2024 Theme: Rebuilding the Walls

January: Nehemiah Chapter 1

Motivation for Rebuilding the Walls – Love for God and Love for Man

1. Loving Concern (v.1-3) 

   1. Frequent communication and concern are channels by which Nehemiah received information about what God wanted him to do. Only by caring can we know what direction God wants us to work in. 

   2. Nehemiah took the initiative to ask concerning the Holy City. If we care, we would ask (1 Thess. 2:17, 3:1-6).

   3. Learning and observing the actual situation of the chosen people and the Holy City.

      1. The truth of the matter is revealed when there is communication between people through fellowship. 

      2. When a deep connection is established between them, there is an awareness from hearing about others’ troubles and burdens.

      3. This awareness brings a burden in the heart. 

      4. This weight of burden motivates a sense of mission. 

      5. A sense of mission comes from the inspiration of God. 

         1. Need to pay attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19).

         2. The light of the truth: Do not ignore the inspirations received through Bible reading and listening to sermons. Respond in a timely manner, and have God in your heart to deciding and acting. 

         3. The determination to act is the result of God’s work in the heart (Phil 2:13).

      6. When God moves you, you will take action. Only when you are moved by God, will you have the courage to take action for the Lord. 

2. Loving Intercession (v.4-11): Nehemiah’s Prayer 

   1. Fasting prayer (v.4): Fasting prayer is the secret to receiving power and turning the situation around. The key to Nineveh’s forgiveness was fasting prayer of repentance (Matt 17:14-21; Esther 4:15-17; Jonah 3:4-10). 

   2. Understanding God (vs 5): Nehemiah knew how merciful (v.5) and awesome God is (Deut. 7:21, 10:17). He is faithful and upholds His covenant in love (Deut. 7:9-11; 2 Thess. 2:13).

   3. A prayer that is persistent (v.6): Nehemiah knelt before God day and night to intercede for the servants of Israel for over four months (2:1). Those who cry out day and night to the Lord will be answered (Luke 18:1-7), just as Abraham fully believed God’s promise would surely come true (Romans 4:17-22); Waiting for God’s time (Psalm 27:14).

   4. A prayer of confession (v.6-7): Nehemiah repented and confessed the sins of himself and his family first. He shared in the sin of the electorate and he was the same as his brethren.

   5. A prayer that clings to God’s promises (v.8-9): Nehemiah held on to the promises of God out of faith (Deut. 28:62-65, 30:1-4). Praying according to the will of God is the most effective way to pray (1 John 5:14-15).

   6. A prayer of unity and reverence (v.10-11): Prayer is a kind of fellowship. Prayer in unity and in one accord is the most effective (Matt 18:19; Acts 4:24-31). 

   7. A prayer that asks for God’s grace (v.11): Nehemiah served for the sake of God’s name and His people. Although Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer, he found favor before the king because he was the servant of God. In everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Discussion Topics:

1. How could the council members take the initiative to concern the status of members and the works of the church in their busy lives? What inspiration does Nehemiah’s example give us?

2. Prayer is the foundation for promoting all kinds of the holy work. How can we enhance the participation of prayer session of the church and a life of prayer of members? What practices can be implemented in response to the annual theme? 

February: Nehemiah Chapter 2

Motivation for Rebuilding the Walls – God’s Hand of Grace and Man’s Hand of Work

1. According to the good hand of My God upon me (vs 1-8)

   1. Sorrow for God’s people and the Holy City made Nehemiah’s appearance sad (v. 2-3)

   2. Having determination and seizing the opportunities given by God (v. 4-6)

   3. God’s good hand moved the king to grant Nehemiah’s request (v. 7-8)

   4. Teachings:

      1. Always be joyful at work, and in the day of prosperity be joyful (Prov. 15:13; Eccl. 7:14)

      2. The Holy City (church) is desolate (no development), how can I not have a sorrowful face? Imitate the mood of the Lord Jesus (John 2:13-17)

      3. In our daily lives, we should establish the habit of praying and relying on God, including in our words, in our actions, during our travels, at home, and in our studies (Phil. 4: 6-7)

      4. Plans are necessary to get things done, to understand the obstacles along the way, and to get the help needed to move the holy work along. Furthermore, one needs to know to rely on God and grasp the opportunities given. Opportunities are in God's hands. When God stretches out His hands with grace, only the ones who are ready are able to seize the opportunity (Eccl. 9:11).

2. Nehemiah's wisdom and strategy (v. 9-16).

   1. As they arrived in the holy city safely, the enemies were disturbed (v. 9-10). 

      1. The enemies were like roaring lions (vs 10; 1 Pet. 5:8). The enemies did not want God's nation to be benefited. 

      2. Threatening: The enemies will not prevail. (Ps. 129:1-8).

   2. Examining the Walls at night, acting in secret (v.11-15)

      1. Nehemiah investigated on site at night in secret, calmly formulating a plan.

      2. He was attentive and low-key, checking secretly at night

      3. A wise man can be patient and withstand humiliation and shame (Prov. 12:16, 23)

   3. We should wait quietly for God's opportunity regarding holy work.

      1. Plan internally and ask God for guidance.

      2. Not revealing your thoughts or plans until the time is right. 

   4. Teachings:

      1. The enemy, Satan, does not want people to work for God's kingdom. They will resist those (Acts 13: 8-10, 19:26-27). Satan is the accuser of brothers (Rev. 12:9-10).

