A Response to Dr. McKenzie's Argument Made at Berry College

What is the problem?

There are those who want to broaden the scope of salvation through means other than Jesus and they are within the church. They presuppose some wrong things about the Scriptures, and therefore, they appeal to sources outside of the Scriptures to make propositional claims that fly straight in the face of the propositional claims of the Bible.

There is an obvious problem. There is an appeal to a time in history as a reference point for determining ultimate truth because that time in history was a revelation of God that brought about respect for other religions.

In the context of this communication respect equals acceptance as equally valid. Keep reading.

The hint is given in the notion that it is above the moral mandate to “tolerate” other of another religious background (in the proper sense of tolerate), to humble oneself and accept that God has revealed himself, obviously in a salvific manner, beyond Jesus.

In other words, people can get to God through other means than Jesus.

The reason that I say the problem is wrong presuppositions about Scripture is that the Scriptures, called the Bible, will just not allow any person who believes them to be accurate revelation from God to make such assertions.

Lets look at some possible belief systems regarding the Scriptures that feed ideas like the one we just looked at.

Neo-evangelical

Neo-evangelicals hold that inspiration is limited to redemptive truths and does not guarantee the correctness of all scientific and historical statements. The neo-evangelicals feel comfortable with the term infallibility, but most evangelicals insist on the word inerrancy as well.^[1]

Liberal-evangelical

C.S. Lewis believed in a fallible Bible that manifests varying degrees of inspiration. He saw a process of development whereby myth becomes history. God providentially guided the natural and errant literary productions of the past. Then, at the appropriate moment, God adopted that natural myth and elevated it into the service of the Word of God. He now speaks through it to the edification of believers.^[2]

Neo-orthodox

Neo-orthodox holds that the Bible becomes God’s Word.^[3]

The Bible is simply a witness to Christ. Christ is God’s revelation; the Bible is only a fallible human record of that revelation. ^[4]

Liberal

One of the most popular of the old liberals was the famous preacher of the Riverside Church in New York, Harry Emerson Fosdick. He is forthright in declaring that “the liberal emphasis rests upon experience; we regard that, rather than mental formulas, as the permanent continuum of the Gospel.” The Bible is not an absolute guide, for “any idea of inspiration which implies equal value in the teachings of Scripture, or inerrancy in its statements, or conclusive infallibility in its ideas, is irreconcilable with such facts as this book presents.” What makes it necessary to reject the Bible? “The vast enlargement of the physical cosmos, the evolutionary origin of man, materialistic theories which endeavor to explain him, brutality of social life involving low conceptions of him, the innumerable masses of men such that old cynicisms gain new force … tend in many minds to undo what the Hebrew-Christian development did.” However, “we are saved by it [biblical criticism] from the old and impossible attempt to harmonize the Bible with itself, to make it speak with unanimous voice, to resolve its conflicts and contradictions into a strained and artificial unity.”

Fosdick acknowledges the source of the modern liberal rejection of the Bible. “Get back to the nub of their difficulty and you find it in Biblical categories which they no longer believe—miracles, demons, fiat creation, apocalyptic hopes, eternal hell, or ethical conscience.” This should be no surprise to us. For “it is impossible that a Book written two to three thousand years ago should be used in the twentieth century A.D. without having some of its forms of thought and speech translated into modern categories.”^[5]

The problem stated:

The problem seems to be that there is a view of the Bible that comes up short of being the full and final source of truth for salvation.

Why are the scriptures questioned or not valued as authority?

1. The primary reason is that the text is clear and leaves no room for one’s opinion to be shaped by any other influence. The text clearly exalts Jesus as the only God, the God of the Old Testament, who made clear he was teaching himself as the only way to know God, the Father, himself as God. This gave way to the church having to wrestle it’s way through the development of the doctrine of the tri-unity of God.

2. A secondary reason is that the world-view of many is that there is no super-natural, therefore, all things written are historical in nature only and all super-natural things are “myth” created to validate the claims of the writers, who are mainly second century writers who are writing to validate the claims of the church and therefore putting words in people’s mouths they did not actually say. This is the position of “Jesus seminar” “Scholars”.

