Sermon Central
-
The Book Of Nehemiah
Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 14, 2019 (message contributor)
-
1. Prayer Matters
Contributed on Jan 14, 2019
We see the hearts of Godly men - Ezra and now Nehemiah - mourning with the people for their sin and praying for the restoration of Jerusalem and the glory of God.
Let me paint the BIG PICTURE again: • First group of returnees came back with Zerubbabel in 538BC (50K). • After much opposition from the Samaritan locals in the land, they managed to rebuild the Temple. After a gap of 57 years, Ezra came back with 2nd group (5K). • Found out that the people had ...read more
-
2. Against All Odds
Contributed on Jan 20, 2019
Nehemiah has to face the challenges of doing something he was not familiar with but it is the will of God. He has to inspect the wall, motivate the people and contend with the oppositions.
We had a remarkable breakthrough in chapter 2 when Nehemiah was granted the opportunity to see the King, after 4 months of praying and waiting. • Even with all that praying, it wasn’t a simple thing for Nehemiah to seek the King’s favour. He was very much afraid (2:2). • Imagine asking for leave ...read more
-
3. Finishing Strong
Contributed on Mar 4, 2019
The enemies tried to deceive and distract Nehemiah, to defame and slander him, to discredit and dishonour him, but Nehemiah stood strong through his prayer and trust in God.
The problems never end for Nehemiah. He faced constant challenges in doing the work of God. • It started with discouraging words of ridicule and intimidation, and then grew into more intense, life-threatening situation that requires them to carry arms. • The problems came from without, and then ...read more
-
4. Standing Firm In Adversity
Contributed on Feb 2, 2019
We stand firm and do the work of God, not discouraged by ridicule, intimidation and threats, because God is with us and we are doing God's will.
Last week we saw the beautiful picture of the people of God coming together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem – people of different skills and occupations, young and old, men and women – all having to stop their usual work and take up the work of God. • There is unity in the diversity. Never mind ...read more
-
5. Building The Community
Contributed on Mar 16, 2019
Nehemiah's ultimate concern is the remnant of God. He works to rebuild the community of God in Jerusalem. We see the faithfulness of God in keeping a faithful remnant and restoring His people.
Jerusalem was to be the city of God, where the Name of the Lord dwells. • It wasn’t the physical infrastructure that God was concerned about but the community of His people living in worship of Him and being a witness to the nations. • So the brick and mortar of the city of Jerusalem wasn’t an end ...read more
-
6. Hearing God
Contributed on Mar 25, 2019
The Word of God is eternally true and relevant for all generations. Knowing and understanding the Word brings conviction and life change. Our task today is to make it clear and help people understand it.
When the 7th month came, the people gathered as “one man in the square” before the Water Gate. • 3 festivals take place in the 7th month of the Jewish calendar – the Feast of the Trumpets (1st), the Day of Atonement (10th) and Feast of the Tabernacles (15th-21st). • We are going to see all 3 of ...read more
-
7. A People Under God
Contributed on Apr 13, 2019
The people responded to the Word of God in repentance and to the works of God in renewal.
We have seen the people of God making serious attempts at RECONNECTING with God. • They responded to the hearing of God’s Word with repentance and sorrow. • They understood His Word and obeyed what God has instructed through the Law of Moses. We have to remember that the majority of these ...read more
-
8. Rebuilding Jerusalem
Contributed on May 5, 2019
The people of God was willing to make the sacrifice and move into Jerusalem to rebuild the city life and sustain the ministry of the house of God.
In Neh 10 we see the people of God making a binding agreement in writing, to renew their commitment to honour God and keep to the covenant He made with them. • They would SUBMIT to God’s Word, SEPARATE themselves from bad influence of the surrounding nations, honouring God on the SABBATH and to ...read more
-
9. The Sound Of Rejoicing
Contributed on May 22, 2019
The people gathered to praise and thank God for what He has accomplished through them. God gave them great joy.
The wall is built. The gates are restored. The people returned to God’s Word and renewed their covenant with God. • The city is now repopulated. It’s time to celebrate God’s goodness and give thanks. • Nehemiah organises a dedication service for this purpose. Let’s recap all that has ...read more
-
10. Complacency And Compromise
Contributed on Jun 1, 2019
Nehemiah returned after his absence from Jerusalem and saw the corruption of the priests and the neglect to the house of God. His passion for God's glory did not diminish with time.
It will be so good if this book ends with chapter 12 on a high and glorious note. • With the city rebuilt and the people celebrating the completion with a grand dedication service, and the sound of rejoicing and praise reaching beyond Jerusalem. • The chapter ended with the Levites and priests ...read more
-
11. Leaving A Legacy
Contributed on Jun 20, 2019
The people returned to the sin of intermarriages with the foreigners. Nehemiah rebuked and corrected them. We see the need to guard our faith and pass on our faith. Nehemiah left a lasting legacy.
As mentioned, the final chapter of Nehemiah did not end as most would have liked, as in fairy tales: “And the Israelites lived happily ever after.” • On his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah was not only saddened, but for most parts, very angry at seeing his people returning to their old sinful ...read more