      2. Preparing for holy work requires practical analysis and thorough understanding of the details with diligence. One needs a comprehensive plan and lots of diligence to promote holy work (Prov. 27:23, Rom. 12:8, 11).

      3. Jesus set the example of acting in secret (Mt. 8:4, 12: 15-21). 

      4. We should wait calmly for God's opportunity regarding holy work. (Phil. 2:13; Psalm 130:5, 131:1-3)

3. God’s Servants Bravely Perform Good Work (v. 17-20)

   1. Nehemiah reminded the people of the desolation of the holy city and build consensus for reconstruction (v.17)

      1. “You see the distress that we are in”: He built consensus and achieve unity of one mind and heart. 

      2. “Let's rebuild the wall”: He came up with a solution, calling for everyone's participation.

   2. “I told them how God's hands helped me and what the king told me” (v.18): 

      1. Encourage people to do holy work by testifying about personal experiences. If God is working, how can we not act? We work with God. If God is working, we ought to work with Him (1 Cor. 3:9).

      2. “Let us rise up and build”:  Nehemiah reminded the people to have a sense of responsibility. Therefore, they set their hands to do good work.

   3. Resistance of the enemies (v. 19):

      1. Enemies discouraged the determination of the chosen people. They jeered at them and threatened them, trying to implement methods that were both hard and soft.  The enemies during the apostolic times also used similar strategies (Acts 4:16-17).

      2. Enemy #1: Sanballat the Horonite (2:10, 19, 4:1,7,6:1,5,13:28).  He was the leader of the Samaritans, and is a symbolic figure of a person who is full of flesh and anger.  From spiritual perspective, he is the leader of the spiritual enemy, the flesh (Jas 1:19-20). 

      3. Enemy #2: Tobiah the Ammonite (2:10, 19, 4:3, 7, 6:12, 17-19, 13:4-5): Tobiah represents lusts, which are contrary to the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:17). 

      4. Enemy #3: Geshem the Arab (2:19, 4:7, 6:1-2, 6): He represents the will of men (Mt. 16:21-23).

   4. Resisting the enemies with faith and courage (v.20)

      1. Steadfast faith: The heavenly God will help us succeed (Dan. 3:16-18)

      2. Submission to God's will: As God's servant, we need to rise and build (Acts 4:19-20).

      3. Never compromise: “In Jerusalem you have no part, no power, or remembrance;” (Gal. 2:4-5)

      4. Resist the devil out of submission to God (Jas. 4:7)

   5. Life application:

      1. In order to move holy work along, the foremost thing is to come to a consensus and achieve the unity of one mind and heart (Phi. 2:1-3).

      2. Encouragement from the leader of faith is very important. He needs to be involved to come up with a solution, calling for everyone's participation. Only by setting an example will he motivate everyone so that the work becomes effective.

      3. Sharing our experiences in faith is great encouragement to propel holy work (Phil. 4:13).

      4. We need to recognize the usual tactics of our enemy, Satan – ridicule, contempt, threats, methods both hard and soft (2 Cor. 2:11). We need to learn from the example of the apostles. (Acts 4:16-17).

      5. Submit to God (Jas. 4:7) and resist the devil with strong faith (Dan 3:16-18); have an uncompromising attitude for the truth of salvation (Gal. 2:4-5)

Discussion Topics:

1. How should we begin to move the works of the church today?

2. What work do we see that the church needs the most to promote right now? What work can I personally help with? In terms of the long-term development of the church, what preparations do we need? What should I do?

3. How can we build up unity among the church council? Among the church members? 

March: Nehemiah Chapter 3

Start Building the Walls – Mobilizing Everyone

1. Reconstruction is holy work that all people participate in: regardless of gender, age, occupation, race or status.

2. Principles of repairing:

   1. Build on the original foundation

   2. The temple area was the starting point for construction

   3. Grouped by teams to build section by section. There was strong division of labor, with cooperation and coordination. Nothing was overlooked.

3. Distribute work and perform each one’s duties: Make repairs in front of his own house.

   1. Jedaiah made repairs in front of his own house (v.10): Jedaiah means “prayer, praise”, which refers to one needs to repair “the wall of prayer and praise”.

   2. Benjamin made repairs opposite his own house (v.23): Benjamin means “son of the right hand” refers to one needs to repair “the wall protected by God”. 

   3. Hashub made repairs opposite his house (v.23): Hasshub means “considerate and thoughtful.”  This means to repair “the wall of considering God’s heart”.

   4. Azariah made repairs by his house (v.23): Azariah means “whom the Lord helped” refers to building a wall that pleased God and received God’s help.

   5. All priests made repairs, each in front of his own house (v.28): Priests are people who especially serve God. This refers to building the wall to serve God. 

   6. Zadok made repairs in front of his own house (v.29): “Zadok” means righteousness. It means to repair “the wall of righteousness and peace”.

   7. Mishulan made repairs in front of his own house (v.30): “Meshullam” means friend and friendship. It means to repair “the wall of becoming God’s friend”.

4. Building the City Gates, Building the City Walls, and Coordination

   1. Sheep Gate (v.1): located in the northeast region of the Holy city. The Lord is the Sheep’s Gate. Man must enter through Christ in order to receive an abundant life (Jn. 10:7-10).

   2. Fish Gate (v.3): located in the northwest region of the Holy city. The Lord wants us to catch souls as fish, so that people will follow Him. (Mt. 4:19).

   3. Old Gate (v.6): Located where the west wall turns to the northeast, it may be the corner gate, which represents the Lord carrying the cross and dying for sinners (Mt. 27:33-34).

