Nehemiah chapter 11:1-2

Nehemiah chapter 11

vs. 1-2:            Move to the country! People prefer fresh air and freedom to debris and crowded living in large cities.

            Jerusalem had to be saved, so the willing souls elected to live there and rebuild it.

1.         The majority of the people who had worked under Nehemiah’s leadership, owned property and homes outside of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:4 (KJV) 4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.

2.         Those who willingly offered themselves were blessed.

            A.        They knew that some must volunteer for the sake of their capitol city.

            B.        They wanted peace, and they had to pay the price for that peace.

            C.        They believed in cooperation. All of this meant self denial.

Many missionaries volunteer to live in crude and primitive lands, they make a tremendous sacrifice.

Our best help to a dying world is to go into its darkest parts with the saving, healing, sanctifying, and unifying light of Jesus Christ.

3.         We may all be willing souls.

            A.        When God calls us to obey His Spirit in the evangelization of men, we should answer as Rebekah did in Genesis 24:58:

Genesis 24:58 (KJV) 58And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

            B.        When the call comes for financial aid in building a house for worship, we should respond as Israel did.

Exodus 35:29 (KJV) 29The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Psalms 110:3 (KJV) 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power,. . .

            C.        Christians are willing when they see and feel real spiritual power at work.

Isaiah 1:19 (KJV) 19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV) 12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

            D.        God will comfort those who have very little to give.

1 Chronicles 29:5b (KJV) . . .. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

4.         We must keep Christ prominent in ALL church activities.

            A.        The personality of Christ can attract all ages.

            B.        If Christ does not fit into present programs, SCRAP THEM! Church needs to be 100% Christian.

            C.        If we need power to pull tempted members away from worldly entanglements, then Christ has it!

            D.        The Holy Spirit is here for just that purpose, to attract people to our Savior.