"A Heart and Mind To Do God's Great Work"

Introduction:

According to Josephus, the Jewish historian… in Chapter 1 … while walking around the palace walls… Nehemiah got in earshot of a disturbing conversation…He overheard a small group of pious Jews … talking about the sad state of affairs …back in Jerusalem…They were talking about the social-economic and political “carnage”  they saw … They saw a weakened and afflicted people… They saw massive despondency among the ranks …They witnessed a people under constant hostility… harassment… and humiliation …by the Samaritans and other “marauding people” …who all opposed their rebuilding efforts…

As the group came closer.. Nehemiah asked the group:…How is life in Jerusalem? …   How are the people doing?... How ‘s the rebuilding work coming?.., Hanani , one of the men in the group sadly said:… the city and the people are in bad shape…. The gates were burned … the walls were torn down again……


Nehemiah's Reaction and Resolve:


The Bible said when Nehemiah heard the grave news…. the news of his countrymen had such a devastating effect on him… he went into a deep emotional funk… broke down … cried…and went into mourning for many days…He had hoped to hear some great news…He had envisioned that Jerusalem was back on the rise…that life was prospering  and the people were once again giving God the highest praise…giving HIM glory and honor…Nehemiah had high hopes for a renewed Jerusalem and a "regenerated" people…

After all…Jeremiah's prophecy concerning Babylonian captivity was a thing of the past... the 70 year captivity of Babylon was long behind them and …Cyrus the Great who God said was his “annointed” one… even though Cyrus didn’t spiritually know God like that …was led to issued a historic and prophetic edict that gave the Jewish people the opportunity to go back to “Zion” and rebuild God’s “desecrated” temple…

History revisited:

According to the storyline found in Ezra 1:2-3, Cyrus the Great said: “The Lord God of heaven, appointed him… to build a temple for him…in Jerusalem…. Based on what the Lord said to him, Cyrus decreed: Anyof the Jews… who wish to go back to Jerusalem…and help in the building project… had the blessing of God…. and the king’s permission go back to do the work…

Well…about 42,360 people took the king up on his offer… They left Persia and went back to Jerusalem on a quest to rebuild that temple….The king made sure….that whatever they needed… was provided for them… to go back… to their old landmark …to rebuild what God allowed to be torn down…to clean up…what their ancestors messed up… to start their lives all over again… The Bible says…the people left for Jerusalem…with the right attitude… and in the right spirit… with one purpose in their mind… to rebuild the Lord’s temple….and to get the work done…

You see…it was in their time of captivity…that they remembered… just how much Jerusalem and God really meant to them…so much so..that when you read 137th Psalm,… you get a clear picture… of just how much they longed for Jerusalem…

“By the rivers of Babylon…we sat down…yeah we wept…when we remembered Zion…We hanged our harps …on the willows… in the midst thereof …for they that carried us away captive…. required of us a song… and they that wasted us… required of us myrrh …saying: sing us one of the songs of Zion…How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?...which brings me… to an important point right off the bat…

Rebuilding Your Life Spiritually and Domestically:          Remembrance of the a "Glorious" past!

The first thing that always needs to be rebuilt in the life of anybody who ‘s been in bondage or in captivity, is their “spiritual life”..…Hope and faith …must be rebuilt…a fervent prayer life… must be rebuilt…. Prayers must be prayed without ceasing and their prayers must be offered in an instant ….They must restore… their worship of God… and their worship of God…. must be done… in the beauty of holiness… and … must be in spirit and in truth… and then they must have holy reverence ….. that’s holy respect for the sovereignty of all mighty God… realizing that God can turn their very lives around…in a moment…the twinkling of an eye…Like I said… they remembered just how important Jerusalem and God really was…. They remembered..Jerusalem was  the “City of God”… that it was God who claimed Jerusalem for himself…and made her“ Mount Zion” that sat out on a lofty hill…

They remembered the 12 gates to the city….the sheep gate…the dung gate…the fish gate…the horse gate… the valley gate….the water….the east…and the rest of the gates…But…there was this one thing… that cause Jerusalem… to stand out above every great city… as far as the Hebrews were concerned… Jerusalem was known for  the temple…. and the POWER OF GOD that rested in it… That temple represented “JEHOVAH SHAMMAH” … that the Lord was present and dwelled among his people… The temple was the one place they knew  God showed up in power and great glory…They heard how God showed up on “dedication day” when the temple was completed and how the GREAT IAM THAT I AM…sent fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offerings and the sacrifices…AND how the Omnipotent…Omnipresent…Omniscient…Immutable  POWER OF GOD  filled the temple. …

As a matter of fact…there was so much power in the temple that day…  the priests couldn’t even enter the house of the Lord … It caused the people …to bow their faces to the ground … worshiped and praised the Lord , saying:"For He is good,…For His mercy endures forever."...I don’t know about you…but I long for the day when all of God’s children get together in the house of God…  and the “OMNI-MAGNIFICIENT POWER”  of the Lord fill the house… and everybody…IN THE HOUSE…feel the powerful presence…OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE …resting on the whole CHURCH….resting on His pastors…. preachers… teachers… choir … and worshippers….at the same time…and when that day happens…we can truly sing… that song that says…When all of God’s children get together…what a time…what  a time…

So…with ALL OF THAT etched in their minds and CHANCE TO START OVER AND GO BACK HOME the people traveled back to Jerusalem… with a heart and a mind to do the work…. they built the temple…. rededicated themselves to God… restored the priestly order … resumed their burnt offerings and their other sacrifices to God…They had a Holy Ghost revival… in fact…they got so happy…they felt compelled to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem…and actually started on the wall…but the next thing they knew….  the devil got in the way…. Their enemies got stirred up…and brought fierce opposition against the work ….. and before long….the  wall work came to screeching halt…  What caused the work stoppage? Here’s what happened…..The Bible said…

Rehum and Shimshai … heard that the Israelites were rebuilding a temple for the Lord, …They approached  Zerubbabel and family heads of Judah… saying: “We want to help you… because… just like you… we seek your God… as a matter of fact…we ‘ve been sacrificing to him… ever since Esarhaddon …the king of Assyria,  brought us here."  But Zerubbabel,  Jeshua and the  family heads of Judah told them sternly: "Ain’t no way you’re going to help us rebuild the temple …We and we ALONE WILL BUILD IT FOR THE LORD...just like Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us… As a matter of fact: only those… authorized by the King can do this work….. and y’all ain’t authorized cause….y’all ain’t on the list”….

*Now you know, there’s got to be something rotten in the milk…. anytime your sworn enemies …offers to help you do anything for the Lord… and then claim that the reason they want to help you… is because they said…we are seeking the same God you serve…. My brothers and sisters…It’s situations like this… that makes it important… that you have the gift of discernment….It’s one of the main reasons… why the Bible teaches us… to try the spirit by the Spirit to see if that spirit ….that word…that explanation…that issue…that person  comes from God.

Discernment:   Knowing the Difference
You got to know the difference…. between true converts… and overt enemies… with a covert agenda… You got to know your enemy… and how your enemy operates: These Samaritans were  sworn hated enemy of  Judah and Benjamin … The Samaritan were a mixed race of people…. partly Israelites… but mostly heathen... While it may have been true …I said may have been true that they were seeking God…”biblical research” revealed the Samaritans practiced a “hodgepodge religion” that had a form of Judaism… but contained a whole lot more of heathenism… than it had of Judaism….

*Well…we have people like that in the modern church….These are they who confess to be Christian in their beliefs… but when you get to know how they really think….and what they REALLY believe doctrinally…and compare it to how they really act…you quickly discover… they suffer from a  “bad case” of “hodgepodge Christianity”…  That's because they practice a little of this ….and a whole lot of that….they believe a little of this… and a whole lot of that…that’s because…. they have sampled a mixture of many false doctrines broadcasted in cyber space…Direct TV…U-verse….Dish Network… and on the Internet…..and they dare to call these mixed doctrine’s Christian…. What they have a form of godliness….but they deny… the power thereof…I come by to tell the church today….  “heathenism” mixed with “holiness” is not “Christianity” …Light has no league with darkness… If you are a child of the MOST HIGH GOD…you can’t bow down at every altar….and call yourself Christian….God doesn’t ride like that !

