Cedar Mill Sermon Podcast

Incarnation (Birth): A Grand Introduction - Dave Teixeira

In this message, we will explore Matthew’s introduction of Jesus and how this seemingly boring list of names reveals the highly anticipated news of Messiah’s arrival.  Looking carefully, we’ll see that Matthew’s genealogy not only grounds Jesus in the covenantal story of Israel but also invites outsiders in by highlighting some unexpected and even scandalous stories from the Old Testament.  In the end, we too will be invited into the adventure, not just as readers, but as people who can receive this heavenly king and allow His story to define ours.

Incarnation (Birth): I’m Still Amazed! - Emilene Valadez

As we enter the Christmas season, it is important for us to take a moment and pause the busyness, silence all the noise, and reflect on the glorious fact that Jesus left his heavenly throne to come into this world to rescue us from death. When we think about that night, the sanctity and the splendor of Jesus coming to earth in human flesh, we realize that what happened on that holy and divine night has the power to transform lives and heal the entire world. As a result, our hearts will rejoice and will continue to be amazed by the miracle of Christmas.

(Re)Building: Not so Happily Ever After; (Re)Storing Holiness - Ashley Bell

Chapter 13 finds Nehemiah entering his last year as governor of Judah. The book closes with a not so happily ever after as we find the Israelites compromising on their commitments, and struggling to live a lifestyle that enabled them to walk in holiness with community integrity. In this sermon, we’ll explore not only what the restoration of holiness and integrity looks like for them but for us as well. Remembering that even in the Not so Happily Ever After God’s desire is for restoration and the only way to “happily ever after” is through the pursuit of holiness.

(Re)Building: Identity pt 2 - Dave Teixeira

In Nehemiah chapters 10-12, we witness the Israelites’ renewed desire to live as God’s distinct people. They take intentional steps to strengthen this commitment: formally committing together, honoring those who have made sacrifices, and celebrating all that God has done as they dedicate the wall to Him. Through these actions, they model how to retain a godly identity over the long haul, showing us how to build resilience and dedication into our faith as we seek to live for Jesus today.

(Re)Building: Identity - Dave Teixeira

Nehemiah 7-9 explores how God calls His people to move from rebuilding walls to rebuilding hearts. It’s the transition from physical work to the spiritual work needed for the Israelites to rediscover their identity and recommit to God through worship, confession, and covenant celebration. This act of renewal is not about earning God’s favor but a heartfelt response to His faithfulness. Our message this week challenges us to live as a covenant people today, distinct from the world around us in the right ways. This distinction centers on the power of gathering together for worship and allowing the Word of God to transform our hearts, humble confession & remembering and celebrating God’s faithfulness in the midst of our failures. When we commit to rebuilding together we know God can and will help us become Hid people who shine brightly in this world.

(Re)Building: Opposition from Within and Outside the Walls - Jeremiah Nealon

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was not unnoticed or unchallenged. Nehemiah had to lead his people through mockery, threats, schemes, and traps. Most insidious of all, it wasn’t just Jerusalem’s walls that were in cinders, but so was the commitment to God’s justice and mercy. How can Nehemiah’s governance inform how we can tackle today’s challenges? How should we engage in government now? Most importantly, how can Nehemiah’s life of prayer help us live faithfully in anxious political times?

(Re)Building: From Rubble to Restoration - Dave Teixeira

This week's sermon from Nehemiah chapter 3 focuses on the list of people who contributed to rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem. While it might seem like a simple list of names, this chapter is relevant and challenging for the church today. It emphasizes humble servant leadership, where individuals work behind the scenes for a greater purpose. It underscores the importance of embracing struggles beyond our personal concerns, and it challenges us to take part in the less glamorous work of ministry, doing our part even when tasks are mundane. In the end, this passage serves as a powerful reminder for the church to engage in the collective work of rebuilding and renewal as God's people. So, dig in this week and spend some time reflecting on how you might contribute our church becoming a community that transforms rubble into restoration.

(Re)Building: Need (Re)Building, Get Going - Dave Teixeira

This week’s sermon follows Nehemiah’s initial steps as he arrives in Jerusalem and begins leading the people to rebuild the city walls. It’s a message about not only getting started but getting started well, as we move towards our places of rebuilding with intentionality, purpose, and a clear strategy.

(Re)Building: Courageous Action in the Face of Opposition - Luke Emery

In Nehemiah 2:1-10, we witness a profound journey that begins with fear, moves through prayer, and leads to courageous action against overwhelming opposition. In this sermon, we discussed the truths in our lives that demand our attention and talked about how, through God’s power, we can (re)build our lives, communities, and church.

(Re)Building: Hearing, Caring, Praying & Confessing - Dave Teixeira

This week, we begin a new series on Nehemiah 1, exploring Nehemiah’s place in world history and his emotional state when he receives troubling news about the state of his homeland's city of Jerusalem. Moved with compassion, Nehemiah’s first response is to turn to God in prayer. Join us as we embark on Nehemiah’s journey, discovering what it means to partner with God in the (re)building of our world, culture, and personal lives.