This whole episode becomes a case-study in conflict AND what often results from conflict i.e., discouragement. It's the loss of courage (dis-courage) and it can sap a person of energy, vitality, motivation and joy. It's one symptom of what Augustin and later, Martin Luther called "incurvatus in se" -- we curve IN on ourselves - like an ingrown soul.

We can ALL relate to it. There's a good possibility you found yourself discouraged THIS very week. Some of us were perhaps discouraged for the whole week and it's exhausting. So how will our man at the front deal with this conflict that's leading to group discouragement - what magic trick or motivational spell will he conjure to get the people up and running in the face of threats and dangers?

Let's look at:

1. When the Rubble Piles Up
2. Practicing the Presence
3. The Both-And Response

Preacher: TJ Campo

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-3:32

He sees something about Planet Earth that most people didn't see and most people TODAY don't see… that is the Kingdom of God.

What he saw… if YOU see it… you'll begin using new metrics or criteria to evaluate the health of this planet and "all who dwell in it" (Psa 24). WE tend to see economic indicators or GDP (productivity) or the amount of freedoms or health/disease stats as the key markers. Nehemiah sees something else.

Let's meet this unsung hero with whom we hope to spend the next eight weeks, Nehemiah. This opening episode is composed of three parts or movements:

1. Bad News from the Headquarters
2. Better Days and Memories of the Future
3. Moved/ to Mission