 That’s the real reason  Zerubabbel and the heads of families said no. They knew the heart of their enemy….The king authorized the work… but God ordained the work..…and because the work was God’s work… Rebuilding the Temple was “pure” and “holy work”… Had they allowed the Samaritans to help them do “sacred work”… that sacred work would have been “contaminated” work…   Their “mixed” doctrines would have “poisoned” the pure religion of Judaism...by association… There is some “kingdom work” on this Christian journey that you got to do all by yourself….

*Here’s another thing you need to know…  “Kingdom work” is “holy work”… Unless God Himself put outsiders in the kingdom work  …like HE did with Cyrus the Great…we must do that holy work… by ourselves… That also means,… those of us …who have been chosen by God… must be “consecrated”…ordained… for that ‘holy” work… Before you do any assigned work for the Lord…a good prayer TO PRAY IS…. Consecrate me now… to thy service Lord… by the power of grace divine….let my soul look up with a steadfast hope….and my will…be lost in thine…draw me nearer…. Nearer blessed Lord… to the cross… where thy has died… draw me nearer… nearer blessed Lord to thy precious bleeding side….If you are doing kingdom work….your mind and heart and our hand must be properly prepared for that  “holy” work…because… not only is the workload great… butthat  “holy” work…God’s work is “great work”….and that’s why… They told their enemies NO!

And from that point on… their enemies got so mad that the Jews rejected their proposal… they were “hell bent”… to stop the work at any cost… to do everything they could… to make them scared to rebuild Jerusalem... Their enemies were so “hell-bent”… they hired counselors…. to work against them … to frustrate all their rebuilding plans …during the entire reign of both Cyrus the Great and Darius the Mede…. And when none of their efforts stopped the work, they switched to low down and dirty politics….

Rehum ans Shimshai wrote a “half true” letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the new king…and based their “half-true” letter on “Israel’s history of rebellion…They then “plugged” a lie in the letter: We have some  “empire “concerns”… since we’re part of the Persian Empire too…We believe once the Jews rebuild the walls…they have plans to overthrow the Persian Empire…

Well…after Artaxerses read that part of  the letter…and did his research as the Rehum and Shimshai suggested ….finding out history of rebellion was true… that the Jews were historically a rebellious people… and their God …has had to discipline them many times….even though in this case the they really didn’t pose any threat to the Persian Empire….their history of rebellion still raised a “red flag”…and based on that “flag”… he suspended  the “wall work” was until further notice…..Israel’s enemies then wasted no time …in enforcing the shutdown by using force….They tore down that part of the wall they were building up and then…they burned the gates…As a result…. at the time of our text,…what Nehemiah heard was true…that the city remained defenseless,  and the people were in bad shape… and left at the mercy of these marauding enemies… Now how does this message relate to the church? Well…

*For the church… fierce opposition to God’s work is not unusual… Just like the Jews… whenever the church has had to rebuild her walls…expand her ministry…. …reestablish kingdom work in a particular community…the church has face many an opposition from secular humanism… neighborhood heathenism…clubbing fanatics… religious atheism… as well as internal apathy and outright rebellion between the institution and the “holy” organism… The church over the centuries has always  had members that have been openly rebellious…. obnoxious…  stirring up strife… keeping up confusion…. Creating schisms…and running good working members away from the local fellowship…That ain’t nothing new and  guess what…when God got tired of their foolishness…God had to discipline them too…

Rebellion In The Church:

*Rebellion in the church….is nothing new…. The church faces opposition like this all the time… Satan always rears his ugly head….somewhere in the church… As a matter of fact….the truth is….Satan has a seat in every church….find the unruly member…. That’s his seat…find the rebellious member…that’s his seat…find the backbiting member…that’s his seat…find that rumor spreading member….that’s his seat!... One other thing as I head toward the highway…..

Total opposition …against the child of God… and the plans of God… is Satan ‘s claim to fame… Satan always will use slander, half truths, witchcraft, sorcery, gross schisms, doctrinal heresies, civil disobedience, and evil criticism, threats and acts of violence, your past history and blatant lies in an all out attempt to knock you down and keep you wrapped up in fear. . so you will not submit completely to the Lord….

When these tactics don’t work,…he’ll run back and forth before the throne of God …constantly accusing the brethren and recruiting other people… even family members… who have issues with the church… and issues with you… to interfere with the rebuilding the walls of your life. But as I press on the upward way…

So when Nehemiah heard this distressing news… the Bible said for a certain number of days, Nehemiah sat down… cried… went into mourning… fasted and prayed before God in Heaven…..Did you get that… as soon as… Nehemiah got the bad news… between mourning and crying …..crying and fasting… fasting and praying…he sought God day and night….I can hear some ask how long did it take…The Bible said he did this certain days….How long did it take…. It took as long as it took….He called on the Lord until he got an answer…He waited on the Lord and he was of good courage,,,

Notice…  He prayed for them and he prayed for himself…. As long as it took … day and night… in intercession for Israel…and himself… This is what he prayed: I confess every sin Israel, I, and my father's house, committed against you. We’ve acted wickedly (in every way) toward you. We have not obeyed your commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.  "You told us, 'If we were unfaithful… you would scatter us among the nations… but if we return to you… and obeyed your commands. No matter where we were exiled people are at the farthest horizon, you will gather us from there and bring us to the place you chose as a dwelling for your Name.'  We are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and by your mighty hand. O Lord, hear our prayer revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting me favor in the presence of this man." Give me the words to say…prepare my heart and mind for what lies ahead. Well, from the time of mourning, fasting, crying and praying…

 How Long Did It Take?

Well…it actually took 4 months…but one day… the king noticed... the sad countenance… on Nehemiah’s face….The king asked Nehemiah…why. Are you looking so sad….I’ve never seen you look like this… I know you are not sick…the only thing it can be is sorrow in your heart…I heard Nehemiah say… Oh king… live forever….Why shouldn’t my heart be sad…when Jerusalem…where my ancestors gravesite are… lies in ruins… and the gates are burned up…The king asked him… what do you wish that I do for you….I Heard Nehemiah after he prayed within himself… If it please the king…. and I have found favor in your sight….let me go back to Jerusalem…. To my ancestor’s gravesites… and rebuild….The king asked him…how long will you be gone… Nehemiah probably said… it won’t be long… long enough to finish the work… and if it going to take longer… I’ll let you know…but while I’m at it… I need another favor…I need a royal escort….I need letters from you…. to grant me safe passage to Judah… and to grant me the materials necessary to complete the work….Not only that… but I need you to commission me to go as governor of Judah…to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem…and to stay until the work is finished…

You know the story….The king gave him everything… he asked for… and when he got to Jerusalem….and presented the letters… Sanballat and Tobiah…got suspicious…. But Nehemiah did the smart thing…first he said nothing…nobody knew where he was or what he was doing….For 3 days… He walked the city day and night …. He viewed the gates….the dragon’s well… the dung port… looking around assessing the damage… then …when the time was right… the Bible said He gathered the people together… and I heard him say: You see the bad situation we are in; Jerusalem lies in ruins… the gates are burned… Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a disgrace. God gave me favor with the king… and the king has given us permission to do a great work…And they said… Let us rise up and build! So they strengthened their hands for the good work. And as I head toward a close…from chapter 3 to chapter 4… family by family worked side by side….everybody…did their part….and while they were working….opposition came their way…when Sanballat and Tobiah got the word that the people were rebuilding the walls… Sanballat was ticked off… and got very indignant… and started to mocked the Jews… and the work ….but the people had a heart and a mind to do the work….they put their mouth on them….but they did the work….they questioned their motives….but they did the work…they badmouthed the work… but they did the work …because they had a heart and a mind to do the work ….

