From Now Through Eternity - 2 Peter 3:8-9

Introduction

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

When was the last time you thought about eternity? I was privileged to have a conversation with the chaplain from Dekalb County this week and as we rode to a memorial service the subject of eternity came up. He said, “David, I don’t think people think about eternity enough – if they did it would change the way they live in the present.”

Note - Billy Sunday the evangelist said, “Imagine a little bird taking a grain of sand and flying to a distant planet. It would take him a million years to fly to that distant planet. Then he would drop that grain of sand. Then the little bird would fly back to the earth taking him a million years. He gets another grain of sand and flies back to the distant planet. Back and forth, back and forth it goes. When he will have transplanted every speck of earth to that distant planet, it will only be breakfast time in eternity.”

Note - One reason we ought to focus more of our thoughts on the Lord’s return and plan throughout history is that it will fill us with fresh motivation to live in such a way that honors and points others to Him.

1. Jesus’ First Coming

Note - Around 2000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth for the FIRST time. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, rose again by the power of God, and promised us that He would come again:

Acts 1:8-12 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

2. The Present Waiting

It has been approx. 2000 years since the 1st Coming of Christ and Christians have been persecuted and ridiculed for believing that Christ will one day come again.

II Peter 3:3-9 – “…3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Note - v.8b, “Peter is saying, “A promise by God made by God 1000 years ago, or 2000 years ago…it is as good as if he made it just yesterday. It may be a while before it happens, but make no mistake – IT WILL HAPPEN!!!” Today, we LOOK AHEAD to that coming:

I Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

3. The Rapture of the Church

Note – This is the next event on God’s calendar and it’s not to set up His literal, physical kingdom on earth, but the Lord Jesus Christ taking His church to be with Himself forever – ALL followers of Christ.

Note – The Rapture of the church is a different event than the Second Coming of Christ

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “ 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

4. The Tribulation Period

Note – A 7 year period after the Rapture of the church. This will be the worst period of time there has ever been on the earth before.

Note - There will be two distinct periods of time. The 1st 3 ½ years will be relatively peaceful while the Antichrist sets up his domination. The 2nd 3 ½ years will be a time of persecution for all believers under the new world leader, the Antichrist turns against Israel and exalts himself to be worshipped.

Matthew 24:15-21 - “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

5. The Judgment Seat of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

Note – Not to determine heaven or hell – that is decided by your acceptance or rejection of Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. This is a time when the Lord Jesus Christ rewards His followers for faithful service.

Note - In the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Ben Johnson of Canada won the one-hundred-meter dash, setting a new Olympic record and a new world record. Our American contender, Carl Lewis, came in second, and most were shocked that he hadn’t won the gold. After the race, the judges learned that Johnson had had an illegal substance in his body. He ran the race illegally, so the judges took away his medal. Though he ran faster and made an unforgettable impression, he did not deserve the reward…God is the final judge! He searches our hearts; He alone knows our motivation. And He will be the One to say, “This deserves a reward. Ah, but that does not.” —Charles R. Swindoll, Hope Again, (Word, 1996), p. 34.

6. The Second Coming of Christ

Note – after the Tribulation and in the midst of the most massive war and military prowess on earth – the Lord Jesus Christ returns in all power, authority, and glory.

Revelation 19:11-16 – “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Note - THIS TIME, to take the world OVER & establish His Kingdom upon the earth! Jesus returns & destroys the enemies of the believers & establishes a literal, physical, Earthly Kingdom upon the earth.

7. The Millennial Kingdom – 1000 Year Reign of Jesus Christ

Revelation 20:4-7 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Note – War will be wiped out, harmony will be the hallmark, Disease will disappear, the lion will lay down with the lamb, the harvest will be happy!

8. Great White Throne Judgment

Revelation 20:11a & 20:15, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it…15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Note – No matter what man may say, there is a literal hell for those who refuse salvation freely through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note – Jesus can either be your Savior or Sentencer

Note – This is one reason our church must build a stronger evangelistic focus. We should have an urgency to share the gospel with lost family, friends, nations, for today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

9. Forever Eternity with God

Revelation 21:1-5, “1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

Romans 8:38-39 - “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Conclusion: How can you and I respond in a God pleasing way? (1) Receive Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and turn away from all known sin (2) Have confidence and peace in the Lord - no matter what happens - God is in ultimate control (3) Set your hearts daily on Christ (Colossians 3:1-4) (4) Walk like a champion in Christ!

(Some sermon material courtesy Dr. Jonathan Faldwell)

Dwelling Together With God

Nehemiah 8:13-18, Leviticus 23:33-44

Introduction : “Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law. And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim. So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness. Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day there was a sacred assembly, according to the prescribed manner.”

What days do you remember the presence of the Lord most often during the calendar year? Most likely your answer would include these three days: Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. What would happen if that were to increase to 19 days as in the nation of Israel? Because of who God is and in light of all that is going on in the world, we need constant reminders of need to bow down and worship the Lord God Almighty!

Note – “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” —Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation of a National Feast Day, March 30, 1863.

Note – 7 Jewish Feasts: Passover (God’s deliverance – Jesus’ death); Unleavened Bread (Exodus, leave old and enter new – Our walk of holiness before the Lord); First fruits – (Bring first crops – God’s provision – Resurrection of Jesus Christ); Pentecost (End barely harvest and begin wheat harvest – Joy and thanksgiving – Coming of the Holy Spirit); Trumpets – (Begin the new civil year – Joy and thanksgiving to God – Rapture of the church); Day of Atonement – (Removal of sin from people and nation – Fellowship with God); Tabernacles – (God’s protection and provision in wilderness – Encourage people to trust God, guidance, protection – Unfulfilled until the second coming and all Israel is gathered into her land).

