Building for God

Studies from the Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah was still working in Babylon when his brother, Hanani, brought the sad news from the home country about the state of Jerusalem. The problems on the surface were of a physical nature, but underlying everything else was the spiritual state of things. The people of God who had returned home in order to rebuild with so much enthusiasm had lost the vision. They were in dire straits; the big issue was how and what could Nehemiah do about the situation?

The same story has been repeated throughout the history of God's people. When folk have been close to God there has been a vision, an enthusiasm and energy to carry out His will and purpose. When the focus of life changes to personal desire, accumulation of wealth and legalism the spiritual temperature goes to lukewarm. The result is apathy and a downward spiral into an eventual state of desperation which eventually turns individuals, churches, and nations back to God.

1. Broken Walls - Nehemiah 1:1-4

Preparation: Nehemiah  - what was the meaning of his name? When did he live? He was King Ataxerxes' cupbearer so what did he do? Can you find out anything else about him? When was the month of Kislev in the twentieth year? Where was the citadel of Susa?

Questions

1. Nehemiah broke down and wept when he heard that Jerusalem's walls still had not been rebuilt. Why did this upset him so much?
2. In a ‘largish' church we can easily get complacent. Are we fulfilling our potential? Can you identify any ‘broken walls' in our church?
3. What upsets you most, to make you ‘mourn, fast and pray' as Nehemiah did?
4. Are there any ‘broken walls' in your own life? Are you able to share this with your group or with someone in your group?
5. Pray for the ‘broken walls' in our church and in your life.

AP