Preparing for the Lord's Day
Rebuilding the Kingdom
As we have studied the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we have seen how the Lord reestablished his people in Jerusalem following exile in Babylon. The first step in reestablishing the kingdom was to rebuild the Temple, which Ezra accomplished. Next, the defensive wall around the city of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt, which Nehemiah accomplished. Now the third step in reestablishing the kingdom is to rebuild the people of God. That is, to reestablish the cultural and religious life of the Jewish people. Over the past few weeks, we have seen that to reestablish the people in the Word (Nehemiah 8), and in repentance (Nehemiah 9). Each of these plays a significant role in laying a foundation for the Kingdom. This week we will come to the third foundational stone for rebuilding the kingdom, corporate obedience.
Following a time of corporate repentance, the people of Jerusalem enter into a written covenant that pledges them to obedience to God’s Word. Without a shared vision for life and godliness the people of God would quickly fade as a distinct entity. They would be coopted into the surrounding pagan cultures and the pure religion of God’s word would disappear. In short, the Kingdom of God would fail. Nevertheless, God moves his people to covenant together around these foundational commitments of the kingdom. And what we will learn this week is that if we would see the kingdom of God flourish and grow in our generation then we too must pledge ourselves to these foundational commitments. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Nehemiah 9:38-10:39, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Colossians 1:13, and Westminster Confession of Faith 25.2.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” the Acclamation of Praise, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus Shall Reign.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Nehemiah 10
Title: Foundational Commitments
- Every Christian Must Separate From the World (v. 28)
- Every Christian Must Unite With God’s People (v. 29a)
- Every Christian Must Commit To Obedience (vv. 29b-39)