By Tom Shanklin This message was preached as a part of series on the book of Nehemiah at Two Rivers Vineyard Church in Mankato, Minnesota. Nehemiah called the people to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Today, we, too, are involved in a great work—building up the Jesus' Church. Let us rise up and build the Church, in Jesus' name. Notes: LET US RISE UP AND BUILD READING: Nehemiah 2 “Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18, KJV. M.T. Just as in the days of Nehemiah, we are involved in a construction plan, and God has a purpose for each of us in it. Very Significant: Daniel 9:24 Daniel’s 70 weeks. Rebuilding Jerusalem started the clock for Messiah. Jeremiah. Likewise, we are involved in a very significant project in preparation for the coming of the Lord. GOD’S BUILDING PROJECT REQUIRES GOD-ANOINTED LEADERSHIP “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:17-20, KJV. * He prayed. 11 times in the book. Source of strength and direction……He know his destiny. * He recognized the problem * He told them God had anointed him and sent him. “The hand of my God which was good upon me…” Pastor David and Shannon, “I want you to build My church.” Then he specifically called them here. “Together, we can make a difference.” “Some people are under-impressed with God.” “A time to build up.” * He called them to work with him to build the wall. He cast the vision, and they responded to his leadership. * He immediately faced opposition * He dismissed the enemy. * He spoke words of faith and victory, recognizing the greatness of God. JESUS IS THE BUILDER OF THE HIS CHURCH “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-19, KJV. * The Church is built upon Jesus. Without Him we are just a religious social club.  * Through the revelation that he is the Christ we come into the blessing.  * He identified Himself as the builder. * He gives us authority to function in our part of the construction project.