I. Remembering His Provision

A. Centered on the Word of God Neh. 8:13-14

Ezra had been preaching and teaching God’s all day and on the second day the people wanted to hear more and more of the Word!

Note - The men were especially eager to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. The desire was especially strong in the men to learn about who God is and who He called them to be. There was a desire to learn God’s Word from Ezra so they could lead their families, be strong men in society, be found faithful in their worship and service to the Lord and others.

I pray there is a great longing in my heart and your heart to be found faithful to -Know God’s Word – Grow in God’s Word – Show God’s Word.

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
– 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Note – The word of God was central to the spiritual revival of this Jewish community of faith and what is going to bring revival into God’s people’s lives today is the Holy Word of God lived out through Spirit filled people of God!

Note - Several years ago, newspapers told how a new Navy jet fighter shot itself down. Flying at supersonic speed, it ran into cannon shells it had fired only a few seconds before. The jet was traveling too fast! You are also traveling too fast, if you don’t have time to worship God in regular church services, if you don’t have time to read the Bible, if you don’t have time to pray. If you’re neglecting any of these, you’re probably traveling too fast to hear the sound of God’s voice. You can’t tell whether you are in the center of His will. Better slow down before, like the jet, you shoot yourself down.

B. Celebrated the Works of God

At the heart of the Feast of Tabernacles was time set aside to remember God’s goodness, presence, and protection in their lives. They needed to take time to recall God’s works and wonders as He led them out of the bondage of Egypt and into the liberty of the Promised Land of Canaan.

During that 40 year journey in the wilderness, Israel lived in booths made of such things as leaves, branches, bark – these had not been the most comfortable of living quarters – but God had seen them through everything!

“Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud did not depart from them by day, to lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way they should go. You also gave them Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold You manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.” – Nehemiah 9:19-21

Note – “Sovereingly he had guided them, generously he had fed them, and powerfully he had protected them; such abundant and evident mercy must never be forgotten.”
– Raymond Brown

Note - When I was a young mother with two preschoolers, I was often overwhelmed. One night I fell into bed, exhausted. I poured out my frustrations to God. “The kids won’t mind, the house is a mess, my husband doesn’t seem to care …“—the list went on. Suddenly, a voice said to my heart, “Which one do you want me to take away?” Everything I was complaining about was precious to me. Immediately, I began to thank God for everything on my list—something I continue to do now as a grandmother. —Alice Johnson. Christian Reader, Vol. 36, no. 5.

II. Rejoicing In His Presence

A. Confident In Witness Neh. 8:15, Lev. 23:39-44

The Feast of Tabernacles was not something to stay silent about. God wanted His people to, “Go out to the mountain…” They were to tell everyone, everywhere, in every place of the One who had protected, provided, performed awesome acts of mercy and power in their midst. They were to tell of the Living God who had a strong hand and an outstretched arm!

Note – Too many Christians today are timid in sharing their faith, but we need to remember God is greater and has given us Holy Spirit power to be His obedient witnesses. We must not fear man more than we fear God.

“O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” - Isaiah 40:9

“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Wwho are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth…” – Isaiah 51:12-13a

Note - During an earthquake some years ago, the inhabitants of a small village were generally very much alarmed, but they were at the same time surprised at the calmness and apparent joy of an old woman whom they all knew. At length one of them, addressing the old woman, said, “Mother, are you not afraid?” “No,” said the woman, “I rejoice to know that I have a God who can shake the world.”

B. Consecrate their Wealth Deuteronomy 16:15-17

A major portion of rejoicing in the Lord is that we can offer back to Him what He’s already blessed us with. Every single Christian can make a decision they are going to become a “giver” not just a “getter.” Stop thinking about what you don’t have and look at what God has already given you. Train yourself to become a great giver to the Lord and watch what God does in your life and as a blessing in others!

Note – One of my favorite Pastors, Don Wilton, recently shared about a mission trip he took with the young people of FBC Spartanburg. They had ministered mightily the night before, everyone was tired, yet they still had to minister to a large group of prisoners. Evidently, one young man was being grouchy, griping, because things were not going his way. Pastor Wilton asked the young man, “What’s the problem??? Are you sick?” When he learned the young man was just upset because a few others in the group had not treated him well – he said, “Young man, we are about to go in here and minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have NO HOPE. We are under obligation to the Lord Jesus Christ to witness and minister to these men – giving the Lord our very best.” There was a holy glow on that young man’s face as he took his eyes off self, struggles, and onto the Lord and the real needs of others!

Imagine what would happen if we all came before the Lord with an attitude of, “What can I give,” instead of “What can I get?”

Note – What can you give right now to the Lord’s work? I think of the bus ministry – could you take some of your TIME on Sunday mornings to drive children, shut ins to church? I think of the choir, building up the kids ministry, can you consecrate your TALENT? Some of you, whether you are rich or poor, love to give financially to God’s work – investing your TREASURE.

Note – Great churches are built by great Christians who continue to grow in all aspects of their Christian faith…including giving!

“But this I say; He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Note – “All the money in the world belongs to God. My gift to Him does not make Him any richer; it makes me richer spiritually because of the realization that everything I have is His and that I am giving because I love Him and want to give.” (Unknown)

III. Resting In His Promise

A. Commitment to Wait Neh. 8:17, 2 Cor. 5:1-4

God wanted His people to realize that the booth they were staying in was only a temporary abiding place. They would only have to live in the booths for seven days – then they could return to their real home.

