Introduction

What is Nehemiah’s Vision?

Ingredients for Spiritual Renewal

Nehemiah 8-10
8 And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel.

Unity.

2 Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen... 3 He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. 5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.

A return to God’s Word.

6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground 7 Also the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.9 Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 12 All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.

A response to God’s Word.

Nehemiah 91 Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the sons of Israel assembled with fasting, in sackcloth and with dirt upon them. 2 The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of theirfathers. 3 While they stood in their place, they read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.

Nehemiah 10:1 Now on the sealed document were the names of: Nehemiah the governor,

32 We also placed ourselves under obligation to contribute yearly one third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God:39 For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine and the oil to the chambers; there are the utensils of the sanctuary, the priests who are ministering, the gatekeepers and the singers. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.

A God honoring commitment.

Win the Future Prayer Points:

1. Jr. High and High Schoolers
2. GateWay preschool
3. Evangelistic Efforts
4. Parents, Teachers, and Youth Volunteers
5.. What would God have me do?

“Win the Future!”
#3. A God Honoring Commitment
Nehemiah 8-10,
Pastor Lance Ainsworth,
May 18 & 21, 2023
Prayer Requests:


Group Discussion: What DIY project are you most proud of?
Read: Nehemiah 8
Ingredients to a spiritual renewal:
#1. Unity - And all the people gathered as one man. Why can unity be so difficult to achieve? What is the difference between unity and uniformity? How does the Bible bring unity?
#2. A return to God’s Word - 3 He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday How do we regain our appetite for the Bible? What distractions do we need to eliminate? Do you have a regular place where you meet with God and read? The same Holy Spirit who authored the Bible is in you to guide you in all truth.
#3. A response to God’s Word - Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.Upon hearing God’s Word the people worshiped and then were weeping. Do you ever get discouraged while reading the Bible because of your shortcomings? Do you feel inadequate to serve God? Do you feel unworthy of his grace? REJOICE, God delights in forgiving and loving His people.
#4. A God honoring commitment - Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month. 24 days after gathering in unity to hear and respond to the Word the people have not lost their passion to Worship God. They are confessing their sins and the sins of their fathers and are renewing their covenant with God. Read Nehemiah Chapter 10 and see they are committing to the book of the law, not yoke themselves to the wrong people, honor the sabbath, and support the house of God. Spend some time this week in prayer reflecting on any areas you need to renew your commitment to Jesus.

Family Time: Ask your children what makes a home a home. Is it the bricks, the wood, the sheetrock, the furniture, the food, the bed, the bathrooms or is it the people and relationships? Now ask what makes a church a church. Is it the music, the teachers, the stage, the chairs, the café, the bounce houses or is it the teaching of God’s Word, the worship, and the relationships.