Sunday Reflections
This past Lord’s Day I did something I’ve personally attempted not to do for maybe the past few years – I went into my archives and dusted off something old. Having been preaching now for over 22 years, being trained by my father and seminary to fully-write out my sermons from start to finish…I have a lot of manuscripts and a lot of notes! Further, when starting to preach in the early 90’s, many of my sermons are on paper and in files. I suppose I am telling my age!
One of the first series of sermons I ever preached was in the Book of Nehemiah. Interestingly, I began preaching this series immediately following the attacks in New York following 9/11 (9/11/2001). Little did I know when preparing the series for an entire year before ever moving to Houston, the unfolding of terror that would hit America’s shores, and how the Book of Nehemiah would speak to the congregation that I would preach it to – Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Houston. The series was rewarding to me personally and our congregation. The notes have blessed me throughout the years. D’Ani and I have been away for the past 2 weeks; and I literally enthralled myself in our time together. Before knowing it – Sunday was here; and I needed a message!
I have personally been reading through the Book of Nehemiah; and the Holy Spirit seemed to impress upon me a need to start in Nehemiah chapter 1, verse 1. That is exactly what I did! While most of my sermons in Nehemiah are on paper; I was able to pull up my notes for chapter one.
Here’s my outline:
Title: The Ministry of Holy Discontent
Text: Nehemiah 1:1-4
C.I.T. : God’s call to impact culture compels and solicits God’s people to move beyond mediocrity.
I. The Ministry of Holy Discontent is a call to Investigation (Vs. 2) “I asked”
II. The Ministry of Holy Discontent is a call to Compassion (Vs. 4) “I heard”
III. The Ministry of Holy Discontent is a call to Examination (Vs. 4) “I sat down…wept…mourned”
IV. The Ministry of Holy Discontent is a call to Conviction (Vs. 4) “I fasted…prayed.”
God be praised for blessing our time together. Admittedly, I was tired. After having landed at 12:30am Sunday morning and arriving home an hour later…after finally making it to sleep; when I finally stood to preach, I realized it probably would’ve been a better idea to utilize one of our associates. Nevertheless, at the age of 37, God is teaching me that we LIVE and we LEARN; and this is what makes us wise. I also understand that a sermon doesn’t need to make us shout in order for it to contain substance. In this regard, I believe the Lord is well-pleased.
How was your Sunday? I would love to hear from you. If this blog is a blessing to you, please subscribe and/or share with others. Blessings! -klp3
Kraig Lowell Pullam 