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Nehemiah 2-3---Preacher: Pastor Patrick Chosaviorcommunity.com
In this exploration of grief and renewal, we dive into the book of Nehemiah, uncovering God's wisdom for processing loss as people of faith. Nehemiah's heartbreak over Jerusalem's destruction becomes a mirror for our own experiences of pain and sorrow. We learn that grief is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one that can draw us closer to God's heart. This message challenges us to sit with our sorrow, to weep openly, and to bring our raw emotions before God in prayer and fasting. This biblical pattern of grieving reminds us that it's okay to be vulnerable and that our tears can be a powerful testimony to what truly matters to God. As we navigate our seasons of loss, be encouraged to seek not only closure but also divine comfort that strengthens our souls, enabling us to step into our calling even amidst pain. This message speaks to anyone grappling with heartache, offering hope that our Comforter, Jesus Christ, binds up our broken hearts and walks with us on the path of renewal.
Nehemiah 1:1-3---Preacher: Pastor Patrick Chosaviorcommunity.com
The Bible is often called The Book of Books because no other book can compare with it. It is the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Over 100million copies are sold annually, with parts of the Bible having been translated into nearly 3600 languages, and the full Bible to over 724 languages. The YouVersion Bible app has been downloaded over 500million times globally. It should be our goal and priority this year to make the word of God the foundation in our lives, in our marriages, in our families and in our church. It shouldn't be a part of our lives, but rather central to our lives. In Nehemiah 8 we see that, after experiencing many challenges, there was a turning back of the people to the Word and instructions of God (Nehemiah 8:8-9,18). In 445BC-432BC was when Nehemiah was appointed Governor of Jerusalem by King Artaxerxes, and oversaw the re-building of the city's the walls in just 52 days. He held joint assemblies with Ezra, who was the priest and scribe at that time (a scribe's role being to study, interpret and teach scriptures), for public scripture reading. People confessed their sins and renewed their covenant with God, and they implemented social reforms. Ezra and Nehemiah thought having the temple and the security of the rebuilt walls weren't good enough. They wanted to re-build the people. It was important that God's people were where God wanted them to be, both physically and spiritually. So, what did they do? They wanted the people to put the word of God in the centre of their lives. They built a wooden stage in the centre of the public square, so that everyone could gather and see Ezra and the Levites with him. Everyone in the community who could understand gathered in the square to hear the public reading of the Word of God (Nehemiah 8:3). There were 14 Levites on either side of Ezra explaining and unpacking the word of God to the people. And the people wept, not with tears of joy, but because they were convicted of their sin. They wept repentant tears of sorrow. And to build back, they had to start somewhere. We see: 1. They opened the book (Nehemiah 8:5) 2. They read the book (Nehemiah 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:13,16; Psalm 1:2-3; Nehemiah 8:5; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 119:11) 3. They explained the book (Nehemiah 8:8; Hebrews 4:12) 4. They were moved by the book (Nehemiah 8:9b) 5. They obeyed the book (Nehemiah 10:29) Apply 1. They opened the book (Nehemiah 8:5). Do we actually open the Bible? Do we read it? That's where it begins. Or is it gathering dust in a shelf somewhere? The Bible app makes it convenient to read on your phone. But having a physical Bible is very helpful as there are no distractions, no messages or social media notifications popping up and dividing our attention. 2. They read the book (Nehemiah 8:8). It is important that we read the Bible in public and in private. As we see in Nehemiah 8, there was public reading of the scripture. The apostle Paul encouraged his disciple Timothy in this too (1 Timothy 4:13,16). They read the book every day (Nehemiah 8:18). It is important we read the Bible daily, delighting in and meditating on God's word. Then we will flourish, being fruitful, being youthful, and whatever we do: your work, family, marriage, business, studies, sports etc will prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). And they read the book from a central place (Nehemiah 8:5). The word of God was central to re-build the people, and it should be central to us to re-build ourselves, our marriages, families and church. We need to use the word in challenging situations, overcoming obstacles, for wisdom, daily decision making, encouraging and correcting, resisting temptations, and for seeing breakthroughs including in our finances (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 119:11). The word of God should always be central in our lives. 