Securing The Mind:

They were secured in their minds… God presence was with them…God’s peace was with them…God power would sustain them…and God would give them the provisions they needed….it stirred them up… on the inside… I heard them say: said. Let us rise up and build the walls…  

Second of all…they had a spiritual mind….that the reason why the temple was rebuild first… They remembered…what Jerusalem stood for… their religion had to be right…they had to worship God in the beauty of holiness…they had to live a life of righteousness…and they had to take the lead in keeping the people and the city in right relationship with almighty God…

The same is true in the modern church…. God people must seek God in all that we attempt to do… we are the church…and while we are being sanctified…God got to clean up what we messed up…. and start our lives… all over again…that is why… the Bible said…if any man…be in Christ….he is… a new creation….old tings…have passed away… behold… that means look… all things have become new…

Finally, they were single minded…They had a mind to do right…..they had …a mind to work right…they were focused…all working for the same cause…the focus was Jerusalem….not their personal agendas… the wall must be build…without the wall…. They were helpless…and at the whim of their enemies…The church needs a single mind….One Lord….one faith… one baptism…. One purpose… one goal… the only way that will happen… is we focus on Jesus… and stop focusing on us…The people had a heart and a mind to work…..what kind of heart do you have and what kind of mind do you have…when it comes to kingdom work…it all about Jesus…and not about us..

Conclusion:
 
God wants to rebuild…. the walls of your life…drugs have torn them down… alcohol has torn them down….immorality in and out of the church has burned the church and the community…riotous living ….baby after baby being born out of wedlock….one mother and more than one baby daddy…is tearing down the walls… and burned the gates of your life….open rebellion in the church is tearing down the walls and burning the gates of your life. Romans 12: 1 and 2: Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus…it’s time out… from conforming to the sin nature of this modern world…it’s time to be transformed… by the renewing.. .of your mind….that we can prove that good and acceptable and perfect will of God… 


Rev. Dr. William Edward Boddie 

 

Bible Study Outline for 1 John Chapter 1: "What We Heard...What We Seen...How We Were Touched"...
Introduction:    
The “purpose” of this letter(Epistle) was to combat the false doctrine delivered by certain false teachers, called “Gnostics”, a group of false teachers that appears in the word from 1 John 2:18-26; 3:7; 4:1-3:. John countered this false doctrine 1 John 5:1-6. John declares that 'Jesus is the Christ,' and that he was Christ, 'not just by water only (baptism), but by water and blood. The false teachers taught that Jesus Christ was just a “mere” man, that he wasn’t divine at all and claimed to be the Son of God. Cerinthus the ring leader of the false teachers contended that Jesus by birth was a mere man, that the “AEon, Christ”, descended on him at his baptism, and left him before his death. But if what John says, 1 John 5:1-6, was opposed to Cerinthus, the Antichrists of whom he speaks, 1 John 2:18,19, and who, according to 1 John 2:22, denied that Jesus was the Christ, as also the false prophets, mentioned 1 John 4:1,3, must be Cerinthians, or “Gnostics”.

I.      Historic Review- What Was Heard…What Was Seen…How We were Touched                                           (From the beginning)                 (verses 1-5)

A.   From the beginning- 

John 1:1” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. In both places it clearly means BEFORE creation, before the world was made, when as yet there was nothing. The meaning is: that the "Word" (Christ) had a self-existence before the world was created. (vs.1)

B.    The Life of Christ Manifested:                                                             (vs.2)

That is, the Lord Jesus, who is the creator of all things, and the fountain of life to all sentient and intellectual beings, and from whom eternal life and happiness come, was manifested in the flesh, and we have seen him, and in consequence bear witness to him as the fountain and author of eternal life; for he (Jesus) who was from eternity with the Father (Jehovah or Yahweh)was manifested (born alive before us in human form) unto us his apostles(the original 12 disciples), and to the whole of the Jewish nation, and preached that doctrine of eternal life which I (John the Apostle)) have before delivered to the world in my(Holy Spirit Led version) gospel, and which I now further confirm by this letter. 

C.                           Manifestation of the Life of Jesus Christ                                              (vs.3)

1.     What We Heard- Based on the Gospel of John of everything Jesus Christ said about Himself that gives us conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that is God manifested in “human” flesh through the process of birth through a virgin (Mary) by the  Holy Spirit overshadowing her.  John in John 1:14 said it this way:  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. Jesus subjected himself to the laws of biology and through the impregnation of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. In other words, He who was and is Spirit and Divine (God) came to us in the form of a baby. In Isaiah 7: 14, Isaiah prophesied a “virgin would conceive conceived (Mary) and bear a Son and his name shall be called Emmanuel. (God with us.)

2.     Bear witness to it-  To testify to you what God allowed us to see and experience (vs.3)   
        John wrote:

          a. Based on what they (the Apostles) saw and heard (testimony) It’s not hearsay, it’s not the traditions of men, not by conjecture. John said they had the fullest certainty of all that we wrote and preached. They spent time with Jesus while he was alive on earth.

b. The purpose John wrote this epistle:

    That ye also may have fellowship with us] That you may be preserved (protected) from all false doctrine, and have a real participation (be in fellowship) with us apostles of the grace, peace, love, and life of God, which communion we have with God the Father, who hath loved us, and given his Son Jesus Christ to redeem us; and with his Son Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the life of the world, and through whom, being God manifested in the flesh, we have union with God, are made partakers of the divine nature, and dwell in God, and God in us. 

3.  That your joy may be full                                                   (vs.4)

a.   You have already experience the “goodness of God. (Jesus)

b.  That you will understand the height of your Christian calling:

c.  That you will experience complete happiness.

d..   That you will experience a thorough cleansing of all sin.

e..   Being filled with the fullness of God (Filled with the Holy Spirit.

II.    THE Message: ``God is Light:                        (verses 5-7)

A.    The Grand principle on which everything stands                (vs.5)

Jesus alone declared the fullness of the truth, and the extent of the blessings, which believers on him are to receive. (John 1:15).”  “John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'"

B.             God is Light              What does that mean?                     (vs. 5)

God is the source of wisdom, knowledge, holiness, and happiness; and in him God or Jesus Christ) is no darkness at all-no ignorance, no imperfection, no sinfulness, and no misery. And from him (God and Jesus Christ) comes wisdom, knowledge, holiness, and happiness and all of these things are given by God and received by every believing soul. This is the grand message of the Gospel, the great principle on which the happiness of man depends.

 LIGHT implies every essential excellence, especially wisdom, holiness, and happiness.

DARKNESS implies all imperfection, and principally ignorance, sinfulness, and misery.

C.            Fellowship With God:        “Communion Relationship”                      (vs.6)

Communion relationship means to “partake” of God’s divine nature through the “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit; allowing the Holy Spirit to take “full control” causing what the Apostle Paul said: “It’s no longer I but Christ that lives (fully) in me , and work the works of  His divine plan and ministry through me each day. THEREFORE: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: “Darkness” and “Light” have no "common" fellowship!

1.                 “Walking in Darkness:”                                                          (vs. 6)
The songwriter puts it this way: How can I live in sin and feel my Savior’s love?   Having received the principle of holiness from him, If a person professes Christianity through Christ and still ‘walks” in darkness and lives a sinful life. They are “liars” and not telling the truth, nor is the truth in them. They do not have true fellowship with Christ because they walk in darkness and haven’t been cleansed from all unrighteousness

Note: The Gnostics were expert at “looking churchy”. They had biblical knowledge, laid claims to “divine” illumination from God, and on the surface acted as they were holy. They spoke the language and put up major fronts, but they personal lives away from the sanctuary never reflected a true conversion experience “with Christ”, and “in Christ”. “They had a “form” of godliness, but their lives denied the power of the Holy Spirit. They were full of themselves and not full of the Holy Spirit.   The modern church is full of “great pretenders”. who act church on "public worship" day (usually Saturday or Sunday)

2.                “Walking in the Light:                                                         (vs.7)
If, we have received the principle of holiness from Christ and live a holy and righteous life as we continue to obtain continual light, power, and life from HIM, then we have fellowship one with another; that is, we have ‘communion’ with God, and God condescends (Through the Holy Spirit) to hold communion with us. Where the Spirit of God is, there is “liberty”- true “Spiritual freedom.” These are they that have their robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb!

