Nehemiah 7:1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them : and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. 4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
Three men caused Israel to be a mighty nation: Saul, David, Solomon
David (40 yrs) was faithful, had military might.
Saul eventually compromised.
Solomon compromised -> tribes split
If you want God's blessing you can't compromise.
You cannot have a strong church without a strong leader/preacher.
II Chronicles 36; Psalm 137:4
The southern 2 tribes called Judah, other 10 tribes called Israel
3 things destroyed by Babylon
1) The house of God
2) The wall around the city
3) The homes inside the wall
3 groups returned to Jerusalem after the Medes and Persians overthrew Babylon
The were led by Zerububel, Ezra, and Nehemiah
Many people stayed in Babylon (the world)
Ezra- rebuilt the house of God
Nehemiah- rebuilt the wall, then homes inside the wall were rebuilt
Remnant- small group keeping with godly principles
Song of Solomon 1:6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
I Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Haggai 1:1-11 more people were concerned about rebuilding homes than the house of God.
I Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
You need to be more than just faithful a keeping your regular pew warm, do the work of the Lord!