3. They explained the book (Nehemiah 8:8). We need to unpack the word of God and break it down to understand deep truths in the Bible. God's Holy Spirit helps us in this. It's good to read different versions like the KJV, NKJV, MSG, Amplified version. The Bible says that the word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It's not dead, rather it's so sharp that it can cut through like a surgeon's scalpel to reach between soul and the spirit. It can help us to discern between what is worldly and what is spiritual. You will be able to discern a situation, a decision you need to make, or the advice you need to give to your children. The word of God has the power to go deep within us, to heal and restore us. 4. They were moved by the book (Nehemiah 8:9b). People were moved because they were convicted of their sin and their disobedience, and their previous lack of attention to the word of God. They were crying repentant tears. We need to be convicted for looking for instruction elsewhere, when God had made a life manual, a living and powerful life-transforming book for us. We had a great role model in the late Queen Elizabeth of devotion to Jesus and the Word of God. 5. They obeyed the book (Nehemiah 10:29). We need to make a conscious decision and a real commitment to obey the word of God. We read from the book of Nehemiah, how the leaders at that time thought that having the temple worship and the physical security of the rebuilt walls weren't good enough. They wanted to re-build the people, and the word of God was central to it all. Today let us all make the Bible central to our lives. For as we do, we will live lives of conquest and see great blessing in our marriages, in our families, in the church and in our nation.
The Bible is often called The Book of Books because no other book can compare with it. It is the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Over 100million copies are sold annually, with parts of the Bible having been translated into nearly 3600 languages, and the full Bible to over 724 languages. The YouVersion Bible app has been downloaded over 500million times globally. It should be our goal and priority this year to make the word of God the foundation in our lives, in our marriages, in our families and in our church. It shouldn't be a part of our lives, but rather central to our lives. In Nehemiah 8 we see that, after experiencing many challenges, there was a turning back of the people to the Word and instructions of God (Nehemiah 8:8-9,18). In 445BC-432BC was when Nehemiah was appointed Governor of Jerusalem by King Artaxerxes, and oversaw the re-building of the city's the walls in just 52 days. He held joint assemblies with Ezra, who was the priest and scribe at that time (a scribe's role being to study, interpret and teach scriptures), for public scripture reading. People confessed their sins and renewed their covenant with God, and they implemented social reforms. Ezra and Nehemiah thought having the temple and the security of the rebuilt walls weren't good enough. They wanted to re-build the people. It was important that God's people were where God wanted them to be, both physically and spiritually. So, what did they do? They wanted the people to put the word of God in the centre of their lives. They built a wooden stage in the centre of the public square, so that everyone could gather and see Ezra and the Levites with him. Everyone in the community who could understand gathered in the square to hear the public reading of the Word of God (Nehemiah 8:3). There were 14 Levites on either side of Ezra explaining and unpacking the word of God to the people. And the people wept, not with tears of joy, but because they were convicted of their sin. They wept repentant tears of sorrow. And to build back, they had to start somewhere. We see: 1. They opened the book (Nehemiah 8:5) 2. They read the book (Nehemiah 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:13,16; Psalm 1:2-3; Nehemiah 8:5; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 119:11) 3. They explained the book (Nehemiah 8:8; Hebrews 4:12) 4. They were moved by the book (Nehemiah 8:9b) 5. They obeyed the book (Nehemiah 10:29) Apply 1. They opened the book (Nehemiah 8:5). Do we actually open the Bible? Do we read it? That's where it begins. Or is it gathering dust in a shelf somewhere? The Bible app makes it convenient to read on your phone. But having a physical Bible is very helpful as there are no distractions, no messages or social media notifications popping up and dividing our attention. 2. They read the book (Nehemiah 8:8). It is important that we read the Bible in public and in private. As we see in Nehemiah 8, there was public reading of the scripture. The apostle Paul encouraged his disciple Timothy in this too (1 Timothy 4:13,16). They read the book every day (Nehemiah 8:18). It is important we read the Bible daily, delighting in and meditating on God's word. Then we will flourish, being fruitful, being youthful, and whatever we do: your work, family, marriage, business, studies, sports etc will prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). And they read the book from a central place (Nehemiah 8:5). The word of God was central to re-build the people, and it should be central to us to re-build ourselves, our marriages, families and church. We need to use the word in challenging situations, overcoming obstacles, for wisdom, daily decision making, encouraging and correcting, resisting temptations, and for seeing breakthroughs including in our finances (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 119:11). The word of God should always be central in our lives. 