   4. Valley Gate (v.13): Located in the southwestern corner of the Holy City. This represents members should imitate the Lord and hide themselves (Mt. :30)

   5. Refuse Gate (v.14): Located in the southeast corner of the Holy City. This represents getting rid of everything filthy and sinful in the world. (2 Peter 2:20)

   6. Fountain Gate (v. 15): Located at the King’s pool, the Pool of Siloam. This refers to the source of living water. (John 4:14)

   7. House Gate (v.20): It is the gate of the house of the high priest, Eliashib, which means it is sanctified to the Lord (Ex. 28:36).

   8. Water Gate (v.26): The gate on the east side of the city through which the spring water passes. This represents the rivers of living waters springing up (John 4:10).

   9. Horse Gate (v.28): Located in the east to the north, it is the gate for the king’s horses to enter the city.  This represents spiritual battle (Jer. 31:40; Rev. 6:2)

   10. East Gate (v.29): The eastern entrance of the temple, where the glorious light of the God shines from the east (Ezek. 43:1-4).

   11. Hamifocha Gate (v.31): In the northeast corner of the temple area, or translated as "inspection gate", it means gathering and distributing, indicating unity with the Lord (John 17:22-23)

   12. Ephraim Gate (8:16): in the northwest of the temple. It means double abundance (Gen. 41:52), which means suffering and prosperity (Gen. 48:20).

Discussion Topics:

1. It is a very challenging task to rebuild a vast city wall, but it can be completed quickly after mobilizing all and dividing into sessions (took 52 days only). How should we apply this to promote the works of the church? 

2. In rebuilding the wall, what inspirations does the strategy of "make repairs in front of one's own house" bring to us regarding the restoration of the church?

3. Are there members in the church who are willing to participate in Holy work, but have not been assigned anything? How do we get them involved? 

April: Nehemiah Chapter 4

Building the Walls and Defending Against Enemies

1. Being able to see through the enemy’s tactics to attack our hearts (v.1-6).

1. One of the adversary’s tactics: teaming up, sneering, mocking (v.1-3): To make the people lose confidence in themselves, lose confidence in God, and lose confidence in the results of their work.

2. Overcome enemies with prayer (4-5): Overcome the enemy’s opposition with prayer, and pray to God even when you are being despised.

3. The people focused on the work (v.6): Don’t pay attention to the enemy’s schemes

2. The strategy to break through the enemy’s attack on the holy city (v. 7-15)

   1. The second tactic of the adversary: conspire to attack and disturb the city (v. 7-8).  Nehemiah’s first countermeasure was to lead the people to pray to God. His second countermeasure was to send watchmen to guard day and night (v. 9).

   2. The third tactic of the enemy: go into their midst without them knowing to kill them and cause the work to cease (v.11); because there were vulnerabilities among the people, and the strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish (v. 10). The first countermeasure is to help each other (v. 12); the second countermeasure is to arm the people to defend against the enemy (v. 13); the third countermeasure is to encourage everyone in their faith to rely on God to fight bravely (v. 14). 

   3. The enemies’ plans fell apart, and they retreated because their intensions were plainly seen. God had brought their plans to nothing and the people held on to their post and everyone returned to his work (v.15). 

3. Nehemiah’s work strategy for Rebuilding the Walls (v.16-23)

   1. Division of labor (v.16): Half of the servants worked and half held weapons. “The leaders stood behind the people to strengthen them (v. 16). This is the spirit of emphasizing work and prayer (Acts 6:1-4); Strengthening weaker brethren is entrusted by the Lord and a key to internal pastoral work. (Lk 22:32, Acts 14:21-23).

   2. Be alert and cautious: The people worked with one hand and held weapons with the other hand (v. 17), and builders all girded with a sword at his side (v.18).  Do not forget to cultivate spirituality when working (1 Cor. 9:27, 1 Tim. 4:16). When doing holy work, always carry the sword of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:17).

   3. Connected and united: “The one who sounded the trumpet was beside me” (v.18), “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (v.19-20). Watchmen are people who oversee and are prudent for all (Acts 20:28). If the enemies attack or there is danger, we can call for companions to help, to care for one another, and to rely on the Lord with one heart to overcome the enemy (Acts 4:24-33).

   4. Grasp the opportunity to work and work diligently: “We labored from daybreak until the stars appeared” (v. 21).  We must be diligent and dedicated, while seizing the time to work (Jn. 9:4, Eph. 5:16).

   5. Be alert and guarded at all times: “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day”; Do not take off your clothes at night, and carry weapons when drawing water (v. 22-23). Leaders set the example and are never lazy, Be alert and sober (1 Thess. 5:5-8)

Discussion Topics:

1. What attacks from Satan do we see in our church? 

2. What countermeasures can we learn from Nehemiah to face these attacks? 

3. How can we stand together in unity to support one another and to serve the members? 

May: Nehemiah Chapter 5

Resolving Internal Crisis

1. Economic Crisis Emerges (v. 1-5): Economic problems will turn into family problems, causing unrest and division

   1. Great outcry and complaint from the people’s homes (v. 1)

   2. A large population but a lack of food (v. 2) 

   3. Mortgaged lands, vineyards, and houses to buy grain (v. 3)

   4. Borrow money to pay taxes (v. 4)

   5. Children became slaves (v. 5)

2. Nehemiah’s solutions to the crisis (v. 6-13)

   1. Nehemiah understood the crux of the problem: the rulers did not obey the law. He was angry with the merciless injustice of the wealthy.  (Ex 22:25; Deut. 23:19-20)

   2. “After serious thought” means after consideration and not in anger (v. 7; James 1:19)

   3. Gathered and rebuked the assembly to expose mistakes (v. 7). Nehemiah gathered the assembly to expose the situation and to stop it from happening again. Gathering an assembly not only has the power of public opinion, but also can educate the public. Errors are publicly pointed out to show there is still justice. 

