Chapter 3 Review

We had a good class Sunday and we were so happy to have 10 people there...keep telling your friends and come if you are in town. Here is a quick review of Nehemiah chapter 3:

Building the Wall - remember we read it and it was just name after name and what they repaired then we looked further and talked about the symbolism of each gate along with its location. Here is a recap of the the order the gates were rebuilt and what they symbolize.

1. Sheep Gate - It all starts with Jesus and his sacrifice for our sin

2. Fish Gate - We are "fishers of men" - this gate was close to the sheep gate - once we accepted Jesus and what he has done to save us we are on fire and want to spread and tell others about what He has done for us - we want to be "fishers of men."

3. Jehanah or Old Gate - Settling into our faith, striving to become a mature christian. This gate is a little ways from the fish gate, but not too far. We are seeking discipleship - desiring to learn about our faith and our Savior.

4. Valley Gate - The low point in our walk our journey to be like Jesus. We all go through rough patches and low points it is part of being a sinner and why we need a Savior. The valley gate is located a little ways from the old gate towards the bottom of the wall.

5. Dung Gate - located very close to the valley gate the dung gate is the place where we should remove the rubble that has brought us to the valley in our lives. The dung gate is at the very bottom of the wall - farthest from the sheep gate. The dung in our live is what keeps us away from Christ.

6. Fountain Gate - wash clean, once we have removed the dung we turn the corner and wash away our sin and proceed to stand before Christ - clean and new - ready to serve and share. The fountain gate is literally around the corner from the dung gate and puts you in a direction to head back to the sheep gate.

7. Water Gate - (haha Isaac) is the word and its effect on our lives. Just how water is essential to living as a human, the word is essential to living as a christian.

8. Horse Gate - symbolizes war and the day of the Lord coming again - reminder that one day the time will come for Christ to return.

9. East Gate - close to the horse gate the east gate represents the coming of the Messiah.

10. Inspection Gate - Once we have past the east gate and Jesus has returned, it is time for us to be inspected to be accountable for our time on earth - the inspection gate represents being face to face with our almighty God.

11. Sheep Gate - it all starts and it all ends with Jesus

I know this is long and a lot, but the rebuilding of the wall is so symbolic of a christian life. We all desire to be like Jesus, to share his word, we all go through a valley or two (or 50) but it is what happens after the valley that is important - remove the dung and head to the fountain gate so you will be facing the east gate and waiting for Christ to return.

Don't forget about the Ranger game on Wednesday July 1, 2009. You must let us know Sunday if you want a ticket. If you are not able to make it to church send us a text, facebook us, or leave a comment here. Wishing you all a great week and praying for you to be headed east - waiting on your Savior.

Peace and Love =)

Nehemiah's Intitmate Dependence on God

Though he was clearly a decisive leader, Nehemiah practiced intimate dependence on God. Feeling the intense spotlight of King Artaxerxes's question, Nehemiah made the earthly king wait while he spoke to the King of the universe. Nehemiah's confessions were transparent, his requests were urgent and direct. He spoke without fear that God would misunderstand him. Nehemiah's example shows us we can talk to God about anything.
What conversations and interactions with God would you like to have today? Open your heart and your voice and tell Him everything that's on your mind right now.

Chapter 1 Discussion

So after re-reading chapter 1 of Nehemiah this morning a couple of things came to mind. What is it that needs rebuilding in my life? My character? My career? My home? My thoughts? My actions? The way in which I spend my time? I think we can all take some time to seriously think about where we have a hole in our "wall" and what is causing it. Pray and ask for God to reveal the source of the hole(s) in your life.

Once you know what needs rebuilding it is time to get to work. Once Nehemiah heard of the wall and its condition he didn't start immediately, " When I heard of these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." verse 4. This verse is key to process. Nehemiah waited and prayed and fasted before he went to the King asking for permission to go and rebuild the wall. We must do the same thing in our lives, if we are serious we should spend days in prayer for strength and continued desire to truly rebuild to change our lives/situations/or whatever is our hole. If your problem is attitude then fast from negative words/or thoughts and when you experience them ask God to remove them and fill you with His attitude. If your problem is time then fast from what you are putting before God: music/Internet/movies/friends of bad influence/relationships - and spend that time with your Father instead. What can you fast from? How much will you grow if you spend time talking to God instead of doing the things that are bringing you down?

Once you have spent time in prayer and time fasting you can fill confident that you have the strength to fully rebuild your wall. God will see you mean business and that you are relying on Him to get it done.

I pray that you can get something from the above comments and God will show you the hole in your wall. I know mine is negative thoughts and comments about myself and others. I am pledging to fast from thinking or speaking negatively about others or myself this week.

Check out this video - my favorite song right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_rmCeAzqKc

1st Class

Thanks for those who came this morning. We hope you had an okay time. We will not be having class next Sunday, because so many of us will be on vacation. We will resume on Sunday June 21, 2009. We are praying for each of you. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Feel free to stop by, bring friends, and just hang out anytime you get bored this summer.

Welcome

This Sunday 6/7/09 is the first meeting of our new Sunday School Class. You probably received a flyer in the mail this week. We start at 10:15 and will have donuts for you. We are so excited about our class and up coming events this summer. We have planned to go to a Brandon Heath concert, Ranger Game, Camping Retreat, Cook-Out, and lots of fellowship. We will be starting with a study of the book of Nehemiah. We hope to see you Sunday. Let us know if you have any questions. Have a great one!