“And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” – Nehemiah 9:38
After Nehemiah had successfully rebuilt the physical city of Jerusalem, God put it in his heart to rebuild the spiritual community of Israel. For far too long their lives had been centered on the cultural and social values of the world around them. So the first thing Nehemiah did was to bring people back to the city in order to establish a close sense of community. Next, he made God’s Word a priority again by having Ezra proclaim it and the Levites explain it carefully to them. Then they had a joyful feast together and rejoiced in God’s goodness. Finally, the people responded by reaffirming their covenant relationship with God and committing to make Him the center of their lives.
In the same way, Jesus has come to rebuild our spiritual lives. He invites us into a community of other believers where we can support each other. That’s why being a part of a home gathering is so important. Next, He makes His Word come alive in our hearts and the Holy Spirit helps teach us what it means. That’s why it’s so beneficial when we discuss scripture together. He also fills our hearts with joy by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sharing a meal is always such a joyful way to celebrate God’s goodness as we grow in our spiritual friendship. Finally, Jesus established a new covenant with us by His sacrifice on the cross. That’s why we take communion together every week in home gatherings, because it reminds us of God’s grace towards us and reaffirms our commitment to make Him the center of our lives.
Have a wonderful time gathering with your home group tonight for fellowship, communion, Bible discussion and prayer. If you don’t attend one yet, call a friend who does and ask if you can go with them.
After Nehemiah had successfully rebuilt the physical city of Jerusalem, God put it in his heart to rebuild the spiritual community of Israel. For far too long their lives had been centered on the cultural and social values of the world around them. So the first thing Nehemiah did was to bring people back to the city in order to establish a close sense of community. Next, he made God’s Word a priority again by having Ezra proclaim it and the Levites explain it carefully to them. Then they had a joyful feast together and rejoiced in God’s goodness. Finally, the people responded by reaffirming their covenant relationship with God and committing to make Him the center of their lives.
In the same way, Jesus has come to rebuild our spiritual lives. He invites us into a community of other believers where we can support each other. That’s why being a part of a home gathering is so important. Next, He makes His Word come alive in our hearts and the Holy Spirit helps teach us what it means. That’s why it’s so beneficial when we discuss scripture together. He also fills our hearts with joy by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sharing a meal is always such a joyful way to celebrate God’s goodness as we grow in our spiritual friendship. Finally, Jesus established a new covenant with us by His sacrifice on the cross. That’s why we take communion together every week in home gatherings, because it reminds us of God’s grace towards us and reaffirms our commitment to make Him the center of our lives.
Have a wonderful time gathering with your home group tonight for fellowship, communion, Bible discussion and prayer. If you don’t attend one yet, call a friend who does and ask if you can go with them.
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