Do you see the significance in this? For the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are only here on this earth temporarily. God has something far greater in store for us eternally.

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-8

Note - A man in the middle of many painful trials took a walk in his neighborhood, and saw a construction crew at work on a big church. He stood and watched a stone craftsman work a long time on a block, but could not see where the block would fit, because the church appeared to be finished. He watched the man work on the block carefully and methodically, slowly shaping it into a precise pattern. Finally, he asked, "why are you spending so much time chipping and shaping that block?" The craftsman pointed up to the top of the nearly completed steeple, and said "I'm shaping it down here so it will fit in up there." The man in the middle of the trials instantly knew that was God's message to him: he was being prepared down here, so he would fit in up in heaven. www.studylight.org, 2 Cor. 5, David Guzik
B. Characterized by Worship Neh.8:18, Zechariah 14:4, 16-21

It’s always been God’s desire to dwell with His people. What is our response to Him…WORSHIP!

Note – There are many views as to why choice was made of the Feast of Tabernacles, but the most probable is that, speaking of the joys of the ingathering, it will celebrate the gathering of the nations to the Lord and especially His tabernacling among them. The millennial feast is the Feast of Tabernacles, because then God will tabernacle with men more fully than ever before in man’s long history (Feinberg, God Remembers, 203).

Note – Worship the Lord Jesus Christ for His – Saving Power, Securing Power, Strengthening Power, Sustaining Power!

Conclusion: God’s people often need times to stop and remember how good and gracious God has been…and still is…to them. Is your walk with Him characterized by joy, giving, thanksgiving? What is your response to the incredible and undeserved blessings of the Lord? I invite you to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ today!

10 Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Church - Dr. Paul Chappell

Here’s a practical lesson I shared with our staff a while back:

1. Fear of the Lord
A. He is Worthy of Our Reverence – Acts 2:43-44, Proverbs 10:27
B. We Are Faithful in the Awareness of His Presence
1. Faithful in service
2. Faithful in righteous living

2. Desire For The Holy Spirit’s Fullness
“The degree to which we understand and experience the Holy Spirit will be the exact degree to which we understand and experience God’s will for our churches.”

A. Through Unity of Believers – Acts 2:1
B. Through Continual Yieldedness - Ephesians 5:18

3. Fervent Preaching
A. Fearless - Acts 4:13
B. Faithful

“The Power of Christ’s dispensation is a fiery pulpit, not a learned pulpit, but a pulpit on fire with the Holy Ghost.” – E. M. Bounds

4. Doctrinal Teaching - Acts 2
A. The Doctrine of Salvation
B. The Doctrine of the Apostles or the Word of God – I Thessalonians 2:13, I Timothy 4:13

5. Fervent Prayer
A. The Priority of Prayer – Acts 2:46-47
B. The Continuity of Prayer – Romans 12:12

6. Loving Fellowship
A. Devotion in Fellowship – Romans 15:5-6
B. Devotion in Breaking Bread – I Corinthians 10:16

7. Sacrificial Spirit
A. Toward the Lord – 2 Corinthians 8:7
B. Toward Fellow Believers – Acts 2:45
“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael

8. Obedient Witness
A. They Witnessed in Power
B. They Witnessed in Persecution - Acts 8:1-4

9. Gracious Spirit within the Church
A. Member to Member
B. Member to Pastor
C. Pastor to Member – Acts 4:33

“God is more interested in the health of the church than the growth of the church.”

10. Dedicated Ministry
A. In Service
B. In Soulwinning
C. In Missions – Acts 1:8
“I’ve never met a contentious servant. When people devote themselves to doing good, they don’t have time to criticize.”

Experiencing Revival Through the Bible

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Intro: Can God’s Word bring real life change to people today? The Bible is the living Word of God (Heb. 4:12). It is infallible and has God Almighty as its Author. This book is called the “Word of life” and brings strong hope to those who believe it.

Illus: In Genesis – He’s the Breath of Life, Exodus – the Passover Lamb, Leviticus – Our High Priest, Numbers – Fire by night, Deuteronomy – Moses Voice, Joshua – Salvation’s Choice, Judges – Law Giver, Ruth – Kinsman Redeemer, 1 and 2 Samuel – Trusted Prophet, Kings and Chronicles – Sovereign, Ezra – True and Faithful Scribe, Nehemiah – Rebuilder of Broken Walls and Lives, Esther – Mordecai’s Courage, Job – Timeless Redeemer, Psalms – Our Morning Song, Proverbs – Wisdom’s Cry, Ecclesiastes – Time and Season, Song of Solomon – Lover’s Dream – Isaiah – Prince of Peace, Jeremiah – Weeping Prophet, Lamentations – Cry for Israel, Ezekiel – Call from sin, Daniel, the Stranger in the Fire, Hosea – Forever Faithful, Joel – Spirit’s power – Amos – The Arms that Carry Us – Obadiah – the Lord our Savior – Jonah – Great Missionary – Micah – Promise of Peace – Nahum – Strength and Shield – Habakkuk and Zephaniah – Pleading for revival – Haggai – Restores Lost Heritage – Zachariah – Our Fountain – Malachi – Son of Righteousness Rising with Healing in His Wings- Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – God, Man, Messiah – Acts – Fire from Heaven – Romans – Grace of God – Corinthians – Power of love – Galatians – freedom from the curse of sin – Ephesians – Glorious Treasure – Philippians – Servants heart – Colossians – God-Head Trinity – Thessalonians – our Coming King – Timothy, Titus, Philemon – Mediator and our Faithful Pastor – Hebrews – Everlasting Covenant – James – the One who heals the sick – 1 and 2 Peter – He’s our Shepherd – John and Jude – Lover coming for His Bride – Revelation – King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches us of its own power and potential to transform (revive) the lives of those individuals or societies who crave its truths and willingly apply it to their lives.

