10am sunday

Sermon Series

Rebuild and Restore: God at Work in Ezra & Nehemiah 

Term 2 2026 

Series aim 

Call St Columb’s to Scripture-shaped renewal 

In Ezra and Nehemiah we see the flow of: 

return, rebuild worship, reform community life, and persevere in mission under God’s hand. 

1) Return & Rebuild 

• Text(s): Ezra 1:1–11; 2:68–70 

• Big Idea: God stirs hearts to return; rebuilding begins with generosity. 

2) Worship Amidst Opposition 

• Text(s): Ezra 3:10–13; 4:1–5 

• Big Idea: Joy and tears belong together; opposition doesn’t stop worship. 

3) Completion by God’s Hand 

• Text(s): Ezra 6:13–22 

• Big Idea: God finishes what he starts. 

4) People of the Word on Mission 

• Text(s): Ezra 7:8–20; Romans 10:9–15 

• Big Idea: Set your heart to study, do, and teach the Word. 

5) Repentance & Restoration 

• Text(s): Ezra 9:5–9; 10:1–4 

• Big Idea: Renewal requires honest repentance and costly obedience. 

6) Prayer that Rebuilds 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 1:1–11 

• Big Idea: Renewal starts in prayer, seeing ruins and seeking God’s mercy. 

7) Vision & Favour 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 2:11–20 

• Big Idea: Gather a team, cast vision and trust God’s favour. 

8) Build Despite Opposition 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 6:1–9 

• Big Idea: Pray + post a guard; keep building despite opposition. 

9) Scripture & Celebration 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 8:1–12 

• Big Idea: When the Word is opened, the people weep and rejoice; the joy of the Lord is strength. 

10) Dedication & Joyful Worship 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 12:27–43 

• Big Idea: God’s work is completed in worship; public joy strengthens public witness. 

11) Renewal that Lasts (Reforms & Integrity) 

• Text(s): Nehemiah 13:1–3, 10–14, 15–22, 23–31 (selected) 

• Big Idea: Real renewal isn’t only a celebration, it’s ongoing reform: protecting worship, integrity, and holiness in everyday life.