Nehemiah: Rebuilding Together
The New Testament calls all Christians elect exiles (1 Peter 1:1) because we are citizens of heaven and not home where we are. COVID-19 has caused us to experience our exile in new and unique ways. The church has been battered and there are threats to growth and faithfulness on every side. In 2021, we enter into a season of rebuilding an attractively different gospel culture so that the city around us will see our good deeds and give glory to God in heaven. Nehemiah provides us with a timeless guide to rebuilding a city within the city.
Rebuilders are Prone to Wander
How do we stay dedicated?
- Stay Distinct
- Stay Generous
- Stay Rested
Citylight Delco | March 28, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
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Rebuilding requires Rededication
- In purity
- With singing
- With generosity
Citylight Delco | March 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
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After confessing their sins, the people recovenant and take an oath to uphold all of God’s law. In today’s passage we learn about the essence, specifics, and fruit of recovenanting.
Citylight Delco | March 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
Resources:
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by F. Charles Fensham
Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Derek Kidner
Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary) by Thomas Schreiner
Why a Church Covenant? by John Piper
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Rebuilding Requires Repentance
- God is good.
- We are not.
- God is still good.
Citylight Delco | March 7, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
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In this passage, when God’s people study God’s law they immediately obey. Likewise, we too ought to do what the Bible teaches.
Citylight Delco | February 28, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
Resources:
Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, by Derek Kidner
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Old Testament
Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament, by Keil and Delitzsch
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Rejoice in the Lord who rebuilds.
- Rejoice through celebration.
- Rejoice through generosity.
- Rejoice in God’s Word.
Citylight Delco | February 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
Resources:
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Rebuilding Requires Regathering
- Gather to hear God’s word (v 1-5)
- Gather to worship (v 5b-6)
- Gather to understand God’s word (v 7-8)
Citylight Delco | February 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo
Resources:
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Finish the job in the face of:
- Distractions
- Compromise
- Complacency
Citylight Delco | February 7, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.
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The poor Jews bring legitimate concerns to Nehemiah: they are being oppressed by their wealthy Jewish brothers. To handle this internal conflict, Nehemiah confronts the sin among the people leading them to repentance. Nehemiah also works to prevent internal conflict by being a generous government official. All of this is done though, through the focus of reverence for the Lord. Nehemiah knows that the people of God cannot be effective in their mission unless internal conflict is repaired.
Citylight Delco | January 31, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.
Resources:
Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries by Derek Kidner
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, New International Commentary on the Old Testament by Charles Fenshman
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Continue rebuilding as opposition comes. How?
- Pray
- Be prepared
- Pull together
Citylight Delco | January 24, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.
Resources:
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Trust God and Do Something
- Take risks
- Use wisdom
- Cooperate
Citylight Delco | January 17, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.
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Prayer is the first work:
- Praise
- Confess
- Ask
Citylight Delco | January 10, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.
Resources:
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