I. THE WORD AND ITS INSPIRATION

A. Single Minded Neh. 8:1a

God’s people had been freed from the Babylonian empire and with God’s hand and Nehemiah’s leadership the wall of Jerusalem is miraculously built in 52 days - Faithful leaders have been assigned their positions in God’s order of worship – A generous offering has been taken and received – God’s people have a single heart and mind to worship the Lord their God.

• They met at Water Gate to hear the Scriptures – God’s Word is often symbolized as water because it can take the filth out of our lives and make us clean!

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).

Note – There are many reasons why people come to church – yet the most important reason is to hear what God has to say to us through His word.

God’s Word teaches us of the importance of assembling ourselves to worship, hear the Word, live our witness.

Hebrews 10:25, “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching.”

Note – A college freshman was giving her best friend a tour of the college she attended. They spent little to no time in the classrooms or libraries – but most of the time observing local hot spots for men. She showed her friend great places for hanging out, restaurants, malls, theaters, etc. Upon returning to her dorm room, she told her friend to be quiet because other girls were studying. As their neared the dorm entrance she whispered, “All they do is study. Honestly, I don’t even know why they came to college.”

Note – we come to church primarily to hear and be
transformed by the Word of God!

B. Scripture Minded Neh. 8:1b-2

• A single hearted people in the Lord assemble themselves together to hear God’s Word – The day in which they assembled was strategic and timely – the first day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar is similar to New Year’s Day for us – It was time for a new beginning - Celebrations during the seventh month included the Feast of Trumpets (1st day), the day of Atonement (10th day), and the Feast of Tabernacles (15th to 21st day).

Note – New Year’s Resolutions – how about spiritual resolutions led by the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit of God? Our SBC President, Johnny Hunt, recently twittered his goal for 2010, “I wish to embrace my deepest devotion ever in being ablazed for the glory of God. To love Jesus supremely and intimately. He’s worthy!

Note - J. Edwin Orr defined revival as: "The Spirit of God working through the Word of God, in the lives of the people of God."

It’s great that you are here this morning listening to God’s Word – are you letting God’s word have it’s way in your life? When you leave this service – go to your family, job, neighborhood, school, etc. how much of God’s Word is going to be filtering through your mind?

When you have settled God’s Word as the authority in your life, you will know where to turn to help you raise that family, be honorable on your job, deal with relationships, prepare yourself and others for eternity, etc.

Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

1 Peter 1:23-25, “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away; But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Note - We must read it (1 Timothy 4:13); eat it—that is, take it into our very being (Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16); bathe in it for spiritual cleansing (John 15:3); look into it as a mirror to see our true self (James 1:25); meditate on it (Psalm 1:2; 1 Timothy 4:15); memorize it (Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 119:11); study it (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14); teach it to others (Deuteronomy 11:19; Colossians 3:16); talk about it (Joshua 1:8); and sow its seeds of truth in the field of the world (Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:11). The daily practice of these scriptural admonitions will keep you in a state of perpetual revival. – Dr. D.J. Depree, Gideon’s

II. THE WORD AND ITS INTERPETATION

A. Speaking the Word Neh. 8:2

• Ezra knew the formation of the city could be strong and stately– but not endure. He was primarily concerned with the foundation of the city of Jerusalem – and that would be the Holy Word of God.

Ezra 7:6-10, “…this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”

Ezra had a heart for the Word of God which led to a love for the people of God. This is the kind of pastor every church should be so fortunate to have.

Note – Ezra prepared to study the word of God; Ezra practiced the word of God; Ezra proclaimed the word of God.

Note - One day as G. Campbell Morgan prayed, the Lord seemed to say to him, “Which do you want to be—a servant of mine or a great preacher?” Morgan replied, “May I not be both, Lord?” A spiritual struggle ensued as he thought, God may want me to be an unknown minister in an obscure place. Then Morgan submissively prayed, “O Lord, my greatest wish is to be a servant of Thine!” The Lord responded by making him one of the greatest preachers of his time.

• Looking at Ezra’s life gives us a glimpse into what it takes to be a good and godly servant of the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:11-12, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 3:16-4:2, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

B. Starving for the Word Neh. 8:3-8

• Evidence of their hunger for God’s truth in their lives was that they were willing to listen to God’s Word for over six hours straight!

Note – Revival will come to people who hunger to know more and more of God’s Word.

Note - A woman wanting to impress the pastor when he came to visit, said to her little girl, “Honey, go get the book that Mommy loves so much.” The little girl soon returned carrying the new JCPenny catalog.

Acts 17:11, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

• The Word of God can set us free from sin – The Word of God can show us how to be pleasing to the Lord - The Word of God can make us wise unto salvation!

I pray God will wake up the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in America to reverencing, respecting, and relying on the Word of God.

Note - Daniel Webster – “There is no proper foundation for civilization, but in the Word of God. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prosperity.”

III. THE WORD AND ITS INVIGORATION

A. Sorrow for Sin Neh. 8:9

As this Jewish people began to hear the Word of God, it broke their hearts. They began to understand God had a plan and purpose for their lives – but because of sin and disobedience they had been exiled for 70 years in Babylonian territory.

