A Vision for a City Without Limits

Sixteen and final message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 11-12

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When we come to the closing chapters of Nehemiah there is still much to be accomplished for the restoration of Jerusalem. The exiles have been in the land for over 90 years: The Temple is restored, the city walls have been rebuilt, and the people have experienced a mighty revival. However, the city must be re-inhabited. lf God’s glory was going to return to Jerusalem, people had to be willing to invest their lives to the rebuilding of the city.

1. Our Constant  Nemesis: Drifting from God’s Purpose
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:3-5)

2. The Grand Theme of Nehemiah Building a City within a City

• Building a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)
• Jesus speaking
• Neighbor loving
• Community transforming

3. Nehemiah’s Relocation Plan  (Nehemiah 11:1-3)
There were only a few residents living in the city. Most were living in villages. Apparently the housing situation and living conditions in the city were not very good. And so it isn’t surprising that many of the Jews were unwilling to move in the city. So Nehemiah decided to cast lots and choose a tenth of the people to repopulate the city.

4. Dedicating Ourselves to the Future (Nehemiah 12:43)

• The people dedicate the work to God
• They dedicate the wall to God
• They dedicate the future to God

And there was the angel who talked with me, going out, and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and  will be the glory in her midst.’ (Zechariah 2:3-5)

The People of the Book

Eleventh message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10

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Amazingly in just 52 short days, the walls which fortified the city of Jerusalem had been restored. The city was now able to be reoccupied in safety and security. It’s now time to build the people instead of the walls and so Nehemiah takes one of his most important steps in the restoration of the people of Jerusalem: he appoints Ezra the scribe to proclaim the Word of God before the people. Ezra performs several important ministries through the Word.

1. Ezra brought the Book of the Law before the people – So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding… (Nehemiah 8:2a)
2. Ezra connects the Word to God’s redemptive work – …on the first day of the seventh month. (Nehemiah 8:2b)
3. Ezra uses the platform (pulpit) to address the people – So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose… (Nehemiah 8:4)
4. He opens the Book – And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5a)
5. Ezra raised the book above the people – …for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it… (Nehemiah 8:5)
6. Ezra blessed the Lord – And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with theirfaces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:6)
7. Ezra brought understanding to God’s Word – Nehemiah 8:2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13
8. Ezra showed them the full purpose of God’s Word - …for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

What are We Building? (Part 2)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

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Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:7-23

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s family, God’s field and God’s temple. In the metaphor “temple” the primary thought Paul is trying to convey is the building of the local church. Many Christians only see the church and Christianity from an individual perspective. Paul gives us six principles to help us understand the importance of building church according to God’s plan. The first three we dealt with last week. Today we will look at the remaining three.

Principle #4 We Must Build With The Right Materials!
1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear;

Paul described two opposite kinds of building materials. Wood, hay and stubble – represents that which is passing, temporary, ordinary, common, cheap, easy to find. Gold, silver and precious stones – represents that which is permanent, beautiful, valuable and rare. There are some materials that are worthless and there are some materials that are valuable, lf you want to build something that will last… you have to build with valuable materials

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

How do we find wisdom?
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

We ask God!
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

We must learn humility
Psalm 25:4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day……25:9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.

We must keep seeking!
Proverbs 2:4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.

Principle #5 We Must Build For Eternity!
1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

Paul warns us that everything we do both as Christians and churches will one day be judged by Jesus much like a building inspector coming for final inspection. Some things may appear to be very successful to you and me as look on, but on that day, the Day of Judgment, Jesus is going to come to destroy all the work that has not been built upon Him.

Principle #6 We Must Build With The Right Motive!
1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours.

The motive that must guide everything in our life is the glory of God.

The members of the Corinthian church were glorifying men instead of Christ and that was wrong. If they would have been seeking to glorify God alone, there would have been harmony in the assembly.

What are We Building? (Part 1)

Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

(or right click here to save to your computer)

Series: Christianity, Not the Way God Intended!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:7-23

The Corinthians had become selfish and immature causing them to loose sight of their mission to make their church an effective outreach to their city. In this chapter Paul instructs them with three powerful metaphors to guide them back to a right understanding of what God has called them to be and do. He reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s family God’s field and God’s temple. The metaphor Paul uses in verse 9 of the “temple” paints an obvious picture of a building. The usual explanation for this passage is that Paul is describing the building of the Christian life. And while there is an individual application to these verses, the primary thought that Paul is trying to convey is the building of the local church. Many Christians only see the church and Christianity from an individual perspective. Paul gives us six principles to help us understand the importance of building church according to God’s plan. Today we’ll look at the first three.

Principle #1 – The Church Belongs To God!
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

Principle #2 – The Leaders Of The Church Must Be Good Builders!
1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation,

Principle #3 – We Must Build On The Right Foundation!
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.