III.           The Truth About Our Sin Nature                                            (vs. 8-10)

A.   Nobody can deny having sinned      “Not Even Gnostics”              (vs. 8) the Gnostics not only claimed to be sinless and didn’t need a “Savior”, but made the claim that Jesus Christ never suffered as a Savior but suffered as a common man, and his death and sufferings had no saving power and no merit beyond that of a common man.

B.   If we say that we have not sinned.
 All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and therefore every man needs a Savior,

C.   If we say we have no sin, we are deceived and have no truth in us!

By making the supposition that we have no guilt, no sinfulness, and consequently have no need of the blood of Christ as an atoning sacrifice that person is completely deceived and has none of the truth of God within them. This is the most dreadful of all deceptions, because it leaves the person’s soul under all the guilt and pollution of sin, exposed to hell, and utterly unfit for heaven.

This also means we have no knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus, the basis of which is founded on this most awful truth.

The truth is: all have sinned, all are guilty, all are unholy; none are righteous, and none can redeem himself. As a result, it was necessary that Jesus Christ should become incarnated, and suffer and die to bring men to God. Otherwise all of mankind would still be lost ant all would die in their sin and go to hell.

D.   But if we confess our sin:                                                       (vs.9)
If, from a deep sense of our guilt, impurity, and helplessness, we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and admit to our iniquity, to the fact that HE is Holy, that we are powerless against Him, and then ask for mercy for his sake (Jesus Christ) who has died for us; God  is faithful, because he has promised mercy, Psalms 32:5; and Proverbs 28:13; and just, for Christ has died for us, making an atonement to the Divine justice; so that God can now be just, and yet the "Justifier" of him who believes in Jesus.

1.     God is faithful and just to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. 
That is God will both forgive the sin and purify our hearts.

Very Important things to know: Sin "exists" in the soul in 2 “forms”:

A.    In the form of “Guilt”, “Guilt” requires a person to seek forgiveness or a pardon. In order for guilt, to be forgiven, it must be confessed; and pollution, to be cleansed, must be also confessed. In order to find mercy, the person must acknowledge their transgressions and admit to being a sinner. Then, they must make a “fervent” appeal to God through Jesus Christ for pardon or forgiveness. Just like King David did in Psalms 51: They must ask God to create in them a “clean” heart and renew in them a “right” spirit.

B.   In the form of “Pollution” or “corruption”. Both pollution and corruption requires that the person is cleansed from the unrighteousness that comes from Sin. Sin both pollutes and corrupts morals, values, and correct doctrines.  

Sadly, few are pardoned, because they do not feel and confess their sins. Few are sanctified or cleansed from all sin, because they do not feel and confess their own sin, and the plague of their hearts. As the blood of Jesus Christ, the merit of his passion and death, applied by faith, purges the conscience from all dead works, so the same cleanses the heart from all unrighteousness.

C.     If we deny our sinning, we make God (Christ) a “liar” and HIS Word is not in us                                                                                                 (vs. 10)
Conclusion:
 To attempt to deny our sin and sin nature, and plead for the continuance of sin in the heart through our life, is ungrateful, wicked, and even blasphemous; for as he who says he has not sinned, makes God a liar, who has declared the contrary through every part of his revelation; so he that says the blood of Christ either cannot or will not cleanse us from all sin in this life, gives also the lie to his Maker, who has declared the contrary, and thus shows that the word-the doctrine of God is not in us


Rev. Dr. William Edward Boddie

Bible Study Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 13

Apostle Paul’s 3rd Visit: “I’m Coming With Authority!”

I.                  Paul’s 3rd Visit:                “Coming with Authority!”                   (verses 1-4)

A.   I’ll be coming a 3rd time.   Remember the Scripture that says, "A matter becomes clear after two or three witnesses give evidence."  (Deuteronomy 19:15, John 8:17)

{The term 2 or 3 witnesses could also mean the number of times Paul had contact with the Corinthian church} (vs. 1) Also Matthew 18:1

B.    Concerning my 2nd visit, I warned that bunch that keeps sinning over and over in the same old ways that when I came back I wouldn't go easy on them. Now, preparing for the third, I'm saying it again from a distance. If you haven't changed your ways by the time I get there, look out. (warning) vs.2

C.   Concerning you Accusation Against Me: You who have been demanding proof that Christ speaks through me will get more than you bargained for. You'll get the full force of Christ, don't think you won't.
(vs. 3)

Note: In the previous chapters, they had called Paul’s apostolic authority into question.  They had demanded evidence that he had been called. In this verse, Paul said he would furnish the evidence they demanded by inflicting severe and just punishment on all offenders, and they should have abundant proof that Christ spoke by him, or that he was inspired. Paul also wanted the Corinthian church and those accusers in particular to know: That Jesus Christ manifested his power in abundance toward them, in 3 ways:

A.           Either by the miracles that had been performed in his name,

B.            Or by the diseases and calamities which they had suffered on account of their disorders and offences.

C.           Or by the force and efficacy of his doctrine. The idea is, that they had had ample demonstration of the power of Christ to inflict punishment, and they had reason to apprehend it again. 

D.   Comparing Christ with Us:                                                                  (vs.4)

1.     Jesus in “comparison” looked weak to the public when he hung and died on the cross as our Savior. But now, He’s mighty in power (alive) in the power of Jehovah God the Father.

2.     In the same manner:  Paul said: We didn’t look like much either when you humiliated us…but next time, we will deal with you in the power of Christ, as we are strengthened by God.

II.               Examine Yourselves:                                                              (verses 5-6)

A. Test yourselves              Are you of “the faith”             (vs. 5)

Test yourselves to see whether you are true Christians; whether you have any true faith in the gospel, that you have any real faith in Jesus Christ, and in the promises of God through him. Faith is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a true Christian; and to ascertain whether we have any true faith, therefore, is to ascertain whether we are sincere Christians.

B.   Prove yourselves “Live it out”

Examine your hearts and lives. (lifestyles) Compare your views and feelings with applying the Word of God to your lives and prove it in your daily life and use it especially when the storms of life are raging.

Paul challenges them to examine themselves because:

1.       He expressed concern that they had been deceived by the false teachers that criticized and turn them against Paul’s ministry.

2.      So gross were the irregularities and disorders in the church at Corinth that many of them had shown themselves very ignorant of the nature of the Christian religion. They didn’t understand what it really meant to be a Christian.

3.      It was important, in the highest degree, for them to conduct an impartial and strict self-examination to determine if they had altogether been deceived.

Note: We should also examine ourselves also (1 Corinthians 11) not just for taking communion, but to make sure that we aren’t being deceived by the devil in any way doctrinally. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Question:  How do you know you got “good religion?” If a person wishes to know what his religion is really worth:

1. Try it in the places where religion is of any value.

2.  Go into the world with it. Let him go and try to do good works; to endure affliction in a proper manner.

3.  Use it to combat the errors and foolish behavior, to put away “childish things” (“follies” of life;)

4.  Use it to witness and admonish sinners of the error of their ways and turn them toward Jesus Christ.

5.  Use it on the evangelistic field to forward the great work of the conversion of the world, and you will soon see there what your religion is worth. Don’t just  sit down and think, and compare yourself with the Bible and look at your own heart-valuable as this may be in many respects-but let him treat his religion as he would anything else-let him subject it to actual experiment.

Good Religion will:

1.  Enable you to become “imitators” of Jesus Christ in the way you sow good seeds and do good deeds.

2.  Enable you to endure persecution for the name of Jesus; to bear calamity without complaining; to submit to a long series of disappointments and distresses for Christ's sake.

3.  Prompt you to a life of prayer, without ceasing and in an instant and to live a life of self-denial. The “Christian” way of life will make you always conscientious, industrious, and honest.

4.  Live your life as “witness” according to Matthew 28:19-20, and by doing this the disciple of Christ  will begin to warn sinners of the errors of their ways, and admonish them to seek Jesus Christ as their personal savior,  the friendship of Christians, and join the Body of Christ to seek the salvation of the world, is pure and genuine.. Any other professed religion than this is worthless.