3. Lastly, many just don’t want to believe because their god is themselves and mankind in general.

What is the solution?

Have the view of Scripture that it has of itself

Orthodox / Evangelical

The modern evangelical position on Scripture is heir of the traditional, orthodox position of historic Christianity from biblical times to the present.  Mainline evangelicals from all major denominations and smaller groups accept the verbal inspiration of Scripture, as well as its divine authority and consequent inerrancy. ^[6]

Verbal, Plenary, Inspiration (inerrancy)

Verbal (the very words of the Bible)

            - This does not deny the fact that God used men in their settings in life, with

            their distinct personalities to speak.

Plenary (every part of the Bible)

            - All of the Bible is inspired, not just the parts we like

Inspiration (are divinely inspired revelation)

            - That is they are from God and are true without any error. That is they

            do not affirm anything contrary to truth.

Scripture claims to be God-breathed or inspired

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Peter says, “the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look” (1 Pet. 1:10–12).

Peter also says “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:20–21).

“Jesus summarized the Old Testament Scripture as existing in three parts: the Law, Prophets, and Psalms (Luke 24:44). He accepted the Old Testament canon as it exists today without any modifications and came to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). As a rabbi, or preacher and teacher of Scripture, Jesus’ entire ministry involved the instruction and application of the Old Testament. Jesus’ public ministry even began with him reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah and stating that his ministry was to fulfill the Old Testament promises about his coming (Luke 4:16–21). Jesus clearly stated that his ministry was an Old Testament ministry; it was to fulfill all of the Old Testament promises and longings that pointed to him.”[7]

“Christians believe that Scripture is our highest authority, or metaphorical Supreme Court, by which all other lesser authorities are tested. Practically, this means that lesser courts of reason, tradition, and culture are under the highest court of truth, which is divinely inspired Scripture. During the Protestant Reformation, the slogan sola scriptura (and sometimes prima scriptura) became popular to summarize this conviction; it means Scripture alone is our highest authority. ”[8]

Speaking of the New Testament writings of Paul, Peter actually calls his writing “Scripture”.

2 Peter 3:15, 16

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, ¹⁶ as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.^[9]

The solution stated

The Bible claims to be the very word of God, given by God to man so that man can know the way of salvation.

The Scriptures warn us of errors regarding the proclamation of Jesus

2 Timothy 4:1-5

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. ⁵ As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” ^[10]

What do the Scriptures teach about Jesus regarding salvation?

John 14:6

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”^[11]

Acts 4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ^[12]

2 John 7-11

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.^[13] Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. ⁹ Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, ¹¹ for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”^[14]

1 John 4:1-6

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. ⁴ Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”^[15]

1 John 4:14-15

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”^[16]

1 John 5:1

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.”^[17]

How does the Bible speak to the one who denies Jesus as the sole way to God?

1 John 2:18-27

Other Resources

For Further Reading on Bible Translations

• “Pastoral Reflections on Bible Translations” by Mark Driscoll
• The Indestructible Book by W. Kenneth Connolly


• The Word of God in English by Leland Ryken


• Choosing a Bible by Leland Ryken


• The Bible in Translation by Bruce M. Metzger


• How We Got the Bible by John H. Sailhamer


• A General Introduction to the Bible by Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix

 

For Further Reading on How to Study Scripture

• Reading the Bible With Heart and Mind by Tremper Longman III
• Getting the Message by Daniel M. Doriani


• On the Old Testament by Mark Driscoll
• On the New Testament by Mark Driscoll

 

For Further Reading on Apparent Bible Contradictions

• When Critics Ask by Norman L. Geisler and Thomas Howe

 

For Further Reading on Miscellaneous Bible Issues

• The Origin of the Bible, edited by Philip Comfort, is a good introduction to the authority and perfection of Scripture from a team of theologians.
• Christ and the Bible, by John Wenham, is a very helpful survey of how Jesus Christ viewed the Old Testament.
• The Canon of Scripture, by F. F. Bruce, is a thorough book on how the sixty-six books of the Protestant canon came to be.
• The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?, by F. F. Bruce, is a good survey of the accuracy and credibility of the New Testament.
• The Indestructible Book, by W. Kenneth Connolly, is a fascinating historical look at how the Scriptures have been both opposed and adored over the ages.