3. They explained the book (Nehemiah 8:8). We need to unpack the word of God and break it down to understand deep truths in the Bible. God's Holy Spirit helps us in this. It's good to read different versions like the KJV, NKJV, MSG, Amplified version. The Bible says that the word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It's not dead, rather it's so sharp that it can cut through like a surgeon's scalpel to reach between soul and the spirit. It can help us to discern between what is worldly and what is spiritual. You will be able to discern a situation, a decision you need to make, or the advice you need to give to your children. The word of God has the power to go deep within us, to heal and restore us. 4. They were moved by the book (Nehemiah 8:9b). People were moved because they were convicted of their sin and their disobedience, and their previous lack of attention to the word of God. They were crying repentant tears. We need to be convicted for looking for instruction elsewhere, when God had made a life manual, a living and powerful life-transforming book for us. We had a great role model in the late Queen Elizabeth of devotion to Jesus and the Word of God. 5. They obeyed the book (Nehemiah 10:29). We need to make a conscious decision and a real commitment to obey the word of God. We read from the book of Nehemiah, how the leaders at that time thought that having the temple worship and the physical security of the rebuilt walls weren't good enough. They wanted to re-build the people, and the word of God was central to it all. Today let us all make the Bible central to our lives. For as we do, we will live lives of conquest and see great blessing in our marriages, in our families, in the church and in our nation.
Assistant Pastor Jeff Johnston teaches on going to God to get to work.
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Christmas Vocations Part IIIDevotional: 4 of 4After [the Magi] had heard [King Herod], they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Matthew 2:9-10)Today concludes our series exploring the vocations of some of the characters in the Christmas narrative and what they can teach us about our own work today. Today, we end with the famed Star of Bethlehem.Now, I know it's a stretch to say that a star has a “vocation,” but hear me out. Because this star plays a huge part in the Christmas narrative, leading the Magi to find and worship Christ the King.But Scripture makes clear that it's not just this star that does the work of glorifying God. Psalm 19:1-3 says that all “the heavens declare the glory of God…day after day they pour forth speech,” even though “they use no words.”Believer, if inanimate stars can glorify God and give testimony to his awesomeness, you better believe that you—God's image bearer—can do the same through your work.We see evidence that this is true all throughout Scripture. Take Nehemiah as an example. After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in an astonishingly fast 52 days, Nehemiah's enemies were forced to give God credit and glory because they “realized that this work had been done with the help of God” (Nehemiah 6:16).Passages like this one point to an important truth: You don't have to be evangelizing with your words to glorify God. You can also glorify him by evangelizing with your work. In what you do—the products of your work—and how you do it—the processes by which you work—you can create cravings in the lost for things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8).And the creation of those cravings is good in and of itself. Why? Because if the craving you're creating through your work can only be satisfied in full in Christ, you are setting the lost down a path that dead ends at a single true Source.You and I are called to reflect Christ, “the bright and morning star” in everything we do, including our work. So as we look towards 2025, let me leave you with 5 questions to ponder and journal through to that end:What can you point to that was most “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy” about your work in 2024? And how can you do more of that in 2025?Where is the Holy Spirit convicting you that your work is not “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy”? What's one action you can take to rectify that and better reflect Christ next year?If your co-workers were asked to point to evidence that you are a follower of Christ, what would they point to?Which of your co-workers do you feel the Lord leading you to share the gospel with explicitly in 2025?Imagine Jesus is sitting across from you right now. What would he say about your work in 2024? And what feedback would he give you as you head back to the office in 2025?
Nehemiah 2:1-10 - - Jan 20, 2013
Walking Worthy of God - Nehemiah 9:38-10:39
From the example of the people in Jerusalem in Nehemiah 9, we discover that the best response to God’s character as seen in the Bible is to be humbly contrite as we adjust to His Holy standard. The post Responding to the Character of God (Nehemiah 9) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.