C.    Know Yourselves!               Don’t you know Yourselves? (vs. 5)        

“You should know if you have Jesus on the inside of you; that your religion is true and not false; and your faith in Christ will stand and you won’t be found a “reprobate”

D.     Know us!          We are not disqualified- we trust you know that                   (vs. 6)

III.          Paul: We prefer to use Gentleness                                                (verses 7- 10)

A.    We Pray for you that you do the following:                       (vs.7)

1. That you do no evil.    Not that we appear to be approved

2. Do what is honorable.  Even though we seem to be (in your eyes) disqualified.
Paul told them: “No matter how you view us, you still should do the right thing and avoid doing evil.  My objective, and main desire, is not to urge my claims to the apostolic office and clear up my own character but that you should lead honest lives, whatever may become of me and my reputation” As a matter of fact, I’m willing to be regarded as whatever you want to regard me as …as long as you lead godly lives.   As a Christian, we must walk worthy of our calling in Christ no matter what they say about us.

B.    We can do nothing against the truth. All we do is for the truth. (vs.8)

 We are under the influence of the Holy Spirit who commissioned us to be Apostles, and under the “anointing”, we can do nothing against the great system of truth we are charge to both promote and defend. Our aim is to promote “the truth”, and to do what is right. We cannot in regard to our own reputation, or personal advantage, do what is wrong, or countenance, or desire what is wrong in others.

C.   We are glad when we are weak:                                                       (vs. 9)
 I am content to appear weak, provided you do no wrong; I am willing not to have occasion to exercise my power in punishing offenders, and had rather lie under the reproach of being actually weak, than to have occasion to exercise my power by punishing you for wrongdoing; and provided you are strong in the faith and in the hope of the gospel, I am very willing, nay, I rejoice that I am under this necessity of appearing weak."We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to infirmity if it may promote your spiritual strength.

D.   Therefore I write these things:                                                          (vs.10)
1.   Lest being present I should use sharpness] In order that when I come I may not have to come off severe.
2.   [According to the power ...] That I don’t use the power Christ has invested me for maintaining discipline in his church.

IV.     Benediction and Final Greeting                                           (verses 11-14)

A.   Finally, farewell brethren.

1.    Be complete.

2.    Be of good comfort.

3.    Be of one mind.

4.    Live in peace and the God of Love and Peace be with you.

5.     Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Final Greetings: All the saints greet you.

Benediction Prayer: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

       Dr. William Edward Boddie

Bible Study Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 12

Paul's Vision: "3rd heaven"              Paul's affliction: “A Thorn In the Flesh”

I.                  Paul’s Vision:      “Caught Up in Heaven”                           (Verse 1-6)

A.   Since you have issues with my boasting…and accuse me of being a braggart.

          Rather than brag  I’ll share…..      (vs.1)

Note:  Paul in Chapter 11 had already given one instance of infirmity and persecution  which might expose him to ridicule in 2 Corinthians 11:33. Now gives another one connected with a glorious revelation; but he dwells not on the glory to himself here, but on the infirmity which followed it, as displaying Christ's, power.

1.     A “vision” I had. “Visions” are  ‎”Symbolic” representations of “spiritual” and “celestial” (angelic) things, in which God conveys those “matters” that of the “deepest importance” to the individual are displayed to the “eye” of the mind (imagination) of a person by a variety of emblems, (signs, symbols, actions and behaviors of the people, animals, places or objects in whole, part, in contrast of , or in harmony with the nature and properties of which serve to illustrate those “spiritual things”.

2.     “Revelations” An “oral”  revealing of events through words, symbolic language, or speech from God which promises a “manifestation” of people, judgments, events, or things that were not known before that only God can both make known and bring to pass. That is because these revelations are a part of His inscrutable counsel.

B.   The Vision:                   “A Man in Christ in Heaven”                            (vs. 2-6)

1.     Happened about 14 years ago (between 41 and 43 AD.)  (2 Corinthians was written about 55-57 AD.) This was his second visit to Jerusalem according to Acts 22:17.                                         (vs. 2)

2.     May or may not have been an “out of body experience”- Paul was either in a “glorified state” with a “glorified body”  and out of his physical body or he was in his physical body and “caught up” (raptured) into the 3rd heaven  Either way Paul was serious about what he said happened!                                                                                    (vs. 3)

3.     Paul heard words in paradise he was not permitted to repeat or was not capable of speaking (unutterable by mortal man) In other words; Paul meant to say that he could not attempt by words to do justice to what he saw and heard. The use of the word "words" here would seem to imply that he heard the language of exalted praise; or that there were truths imparted to his mind which he could not hope to convey in any language spoken by people.

4.     Paul declared that he will only “boast” in his “infirmities” and speak the truth   (vs.4-6)

For your Information: In concerning the rapture Paul experienced, it happened in 2stages:

1.     Paul was caught up into 3rd heaven first and was limited as to what he was permitted to see in the 3rd heaven. (because he was to return to earth and complete his living and missionary journey)

2.     From “ the 3rd heaven, Paul was then caught up into “paradise” which is a place in the innermost realm of where the throne of Jehovah and heaven resides according to Luke 23:43 and Revelation 2:7. (The “tree” of Life is located in God’s paradise)

3.     Concerning “Heaven” itself, according to Scripture, there are 3 known heavens.

a.     1st heaven makes up the atmosphere, the stratosphere and the clouds.

b.     2nd heaven makes up the planets and their moons as well as the solar system(s).

c.      3rd heaven is where the Glory of God shines continually and where His “reigning” throne is located. Heaven is described as having streets paved with gold, having 12 gates. 24 reigning elders. And a city that is 4 squared.

4.     Concerning Paul not describing heaven or what he heard, there are at least 5 possible reasons what he didn’t:

(a) This encounter of heaven was designed to give Paul much needed divine support from God because of the many fiery he was about to endure.
God called him to a great missionary work that required tremendous dedication and was very laborious, required him to travel to foreign lands and ultimately cost him his life. According to Barnes Notes Commentary, “God gave him such views of heaven that he would be supported in his trials by a conviction of the undoubted truth of what he taught, and by the prospect of certain glory when his labors should end”. It was for his eyes only and not to be shared or talked about in detail.

(b) It is always difficult to describe what we have not seen, even on earth, so that we shall have any very clear idea of it:
The same would be true of heaven. Even though we read in the Bible the way heaven is described, it’s still difficult (based on the way we imagine it to be) to accurately describe heaven in detail with our weak faith being what it is 

(c) There are great truths which it is not the design of God to reveal to human beings. 
The object is to communicate enough to win us, to comfort us, to support our faith, not to reveal all. In eternity there must be boundless truths and glories which are not needful for us to know now, and which, on many accounts, it would not be proper to be revealed to man. The question is not, do we know all, but have we enough safely to guide us to heaven, and to comfort us in the trials of life.

(d) There is enough revealed of heaven for our guidance and comfort in this world. God has told us what it will be in general.
It will be a world without sin; without tears; without wrong, injustice, fraud, or wars; without disease, pestilence, plague, death; and it is easy to fill up the picture sufficiently for all our purposes. Our “finite” view of heaven should be a world where all shall be pure and holy, free from all that we now behold that is evil, free from pain, disease, and death. Heaven is a world where "friends never depart, and enemies never come;" a world of harmony and love—an eternal place where the wicked will cease from troubling and the weary shall be at eternal rest. Our highest hopes are met when we can keep heaven in our view while we are tried and persecuted down here on earth.

(e) God’s purpose is simply that we shall here walk by faith and not by sight.

We are not to see the reward, nor to be told fully what it is. We are to have such confidence in God that we shall assuredly believe that, he will fully reward and bless us, and under this confidence we are to live and act here below. God designs, to try our faith, and to furnish abundant evidence that his people are disposed to obey his commands and to put their trust in his faithfulness. Besides, if all the glories of heaven were revealed; if all were told that might be; and if heaven were made as attractive to mortal view as possible, then it might appear that his professed people were influenced solely by the hope of the reward. “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things God has laid up for them that love Him.