   4. Point out their errors and its consequences (v. 8-9): “According to our ability we have redeemed our Jewish brethren who were sold to the nations. Now indeed, will you even sell your brethren?” “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?” This gave Gentiles an opportunity to slander the people of God. 

   5. Exhort what they ought to do (v. 10-11): Leaders should lead by example and help the saints who are in need. (Rom. 12:13; 1 John 3:17-19, James 2:14-17)

   6. Encourage the people to make an oath of promise and to act according to God’s laws (v. 12-13): Through the guidance of the priests, the people are awakened to respect God and love others. 

3. Leaders lead by example, and practice God’s teachings (v.14-19)

   1. Nehemiah gave up the rights and provisions that were due to him: He did not demand the governor’s provisions for 12 years, because he cared about the people and the bondage was heavy on the people (the taxes collected by the people). (v. 14, 18)

   2. Nehemiah’s approach to care for the people was different than previous governors, because of the fear of God (v. 15): Fearing God is to not follow currents of the world and the foundation of holiness.  The fear of God is the inherent motivation of resisting the pollution of sin.

   3. Nehemiah deeply understand the timing of the situation, to build the city wall with diligence, and did not buy any land for personal gain (v. 16): The master and his servants all gathered to do the work without holding authority over and abusing the people. “Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?” (2 Kgs. 5:26-27)

   4. Nehemiah received the people and the rulers with abundant love everyday (v. 17-18): God remembers all the good deeds of His people, and will show kindness and blessing.  “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” (Prov. 19:17)

Discussion Topics:

1. How do we face any injustices that may occur among the members at church? 

2. If you find something is wrong in your working place, but others are doing it, do you want to follow it? Nehemiah said: But I do not do it because of the fear of God. What does this example give you? What kind of inspiration? Share your experience of saying “no” to sin or temptation.

3. As church council members, how do we not exercise authority over the members? 

June: Nehemiah Chapter 6

See through the Tactics of the Enemy and Complete the Work

1. The enemy’s first tactic: private invitations, luring leaders away from their posts, and harming them when they are alone (v. 1-4)

   1. The wall was rebuilt and there were no breaks left in it, but the doors were not hung in the gates yet. The work was not yet completed, and the enemies could find gaps and breaches to enter. At this time, it is easy for a leader to relax, and for the enemy to surprise them. Enemies may take seize the opportunity for one last chance to set up temptations. The closer holy work is to its completion, it is even more necessary to be vigilant and guard against enemies lest all your work is in vain.

   2. “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” (v. 2): The plain of Ono is very far away from Jerusalem, to lure him away from his post, and to attack when he was alone. 

   3. Nehemiah saw through the enemy’s tricks, stood firm, and focused on the work (v.3-4): “Why should the work cease?” Satan is good at pretending to be an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13-15); The enemy repeated four times to show their relentless intention (v. 4).

2. The enemy’s second tactic: False testimony to frame them (v. 5-9). After the plan failed, the enemy intensified and spread rumors through messengers. 

   1. The fifth time the enemy sent someone to meet Nehemiah with an open letter in his hand (v. 5): The letter was deliberately unsealed as an open letter to spread rumors through the messenger. 

   2. Spreading Rumors and Showing False Concern: “It is reported among the nations...that you and the Jews plan to rebel...you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together.” (v. 6-7)

   3. The purpose of false testimony: to cause fear and trembling hands so that the work cannot be accomplished. (v. 8-9)

   4. How to See Through the Enemy’s schemes: Send messengers to strongly deny the rumors, pray, and rely on God for strength (v. 8-9)

3. The enemy’s third tactic: Priests and prophets bribed to lay traps (v. 10-14)

   1. Shemaiah (possibly a priest or prophet) was bribed, under the pretense of receiving a revelation from God, pretended to care about Nehemiah’s safety and wanted to lure him into the temple (v. 10, 12)

      1. Who did Sanballat, Tobiah and others bribe? Shemaiah, the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets (v. 14)

      2. The enemy bribed the priests and prophets: to attack leaders, to intimidate with lies, to set traps with deceitful words, to spread evil words and slander (v. 12-14)

   2. How to see through the enemy’s schemes?  

      1. Nehemiah’s first countermeasure: Recognize his identity and role: “Who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life?” Someone like me is not a priest, how can I enter the temple to save my life? Only fugitives could enter the temple (2 Kgs. 1:50; 2:28).

      2. Nehemiah’s second countermeasure: Be loyal to duties: The leader who built the wall was assigned the task by the king to rebuild the wall.

      3. Nehemiah’s third countermeasure: Discern with spiritual perception (v. 12): No one but priests and Levites could enter the temple area and non-priests were prohibited from entering the temple. Nehemiah could see clearly and not be fooled because he was very clear about God’s words and laws.  We should equip ourselves with the words of God and mature so we can discern and see through the enemy’s tricks. The poison of the enemy was wrapped in a sweet sugar coating. 

