I'm a bit at a loss to know how to proceed. We have some idea now what our gifts are, but we need to put them into use. Some have spoken of rebaptism and are seeking to enter in at the beginning, to accept Jesus' death as their own and His life as their resurrection, and to enter into the ministry of Jesus. Now what would that look like?

I'd like to study one case study of a man with a mission, one who put his gifts to use. His name is Nehemiah. He was serving as cupbearer to king Artaxerxes of Persia in 446 B.C. (Read Neh 1:1-3) List the steps in Nehemiah's journey from being a believer to being a minister with a mission.

1. 1:2-4 saw need

2. 1:4 presented the need to God

1:6 confessed guilt

1:10 called upon God's faithfulness as to meet the need

3. 1:11 formed a plan

4. 2:2 Acted despite fear

If you are going to enter a life of ministry be prepared for the following:

1. left comfort

2. left friends

3. met opposition

What need is God bringing before you?

What would be first step to respond?

When will you do it?