Sermon Info
Summary
Today is our Commitment Sunday! Today is exactly 52 days since we started our NEXT Campaign as a church. Nehemiah and the people rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem in 52 days, and just imagine what God will do through us as we have prayed, sacrificed, and now give together. The people back then set the stage for Jesus’ first coming, and we are building His church and setting the stage for our Savior’s second coming. Today is a special day! May our God find us faithful as we invest in The NEXT 20 Years, The NEXT Generation, The NEXT Ministry, The NEXT Mission, and The NEXT One. Come, Lord Jesus, and find us faithful!
Content
Litmus test: When it’s for the Lord, it’s for OTHERS and INCLUDES others.
In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it. Nehemiah 9:38
“We’re all in this together.” – Matthew Gerrard
“WE” is always greater than “ME.”
…all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord. Nehemiah 10:29
To what degree of IMPORTANCE is the Lord’s place in your life?
We will not neglect the house of our God. Nehemiah 10:39
Counting COST means making COMMITMENT and understanding CONSEQUENCES.
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-12
The best commitment is marked by deep SACRIFICE and true JOY.
And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. Nehemiah 12:43
Ultimately:
- Nehemiah built the wall. The result wasn’t PROTECTION but PROCLAMATION.
- Nehemiah is about the GOSPEL. So is everything we do now and NEXT.
Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love. Nehemiah 13:22b
Remember me with favor, my God. Nehemiah 13:31b