      4. Nehemiah’s fourth countermeasure: pray and ask the Lord to protect and prevent the enemy from overcoming (v. 14, Luke 22:31-32)

4. The enemy’s fourth tactic: The enemy used the opportunity infiltrate by befriending the nobles, become in-laws through marriage, become informers, and secretly sabotage (v. 15-19)

   1. The wall was finished and the enemies were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (v. 15-16): Under the constant threatening and harassment of the enemies, this huge project was completed in just 52 short days. With the abidance of God, the impossible becomes possible. Nothing is impossible for God (Gen 18:14). When God’s work is revealed, the enemy becomes afraid (Mark 5:6-8)

   2. The treacherous enemy would not stop attacking God’s kingdom from within (v. 17-19)

      1. Tobiah befriended the nobles of Judah through letters and exchanging letters. (v. 17)

      2. Tobiah allied with many of the people of Judah (v. 18) because he was the son-in-law of the priest. 

      3. Tobiah married into the priest’s family (v. 18): His son was married to a worker’s daughter. 

      4. Tobiah’s hypocrisy won the people’s hearts. “Tobiah sent letters to frighten me” (v. 19)

      5. Tobiah moved into the courts of the temple (13:7-8)

   3. After the Holy work is completed, be careful of another attack and trap from Satan (Luke 10:17-20)

      1. Satan still uses ancient methods to attack the true church. The last thing he wants to see is the unity of God’s people and the restoration of the true church. 

      2. Satan first obstructs the major work of rebuilding the wall. If this fails, he will use tricks to tempt the leaders, or make the church lose the leader, or spread rumors against the leaders, so that they lose the trust of the church. Then they will use hypocrisy to infiltrate the believers, befriending believers to steal their hearts, take the opportunity to undermine the holy work, and gain legal status through marriage relationships, and then become a loudspeaker to broadcast good deeds to penetrate and corrupt the faith of the believers in God. We need to vigilant, see through the enemy’s tactics, be on guard and prevent Satan’s schemes from succeeding.

Discussion Topics:

1. What spiritual battles have you experienced in the past when trying to complete holy work? What tactics has Satan used to prevent you from finishing holy works? 

2. How can we remember who our role is, and to focus on our duties and work? 

3. Are there any Tobiah’s in our church today that we need to be careful of?

July: Nehemiah Chapter 7

Delegate Duties to Build the Holy City

1. Delegate Duties: After the city wall is completed and the doors were installed (v.1-4)

   1. A gatekeeper appointed: to watch and be sober (1 Peter 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6)

   2. Appoint singers: emphasize importance to music ministry (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16)

   3. Appoint the Levites: devote themselves to serving (Romans 12:11, 1 Peter 4:10)

   4. Appoint those who are in charge of the holy city: to manage the opening and closing of the city gates. Qualifications: to be faithful; to fear God more than many

   5. Appoint the residents of the holy city to guard the areas opposite their houses in their divisions, because the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt (v.3-4): Establish a ministry committee (Romans 12:3-8)

2. Check the Genealogy of the first wave of people who returned (v.5-65)

   1. Motive: inspiration from God (v.5). God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13)

   2. Method: Gather the people to register by genealogy (v.5)

   3. Basis: The genealogy of those who returned for the first wave of those who returned (v.5). They are all those who were inspired by God to return (Ezra 1:3)

   4. Purpose: To show that the rebuilding of the Holy City is a continuation of the rebuilding of the temple, and experience can be found from history

   5. The genealogy and number are precise: God values ​​every elect

   6. The order of counting the people: first count the common people (v.8-42), then count the clergy (v.43-60)

   7. The order of the workers: those who serve God first (priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers), those who serve men last (Nitinim, servants of Solomon).

   8. People whose genealogy are unknown (v.61-62)

   9. Priests who have lost their lineage (v.63-65): Marrying a foreign woman is the main reason. He is considered unclean and is not allowed to serve. He is not allowed to eat holy things until the decision of the high priest.

3. Total Counts (v.66-69)

   1. The Whole Assembly: 42,360

   2. Male and Female Servants: 7,337

   3. Singing men and women: 245

   4. Horses: 736; Mules: 245; Camels: 435; Donkeys: 6,720

4. Total Financial Contributions (v.70-72): to support the cost of reconstruction

   1. Governor: 8.5 kilograms of gold; 50 Basins, 530 priestly garments

   2. Patriarch: 170 kilograms of gold, 1,320 kilograms of silver

   3. People: 170 kilograms of gold, 1,200 kilograms of silver, 67 priestly garments

5. All the people dwelt in their own cities (v.73): After their work is done, they can rest. God cares for all those who serve Him and belong to Him (1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 127:2).

Discussion Topics:

1. In our arrangement of Holy work, do we assign members the proper tasks according to their gifts? Are there members who may be overlooked?

2. How well do we know the members of our church? Do we know their genealogy (history of how they came to believe, how many generations of TJC faith their families are in)?

3. Are all our members accounted for and shown love by the church? Are there any members who may be alone?

August: Nehemiah Chapter 8

Restore faith--Hold Sacred Events

1. Bible Reading and Sermon Sacred Assembly (v.1-12)

1. 1. Date: The first day of the seventh month (the Sabbath is to be kept holy according to the law, Leviticus 23:24)

   2. Time: from early morning to midday

   3. Location: The open square in front of Water Gate

   4. Leader: Ezra the scribe

      1. Although Nehemiah was the governor, he asked the priest Ezra to read the law. He was suitable for the situation and respected the laws.