Pastor Ty Neal 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Led by God Nehemiah 7:5aEphesians 5:18Ephesians 5:19-20 Have a Multigenerational Perspective Nehemiah 7:5b-6 “They prioritize church over athletics, because there is no guarantee that they will go pro, but there is a guarantee where they will spend their eternal state.” JD Greer Serve the Lord by Serving the Family Acts 17:24-25Colossians 4:171 Peter 2:4-5 “No job is too big, no pup is too small.” Paw Patrol Pursue Obedience Nehemiah 7:61-65 “But all things that
As Nehemiah implements the plan that God has laid on his heart, he realizes that any success he has as a leader is due only to the gracious hand of God. We each need to look through this lens as we evaluate our lives. The post The Gracious Hand of God (Nehemiah 2) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.
Nehemiah // 8-11-24
Nehemiah // 7-14-24
Hold your head a little higher and walk a little straighter and realize that you are indeed a child of the King of Kings. Weekend broadcast #310To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menu.To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.
6-9-24 Thanks for joining us for worship today! "Six Ways Satan Will Attack The Minds of Those On Mission for God (Nehemiah 4:1-6) - PART TWO" Series: Nehemiah Pastor Brandon Lewis You can give online safely, easily, and quickly: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/3X49VW You can listen to messages on our podcast: https://podpoint.com/cavespring
6-2-24 Thanks for joining us for worship today! "Six Ways Satan Will Attack The Minds of Those On Mission for God (Nehemiah 4:1-6)" Series: Nehemiah Pastor Brandon Lewis You can give online safely, easily, and quickly: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/3X49VW You can listen to messages on our podcast: https://podpoint.com/cavespring
The book of Nehemiah provides us with a biblical foundation that encourages us to engage our time, talent, and resources in "Building a Legacy Together" that fullfills God's mission for our church reaching and equpping people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Joy of Being Used by God (Nehemiah 11) || What Could God Do? || Mike Kelsey
Revival and The Word of God (Nehemiah 8) || What Could God Do? || Mike Kelsey
Watch live @ shoalcreek.churchonline.org Watch more @ vimeo.com/shoalcreek Follow us on Facebook Twitter @shoalcreek Blog Posts www.roymoran.com
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 494 | New Thing Series — Part 49 | “Nehemiah's Vision” | Malcolm Cox Introduction A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.' We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah's vision. “Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish my name.'” (Nehemiah 1:8-9 NRSV) “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.”” (Nehemiah 2:17 NRSV) “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” (Nehemiah 8:9-12 NRSV) “We will not neglect the house of our God.” (Nehemiah 10:39 NRSV) “They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” (Nehemiah 12:43 NRSV) Nehemiah's Vision - Nehemiah's vision was founded on the promises of God - Nehemiah's vision was that God would be honoured through removing the disgrace of his people - Nehemiah's vision was that God's word be understood - Nehemiah's vision was that God's word, when understood, would lead to conviction followed by great joy. - Nehemiah's vision was for appropriate, devoted ongoing worship of God - Nehemiah's vision was that God's name would be honoured amongst people who did not know him For Reflection To quote again from Fabian's notes on Nehemiah, “He understood that the rebuilding of the wall wasn't the ultimate goal in itself, but a means to bring spiritual restoration to the people and protect it. Nehemiah saw things that no one else saw. He saw with the eyes of God. One of the reasons we pray is to develop a ‘divine vision'. A ‘divine vision' is about learning to see with our hearts, not our physical eyes. But it is important to remember the vision is not simply a dream. It is faith enacted. As Dallas Willard writes: “faith has two main parts: one is vision and one is desire, or will.” Life without lack. What Nehemiah saw prompted him to pray and to act. What kind of version of God's glory might prompt you to act with courageous faith? Why not ask God today to give you a compelling vision of his glory in your life, your church group and your community, then requesting him to fill you with a Nehemiah-type faith to act boldly? Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Nehemiah 3:1-32Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. 5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.6 Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars. 7 And next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor of the region beyond the River. 8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Also next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 And next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabniah made repairs.11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens. 12 And next to him was Shallum the son of Hallohesh, leader of half the district of Jerusalem; he and his daughters made repairs.13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Refuse Gate.14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, leader of the district of Beth Haccerem, repaired the Refuse Gate; he built it and hung its doors with its bolts and bars.15 Shallun the son of Col-Hozeh, leader of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he built it, covered it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the King's Garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David. 