In the final chapter of Nehemiah, Chris closed our series by showing us that the story of renewal doesn’t end with perfectly rebuilt walls—but with the honest reality of human hearts. Nehemiah 13 opens with hope, yet ends in heartbreak as the people drift again and Nehemiah returns to find compromise, neglect, and spiritual forgetfulness. But instead of despair, this chapter gives us a sobering and timely reminder: the work God is doing in us is ongoing, sacred, and deeply dependent on His presence. The story calls us to become a people formed by practices that keep our hearts anchored to Him. Chris walked us through six defining cultures of a faithful people: A Culture of Biblical Priority — the people rediscover the Book of Moses (vv. 1–3) A Culture of Radicalism — Nehemiah clears the temple with fierce conviction (vv. 4–9) A Culture of Generosity — refusing to neglect the house of God (vv. 10–14) A Culture of Worship — reclaiming Sabbath as trust, rest, and remembrance (vv. 15–22) A Culture of Community — choosing covenant faithfulness over compromise (vv. 23–29) A Culture of Assignment — every person stepping into the work God gives (v. 30) 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 13✨ Themes: Renewal, holiness, cultural formation, spiritual drift, sacred assignment About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: genesiscostamesa.com