God Bless America

THE PASSAGE 

Nehemiah 2:1–10, ESV  

The Symbolism Between Ancient Israel and Modern-Day America   

• Jerusalem could symbolize us as an unfaithful people.  
• Nehemiah could symbolize believers who want to restore their country.  
• The King could symbolize God. God has the power and resources to restore us and save many.
• Sanballat and Tobiah – could symbolize evil opposition against believers. 
• The Wine – could symbolize Jesus’ blood or access to God. (Luke 22, Hebrews 12) 

WHAT IS GOD’S BLESSING BASED ON?  

 1. God’s blessing is based on grace. 

Ephesians 2:2–10, Titus 2:11–13, Romans 8:1-2 

 2. God’s blessing works through faith. 

Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 10:9, Romans 1:17 

 3. God’s blessing is about a relationship. 

Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 7:7, Romans 5:1 

GOD BLESS AMERICA! 

Questions and Answers: God’s Blessings on Christians and our Country! 

 1. How Are Believers So Blessed?   

Galatians 3:7-9, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 24:1, Ephesians 1:3–14 

 2. Why Are Believers So Blessed?  

Genesis 12:2, Psalm 67:1–4, Galatians 3:7-9, Genesis 12:3 

 3. Can God Bless America Today?  

2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:7-8, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 5:3  

Talk It Over  

 Ice Breaker – What’s one way God has blessed you recently?  

1. What stood out to you from the message and why? 
2. Take a minute to read the story of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 2:1–10, ESV ) 
3. Review some of the symbolism Pastor Ryan mentioned.  
4. Nehemiah wanted the King's blessing and stepped forward in faith to secure it. He did this not simply for himself but for others. As a Christian, it's important to remember that God will sometimes bless you to bless others. Take a minute to share how God has blessed you, and you used that blessing to bless someone else. 
5. Blessed to be a blessing has always been God’s heart for believers. Consider Ancient Israel. Read the following passages. Genesis 12:2, Psalm 67:1–4. What are some new testament appeals to do the same thing? Hint. Great commandments and Great Commission. Find them in your Bible! 
6. It's important to consider what God's blessing is based on. Take a minute to review the main points in the sermon and look up some of the corresponding passages. Which one ministers most to you personally and why?  
7. Take a few minutes to review Ephesians 1:3–14. Count up some ways you are blessed as believers in Jesus.  
8. Discuss in closing how we, members of the Church, can be a blessing to God to make a more significant difference in the North Valley. Pastor Ryan shared about the need for another full-time hire. Many volunteers have stepped up, but the need for another Pastoral staff member is inevitable and much needed. Share as a leader what you are going to do.  
9. Can God Bless America? Yes! We need revival, repentance, and regeneration in the hearts of our people! These things bring lasting change and God’s blessing and favor. God's blessing won't come from legal and moral reform. These issues bring about a moral good for everyone. The Church should be far more focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus to a lost world than trying to do more good works.) We should model humility and repentance and share God's amazing grace that regenerates people's lives! Read the following passages and discuss common themes and how we can live out these truths better. (2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:7-8, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)