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs as far as the place in front of the tombs of David, to the man-made pool, and as far as the House of the Mighty.17 After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani, made repairs. Next to him Hashabiah, leader of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him their brethren, under Bavai the son of Henadad, leader of the other half of the district of Keilah, made repairs. 19 And next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the leader of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the Ascent to the Armory at the buttress. 20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai carefully repaired the other section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.22 And after him the priests, the men of the plain, made repairs. 23 After him Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs by his house. 24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress, even as far as the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the buttress, and on the tower which projects from the king's upper house that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.26 Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower. 27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section, next to the great projecting tower, and as far as the wall of Ophel.28 Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. 29 After them Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs. 30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling. 31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the Nethinim and of the merchants, in front of the Miphkad Gate, and as far as the upper room at the corner. 32 And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
The Importance of Building A Wall • Sunday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give New Book: www.PastorToddBook.com Website: www.PastorTodd.org Church website: www.RRCNashville.org The answer to why it was important to rebuild Jerusalem's walls is found in Nehemiah 1:3. Some Jews who visited Jerusalem returned to Persia and reported to Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer. The men said, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” After the Babylonian Captivity, a remnant of the Jewish people had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra. These returned exiles had rebuilt the temple, but they were now in need of protection. The lack of fortified walls around the city left the people defenseless against enemies. Weather, wild animals, opposing people, and other opponents could easily enter and cause “great trouble” to the people. According to the report Nehemiah received, the remnant in Jerusalem was shamed. A city with broken walls revealed a defeated people. The Jews who had returned to their homeland were both in unsafe conditions and humiliated at living in a destroyed city. In Nehemiah 2:17, Nehemiah told the Jewish leaders, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” Also, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls would show God's blessing upon His people again. Nehemiah quoted God's words to Moses in his prayer, saying, “If you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name” (Nehemiah 1:9). Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was an important sign to the enemies of Israel. Nehemiah told their enemies, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (Nehemiah 2:20). And rebuilding the walls showed that God was with His people. Upon the completion of the walls, Nehemiah wrote, “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). The destruction of Jerusalem's walls left its people exposed to great trouble and shame. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was important because it revealed God's blessing, served as a sign to Israel's enemies, and showed God was with His people. let's go through each chapter of the Book of Nehemiah in greater detail: **Chapter 1: Nehemiah's Prayer** - In this chapter, Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, hears about the distressing condition of Jerusalem and its broken walls. - Nehemiah's immediate response is one of deep concern and grief. He weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays to God for forgiveness for his people's sins and for guidance on how to address the situation. - This chapter serves as an introduction to Nehemiah's character, his strong connection to his homeland, and his reliance on prayer as he seeks God's direction. **Chapter 2: Nehemiah's Commission** - Nehemiah, still in the king's service, looks visibly sad. When the king inquires about the reason, Nehemiah explains his concern for Jerusalem. - Remarkably, King Artaxerxes grants Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city's walls. The king even provides him with letters for safe passage and resources. - Nehemiah's commission serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, as He uses even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. **Chapter 3: The Wall's Construction** - This chapter provides a detailed account of the people and groups who participated in rebuilding different sections of Jerusalem's wall. - The