Note - A young man once said to a preacher, “I do not think I am a sinner.” Then the preacher asked him if he would be willing for his mother or sister to know all he had done or said or thought, all his motives and all his desires. After a moment the young man said, “No, indeed, I certainly would not like to have them know; not for all the world.”

Note – Dr. Jack Graham recently told about a man whose heavy drinking caused him to lose his family, job, everything. One Sunday morning, he drove by the church and decided to go in. He said, “I was so ashamed and afraid of rejection, that when I came in I sat at the back of the balcony…as far as possible from people.” Something happened though as the worship team sang and he felt the presence of the Lord Jesus. The message that day was on God’s total forgiveness (because of the Lord Jesus life, death, burial, and resurrection) and that is what the man found that day. The next week he was singing in the choir and now faithfully prays for people sitting in the balcony!

B. Satisfaction for the Soul Neh. 8:10-12

Knowledge of our sin brings sorrow to our souls – some causing us to weep in the presence of the Lord. Certainly there is time to confess, agree with the Lord about our sin, asking for His Holy Spirit strength to overcome. Where would that strength to overcome be found? Answer: The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

It was time for God’s people to quit looking at the sins of their past and more time focusing on what God wanted to do with them in the present!

Note – “Nature forms us, sin deforms us, schools inform us, prison reforms us, but only CHRIST transforms us.” – Dr. Adrian Rogers

Note - In a radio address to the nation on Feb. 23, 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt said: “No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion, a revival that would sweep through the homes of the nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to his will for themselves and for their world. I doubt if there is any problem, either, social, political or economic, that would not melt away before the fire of such a spiritual awakening.”

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Note - The Christian is joyful, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate. The humor of the Christian is not a way of denying the tears, but rather a way of affirming something which is deeper than tears. Yes, a few things in life are absolutely tragic, no question about it. First among them, a joyless Christian. —Elton Trueblood

Note – Strength comes into the life of the child of God who is willing to put the past in its place and begin obeying the will of God!

Conclusion: God is willing and ready to bring revival into the lives of His people. When His people are listening to His word and obedient to His will they will experience His refreshing presence. Enough moaning and groaning about past failures –what is God asking you to do now? Who is God calling you to be now? Life is worth the living just because He lives!

Knowing Your Place In the Order of Worship

TEXT: Nehemiah 7:1-73

INTRO: A job well done is to be celebrated and certainly Nehemiah along with God’s people were primed for worship after the rebuilding of the walls. God’s hand was upon Nehemiah as he sought to move God’s people forward in obedience. However, Nehemiah still had much work to do in PREPARING God’s people to be effective in their worship of the Lord. They had to learn what they BELIEVED inwardly about God needed to worked out in their BEHAVIOR before a watching world. For the worship of God to be at its best, the PEOPLE of God needed to be their best!

ILLUS: A missionary tells of a woman in India holding in her arms a weak, whining infant, while at her side stood a beautiful, healthy child. The man of God saw her walk to the banks of the Ganges River and throw the robust youngster to the crocodiles as an offering, and then turn toward home again still clutching the sickly child to her bosom. Tears were running down her cheeks when he stopped to question her concerning her shocking actions; however, she proudly replied in defense of her conduct, “O sir, we always give our gods the best!”

We must not be guilty of giving our best to the world and our least to the Lord!

PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches that God is a God of order…He sets the standards, not us. The leadership of the church must teach, preach, and serve the Lord in such a way that God’s good order is made known and practiced. In addition, God’s people must be found faithful in discovering, developing, and deploying their unique gifts if worship is to be pleasing to God. Do you know your place and are you fulfilling your part in God’s order of worship?

I. THE PREEMINENCE OF ORDER

A. Scriptural in Focus Neh. 7:1

1. Nehemiah knew that his job was not done just because the walls had been rebuilt – God’s people needed to be led into the lifestyle of worship and service.

2. Vital to Jerusalem ’s strength and vitality would be closely linked to their physical, spiritual, and intellectual development.

3. It’s interesting to note how Nehemiah led God’s people during their rebuilding of the citizenship of Jerusalem . He appointed the following leaders for the benefit of the nation…

a. Gatekeepers – protection and security (they would sound the alarm if enemies were approaching)

b. Singers – spiritual worship (full of worship and praise to the Lord)

c. Levites – teachers of the law and history

4. Just as Nehemiah knew God’s people had to be grounded in God’s word and led by godly leaders…WE NEED THIS SAME SCRIPTURAL FOCUS FROM THE LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST TODAY!

ILLUS: “In a relativist and pluralistic age like ours, one of our greatest needs is for preachers, teachers, and homegroup leaders who will faithfully communicate the eternal truths of Scripture, and share them in a manner which will demonstrate their unique authority, crucial importance, contemporary relevance and timeless appeal.”

5. Of course, no leader is going to be perfect in the eyes of those he leads – not even the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, pleased everyone.

6. I’m sure, Nehemiah had people rise up and tell him what he was doing wrong and how he could be doing things better…yet Nehemiah led with a scriptural focus second to none.

7. The Word of God is the standard we are to acclimate our lives to. (Do not water it down – but preach the Word!)

8. The greatest thing a pastor can do is stick with the Word of God – the message does not change; the message does change lives!

B. Spiritual in Faith Neh. 7:2-3

1. Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, was given charge over Jerusalem .

