is this passage talking about?
As they begin their journey from their internment in Babylon (i.e., meaning confusion or puzzlement) to their independence in Jerusalem (i.e., meaning calm or peace), Ezra and the Israelites fast and pray for God to open a pathway for them, give protection around them, and make provision for them.
Truth: What do these scriptures mean to me?
As we journey into a New Year, let us seek God in fasting and prayer for His pathway for us, His protection around us, and His provision for us. Let us abandon last year’s bondage and rather abide in the New Year’s blessings!
Thot 1: Ezra’s Ruling for Fasting (21)
A. His Submitting Deferentially to God (21a)
B. His Seeking Direction from God (21b)
Thot 2: Ezra’s Remarks before Fasting (22)
A. His Self-consciousness about His Dismay before God (22a)
B. His Self-confidence in His Dependency upon God (22b)
Thot 3: Ezra’s Results from Fasting (23)
A. His Suffering Diligently for God (23a)
B. His Support Directly from God (23b)
Transformation: How should this truth change me?
I will seek God in prayer and fasting for His shepherding of me, His security around me, and His supplies for me for this year as He frees me and favors me.
