In this week’s message, Pastor Brian walks through Nehemiah 9:38–10 and the powerful moment when God’s people recommit themselves fully to His ways. After turning from sin and responding to God’s mercy with repentance, the Israelites take the next step: they make a binding covenant—written, sealed, and shared by the entire community.This message invites us to consider the same question: When you want something to change in your life, how do you get there? Not through striving, spiritual hacks, or trying harder—but by responding to God’s mercy with deep, intentional commitment.Pastor Brian highlights six commitments the people of God made, each one anchored in Scripture and still relevant for followers of Jesus today: committing together in community, obeying the Word, protecting the covenant of marriage, practicing Sabbath rest, giving generously, and faithfully gathering in worship.And while the people later fail in Nehemiah 13, their story reminds us of a vital truth: transformation does not depend on our perfection but on God’s persistent mercy. His covenant faithfulness sustains us, restores us, and empowers our obedience as we walk with Him.Key Themes & TakeawaysReal change begins in view of God’s mercy, not personal effort.Covenant commitment is stronger than emotion—it's action, obedience, and shared devotion.Following Jesus is not a solo journey; it's a community commitment.God's Word is meant to be read, paid attention to, and practiced.Marriage is a sacred covenant to protect, uphold, and pray over.Sabbath is a gift of rest, freedom, and recalibration—not a burden.Generosity fuels mission, frees our hearts, and reflects God’s own generosity.Worship is central—we gather not to watch a service, but to meet with God as His people.Covenants depend on God’s faithfulness, not ours—He keeps His promises even when we fail.Key Scripture PassagesNehemiah 9:38–10; Lamentations 3:23–24; Exodus 34; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 19; Mark 2:27; John 1:14; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9; Hebrews 4:12; Proverbs 3:5–6Chapters(00:00) Welcome, Winter Weather & The Lobby Hang(01:45) Starting Question: How Do We Actually Change?(02:30) Repentance, Mercy & Moving Toward Covenant(03:30) A Binding Agreement: Serious, Written, and Communal(05:00) “In View of All This” — Responding to God’s Mercy(06:30) Why Covenant Commitment Matters(07:30) Six Commitments They Made (and We’re Invited Into)(08:00) Commitment #1 — Covenant Together as God’s People(09:00) Being Distinct From the World, Yet On Mission(11:00) Commitment #2 — Obey the Word of God(12:30) Reading, Paying Attention, and Doing the Word(14:00) A Story of Scripture Passed Down Through Generations(15:00) Commitment #3 — Protect and Uphold Marriage(16:30) God’s Design & Mission for Marriage(19:00) Guarding Marriage From The Culture Around & Within(20:00) Praying for Future Spouses(21:00) Commitment #4 — Remember the Sabbath(22:00) Rhythm of Rest: Work Six, Rest One(23:00) Sabbath as Gift, Not Legalism(24:00) A Personal Testimony of Rest(25:00) Past Teaching Series on Sabbath(26:00) Commitment #5 — Give Generously(27:00) Tithes, Firstfruits & Jesus' Teaching on Sacrificial Giving(29:00) Asking “What’s the Minimum?” vs. “How Can I Respond to Grace?”(30:00) Practical Encouragement for Giving(31:00) Generosity Fuels Mission at Branch Church(32:00) Commitment #6 — Worship Without Neglect(33:00) Why Gathering Matters(34:00) God’s Covenant Faithfulness When We Fail(35:00) Closing Prayer & Time of WorshipKeywordsNehemiah 10, covenant, commitment, repentance, mercy, spiritual formation, obedience, reading Scripture, Sabbath, marriage, generosity, worship, Branch Church, Brian Suter, transformation, community, tithing, holiness, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, Minneapolis church, Minnetonka, spiritual renewal

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