---

^[1] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (178). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[2] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (177). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[3] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (171). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[4] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (172). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[5] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (166–167). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[6] Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996). A general introduction to the Bible (Rev. and expanded.) (180–181). Chicago: Moody Press.

[7] Mark Driscoll, Revelation, http://blog.marshillchurch.org//2008/04/07/revelation/

[8] Mark Driscoll, Revelation, http://blog.marshillchurch.org//2008/04/07/revelation/

^[9] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Pe 3:15–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[10] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Ti 4:1–52). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[11] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jn 14:6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[12] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 4:12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[13] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Jn 7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[14] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Jn 8–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[15] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 4:1–6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[16] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 4:14–15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[17] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 5:1). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Nehemiah 5:1-13 Beware of internal struggle in the use of finances, God's fame is at stake

Nehemiah 5:1-13 Beware of internal struggle in the use of finances, God's fame is at stake

There are three groups mentioned:

The first group (1) were families who owned no land, and so were first to feel the effects of a lack of income from laboring while engaged on the wall-building.

The second group (2) were already mortgaging their land and would lose their security altogether if they could not repay their debts from the annual harvest.

The third group (3) were apparently having to borrow in order to pay their taxes.

For all of them, the sense of social injustice was aggravated by the facts that their creditors were fellow-Jews (1, 5) and that they were reaching the point of having to sell themselves into debt-slavery.²

Regarding how the people were to treat each other when borrowing and lending and in need, the Scriptures are clear on this point.

Leviticus 25:35-43; Exodus 22:25-27; Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Observations

1. Nehemiah was himself guilty v. 6, 10

2. There was an effort to buy back their brothers who had sold themselves into debt-slavery so that they could be free, and then have committed the same evil that they had taken effort to rescue their brothers from. v. 8

3. There was a public call for repentance v. 8-12

1. Fear God
2. Be aware of God's reputation among the nations
3. Abandon the practice immediately
4. Return what has been taken in interest or pledge
5. Require nothing in return for assistance granted
6. Made a public oath to comply with the Scriptures
7. Request that God bring retribution on the person who does not comply

8. Public worship and action on the issues at hand

The main point of emphasis is verse 9b “Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?”

In other words, their behavior internally directly affected their worship and their mission.

How must we, in light of this text, groom our internal behavior so that our worship is right and our mission goes forward?

1. Fear God in our financial dealings with each other, particularly with those in need

                  A. Default to Scripture not cultural norms (if I have it, spend it on me and my                   wants)

                                    1. Make room to help those in need in our church

                                                      a. For those who need a job, give them one Leviticus 19:9, 10

                                    2. Help the one working hard (church and professional life) and life                                                                         circumstances slam them

                                    3. Obey the Holy Spirit inclination of your new heart regarding profit

                                                      a. Honest business for profit is good with legitimate patrons

                                                      b. Intentionally trying to get all one can from a patron in greed is                                                                         wrong

                                    4. Do not get at the expense of others in greed, this make's resources one's                                                       idol

2. Fear God in our financial dealings with those outside the church

                  A. Conduct business with Integrity outside of the church⁷

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

                                    1. Don't be “that guy”

                                                      a. The dirty business owner that has the fish on his advertisements

                                                      b. The loud, rude and cheap patron

                                    2. The reputation of Jesus Christ is at stake!!!

                                                      a. Approach every interaction as if you are going to preach the                                                                         Gospel

3. Fear God by being a faithful financial manager of God's resources

                  A. The people in Nehemiah were gaining/using funds as if the funds actually                   belonged to them 1. They should have been giving rather than hoarding