      2. Ezra knew the Book of the Law of God (Ezra 7:6)

      3. 13 helpers plus Levites on the right and left: rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

   5. Congregation: Those who heard with understanding (v.2-3)

      1. Only those who are poor in spirit and thirst can hear (Matthew 5:3, 6)

      2. Receive the truth with meekness (James 1:21)

      3. As the deer pants for the water brooks (Psalm 42:1-2)

   6. The attitude and spirit of listening to the sermon:

      1. Gathered Together: As one man (v.1), that is, of one mind and one mind

      2. Humility: requested on their own (v.1)

      3. Attentive: all the people were attentive (v.3)

      4. Sincerity: As soon as the Book of the Law was opened, all the people stood up (v.5)

      5. Submission: Lifted up their hands and answered: “Amen! Amen!” (v.6)

      6. A heart of reverence: bowed their heads, worshiped with their faces to the ground (v.6)

   7. Preachers: Priests and Levites

      1. Purpose: to make the people understand the law (v.7)

      2. Distinctly read the Book of the Law of God (v.8)

      3. Speak distinctly and made sure that the people understand the reading (v.8): Read, exhort, and teach (1 Timothy 4:13); prophesy and preach for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:3- 4)

   8. Impact: The faith of the people was revived and they were filled with great joy (v.9-12)

      1. When all the people heard the words of the Law, they wept (v.9) – they wept first

      2. Comfort and encouragement from leaders: “This day is holy to the Lord our God. Do not mourn nor weep.” (v.9-10)

      3. The joy of the Lord is the strength of the people (v.10)

      4. All the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly (v.12) - They all rejoiced greatly because they understood the words that were declared to them (v.12). The entrance of Your words gives life. It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130); Open my eyes, that I may see the wondrous things from your law (Psalm 119:18-19).

2. Observe the Feast of Tabernacles (v.13-18)

   1. The leaders loved God’s law: The day after the sermon sacred assembly, the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites proactively went to Ezra and wanted to pay attention to the words of the law (v.13)

   2. They wanted to understand the requirements of the law and what was lacking at the time - not keeping the Feast of Tabernacles (v.14-15); Church leaders must understand the Bible in order to lead believers according to God's will (1 Peter 5:1-4)

   3. Command the people to build tents according to what is written in the law (v.16)

      1. There was very great gladness in obeying God’s teachings (v.17)

      2. The significance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34-44); to commemorate their ancestors who dwelt in booths when they came out of Egypt (Leviticus 23:43); to inspire gratitude to God by remembering history.

   4. During the festival, Ezra read God’s law every single day

      1. Daily offerings and sacrifices (Numbers 29:12-40): Gathering to read the Bible and pray

      2. On the eighth day (the last day) there will be a Sacred Assembly (a solemn assembly): This is just like today when we hold Holy Communion after our Spiritual Convocation.

      3. The church will have great joy if she obeys God’s teachings (Acts 2:42, 46); No word from God is without power (Luke 1:37; John 6:63).

Discussion Topics:

1. In the sermons given at church, is there a reminder of God’s law that cause the people to listen and repent? How do the members respond to the sermons?

2. Are the members who listen to the sermons filled with understanding and meekness? How can we help them to be understanding and humble to receive the word of God?

3. Do we as leaders of the church love the law to proactively learn the word of God more in-depth? Do we understand the requirements of God’s law?

September: Nehemiah Chapter 9

Spiritual Renewal and the Determination to Journey on the Road to Revival

1. Hold a special prayer meeting (v.1-4)

   1. Time: 24th day of 7th month (the second day after the Feast of Tabernacles, the festival begins on 15th day of 7th month, a total of 8 days) in 445 B.C.

   2. Nature: Assembled with fasting, in sackcloth and with dust on their heads (v.1), indicating hardening one’s heart, contrition and repentance.

   3. Purpose: Separate yourself from all the Gentiles, stand and confess your sins and the iniquities of your fathers (v.2), Repent and Confess your sins (Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:8-9).

   4. Method: Pay equal attention to Bible reading and prayer (v.3). Read the Book of God’s Law for the first three hours, first listen to God’s teachings → Wash your body and mind with God’s words; then, confess your sins to God for the next three hours, humble yourself before God, and repent. Prayer→ Draw close to God through prayer.

   5. Leaders: the Levites (v.4)

   6. Lesson: The first step in the revival of faith—sorrow and repentance for sin

      1. Conscience of sin→ fasting and hardening one’s heart

      2. Confessing your sins→ Wearing sackcloth and ashes, feeling sad and repentant

      3. Abolition of sins→ separation from the Gentiles and sanctification

2. Content of prayer (v.5-38)

   1. Praise and honor the glorious name of God (v.5-6): God exists (“You alone are the Lord, God”), God created (“You have made all things”), God is glorious (“The host of heaven also worships You.”).

   2. The 2nd step in the revival of faith: Remember God’s various graces (v.7-25)

      1. Appreciate God’s grace of His election and choosing (v.7-8)

      2. Remember God’s saving grace (v.9-11)

      3. Remember God’s guidance (v.12)

      4. Remember the grace of God’s truth and teachings (v.13-14)

      5. Remember God’s nurturing grace (v.15)

      6. Remember God’s abundant love (v.16-21)

      7. Remember God’s great favor in providing the Promised Land (v.22-25)

   3. The 3rd step in the revival of faith: Confess our sins and appreciate God’s justice and love (v.16-19, 26-37)

      1. Confession of sins from past ancestors (v.16-19)

      2. Recognizing the sins during the time of the Judges (v.26-31)

      3. Confession of sins after captivity (v.32-37)

   4. The 4th step in the revival of faith: The Seal of the Covenant (v.38): Renewed obedience, responsibility to God

      1. A firm covenant made with God

      2. The leaders, the Levites and the priests all sign and seal the covenant

Discussion Questions:

1. Does our church pray enough? Is there a need to add in a special prayer as a congregation?

2. Do we balance reading the word of God and prayer equally as the people did during the time of Nehemiah?

3. Do we also confess the sins from the past? Or do we feel that what happened was from long ago and have nothing to do with us?