II.      “Thorn in the Flesh”                A “Satanic” Messenger            (verses 7-10)

A.   The “thorn” was given

1.     To prevent “self exaltation” above measure. (Big-headed) self-lifting, esteeming yourself higher than you           should.

2.    Too much fondness of friends- neglect of the mission given by God.

3.    To keep his “pride” in check. We see through a glass darkly.

4.    Paul sought the Lord 3 times to remove the thorn.                 (vs.8)

5.    God denied the request and simply said: “My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness”!   (vs.9)

B.   For this reason: Paul said:                                   (vs.10)

1.    I will boast in my infirmities so the “power” of Christ can rest upon me.

2.     So I can take pleasure in my infirmities (in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses), for Christ's sake.

3.     For when I am weak, then I am strong.

III.             The “Signs” of an Apostle                                                       (verses 11-13)

1.     “I had to vindicate myself!” You should have “commended” me. (given me credit) even though I have given among you the most ample proof of my apostolic commission.             (vs.11)

2.     Signs, wonders, working “Miracles” evidence of my Apostleship. (vs.12)

3.    I have conferred on you the highest favors of the apostolic office. In these respects you are superior to all other churches. In one respect only are you inferior-it is in this, that you have not been burdened with the privilege of supporting me. If you had had this, you would have been inferior to no others.                   (vs. 13)

IV.            Paul’s Love for the Church                                           (verses 14-21)

A.   Concerning all Accusations against Paul: Paul’s responses

1.     I’m coming a 3rd time seeking for you to be saved , not your property (money) unlike those false apostles who you embraced who came after your property (money) and not concerned about your salvation from sin. (vs. 14)

2.     I’m coming as a “loving” father would give all he had for his children even though I don’t receive the same love in return from you.   (vs.15).

3.     I haven’t burdened you, even though you accuse me of being about making money off the fellowship (filthy lucre) tricking you with deception by  having others take up a collection for me even though I didn’t get it directly from you.                  (vs.16)

4.     I haven’t financially benefitted from you by sending any preacher to work with you and for you to pay them so they can pay me.             (vs. 17)

5.     I only sent Titus to you and he treated you the same way I have. (vs. 18)

B.   Owing No Apologies     Concerning our ”alleged  behavior    (verses 19-21)

1.     We make no apologies for our conduct. We did nothing wrong to you. I did not send Titus to you because I was ashamed or afraid to come to you. What we did, we did it for your edifying.           (vs.19)

2.     I SENT Titus because I didn’t want to come and find you still living perverted lives. And have to come as a disciplinarian and not as a loving friend. (vs.20)

3.     And when I come again, I fear that God will humble me and allow me to be affected with deep sorrow by what you still might be doing, in the same manner that I have been buffeted by the apostles of Satan who have perverted your minds. There are some of you who haven’t repented yet! There is still a total relaxation of church discipline. I’d hoped not to find  debates, envy, wraths, strife, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults and seditions.: (vs. 21)

Conclusion:    

There had to been a total relaxing of discipline in the Corinthian church. How else such abominations could not have been tolerated in the Christian church. Even though what’s implied here in this verse could only been in the case of a few; yet the many were still not properly disciplined, else these were cast out. On the whole, this church seems to have been a composition of excellences and defects, of vices and virtues; and would not serve as a genuine model for a Christian church.


Dr. William Edward Boddie

Nehemiah 2:17-18 & Nehemiah 4:6 “A Heart and Mind For God’s Great Work”

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was upon me for good… you see the bad situation we are in… how Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates are burned with fire…. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a disgrace. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was upon me for good, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build! So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 
Nehemiah 4:6
"So we built the wall, and all [of it] was joined together to half its height, for the people had a heart and mind to work".   

Introduction:        About Nehemiah

Nehemiah lived in the city of Shushan (or Susa). At the time of the text, Nehemiah was the King ‘s of Persia's “ (Artaxerses) cupbearer,” or you could call him the king’s official “taste-tester”. His job was to taste everything earmarked for the king to drink. Before the king could drink anything his “cupbearer “or  “taste-tester” would sample that drink first. If the drink tasted funny, for safety reason, the king did not get to drink that drink, but if the drink was good, then and only then, would they give it to the king. So as a “cupbearer” or “taste-tester”, Nehemiah had a dangerous job because he put his very life on the line every time he tasted a beverage…because in service, he protected the king. It's kinda like our dedication to Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith…We’re on the battlefield for our Lord…We promised HIM the we would serve HIM until we die…and we recognize that it’s our job to make sure that no poison false doctrines… lying heresies… old wive’s tales…or false teachings infiltrate the Christian church… poison the fellowship…and cause the members to err…and error…

I.       Nehemiah's Sorrow
In Chapter 1,…According to Josephus, Nehemiah, while walking around the palace walls got in earshot of a disturbing conversation. He overheard a small party of pious Jews … sadly talking about  the “carnage”  they saw… back in Jerusalem… They saw a weakened people… despondency among the ranks…mass affliction …as well as constant hostility and harassment… heaped on them by the Samaritans and other “marauding people” …

As Nehemiah recognized Hanani…one of his relatives… who happened to be with the group …. He asked the group about Jerusalem…How is was life in Jerusalem? …   How are the people doing?... How is the work coming?.., I can hear Hanani say… the city and the people are in bad shape…. The gates were burned and the walls were torn down again……When Nehemiah heard the grave news….Nehemiah went into a deep emotional funk…The news of his countrymen had a devastating effect on him… 

II.       Israel's Historic Return from Babylonian Captivity (Ezra)
You see...about 90 years Ago…Cyrus the Great issued a historic and prophetic edict that gave the Jewish people an opportunity to go back to “Zion and rebuild the temple of God…In Ezra 1:2-3, Cyrus said: “The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth… and he has appointed me to build a temple for him Anyone of you.. who wish to go back and help build it— may your  God be with you…. and you have my permission go up to Jerusalem in Judea and build the temple of the LORD…

About 42,360 people took the king up on his offer… They left Persia and went back to Jerusalem on a quest to rebuild that temple….The king made sure….that everything they needed… was provided for them…food, building material… a security force…passport papers…permitting them safe passage through the various provinces along the way back to Jerusalem….They got freewill offerings…. both from the treasury… and from private donations …All of this was given because they were going back to their old landmark …to clean up…what their ancestors messed up… to start their lives all over again… So…according to Ezra…the people left with the right attitude and in the right spirit…with one purpose in their minds… to work as a team….and to get the work done…

Point of Power: And here’s an important spiritual point right off the bat…The first thing that always needs to be rebuilt in the life of anybody who suffered captivity, bondage, disappointment, a devastating loss  and deep sorrow but is now on the rebound is their “spiritual life”..…Why do you say that preacher? Glad you asked!...

III.       Restoration:  Spiritual first:

Jerusalem wasn’t just known as being the “City of God”… “Mount Zion” that sat upon a lofty hill…Jerusalem wasn’t just known for her 12 entrance and exit gates… the sheep gate…the dung gate…the fish gate…the horse gate… the valley gate….the water….the east…and the rest of the gates…NO…Jerusalem was widely known for the power of the ONE TRUE GOD…and the presence of that magnificent temple….This was the temple King David dreamed of building… and King Solomon was blessed to build a temple built to the glory of God …by God’s specifications…in all its splendor… That temple represented “JEHOVAH SHAMMAH” …that the Lord was present and dwelling with his people… 

IV.       Reminiscing and Motivation:

A.       Reminiscing
The people knew the one place …that they could always meet and God would show up in power and great glory was at the temple…The reason was the day the temple was completed and Solomon dedicated the temple to God and rededicated themselves to the GREAT I AM THAT I AM…the Bible said fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices… and the glory of the LORD  filled the temple. There was so much power in the temple that day… that the priests couldn’t even enter the house of the LORD , because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD 's house… When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down… and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground … worshiped and praised the LORD , saying:"For He is good,…For His mercy endures forever."...