                  B. 10 % of the membership of TRCC contributes to the mission financially

                                    1. Repent of the view that your time and money are yours

                                    2. Repent of the view that you deserve to have more

                                    3. Repent of “gleaning” up to the edge of the field (don't max out usage of

                                    God's resources)

                                    4. Begin worshiping with you finances, they are God's anyway

                                    5. Give liberally with a cheerful heart

1 Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition (4th ed.) (Ne 5:1–13). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

2 Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition (4th ed.) (Ne 5:1–13). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

3 The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Dt 15:7–11D). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4 Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (Rev. ed.].) (288–289). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

5 The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Le 19:9–10L). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

6 Rooker, M. F. (2001). Vol. 3A: Leviticus (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (311). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

7Emmett Long in conversation regarding how Chick-fil-A conducts business and still makes a profit in light of similar restaurant chains losing money in the current economic climate.

Nehemiah 4:15-23 Sword and Trowel

Nehemiah 4:15-23 The sword and the Trowel (Work and War)

I did some digging and found that one of my favorite preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, named his magazine “The Sword and the Trowel” after the passage of Scripture we will be looking at today.

“Paul tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds. He probably had in his mind's eye the corvus, which the Romans employed in destroying fortifications, and certainly it aptly sets forth the work of Christians when attacking the citadels of error. We must sharply grapple the false doctrine, driving the sharp hook of truth between its joints; we must clearly understand the error, and study the Word of God, so as to be able to controvert it. The great corvus of Scripture is a mighty puller down. Then unitedly with earnest tug of prayer and faithful testimony, we must throw down piece by piece the mischievous system of falsehood, be it never so great or high. Stone by stone the wall comes down, it is long and arduous work to destroy error; many hands and hearts must unite, and then with perseverance all must labor and wait. Tracts, sermons, lectures, speeches, prayers, all must be ropes with which to drag the bulwarks down. God's blessing rests on the faithful endeavors of those who overturn the castles of error, and though their work may not speedily succeed, the great result is sure. A Reformation is as much needed now as in Luther's day, and by God's grace we shall have it, if we trust in him and publish his truth. The cry is, "Overturn, overturn, overturn, till He shall come whose right it is.” Reader, are you doing service in the Lord's war, which he is now waging? You know the errors of Rome, are you doing anything to withstand them? You see the Popery and iniquity of the National Establishment. Are you in your measure exposing it? Infidelity is still mighty, do you contend for God and for his Word? Sin still reigns over millions, do you seek their salvation? If not, why not? Are you yourself on the Lord's side? Oh may the grace of God lead you to trust in the great bloodshedding of Jesus, by which he has put away sin; and then may his love constrain you to aid in dragging down the ramparts of evil.” CH Spurgeon

I give you this quote not so much for the exact nature of what Spurgeon was addressing but for the heart that is pushing the content and tone. It is the heart that is unseen but sternly felt.

It is the heart of Nehemiah in 4:15-23: alert, engaged, working hard, ready for war, radical trust in God, a love for the church (people of God), a heart with sword and trowel.

The work of God’s kingdom, the war against the evil one, sin and unbelief are not separable and do not have clean boundaries. When we work, there is always the threat of war. When we are fully engaged in war there is work to be done.

Verse 16, 17, 18 Diversity in function and gifts is vital

In building the city there was someone for every task and every task was important.

In building the church there is someone for every task and every task is important.

The work was well defended. Hands were pulled off of laying brick to wield the sword, but this meant the work was well covered with defenders to prevent work stoppage and loss of life.

A. There was a construction crew verse 16a

B. There was a defense crew verse 16b

C. There was load carriers verse 17a

D. There was a trumpeter to call all to war verse 18

1. In our work there are hands on ministry people

2. In our work there are prayers who intercede

Ephesians 6:10 talks about spiritual warfare and the armor and weaponry

we have. It tells us that prayer takes up this armor and weaponry.

- We must defend the work we do with prayer that puts on armor.

3. In our work there are leaders who discover the work and

call the people together for the task

4. In our work there are prophets who speak a word of

encouragement or warning

Verse 22 Community is vital defense

“Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem”

Being together and not spread thin was vital for the work and for defense.

