A God-Centered Disciple Prays

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

During the June congregational meeting, Jacob Perez and I discussed reimagining ourselves as First Christian Church in Concord, CA, in 2024 and beyond. Before I became your Pastor five years ago, you asked yourselves, "What would First Christian Church look like in five years?" You never imagined a pandemic, an economic crisis, a housing crisis, the impact drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamine would have on already vulnerable people. What you imagined has not come to pass, not because you weren't hopeful or faithful, but because the world changed before our eyes. How do we reimagine? How do we rebuild?

The Book of Nehemiah is about the restoration of Jerusalem and the people's persistence and resilience in the face of opposition. It also contains quite a few life lessons about stewardship and commitment. Everyone participates in the rebuilding. The project belongs to everyone-including us.

As we look at our congregation — some online, some in person — what must we do to rebuild? Beginning this week, we will study the Book of Nehemiah and think about our life together as a congregation and how we see our role in the community and the wider church. Jacob will be meeting with groups within the church, including the youth. We want to hear from everyone because this congregation is fantastic and, I hope, wants everyone in and around Concord to know about us.

The first chapter of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah receiving word that the walls surrounding Jerusalem have been torn down and destroyed by fire. One of the first things Nehemiah does is to pray. Before taking on any big project, we need to bathe ourselves in prayer, asking God's guidance. How do our lives change when we pray before we act? How will our church be different if we were to pray about our future and what God is calling us to be and to do in 2024 and beyond?

Based on Nehemiah 1:1-11

 Music this week:

• Day by Day

• With You (Hillsong)

• O Lord, Hear My Prayer

• I Will Sing, Alleluia

• What A Friend We Have in Jesus

• Thirsty