October: Nehemiah Chapter 10

Determined to Obey God’s Commands

1. List of signatories of the covenant (v.1-27): Leaders set the example: 2 governors, 21 priests, 17 Levites, 44 leaders of the people

2. All the people entered into an oath to observe and do all of God’s commandments (v.28-31):

   1. The rest who did not sign entered into a curse and an oath (v.28): the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands and submitted to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding.

   2. The content of the oath (v.29-31)

      1. Must walk in God’s Law which was given by Moses: respect God’s commands

      2. Observe and do all the commandments, His ordinances, and His statutes of the Lord God: do not only pick the parts you like.

      3. Do not marry the people of the land: maintain pure faith

      4. Observe the Sabbath and do not buy goods from the people of the land on the Sabbath

      5. Observe the Sabbath Year: Hold on to God’s grace (Leviticus 25:1-7)

   3. Lesson: Determined to obey God’s commands, we must start from two aspects:

      1. Family: Keep pure faith

      2. Career: Securing God’s Grace and Blessings

3. Donations and contributions (v.32-39)

   1. Each person contributes money every year to cover all expenses in the temple (v.32-33; Exodus 30:11-16)

   2. Regularly bringing wood offering to burn on the altar: one group is responsible for each year (v.34)

   3. Offer the firstfruits of the ground, the firstfruit of all fruits of all trees, the firstborn sons, the firstborn herd and flock (v.35-36; Leviticus 23:19; Numbers 19:23)

   4. All the people tithe (v.37-38): The children of Israel, the Levites, and the priests must tithe (Numbers 18:25-32)

   5. God’s storeroom is sufficient and God’s house has food, so those who serve will not leave the house of God (v.39)

Discussion Questions:

1. As church council members, do others see us as the example to obey God’s words? In what ways can we improve our actions to be better examples for the church?

2. Do we have a determination to obey God’s words in terms of our family and our careers?

3. Do we give the best of ourselves to God (offer the firstfruits, firstborn son, firstborn herd and flock? Not only financially, but heart, mind, and soul?

November: Nehemiah Chapter 11

Build a Stable Life

1. The Organization of the Holy City (v.1-24)

   1. The leaders of the people and a tenth of the people lived in Jerusalem (v.1)

   2. In addition, the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem (v.2)

   3. The number of people who lived in Jerusalem: Judah: 468 valiant men; Benjaminites: 928; Priests: 1,192; Levites: 284; Gatekeepers: 172.

   4. The duties of those who live in the Holy City

      1. Heads of the province: responsible for administration

      2. Priest: leader of faith, administrator of the temple (v.11), minister in the temple (v.12), heads of the father’s house (v.13), mighty men of valor (v.14)

      3. Levites: Assistants the priests. Manage the business outside of the house of God (v.16); leaders who began the thanksgiving with prayers (v.17); sing (v.22-23); keep the gates (v.19): Administrators.

2. Settle in your own land—live and work in peace and contentment (v.25-36)

   1. The rest of the Israelites, the priests and the Levites, lived in all the cities of Judah (v.3, 20)

   2. The cities where the children of Judah lived (v.25-30)

   3. The city where the children of Benjamin lived (v.31-36)

Discussion Questions:

1. Are our hearts settled in the spiritual Jerusalem, the church? Are we the ones who willing offer ourselves to have our hearts dwell in the church?

2. Do we know each of our duties as church council members to faithfully fulfill our responsibilities?

December: Nehemiah Chapter 12

City Wall Dedication Ceremony

1. Call together the priests and Levites---professional workers (v.1-29)

   1. The list of priests (v.1-7)

   2. The list of Levites (v.8-11)

   3. Priests and heads of the fathers’ houses (v.12-21)

   4. Levites and priests who had been heads of their fathers’ houses (v.22-26)

   5. Gather the Levites from all different places (v.27-29): to give thanks, to sing, to play cymbals, to play stringed instruments, to play harps, and to perform the dedication ceremony with joy

   6. Lesson: The church dedication ceremony should be held only after the church’s hardware (physical environment) and service systems (spiritual environment) have been completed.

2. The priests and Levites perform the purification ceremony first (v.30)

   1. Purify yourself first: Conquer your body first, and take care of yourself first (1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Timothy 4:16)

   2. Cleanse the people: sanctify them by the truth (John 17:17-19, Ephesians 5:26)

   3. Cleanse the gates and walls: Isaiah 26:1-2; 1 Peter 2:12-17

   4. Teaching: Whatever is offered to God must be holy (Romans 12:1, Psalm 24:3-4)

3. Hold a dedication ceremony (v.31-43)

   1. Nehemiah brought the leaders to the wall first: Leaders must go first in everything (1 Peter 5:1-4)

   2. Those who gave thanks were divided into two large thanksgiving choirs and lined up: with one heart and one mind.

      1. The first thanksgiving choir: Led by Ezra and led by faith (v.31-37), they circled the city from the west wall to the south and went straight to the Water Gate facing eastward.

      2. The second thanksgiving choir: Nehemiah led the team, with administrative leadership (v.38-39), from the west wall to the north around the city, and went straight to the Sheep Gate.