1 Corinthians 5

Verse 5 and 9-12 help us understand the nature of church discipline that is effective. It is the person in unrepentant sin that is excluded from fellowship that is “delivered over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

In other words, the defense of the community is a strong defense against the Evil one.

Father, Son and Spirit are in community. We are to be imitators of God, who is in community. When we do not imitate that we are virtually defenseless.

Hebrews 10:24, 25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

1. People out of community are susceptible to attack

a. Pride at one’s theological superiority (can’t find a church to be part

of)

b. Continually giving in to sinful impulses

c. Temptation to give up the biblical ideal for an inferior solution (how

do we support the right? How do we keep marriages together?)

2. Get involved in community inside the local church

a. Not just bible studies comprised of people from various churches

1. This leads to spiritual fatness and a lack of work

b. Community that is pointed in a very clear direction

1. This leads to spiritual health that is designed for

strong work

Verse 19, 20, 21 Faith and works go hand in hand.

The trust that God would fight for them was not divorced from the work building the wall.

1. We have to trust

a. We must build our confidence through bible study

b. We must build our confidence through the study of saints lives

2. We have to go after hard works

a. We must test our trust with great ventures for God’s glory

Verse 23 Always be ready for work and war

“So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our cloths; each kept his weapon at his right hand (each his weapon the water).”

Every man was always ready to fight, even while getting a drink of water. They did not take plays off, the work and the war was too important.

A. Always be on task physically (in work or intentional rest; be intentional)

1. It’s when one becomes idle that they get into trouble.

B. Always be on task mentally and spiritually (don’t let your mind wander)

1. It’s always at night before I go to sleep or when I wake early that

I’m most vulnerable.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Trusting God in Work and Trials Nehemiah 4:1-14

I. The Opposition Grows - 4:1-5

• Sanballat and Tobiah initially questioned the legitimacy of Nehemiah's plan to rebuild the wall. As the work progresses, they move from defiant questioning (2:19) to taunting [4:1-2) to violence (4:7-8,11).
• In opposing the work, they are not setting themselves against Nehemiah, but against God who had sent Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. (2:8, 20)
• Verses 4-5: instead of retaliating, Nehemiah calls on God to bring justice. A defining mark of Nehemiah's life - he continually acknowledges his dependence on God through prayer (1:4-11, 2:4, 4:9, 6:9, 6:14, etc.)

II. The People Work - 4:6

• As we saw in chapter 3, the people faithfully labor to restore the wall.
• The task was not easy - it was exhausting (v. 10), but the builders did not give up
• This was more than just dutiful labor, "the people had a mind to work"
  literally: "it was in the peoples' hearts to do the work"

III. The Situation Turns Desperate - 4:7-12

• Those opposed to the building concocted a plan to attack the builders and destroy the work (v. 7-8,11)
• The strength of the builders was failing; discouragement was growing (v. 10)
• The Jews living nearby pleaded with the builders to come and defend them, which would have left the work vulnerable to attack (v. 12)

IV. Nehemiah Demonstrates Godly Leadership - 4:13-14

• Nehemiah demonstrates the relationship of faith and works, (v. 9, 13-14)
• He encourages the people to not be afraid and to fight, not because of their ability but because of the character and promises of God.

Principles and Application

1. We are called to work- but it should not be a joyless duty. - Psalm 100:2; 2 Cor. 9:7
2. Opposition and trials will come as we seek to build God's kingdom.

• Nehemiah's response (4-5) was to commit the problem to God in prayer, which is commendable, for he thereby recognized that the insults were directed as much against God as against himself and that vindication should come from his Lord rather than his own efforts. Nevertheless, the sentiments he expressed have been superseded for the Christian (cf. e.g. Mt 5:43-48; 18:21-22; Rom. 12:14-21), for whom the work of Christ has provided an assurance of the final victory of love which Nehemiah could not possibly have known.
  - DA Carson, et al - New Bible Commentary

3. Both in work and in trials: "Remember the Lord"-Matt. 5:11-12;
Matt 28:20;John 15:18, 20; John 6:33; 2 Timothy 3:12;
Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:10

Nehemiah 2:9-20

Nehemiah 2:9-20

We are standing on the verge of some of the most exciting times in the history of TRCC.

