BUILDING A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY IN A BROKEN WORLD
The fascinating incidents surrounding Nehemiah not only remind us of the history of Israel, but its legacy is that many years later we can ‘super impose’ the picture it paints on our church and society right now. So much around us is damaged broken and unpleasant, but Jesus said that the thief (devil) comes to steal, kill and destroy but I have come so that you might have life (John 10: 10) The resource that we provide in our community is primarily a spiritual one and we must keep that as our number one focus and priority. Therefore the call of God upon us is to be seen to be a spiritual people who can offer hope, commit to pray and work towards a God transformed community. Nehemiah is not simply a renovation project, but a renewal of identity and faith with the maker of heaven and earth at the centre.
IN HIM YOU TOO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER TO BECOME A DWELLING IN WHICH GOD LIVES BY HIS SPIRIT (Ephesians 2:22) Emmanuel’s verse for 2012 which captures Nehemiah’s story in a sentence.
Nehemiah 1
The people of God have always lived and based their faith on God’s promise and so we wait in anticipation for fulfilment at every level. There are many times when things actually grow worse despite the promises of God for that situation. But spiritual people hold on to promise and know that a day is coming when God’s diary is opened and engaged. A look at the opening statements in Nehemiah set the pace and agenda for a spiritual people and we can identify with Nehemiah and his personal journey through these verses.
Here are five things that make a spiritual community.
1..A spiritual community asks the right questions (Nehemiah 1:2) Alongside the obvious questions about family and friends are we people who ask the concerned questions. Nehemiah’s story ignites with the answer to the question regarding Jerusalem. If we are going to be the resource of a spiritual community in a broken world then we need to ask the right questions. When you are sat with someone, open the conversation allowing the truth of hopelessness and despair to rise to the surface, and see what God does in you through that.
2..A spiritual community needs to cry (Nehemiah 1:4) For the many of us who have pondered the thought of what sort of a world our children will grow into, the realisation is that we can make a difference. So instead of Nehemiah just simply resigning himself to hoping it works out he cries at the obvious state of things and the lack that there is. Next week we begin our most significant week of 24/7 prayer and all of us are going to be moved by the Holy Spirit as we realise the truth facing us. Don’t just empathise with those you meet and share life with but allow what you hear to turn to tears.
3..A spiritual people discover the character of the real God (Nehemiah 1:5-10) The great apostle Paul stated that he wanted to ‘know Christ’ and I am convinced that the more we see of God and his nature the more our approach to life, faith and behaviour will be affected. Nehemiah knew His God, but discovered even more through this experience. The pure in heart will see God Jesus said!
4..A spiritual community takes time in God’s presence (Nehemiah 1:4) “For some days” is the statement recorded but it actually translates to four months, soaked and saturated in God presence. We believe this is the key to every activity, decision, and movement. A vital sign of a healthy church and healthy Christians is that they spend time in Gods presence both individually and collectively. Please show your family, friends, children and all who watch you that nothing comes in the way of time in the presence of the one we love.
5..A spiritual community refuses to settle (Nehemiah 1:11) Nehemiah had a comfortable position and was not the man responsible solely for the state of the city, however he recognised he had a part in it so his prayer is “we have not” verse 7, and he nervously approaches the king having decided that he carries a burden to do what he can do! This has implications for us in the comfort of where we are as a church, sorry the ride may become a little uncomfortable as we move forward and we take hold of God’s call at this time.
Spiritual growth and development don’t just happen – its a daily decision.
Please take 30 minutes with a coffee to visit the web-site and listen again (or for the first time) to this great message www.emmanuellichfield.com the bottom of the page Penny Bell 2012-01-15
Steve Speight (Rev)
Emmanuel Christian Centre
Lichfield
Staffs
steve@emmanuellichfield.com
www.emmanuellichfield.com