Personal Commentary:. I don’t know about you…but I long for the day when all of God’s children get together in the house of God…  and feel the powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit resting on everybody in the whole house….resting on His pastors…. preachers… teachers… singers … and worshippers….at the same time…and when that day happens…we can truly sing that song that says…When all of God’s children get together…what a time…what  a time…

B.      Motivation:
So…with that etched in their minds and given a chance to go home and start over…. you can see them in your mind’s eye as the people traveled back to Jerusalem… with a heart and a mind to do the work…. But at some point…according to the book of Ezra….the work hit a snag …because in response of revival the people got happy and began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem… fierce opposition came to the work they had done….. and the next thing they knew….the work came to screeching halt… Now…the good thing …according to  Ezra 4:1-16…was they were able to complete the building the temple… They restored the priestly order …they resumed their burnt offerings and their other sacrifices to God… they had a revival….but when they began to rebuild the walls… the devil got in the way …and the next thing they knew…they were constantly harassed… threatened by their enemies… then legal technicalities and low down dirty politics got in the way…causing the next king to bring “wall work” to a screeching halt….  What happened? Here’s what happened…..

V.       Opposition to the Project:
When Rehum and Shimshai … heard that the exiles were rebuilding a temple for the LORD, …they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of all the families of Judah… and said, "Let us help you in your rebuilding … because… just like you… we seek your God… as a matter of fact…we have been sacrificing to him… ever since Esarhaddon …the king of Assyria,  brought us here."  But Zerubbabel,  Jeshua and the  family heads of Judah told them sternly: "You (will) have no part with us… in building a temple to our God. We and we ALONE WILL BUILD IT FOR THE LORD...just like Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us… As a matter of fact: only those… authorized by the King can do the work….. and y’all not on the list”….

Point of Power:
Now you know, there’s got to be something rotten in the milk…. anytime your sworn enemies …offer to help you do anything for the Lord… and then claim that the reason they want to help you… is because they say…we are seeking the same God you serve. This is one of the main reasons why the Bible tells us to try the spirit by the Spirit to see if that spirit ….that word…that explanation  comes from God. You see…you got to know the difference between true converts and overt enemies with a covert agenda. You got to know your enemy and how your enemy operates: 

The Samaritans people were the sworn hated enemy of  Judah and Benjamin … The Samaritan were a mixed race of people…. partly Israelites… but mostly heathen... While it may have been true …I said may have been true that they were seeking God, the “research record” reveals the Samatitans practiced a “hodgepodge religion” that had a form of Judaism… but contained a whole lot more of heathenism… than it had of Judaism….

What about the Modern Church? (institutional)

Well…we have people like that in the modern church….They confess to be Christian in their beliefs… but when you get to know what they really think….and what they REALLY believe doctrinally…you quickly discover… they have a  bad case of “hodgepodge Christianity”…  because they practice a little of this ….and a whole lot of that….they believe a little of this and a whole lot of that…because they have sampled a mixture of many false doctrines broadcasted in cyber space and on satellite disc…..and dare to call these doctrine’s Christian…. What they have a form of godliness….but they are denying the power thereof…I come by to tell the church today….  “heathenism” mixed with “holiness” is not “Christianity”…Light has no league with darkness. You you are a child of the MOST HIGH GOD…you can’t bow down at every altar….

Point of Power:  That’s the real reason  Zerubabbel and the heads of families said no. They knew the heart of their enemy….and they knew God really called them to the work…and because the work was God’s work… The work of rebuilding the Temple was pure and “holy work”… and if they had allowed the Samaritans to help them do “sacred work”… that sacred work would have been contaminated work… and  it would have “poisoned” their pure religion. (Judaism)

VI.       Concerning "Kingdom Work"

"There is kingdom work on this Christian journey that you got to do all by yourself"…I may as well say it right here:  “Kingdom work” is “holy work”…to any of us to do  “kingdom work” … unless God  Himself put outsiders in the plan …we must do this holy work… by ourselves… that also means,… those of us …who have been chosen by God… must be consecrated for that ‘holy” work. Before you do any assigned work for the Lord…a good prayer TO PRAY IS…. Consecrate me now… to thy service Lord… by the power of grace divine….let my soul look up with a steadfast hope….and my will…be lost in thine…draw me nearer…. Nearer blessed Lord… to the cross… where thy has died… draw me nearer… nearer blessed Lord to thy precious bleeding side….Our minds and our hearts and our hands must be properly prepared for “holy” work…because not only is the workload great… but “holy” work…God’s work is “great work”. They told their enemies NO! And so should we!

VII.       Opposition Escalates:

And from that point on… their enemies got so mad that the Jews rejected their proposal… They were “hell bent”… to stop the work at any cost…and went all out to discourage the people of Judah… to do everything they could… to make them scared to continue in their efforts to rebuild Jerusalem... Let me  show you how “hell-bent” their enemy was…

The Bible said the Samaritans hired counselors…. to work against them … to frustrate all their rebuilding plans …and their efforts continued during the entire reign of both Cyrus the Great and Darius the Mede…. And when none of their efforts stopped the work, they switched to politics….
Rehum and Shimshai wrote a “half true” letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the new king…and based that “half-true” letter on “the truth” about Israel’s rebellious history…The Samaritans then “plugged” a lie in the letter about their “empire “concerns”… since they were part of the Persian Empire too…claiming  that once the Jews rebuild the walls, they had plans to overthrow the Persian Empire…Well…after the new king (Artaxerses) read that in the letter…and did his research as the Samaritans suggested finding out history of rebellion was true… that the Jews were a rebellious people… had a history of rebellion… and God has had to discipline them many times….even though in this case the they posed no threat to the Persian Empire…. their "history of rebellion" still raised a “red flag”…and based on that… Artaxerses suspended  the “wall work” was until further notice…..Rehum and Shimshai  wasted no time …in enforcing the shutdown by using brute force….They tore down that part of the wall they were building up and then…burned the gates….As a result…. at the time of our Nehemiah text,… the city remained defenseless, the people were in bad shape… and left at the mercy of these marauding enemies…

VIII.       Opposition against the Modern Church

For the church… fierce opposition to God’s work is not unusual… Just like the Jews… whenever the church has had to rebuild her walls…. evangelistically expand her ministry…. physically and spiritually…to establish or reestablish kingdom work in a particular community…she has face many an opposition from secular humanism… neighborhood heathenism… religious atheism… and internal apathy and rebellion between the institution and the “holy” organism… The church over the centuries has always  had members that have been openly rebellious…. obnoxious…  stirring up strife… keeping  up confusion…. That's not nothing new and when God got tired of their foolishness…God had to discipline them too…


IX.       Rebellion in the Modern Church

Rebellion is nothing new either…. The church faces "internal opposition" like this all the time… Satan always rears his ugly head….somewhere in the church… As a matter of fact….the truth is….Satan has a seat in every church….find the unruly member…. That’s his seat…find the rebellious member…that’s his seat…find the backbiting member…that’s his seat…find that rumor spreading member….that’s his seat!... 
Opposition against the child of God and the plans of God is Satan usual MO Satan will use slander, half truths, witchcraft, sorcery, gross and evil criticism, threats and acts of violence, your past history and blatant lies in an all out attempt to knock you down and keep you wrapped up in fear. When these tactics don’t work,…he’ll run back and forth before the throne of God …constantly accusing the brethren and recruiting other people… even family members who have issues with the church and with you to interfere with the rebuilding the walls of your life. 

X.        Nehemiah's Resolve
So when Nehemiah heard this distressing news… the Bible said for a certain number of days, Nehemiah sat down… cried… went into mourning… fasted and prayed before God in Heaven…..Did you get that… All this time…when Nehemiah got the bad news… between mourning and crying …..crying and fasting… fasting and praying…he sought God day and night….I can hear some ask how long did it take…The Bible said he did this certain days….