2. It was Hanani who had first reported Jerusalem ’s devastating and deplorable conditions to Nehemiah…Hanani obviously had a great heart for God and similarly, a great heart for God’s people. (Neh. 1:2-4)

3. Hananiah was the military leader of Jerusalem . He was faithful and feared God more than most men. Wouldn’t it be great if it was said of all our military leaders in America , that they too were, “faithful men
and feared God more than many.”

4. Isn’t that what the Lord is looking for in each of our lives and each of His churches?

5. He is looking for people who are faithful and fear Him!

ILLUS: “…to live a holy life--to reject sin…means living a life where the power of the Holy One, the power of the Infinitely Loving, Infinitely Powerful, Infinitely Wise, Infinitely Good God does His Loving, Powerful, Wise, and Good work in us, and in through us into the world. In choosing to live a holy life, we choose to exchange the bondage of sin and worldly satisfaction for the limitless, loving, powerful freedom of Christ.” - Jana Fischer

6. Nehemiah commanded that the gates of the city would not be open until the sun was risen. This was strategic and helped keep possible enemies out. (Neh. 7:3)

7. This speaks of our need to stay sober and vigilant in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ – on constant watch for the enemies attacks. In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 the Apostle Paul states, “5for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

8. Nehemiah knew the importance of doing all he could to ensure his people were guarded against all kinds of attacks the enemy could throw at them - this started with leaders who were scriptural in focus and spiritual in faith!

ILLUS: “What a tragedy that schools that once were true to the faith are today denying the faith, and churches that once preached the gospel now have in their pulpits ministers who preach “another gospel.” Every Christian ministry is one short generation away from destruction, and God’s people must be on guard.”
–Warren Wiersbe

9. Principle: What you guard – you keep and when you lose guard – it could lead to ruin – yours and the lives of others!

10. Apply: Daily worship, obedience, trust…etc. See Proverbs 4:23 , “Watch your heart with all diligence…”

ILLUS: Pastor Bryan Chapell speaks of a group of Christian businessmen who are plain about the fight against temptation. They meet once a month and ask each other questions: The last time you traveled on a business trip, did you stay pure in your hotel room? When you returned from your business trip, did you stay honest on your expense reports? Those are tough questions. Why would they put themselves in such embarrassing positions? Because they are in the fight. Because they are at war for the goodness of their souls, for their relationships with each other and with the Lord. —Bryan Chapell, “The Great Escape,” Preaching Today.


II. THE PERSONS OF ORDER

A. Significant in the Lord Neh. 7:4-69

1. When you go over passages like this in the Bible, it’s easy to skip over – but in Nehemiah’s day it was of utmost importance to be able to prove you were truly of Jewish descent. This is the same genealogy found in Ezra 2 . The point is…these folks mattered to God!

2. It was the passion of Nehemiah to have people in Jerusalem who knew where they came from and the great heritage they had in the Lord.

3. Having a knowledge of your identity, belonging, acceptance in the Lord Jesus Christ through faith should encourage you to know something of your significance as a child of God!

ILLUS: R. C. Sproul shares the story of a college student he once taught who had cerebral palsy. The student struggled with—spastic movements and garbled speech, yet he was very bright and capable. Sproul writes: One day he came to me vexed with a problem and asked me to pray for him. In the course of the prayer, I said something routine, with words like, "Oh, God, please help this man as he wrestles with this problem." When I opened my eyes, the student was quietly weeping. I asked him what was wrong and he stammered his reply, "You called me a man. No one has ever called me a man before." Lee Eclov, in the sermon "The Blessed Limp," PreachingToday.com

4. If you are unsure of your relationship to the Lord – you must understand there is only one way to heaven and that is through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:12 , Acts 4:12

5. It’s been said, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be any evidence?” Have you personally confessed your sins to the Lord and placed your faith in the crucified Lord…now risen and coming again?

6. The men, women, boys, and girls who helped reestablish Jerusalem – left everything behind in Babylon to find a new life within the Jewish nation.

7. It’s not enough just to have your name written down on the church roll – but your name must be written in the Lamb’s book of life!

8. Your significance in life does not come primarily through your job, bank account, or retirement plan…but through your relationship with the Lord.

B. Security in the Land Neh. 7:64-65

1. Just showing up with the returning Jewish families did not necessarily include you in the family – there were many priests and families not included at all.

2. The Urim and Thummin was in the breastplate the priest wore and was essential in determining the will of God. Today, do we have an urim and thummin? Absolutely…it is the Word of God!

3. Pagan nations had influenced Israel ’s history before and Nehemiah wanted to keep covenant with the Lord through the worship of Jehovah God alone!

4. There was no compromise with people of other faiths – entrance to the city required commitment to the worship of the One True and Living God.

ILLUS: NBA star Shaquille O'Neil—tried to get into the White House without an appointment. At 7-1 and 325 pounds, with a winning smile, and NBA championship rings on his fingers from years of playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq has what it takes to walk into most places he wants to go. Shaq (believing doors should open just because of his name) gave it a try, and just as Shaq has rejected those who would drive past him to the hoop, so the security guards at the White House gate rejected him. Later that day, Shaq tweeted, "The White House wouldn't let me in, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy."

4. How many today believe they will be accepted by the King of Kings in Heaven simply on the grounds of who they are?

5. Just as in Adam (first birth) ALL DIE…so only IN CHRIST (second birth) we can each be MADE ALIVE!


III. THE PRESENTATION OF ORDER

A. Supply Neh. 7:70-73

1. It’s so encouraging to know God has a way to rebuild and restore…no matter how much wreckage the enemy has done in our lives!

