1-23-08

Nehemiah prospers in the work
“A great many people have got a false idea about the church. They’ve got an idea that the church is a place to rest in…to get into a nicely cushioned pew, and contrivute to the charities, listen to the minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of work for them-actual work in the church- never enters their minds.” In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 Paul compares church members to parts of the body. We all have a job and a part in God’s plan for this church. But we must make sure that that work is done properly. We see that typified here in the third chapter of our study.
The pattern
A. Leaders
1. most of them Priests
2. More of them of the tribe of Levi
B. Specific Jobs
1. Not formulated for who can do what
No amount of training will make you a teacher if there are no pupils.
2. But what needs to be done
a. rocks and mud, its not the spot light
- it’s the way of it, sometimes you are up to your knees in dirt, other times you’re pulling rubber chickens out of frog covered sacks
b. Evangelism in your home, family and work
c. changing those lights
d. praying for those who are weak
We do the work that needs doing, this isn’t our 15 minutes of fame.
C. The materials
Some of the materials needed were right there on scene. To build this church we have all the materials we need. The Bible, soul winners, teachers and a God led pastor. Are we willing to do it the way God planned?
The people
A. Commitment
1. What’s worth venturing out on that limb?
2. Saying no to the devil’s IRS agent. Internal Restriction Service
3. Only being satisfied when the job is done.
B. Devotion
1. What rolls you out of bed in the morning?
2. What pulls on your heart strings enough to make you act.
3. Some wanted to do extra work

C. Some Refused to do any work at all vs5

The places
1. Sheep Gate-Without sacrifice there is no salvation, without the basics, no building
2. Fish Gate- Fishers of men, people are the building blocks
3. Old Gate- Old paths and old truths of God’s word, not searching for the new
4. Valley Gate- Humility
5. Dung Gate- Cleansing
6. Gate of the fountain- filling of the Holy Spirit
7. Water Gate- Word of God that cleanses
8. Horse Gate- denotes war, spiritual in our case.
9. East Gate- Speaks of the Lord’s Second coming
10. Miphkad Gate – Assembly, for them the place of the soldiers, for us up in Heaven.