How long did it take…. It took as long as it took….We can't hurry God god moves on our behalf at the time appropiate to HIM and not to usThey that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall mount up….with wings as an eagle…. They shall run… and not get weary… they shall walk… and not faint…Notice…  He prayed for them and he prayed for himself…. As long as it took … day and night… in intercession for Israel…and himself… 

A.       Nehemiah's Prayer:

This is what he prayed: "I confess every sin Israel, I, and my father's house, committed against you. We’ have acted wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed your commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.  "You told us, 'If we were unfaithful… you would scatter us among the nations… but if we return to you… and obeyed your commands. No matter where we were exiled people are at the farthest horizon, you will gather us from there and bring us to the place you chose as a dwelling for your Name.'  We are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and by your mighty hand. O Lord, hear our prayer revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting me favor in the presence of this man." Give me the words to say…prepare my heart and mind for what lies ahead. Well, from the time of mourning, fasting, crying and praying…

B.       Nehemiah's Request:

Well…it actually took 4 months…but one day… the king noticed... the sad countenance… on Nehemiah’s face….The king asked Nehemiah…why. Are you looking so sad….I’ve never seen you look like this… I know you are not sick…the only thing it can be is sorrow in your heart…I heard Nehemiah say… Oh king… live forever….Why shouldn’t my heart be sad…when Jerusalem…where my ancestors gravesite are… lies in ruins… and the gates are burned up…The king asked him… what do you wish that I do for you….I Heard Nehemiah after he prayed within himself… If it please the king…. and I have found favor in your sight….let me go back to Jerusalem…. To my ancestor’s gravesites… and rebuild….The king asked him…how long will you be gone… Nehemiah probably said… it won’t be long… long enough to finish the work… and if it going to take longer… I’ll let you know…but while I’m at it… I need another favor…I need a royal escort….I need letters from you…. to grant me safe passage to Judah… and to grant me the materials necessary to complete the work….Not only that… but I need you to commission me to go as governor of Judah…to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem…and to stay until the work is finished… 

C.       Nehemiah's Appeal and the People's Resonse:

You know the story….The king gave him everything… he asked for… and when he got to Jerusalem….and presented the letters… Sanballat and Tobiah…got suspicious…. But Nehemiah did the smart thing…first he said nothing…nobody knew where he was or what he was doing….For 3 days… He walked the city day and night …. He viewed the gates….the dragon’s well… the dung port… looking around assessing the damage… then …when the time was right… the Bible said He gathered the people together… and I heard him say: You see the bad situation we are in; Jerusalem lies in ruins… the gates are burned… Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a disgrace. God gave me favor with the king… and the king has given us permission to do a great work…And they said… Let us rise up and build! So they strengthened their hands for the good work. And as I head toward a close…from chapter 3 to chapter 4… family by family worked side by side….everybody…did their part….and while they were working….opposition came their way…when Sanballat and Tobiah got the word that the people were rebuilding the walls… Sanballat was ticked off… and got very indignant… and started to mocked the Jews… and the work ….but the people had a heart and a mind to do the work….they put their mouth on them….but they did the work….they questioned their motives….but they did the work…they badmouthed the work… but they did the work …because they had a heart and a mind to do the work ….what kind of mind did they have….

D.       Nehemiah's Mindset:
.
1.    First of all they had a secure mind…
They knew that God presence was with them…God’s peace was with them…God power would sustain them…and God would give them the provisions they needed….it stirred them up… on the inside… and it was them that said. Let us rise up and build the walls…  well… the church has the same blessed assurance. To do God’s “ holy” work…you got to have a secure mind. You got to know that God is with you… You got to know that God will grant you peace… You got to know that God will give you power to get the work done…You got to know that God will supply all of your needs… according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus….and in that security we know… that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens each and every one of us…

2.    Second of all…they had a spiritual mind…

That the reason why the temple was rebuild first…In order to rebuild Jerusalem…they had to remember…what Jerusalem stood for…Jerusalem was the  city of God…and they were God’s chosen people so if Jerusalem was to prosper… and the people were to prosper with her… their religion had to be right…they had to worship God in the beauty of holiness…they had to live a life of righteousness…and they had to take the lead in keeping the people and the city in right relationship with almighty God… The same is true in the modern church….The church belongs to Almighty God…Jesus said… upon this rock…I will build my church….and the gates of hell…shall not prevail against…He didn’t say that hell would come against her…he said that the gates of hell shall not prevail…against  her…that being said. God people must seek God in all that we attempt to do… we are the church…and while we are being sanctified…God got to clean up what we messed up…. and start our lives… all over again…that is why… the Bible said…if any man…be in Christ….he is… a new creation….old tings…have passed away… behold… that means look… all things have become new…

XI.       Conclusion:

God wants to rebuild…. the walls of your life…drugs have torn them down… alcohol has torn them down….immorality in and out of the church has burned the church and the community…riotous living ….baby after baby being born out of wedlock….one mother and more than one baby daddy…is tearing down the walls… and burned the gates of your life….open rebellion in the church is tearing down the walls and burning the gates of your life. Romans 12: 1 and 2: Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus…it’s time out… from conforming to the sin nature of this modern world…it’s time to be transformed… by the renewing.. .of your mind….that we can prove that good and acceptable and perfect will of God… what does that mean…I’m glad you asked…
It means…as far as salvation is concerned…in the words of the Apostle Paul: Brethren…..my heart’s desire…and pray to God… Israel is… that you might be saved… for I bear you record… under the unction… of the Holy Ghost ….that some of you have a zeal of God….but not according to knowledge….for those of you…being ignorant of God’s righteousness…have gone about…trying to establish your own righteousness…have not submitted yourselves…unto the righteousness of God…. It’s not about us…It is…all about Christ and finally… as I head toward taking my seat…the last mind... that the people had…
They had a single mind…They had a mind to do right…..they had …a mind to work right…they were focused…all working for the same cause…the focus was Jerusalem….not their personal agendas…they knew… the wall must be build…without the wall…. They were helpless…and at the whim of their enemies…The church needs a single mind….One Lord….one faith… one baptism…. One purpose… one goal… the only way that will happen… is we focus on Jesus… and stop focusing on us…The people had a heart and a mind to work…..what kind of heart do you have and what kind of mind do you have…when it comes to kingdom work…it all about Jesus…and not about us..

Dr. William Edward Boddie

2 Corinthians Chapter 10:1-18
"Paul's Apostolic Authority Described and Defended"

 NOW I myself, Paul, beseech you, by the gentleness and consideration of Christ [Himself; I] who [am] lowly enough [so they say] when among you face to face, but bold (fearless and outspoken) to you when [I am] absent from you!  I entreat you when I do come [to you] that I may not [be driven to such] boldness as I intend to show toward those few who suspect us of acting according to the flesh [on the low level of worldly motives and as if invested with only human powers]. For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,  [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 

Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete..Look at [this obvious fact] which is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him reflect and remind himself that even as he is Christ's, so too are we.  For even though I boast rather freely about our power and authority, which the Lord gave for your up-building and not for demolishing you, yet I shall not be put to shame [for exceeding the truth], 
Neither would I seem to be overawing or frightening you with my letters;  For they say, His letters are weighty and impressive and forceful and telling, but his personality and bodily presence are weak, and his speech and delivery are utterly contemptible (of no account).  Let such people realize that what we say by letters when we are absent, [we put] also into deeds when we are present —   Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.  We, on the other hand, will not boast beyond our legitimate province and proper limit, but will keep within the limits [of our commission which] God has allotted us as our measuring line and which reaches and includes even you. 

 For we are not overstepping the limits of our province and stretching beyond our ability to reach, as though we reached not (had no legitimate mission) to you, for we were [the very first] to come even as far as to you with the good news (the Gospel) of Christ. We do not boast therefore, beyond our proper limit, over other men's labors, but we have the hope and confident expectation that as your faith continues to grow, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, still within the limits of our commission,  So that [we may even] preach the Gospel in lands [lying] beyond you, without making a boast of work already done in another [man's] sphere of activity [before we came on the scene]. However, let him who boasts and glories boast and glory in the Lord.  [Jeremiah 9:24.]  For [it is] not [the man] who praises and commends himself who is approved and accepted, but [it is the person] whom the Lord accredits and commends.   AMPLIFIED