Working On The Wall
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | February 1, 2026
Father, thank You for this day, for the host despite the cold, for baptisms, for the sick and those with frozen pipes. Help the unsaved come to Christ today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On February 1, 2026, Pastor Bill Rains continues the 2026 theme “The Need For Nehemiahs” with a challenging message titled “Working On The Wall” from Nehemiah 3–4:6. The entire chapter 3 lists families, priests, goldsmiths, merchants—even daughters—working side by side to rebuild Jerusalem’s broken walls and gates. Enemies mocked: “What do these feeble Jews? … If a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.” But the people “had a mind to work.” We too are in a building project—rebuilding lives ruined by sin, protecting families, raising youth for God. The workforce must be in position, enemies will rage, but God blesses those with a mind to work.
1. The Workforce Is in Position
Chapter 3 names dozens of workers—high priest Eliashib at the Sheep Gate, men of Jericho, families, goldsmiths, perfumers, merchants, rulers (even daughters working beside their fathers). Over and over: “Next unto them… next to him… next to them.” Everyone had a section. Pastor Rains: “Never underestimate the one next to you. Every contribution is vital.” Romans 12:4–5 and 1 Corinthians 12:14–27 remind us: many members, one body. “The old gate still stands because of faithful people.” The nobles of Tekoa refused to work (3:5)—they put not their necks to it. Pastor Rains: “They weren’t very noble. Too many chiefs, not enough Indians.” But most positioned themselves and worked.
2. The Wrath of the Enemy
Sanballat heard they built the wall—he was wroth, took great indignation, mocked: “What do these feeble Jews? Will they fortify themselves? … If a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.” Tobiah joined the scorn. Pastor Rains: “When the sun rises on God’s work, the devil’s cloud of darkness rises too.” Enemies grieve when a man comes to seek welfare (Neh. 2:10). When work begins, grief turns to wrath—mockery, ridicule, false accusation. The devil attacks the mind first. “Don’t let the devil tell you your work is unimportant. One soul saved is an eternal fixture.”
3. The Willingness of People to Work
Despite mockery, “So built we the wall… for the people had a mind to work” (4:6). Half the wall was joined together. Pastor Rains: “I’m thankful for every person who said, ‘I want in on what God’s doing.’” A mind to work figures out what to do, sees the need, and acts. Teachers, deacons, singers, givers—everyone with a mind to work strengthens the wall. “Can you see a place on the wall that needs you? The mind figures things out.” The nobles refused—but most said, “Let us rise up and build.” Pastor Rains: “I’m thankful for every co-worker who cared enough to do something.”
The workforce is in position.
The enemy rages with wrath.
But the people had a mind to work.
Will you rise up and build?
Pastor Rains closes: “Love the little ones. Hound the teens. Do something the world can’t do.” In a world of broken walls, God needs willing workers. Do you have a mind to work?