2. God’s promises are stronger and more powerful than any circumstance you are facing today.

3. These Scriptures show that God does keep a record of how we serve, give, follow, share our faith with future generations.

4. These believers put God before anyone or anything.

5. There was much rebuilding to be done – how easy and typical would it have been for them to put themselves, their families first and then bring their gifts to the Lord.

6. In fact, they did the opposite. They gave themselves first to the Lord…trusting that if they would do His will…He would see them through and take care of their needs.

ILLUS: Plenty of people are willing to give God credit, yet few are willing to give Him cash. —Quotable Quotations

B. Sacrifice

7. Nehemiah did not ask God’s people to do something he was not willing to do himself.

8. What you give is between you and the Lord – I do not know who gives what to the curch.

9. I do know that faithful giving to the Lord’s work can bring our renewal, joy, and strength to the church and also great joy and assurance to the giver!

ILLUS: Christian stewardship is really nothing less than all we do with all that we have. The amount Jesus is talking about is a pretty big amount: it’s 100 percent. Stewardship is not just about how much of what I own will I give to God. It’s about how much of me have I given to God…. Stewardship is not about paying dues. Sometimes I wish it were because that would be easier: just tell me how much I owe, and I can pay the Lord just as I pay the bills. It’s not paying dues. It’s about deliberately making deposits of my time and my energy and what I own into God’s business…. Fundamentally, stewardship begins with giving 100 percent of who I am to God. —Heidi Husted, “The Sermon on the Amount.”

CONCLUSION: God is a God of order and has a place for every single child of God. He has His people in places of leadership, worship, teaching, serving, etc. Critical to your walk and joy in the Lord will be knowing your place in God’s order of worship. Do you know yours and are you faithful?

FINDING RENEWED STRENGTH FOR GOD’S GREAT WORK

TEXT: Nehemiah 6:1-19, Romans 12:1-8

INTRO: God has a unique plan for every single child of God. He passionately desires for us to know His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Though that is His intention, it is not automatic that every child of God is going to live in that will and be found faithful. The enemy will do all he can to make sure we lose heart and strength in God’s service. We must find renewed strength and courage to stay faithful to God in spite of opposition, discouragement, or even Satanic sidetracks. Nehemiah moved forward and so can we.

ILLUS: YOU PAY A PRICE FOR GETTING STRONGER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR GETTING FASTER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR JUMPING HIGHER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR STAYING JUST THE SAME. —H. Jackson Brown, A Hero in Every Heart (Nelson, 1996)

PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches us that renewed strength is found by pursuing godly wisdom and judgment as we do God’s will and stand against the continual attacks of the enemy. The wise believer will not give in to the tricky tactics of the enemy, but will stay true to the course God has laid out for him to follow.

I. STRENGTH FOR SPECIAL ASSIGNGMENTS

A. Dedication to God’s Plan Nehemiah 6:1

1. Looking at Nehemiah’s life and service is rewarding and faith inspiring because he is the classic picture of the underdog who overcomes!

2. Nehemiah was an exiled Jew whose job in life was serving as cupbearer to the Persian King, Artaxerses.

3. The odds of Nehemiah accomplishing God’s will seem stacked heavily against him.

4. The job seemed impossible and his enemies were extremely zealous in their attempts to pull him off course.

5. Nehemiah had received news that the walls of Jerusalem had not been rebuilt after his fellow Jews were taken into exile.

6. He knew that without strong walls, Jerusalem would be easy prey to attacks of their enemies and would be constantly defeated…so he asked God for favor and direction in beginning a rebuilding process.

7. God invites each of us into a lifestyle of special heavenly assignments.

8. Each assignment is special not so much because of the job, but because of the God who calls you to it!

9. Finding renewed strength for God’s great work requires diligent study of His Word with a will to follow His guidance.

ILLUS: I once came across seven rules for spiritual growth: 1. Daily Food. Take in the “pure milk of the word” through study and meditation. 2. Fresh Air. Pray often or you will faint. Prayer is the oxygen of the soul. 3. Regular Exercise. Put into practice what you learn in God’s Word. 4. Adequate Rest. Rely on God at all times in simple faith. 5. Clean Surroundings. Avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually. 6. Loving Care. Be part of a church where you will benefit from a pastor’s teaching and Christian fellowship. 7. Periodic Checkups. Regularly examine your spiritual health. K. Trivette, “Growing Church Members”

B. Dedication to God in Prayer Nehemiah 6:9, 14

1. Throughout Nehemiah’s life, we find a consistent life of prayer and the Word of God continually calls us to pray and seek God’s face.
a. We are only kidding ourselves if we think we can move on farther without first going lower to our knees in prayer!
b. Nehemiah prayed for himself, God’s work, God’s people, even his personal enemies!

2. Perhaps our greatest weapon against the enemy is the Word of God and prayer.

3. Satan cannot stop God from answering our prayer, but he can do everything in his might to keep us from praying faithfully!

4. It takes humility to admit your need in prayer before the Lord and the humble will find themselves being lifted up by the Lord! 1 Peter 5:7
a. Prayer is for the beginning, middle, and the end…our first resort instead of last resort!
b. Praying is not a sign of weakness, but wisdom!
c. James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given him.”

ILLUS: There come times in our lives when we in our desperation and pain run to God and dial our 911 prayers. Sometimes we’re hysterical. Sometimes we don’t know the words to speak. But God hears. He knows our number and he knows our name and he knows our circumstance. That help is already on the way; God has already begun to bring the remedy to us. —Leith Anderson, Men of Integrity, Vol. 2, no. 2.

