About This Sermon
Jarrett Stephens teaches from Nehemiah 12 on Celebration Sunday for Champion Forest's NEXT Initiative. He traces the journey of Nehemiah and the people of Israel: they attempted something great for God's glory, they consecrated their work and themselves to the Lord, and God gave them great joy in return. Jarrett walks through the five components of NEXT and shares testimonies of sacrificial giving from church members who obeyed God despite uncertainty, job loss, and medical crisis. Real success, he says, is not just reaching a financial goal but coming through stronger in faith, deeper in unity, and fully surrendered to God.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- Real success is coming through a journey stronger in faith and unity, not just reaching a financial goal.
- When God's people attempt something great for His glory and consecrate it back to Him, He gives them great joy.
- Consecration means saying, 'God, all that we have done is yours, and all that we are is yours.'
- Opposition comes with every great work for the Lord, but God fights for His people.
- Consecration is a daily activity, not a one-time event.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What do you notice about the pattern in Nehemiah 12 of attempting something great, consecrating it to God, and receiving joy?
- How would you define 'real success' in a church initiative or in your own life?
- What does it look like for you to consecrate your work, your finances, or your family to God in a daily way?
- Can you share a time when you gave or obeyed in spite of uncertainty or opposition?
- How can the testimonies from this message encourage you to trust God with your own next step of faith?
From the Series
NEXT: From Northwest Houston to the World
This NEXT season begins with Vision Sunday, where we seek the Lord for what He is calling Champion Forest into next, and continues in the Book of Nehemiah, where God used one… Read moreThis NEXT season begins with Vision Sunday, where we seek the Lord for what He is calling Champion Forest into next, and continues in the Book of Nehemiah, where God used one man’s burden, prayer, and bold faith to rebuild a city and renew a people. From broken hearts that lead to prayer, to courageous steps of faith, to every person playing their part, Nehemiah’s story helps us see how God moves through His people to accomplish His purposes. Together, we will focus, stand firm through opposition, and give God all the glory for what He builds next. Show less
More in this series
Vision Sunday
Feb 1, 2026
The Start to Something Great
Feb 8, 2026
The Call to Action
Feb 15, 2026
Staying Committed
Feb 22, 2026
