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Nehemiah 7:1-3
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can also download our service at Baptist-Christian at iTunes. Chapter seven is a turning point in the book. Just because the wall was finished, the people could not live happily ever after. They still had a long way to spiritual maturity and worship as a way of life, which was the real reason Nehemiah wanted them to return to Jerusalem. Satan wasn’t about to let Israel enjoy any peace just because the building project was finished. He always stays on task to keep us from growing spiritually, no matter how much we accomplish physically. Notice that Nehemiah made
- PROVISION FOR PROTECTION! If we are not careful we rush right past the first three offices appointed. Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers who were more than just MP’s. They were devout men of God who guarded the city from terrorists and thieves. More importantly they guarded the Temple doors. Those allowed in were those who were known to come for worship! The singers were gifted musicians whose love for God was evident in their lives. Hypocrites being in the Temple choir was a severe no-no! Nehemiah set his brother as commander because he was a man of integrity that feared God more than most. The point here is that the wall and the city were being protected because Nehemiah understood the high cost monetarily, and in human sacrifice that was paid to rebuild it. God understands what it cost to reclaim and rebuild you! He has set in place protection for us as His children. Our protection is the “full armor of God, which includes the shield of faith and the Sword of the Lord which is the Word of God! Our protection also comes by being part of the body of Christ. We are all charged with guarding the body, which is each other, from the strongest to the weakest until we all come to maturity in the faith. There is also
- THE PLAN FOR THE POPULATION! What purpose would just building a wall around a dump serve? Whoever builds/creates/reconditions anything without intending to use it? God never does anything just for the fun of it! God is a God of purpose and organization and direction. He called Abraham with the purpose of creating a Nation through which the Savior would come. The Savior came with the intention of reestablishing and rebuilding the relationship and fellowship between God and Man. God saves us with the intention of remaking us into the image of Christ. Once established God’s relationships are eternal. Relationships suggest fellowship, and fellowship with God begins with worship. The only worship worth offering to God is from a pure heart. Satan wants us to think God’s plans for us have failed because sin still torments us. When we think we have let God down, we often quit! Nothing makes the devil happier, or God sadder. Much of our protection comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit, and much of the plan for our life is found in Scripture. God has designed the only perfect witness protection plan. He places all true Christians in it at our salvation because we are His people. God rebuild us to serve, not to sit and sour!
If we can help you with any spiritual matter, call us at (574) 643-9419.
