ESTABLISHING HIS KINGDOM (Part 7)

Key Texts: Nehemiah 7; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 9-14

THE THIRD BATTLEFRONT – Guarding the Gates of Our Families

It is easy for us to get lost in the names and numbers presented in Chapter 7. But like Chapter 3, there is more to be gleaned as we look deeper and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the truth of His Word.

As I read and studied this chapter, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me again and again that this chapter has to do with family. Nehemiah’s family, the families of the Israelites and especially our families. Family has always been important to God. Our earthly family (both biologically and spiritually – The family we have at home and our church family) is a microcosm of the overall family of God. It’s design, it’s need for love, leadership, nurturing, care, compassion, unity – all point to the characteristics of our God.

God not only wants us to Establish His Kingdom in the our hearts and in the world; He wants us to be instrumental in Establishing His Kingdom in our families. In fact, He has charged us with this responsibility -as moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandma’s and grandpas… As Pastors and Teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ, Spiritual moms and dads…

So what does Nehimiah tell us about this THIRD BATTLEFRONT – GUARDING THE GATES OF OUR FAMILIES

1. INSTILL The FEAR OF THE LORD
2. Set RIGHTEOUS BOUNDARIES (September 1 – Pushing The Boundaries)
3. MAINTAIN PURITY from the INFLUENCE of The World
4. SPEND TIME TOGETHER in the Presence of The Lord