lists of builders and their contributions underscore the unity and cooperation among the Israelites. Families, priests, and even rulers are involved in the construction. - It emphasizes that rebuilding the wall was a collective effort, reflecting the importance of unity and teamwork among God's people. **Chapter 4: Opposition and Perseverance** - As the wall construction progresses, Sanballat, Tobiah, and other enemies of the Jews become increasingly hostile. They mock and ridicule the builders, seeking to discourage them. - Nehemiah responds with prayer and encourages the people to stay vigilant and continue their work. He sets up a system of defense and assigns armed guards. - This chapter illustrates the reality of opposition and adversity in pursuing God's work but also highlights the importance of perseverance, prayer, and trusting in God's protection. **Chapter 5: Nehemiah Addresses Social Injustice** - In this chapter, Nehemiah addresses internal issues of social injustice among the Jewish community. Some were exploiting their fellow Jews through loans and exorbitant interest rates, leading to financial hardships. - Nehemiah rebukes the oppressors, urging them to return what they had taken and charging them to live in a way that pleases God. - This chapter demonstrates Nehemiah's commitment to justice and fairness, emphasizing the need for God's people to care for the marginalized and vulnerable. **Chapter 6: Completing the Wall** - Nehemiah faces further opposition in the form of deceitful schemes, designed to lure him away from Jerusalem or discredit him. - Despite these attempts, Nehemiah remains resolute in his mission. He discerns the deceit and continues to lead the people in completing the wall. - The wall is eventually finished in an astonishing 52 days, a testament to the determination and trust in God's providence. Each chapter of Nehemiah offers valuable lessons, including the importance of prayer, God's providence, unity, perseverance, justice, and leadership. In a sermon, you can emphasize these themes and how they apply to the lives of your congregation today, encouraging them to seek God's guidance, work together, face opposition with faith, and pursue justice in their communities. Nehemiah's story serves as an inspiring example of faith in action and the transformative power of God's work through dedicated individuals. The walls provided protection and dignity to a people who had suffered the judgment of God but had later been restored and returned to the Promised Land.
Nehemiah 2:9-209 Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel. 11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. 13 And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to pass. 15 So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work. 17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?” 20 So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”
FIRST STEPS TO GETTING ON TRACK1) EVALUATE IN GOD'S PRESENCE Nehemiah 1:1-4 NIV2) HONOR GOD AND ADMIT SIN Nehemiah 1:5-7 NIV3) REMEMBER HIS POWER AND YOUR POSITION Nehemiah 1:8-11 NIV
Our Struggle & God's FaithfulnessNehemiah 13:30–31Pastor Nate ClarkeNovember 19, 2023SERMON NOTES:1. We are prone to fall. - “We won't get into ungodly relationships.” (Nehemiah 10:30) Gets into ungodly relationships (Nehemiah 13:23) - “We won't do business and trade on the Sabbath.” (Nehemiah 10:31) Does business and trade on the Sabbath. (Nehemiah 13:15) - “We won't neglect the house of God.” (Nehemiah 10:39) Neglects the house of God (Nehemiah 13:10) - Exodus 32:1, 7-8 - Romans 7:18-20 - Galatians 5:17 - 1 Peter 2:11“It is the nature of a fire to go out; you must keep it stirred and fed and the ashes removed.” —General William Booth2. We are prone to forget. - Nehemiah 9:16-17 - Psalm 77:7-8 - Psalm 77:11-12 - Deuteronomy 4:9“It is not by new revelation that the Spirit comforts. He does so by telling us old things over again. He brings a fresh lamp to manifest the treasures hidden in Scripture. He unlocks the strong chests where the truth has long been, and he points to secret chambers filled with untold riches. However, he mints no new coins, for enough is done.” —Charles Spurgeon3. God is prone is save. - Romans 8:3-4 - Romans 5:20-214. God is prone to remember. - Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah 13:22 - Nehemiah 13:29 - Nehemiah 13:31Oasis Church exists to help people see Jesus more clearly.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/
Imagine having the audacity to pen an agreement with God and include a curse clause if you fall short? That's the audacious measure the people in the book of Nehemiah took to ensure they follow God's laws. As we journey through Nehemiah's narrative, we'll dissect the nature of that oath and the implications it carries for our contemporary relationship with God. Ever wondered about the weight of your offerings to God? Well, Nehemiah's account provides an insightful perspective on the art of giving. We discuss the importance of giving God the first and the best, not just in terms of resources, but also our talent and time. In this era where there aren't strict requirements on what and how much to give, the sincerity of our offerings takes precedence. We'll also uncover how God remembers and blesses those who willingly follow His lead, painting a vivid picture of the profound impact of leading a life in obedience to God's instructions.Support the show
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