With so much need to be addressed, we have, by God’s grace arrived at an Ephesians 2:10 time. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

All good works have been created beforehand to be walked in by the work of God’s hands, redeemed and resurrected people who love their king.

Young Moms, Buddy Break and Project 127 have been created by God the Father and we have been uniquely prepared for this time by his providential work.

This is our time to bring great praise to the one who has made us alive together with Christ by our faithful execution of the tasks at hand.

Time for theory and preparation is over.

It’s time to put our hands to the plow and begin the hard work of real and tangible ministry that heals and leads to the proclamation of the Gospel. This was and is the Lord’s mandate, “...proclaim as you go, saying, ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.” Matt 10:7, 8

As we begin our work, let’s do it with the instruction Father has graciously given us through the work of Nehemiah as he brought the culture God’s kingdom to bear on the broken down city.

What instruction do we gather from Nehemiah as we set our hands to the task?

1. Expect opposition 10, 19
Not godly and Holy Spirit frustration to nudge us in the right direction (Acts 16), but overt opposition to the clear work of God.

2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
“Remember, we worship a guy who got murdered” – Mark Driscoll
“If they hated me they will hate you.” - Jesus

Sanballat the Horonite – after the issues in Ezra 4 (Adversaries: Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here: This was a syncretism), he had been given temporary jurisdiction over Judah and was probably jealous that Nehemiah was being sent as governor of the region in a permanent fashion

Tobiah the Ammonite – had close and personal connections inside Jerusalem (6:17-19; 13:4-5) and has a Jewish name. These Tobiads may have been descendants of the Tobiah who in Ezra 2:60 was rejected from the Jewish community because “they could not show that their families were descended from Israel.” If so, their long-standing enmity against the Jewish community may have begun at that time.

Geshem the Arab - was a powerful chieftain of Qedar in northwest Arabia. He was somewhat under the control of the Persians but had great freedom to govern over a confederation of Arab tribes that included Edom and the southern part of Judah.39

God’s rule is offensive to the fallen hearts of men

A. Opponents may look like worshippers of Jesus in word and deed
Illustration: lunch with a Mormon who wanted to serve with us and evangelize.
A. Opponents will mock the legitimacy of our work v. 19
1. People will question why we don’t hand people a tract or bible
first thing
2. People will question why we just don’t invite them to “accept
Jesus” right up front.
B. Opponents will accuse us of unfounded wrong v. 19
1. The enemy is called the “accuser of the brothers” (Rev 12) and
often sends his “henchmen” to accuse.
C. Opposition will come from outside the ranks (expected)
D. Opposition will come from inside (unexpected but now expected)
1. Outright opposition to the work
a. People will say they just don’t like it and “we ought to
just focus on worshiping the Lord.”
2. Petty distractions
a. Arguments over “open handed issues” as if they
were closed handed issues.
1. Rapture timing
2. Lighting in the auditorium

2. Do respond properly to opposition 20
A. Confidence in God 20a
B. Holy defiance 20b
C. Stinging truth 20c
1. This takes Holy Spirit discernment, so pray
2. Be bold, don’t be obedient to opposition

God is not a gentleman. (Uzzah 2 Samuel 6:5-11; Nadab and Abihu Leviticus 10)

“Don’t judge the God of the Bible by Victorian nicety or political correctness.” – Mark Driscoll

3. We have to evaluate the task at hand 11-16
Personal as well as corporate (personal decision making or corporate leadership)
A. Rest 11
1. Repent of the sin of “too much” to do and keep up to be part
of the work.
B. Prayerfully inspect need with a few trusted co-laborers
1. Gather a group of people to help (connect group)
2. Evaluate need and develop a plan
3. Attack the work
C. We keep our thoughts and process a plan before we rally the troops
1. Jolly stinks at this! He has a big mouth!

