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 =)