5. What heavenly assignment has God placed upon your heart? How serious are you about putting your faith in God into practice?

II. STRENGTH FOR SPIRITUAL ATTACKS

A. Distractions in Process Nehemiah 6:1-3

1. Anybody who is willing to put the will of God first in their lives is going to encounter TROUBLE from the enemy!

2. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshmu had been up front in their attacks of Nehemiah in the earlier stages of building the wall…yet now they appear to have a change of heart.

3. A letter is sent by these men to Nehemiah stating, “Come, let us meet together among the villages of in the plain of ONO.”

4. They wanted to get Nehemiah all alone, miles away from home, away from God’s people, away from God’s work, then they would injure him to the point of no return or even TAKE HIS LIFE!

5. How many times has the enemy tried to take you away from doing God’s work? Are you spiritually prepared to resist him?

ILLUS: There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playng in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, attempting to distract the Milwaukee batters . As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn't come up here to read." Nehemiah, Learning to Lead, J.M. Boice, Revell, 1990, p. 38.

6. Nehemiah was full of spiritual discernment and he also knew the work God had given him to do was of UTMOST IMPORTANCE!

B. Disappointment in People Nehemiah 6:4-9

1. Not only did the enemy try to use trickery to get Nehemiah sidetracked, he also spread lies about Nehemiah’s motives in rebuilding the temple.

2. If Satan can’t get the leader to quit working – he wants to get people lying about Nehemiah’s intentions and second guessing his godly character.

3. Eventually people will begin to lose faith in God’s leader…God’s work will slow down…people lose heart and faith…eventually quit and give up the good work. VICTORY would be won for his side.

4. The scary thing is that Satan can use us if we are not careful.

5. Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself WILL NOT STAND” (Matthew 12:25).

6. Nehemiah shows us how to respond to disappointing people who have allowed Satan to use them for his purposes: WE STAND ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD!

7. He refuted the lie, rebuked the lie, and then released the lie to the Lord in prayer.

8. Nehemiah knows renewal is on the way for God’s people!

9. Great progress has been made on the wall and he’s being compelled by God’s purposes.

10. He will not allow disappointing people being used by the enemy to bring him down! GO NEHEMIAH, GO!

ILLUS: “What can keep us off the side street? FOCUS. It is possible to do everything else right, then get on a side street before our task is completed. I have seen this happen in marriages, in relationships, in churches, and in businesses. Have you ever been on a side street? When you are in the process of rebuilding a marriage, some Sanballat or Tobiah can come along and get you on a side street. There are those who will try anything to get you off the main road of rebuilding. Some who are rebuilding relationships get off on side streets. Some who are seeking to rebuild their vocational life are prone to take side streets. Rebuilders finish strong. How? They stay off side streets and remain focused on what they are to do.” O.S. Hawkins, Rebuilding: It’s Never Too Late For A New Beginning

III. STRENGTH FOR STEADFAST ALLEGIANCE

A. Daily Presentation Nehemiah 6:9b, Romans 12:1-2

1. As Nehemiah progressed in God’s will and call upon his life, his steadfast allegiance to God over anyone or anything is impressive.

2. Strength in the life of each of our lives comes from continual absolute surrender of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

3. When we truly begin to understand what the Lord Jesus Christ has done, the only proper response is to yield our lives at His feet in devoted worship and service.

4. Life becomes less about SELF and more about the SAVOR AND HIS SERVICE!!!

ILLUS: “People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paying back a small part of the great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind and a bright hope of glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege.” Missionary, David Livingston

5. Is it too much to offer yourself completely to the One who gave His whole life for you?

6. It’s sad that so many believers think the Christian life revolves around WHAT THEY CAN GET over WHAT THEY CAN GIVE!

B. Daily Preoccupation Neh. 6:10-16, Romans 12:3-8

1. Steadfast allegiance comes into our lives when we are consumed with a passion to know and obey God’s Word.

2. Shemiah tried to lure Nehemiah into disobeying the clearly revealed Word of God (Numbers 3:10, 38).

3. The Word of God stated that only the priest was to enter the temples holy areas…outsiders were to be put to death.

4. Dt. 18:20-22 states, “'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.' 21"You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

5. Defeat and disgrace symbolized Shemaiah’s life as he yielded to the enemies lies - Greed became his priority over God!

6. Victory and virtue symbolized Nehemiah’s life.

7. God has gifted and called you into a life of victorious service in Him. Are you preoccupied in fulfilling His will? Serving others to the glory of God?

8. Romans 12:3-8, “3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we,who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

ILLUS: “It is urgently needful that the Christian people of our charge should come to understand that they are not a company of invalids, to be wheeled about, or fed by hand, nursed, and comforted, the minister being the Head Physician and Nurse; but a garrison in an enemy’s country, every soldier of which should have some post or duty, at which he should be prepared to make any sacrifice rather than quitting.” F.B. Meyer

9. Those who faithfully use what God has given them in loving service to others are going to find their strength renewed in God’s time.

10. Every member is a minister. Are you teaching that class? Are you greeting those visitors? Are you showing mercy? Are you singing in the choir?

CONCLUSION: The Bible teaches that finding our strength renewed for God’s great work is a process of staying on the course God has laid out for us as a church and as individuals. The distractions, disappointments, and discouraging situations will come. Great reward, victory, changed lives will come to those who stick with God’s plan and remain faithful!