4. We have to rally the troops
A. State the problem 17a
B. Give the solution 17b
C. Tell stories of God’s providential work to encourage faithful work 18a
D. God’s people will respond 18b

Nehemiah 1:11b-2:8

Nehemiah 1:11b-2:8

If the culture of Gods Kingdom is going to be driven deeper into our DNA as a church, and that culture, expressed in our mission as a church is going to be lived out we must begin to understand that God does not need us. However, God graciously invites us to represent him well, have our faith strengthened and enjoy the show as he shows his might, power and mercy

2:1 Nehemiah persevered in mourning/repentance, prayer and fasting for roughly 4 months
- Chislev (9th month) to Nisan (1st month)
- Psalm 126:5 “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”
- “restore the fortunes” v. 1, 4; “shouts of joy” v. 2, 5, 6
- Other nations see and give credit to Jesus
God values
- Perseverance
- Our best (mourning, repenting, praying and fasting people inherit the
kingdom)
-

1:11b Nehemiah, as cupbearer, was right where he needed to be and waited for Father to arrange the right time and means

Nehemiah was not trying to make things happen by shaking things up.

- Stay where you are until the mission demands you to
change positions barring any necessary survival requirements (loss of a job).

- This requires:
- Trust
- Personal patience to wait (don’t believe the lie that you are 27 and
missing life. 20’s you are finding your passion. 30’s you are
narrowing your passion and improving your game and must
focus your attention. 40’s you are refining what you do. 50’s
you hit your prime)
- Knowing what makes you pound your chest not what makes you
a better income
- This is the intersection of what you do well and enjoy
and what brings God great glory

1:11b Nehemiah, as cupbearer, was in an vital position although not
counted as vital personally
- Nehemiah was a slave
- Nehemiah was probably made a eunuch to serve in this position
- God does not need vital people, people need a vital God
- God delights to take humble people and use them vitally
- This humbles people to a place of usefulness


2:1 Nehemiah was consumed with Jerusalem and the Lord’s name there. He was so consumed it showed on his face.
- Nehemiah’s countenance showed the wear and tear of the internal emotive
struggle and he could not hide the internal state anymore. He was probably
unaware of the fact that he was showing this countenance. His fearful
seems to indicate he was taken aback and realized he had “goofed”.

- Don’t seek to happy up just because you are down over godless ills (I understand there are medical circumstances where this does not apply, but by and large we are a culture that seeks the immediate removal of the slightest feeling of the blues with entertainment)
- Seek the Lord’s directives and what needs to be done not what
makes one feel better quickly.
Illustration: only after divine confrontations do we usually act. It was Father confronting me with the fact that I was going to do what I say personally or show I really do not believe in regard to Daniel’s adoption.
The ensuing legal battle taught me to love and was a year long emotive tug of war that resulted in my love of that boy.



1:11, 2:4 Pray like the mission depends on it (it does)
Nehemiah had already gathered a team of prayers and planners (1:11 the plural indicates there were others praying the same prayer and it was probably Nehemiah who had gathered them) and when the Father gave the go he was ready.
- “...servants who delight delight to fear your name.”
- Luke 18:
- John 15:16
- Prayer is to be patient and persevering
- Prayer is also to be a quick request for instant direction usually
applying to a well prepared situation.

2:6-8 Nehemiah was mobilized to act
- Nehemiah was prepared
- Nehemiah mobilized a team of people 1:11
- Gather people who do not do what you do and do what you don’t
- Go

2:8b Understand and enjoy that God is providential.
This is the perfect safety net.

The “hand” of God is the visual image given to the reader to indicate that it is God in his goodness for his people guiding these events and not Nehemiah. Nehemiah is responding to the Lord’s promptings and Nehemiah can read them. Nehemiah knows when God is moving.
“God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he (1 preservation) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them ; (2 concurrence) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and (3 government) directs them to fulfill his purposes. – Wayne Grudem
- This produces worriless action
- This produces confident action
- This produces worship in action and song