      3. Meeting in the house of God (v.40): One in Christ. The priests blow trumpets, the priests play music, and the singers sing loudly.

   3. The people offered great sacrifices and rejoiced (v.43): God made them rejoice, the whole people rejoiced, and the sound of joy reached far away.

4. Thanksgiving (v.44-47)

   1. Collect the portions that belong to the priests and Levites into the storehouse, and appoint people to manage the storehouse (v.44): When there are priests and Levites ministering, the people rejoice.

   2. Priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers all kept the charge of purification (v.45): You must always be clean before you can see God (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

   3. Give professional workers their due portion (v.46-47): Only by having no worries can you concentrate on serving God (Numbers 18:21-32).

Discussion Questions:

1. Do we cleanse ourselves before serving God? Are there any bad habits or worldly things that we need to continue to cleanse to continually sanctify ourselves to serve?

2. Are we also like Ezra and Nehemiah who also participated in the thanksgiving choirs? Or do members only see us as leaders who only delegate to others, but do not do any of the work?

January 2025: Nehemiah Chapter 13

Restoring fallen faith

1. Awakening after reading the law (v.1-3):

   1. After hearing the word of the law, the people learned that the Ammonites and the Moabites should never come into the assembly of God (v.1-2)

   2. They resolved to cut off from all mixed multitude (v.3): They obeyed the law and sanctified themselves to God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

2. Renewal of Faith #1: Cleansing the Temple of God (v.4-9)

   1. The temple was used for personal gain (v.4-5, 9): The priest who managed the storehouse was allied to his enemy Tobiah through marriage (v.4); The priest actually used the temple to serve as a large storeroom for God’s sacrifices. For Tobiah’s private use (v.5); but left the articles of the house of God and offerings outside (v.9).

   2. Reason: Nehemiah the governor was not in Jerusalem but returned to the king of Persia (v.6-7).

   3. How to clean the temple? (v.8-9): Drive out Tobiah, cleanse the storehouses, have zeal for the house of God, and do not tolerate sin (John 2:17)

   4. The evil things that Eliashib the priest did:

      1. The Ammonites, who were supposed to be separated and not qualified to join the church, were living in the temple!

      2. Allied with Tobiah in marriage so that the holy people were mixed.

      3. The priests took the lead in sinning against God.

      4. The priests abused their power.

      5. The priests despised the holy things of God.

   5. Lesson 1: See the devil’s method of destroying faith, using marriage to make enemies and friends indistinguishable. The priest allied with their number one enemy through marriage, turning their enemies into relatives of the priests. People who used to oppose God actually moved into the storehouse of the temple. As the leaders of the country have fallen, the faith of the people have also fallen. We must put on the whole armor of God to fight against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18)

   6. Lesson 2: Yielding to lust and friendship with the world are the main causes of the fall of faith (Gal. 5:16-17; James 4:4-5). To please God, one must have a heart and courage that is not afraid of offending others.

3. Renewal of Faith #2: Restoration of Sacred Workers (v.10-14)

   1. The breach: The people did not fulfill their duty to contribute, and the Levites had no one to provide for them, so they each ran back to their fields (v.10)

   2. How to fix the breach?

      1. Rebuke the rulers: Why have you forsaken the house of God? (v.11)

      2. Gather the Levites so that they can continue to serve (v.11)

      3. Encourage the people to resume tithing (v.12)

      4. Appoint faithful priests to manage the storehouses (v.13)

4. Renewal of Faith #3: Forbidding the Sabbath from being Broken (v.15-22)

   1. The breach: the people did not cherish the Sabbath. They seriously violated the Sabbath, and conducted business on the holy day (v.15)

   2. How to fix the breach?

      1. Warn the people (v.15-16)

      2. Rebuked and contended with the nobles of Judah (v.17-18)

      3. Shut the city gates and send people to manage the city gates (v.19)

      4. Warn those who break the Sabbath: Shut out the merchants to lodge outside the city (v.20-21)

      5. Command the Levites to cleanse themselves, guard the city gates, and sanctify the Sabbath (v.22)

5. Renewal of Faith #4: Prohibiting interracial marriage (v.23-29)

   1. The breach:

      1. The people married Gentiles, and their children spoke the languages of foreigners and did not speak the language of Judah (v.23-24)

      2. The bad example of the high priest (v.28-29): Giving the temple treasury to the enemy for private use, associating with Gentiles and marrying, profaning the priesthood, and breaking their covenant.

   2. How to fix the breach?

      1. Take action: rebuke and contend, curse, struck, pull out hair, make them swear (v.25)

      2. Instruction: Use King Solomon as an example to instruct the people (v.26-27)

      3. Drive out priests who marry enemies (v.28)

      4. Ask God not to forget the evil committed by the priests who defiled the covenant of priests and Levites (v.29)

6. Renewal of Faith #5: Restoration of Holy Service (v.30-31)

   1. To cleanse the people—to separate from all foreigners and everything pagan (v.30)

   2. Assign divisions of priests and Levites, each to his service (v.30)

   3. Appoint people to make regular offerings (v.31)

​Discussion Questions:

1. Have we made a determination and a resolution to cut ourselves from the world or mixed multitudes?

2. Do we have the zeal of Nehemiah who was not afraid to rebuke hypocrisy and evil acts committed by the priests and the people?

3. How can we improve our observing of the Holy Sabbath day? What actions can we take to help members keep the Sabbath day and keep it holy?