Nehemiah 3:1-32
Nehemiah chapter 3 is all about work -- how individuals pitched in and did work together.
The people are rebuilding the gates of the wall. The gates were the critical entry and exit points to the city, and the places most likely to see an enemy to attack. Therefore, the work strategically started at each gate and worked out from there.
… The first ones to jump in and help were the priests. That would be pastors today. This is a great example of servant leadership. They weren’t the only ones helping though, others also helped rebuild the wall. … Even people from Tekoa, a place outside the city, helped rebuild. They were not going to get the same protection from the wall as those who live there, but they knew their temple was there and wanted to help. But not everyone from Tekoa helped; their nobles stayed behind. Matthew 20:25-26 shows us how leaders should act though; it tells us to be servant leaders.
The most important gift you have is your availability to serve the Lord.
… The people rebuilding the wall worked on sections near their own homes and far away from their homes. This is an example of how we must do God’s work both locally and far away. … In Nehemiah 3:11 we see Malkijah working on the wall, serving God. He is also mentioned in Ezra 10 when Ezra confronts him for marrying a non-Jew. Now he is rebuilding the wall. Don’t let past mistakes keep you from serving God. … Nehemiah 3:12 shows a family working to help rebuild the wall. It is good to serve God with your family. … The end of Nehemiah 3:30 shows us a man with a single room apartment (the Hebrew word for “living quarters” means the equivalent of “one room apartment”) work on the wall. Everyone can serve.
Two observations:
The church has to work together to accomplish God’s mission. … This wall was continuous and so is the Great Commission. We have an ongoing job to reach the lost. Every day, babies are born and they grow up and need to know about Christ.
The family plays a crucial role in God’s mission. … Serving God with your family gives a pattern for your family to follow.
[This next part is specific to my home church, but feel free to read it.]
So how does Serve Coffee County work?
We have organized five service opportunities in our community:
College Street Elementary
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
North Coffee Elementary
Westwood Elementary
Student Ministry Space Renovation
At each of these locations, there are project coordinators who are leading the work being done.
We have all of the details in place -- we just need people to help us serve
That’s where you can help!
To be a part of Serve Coffee County, you can sign-up through a website: http://servecoffeecounty.com
All you have to do to sign-up is:
Fill out the registration information
Select the location(s_ and time(s) you would like to serve
Each location has different dates and times for work days
Select t-shirt size
Hit submit
After you complete registration-- You will receive a confirmation email and you will be added to the rosters of each location you registered for.
Your project coordinator will contact you before the scheduled workdays to remind and prepare you for anything you need to bring.