Title: Reformation
Contents
The book of Nehemiah records the story of the Israelites who returned from the Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in order to live a God-centered and worship-centered life despite many difficulties (chapters 1-6).
When the wall construction was completed, all the Israelites gathered together and read the Bible, the word of God, from dawn to noon. And I repented. I repented for not obeying God's command (9:16). I repented for not remembering the miracles God had done (9:17). He repented of trying to return to the land of his slavery (9:17). Even if it is a little difficult, it is repenting of a life that distanced itself from God.
Following their repentance, they made a decision. Prohibition from marrying strangers (10:30), holy water on the Sabbath day (10:31), and to take care of God’s temple (10:33) to give firstfruits to God (10:35), and to pay tithes (10) :37) I have decided. After the completion of the walls of Jerusalem, such a remarkable revival of faith took place.
However, after about 10 years passed... The people of Israel began to distance themselves from God again. Even so quickly. They again intermarried with Gentiles (13:23-30), broke the Sabbath (13:15-18), paid tithes to God and neglected the temple (13:10-11).
After returning from Babylon, Nehemiah saw this reality and carried out the religious reform again. That is the verse of Chapter 13 today. Nehemiah rebuilt the Levites to take care of God's temple (13:10-11). The people were forced to tithe again (13:12). The Sabbath was restored (13:19-21). Intermarriage with strangers was again forbidden (13:28, 30-31). The reason why the Israelites became a big problem for intermarrying with Gentiles was that they became idolatrous and they turned away from God. (Solomon's example)
Today, on Youth Sunday, we want to take time to look back on our faith through Nehemiah's reformation, realize what kind of religious reform we need, and make a decision.
1. We must restore the full tithing life.
- Tithing is a clear confession of faith that God is Lord. A life of tithing becomes a life used by God. Be a person of faith who enjoys giving to God. Experience God's living work and blessings through tithing.
2. We must restore our faith in the Sunday holy water.
- To the disobedient people of the Sabbath, Nehemiah reminded Israel's ancestors that the Sabbath was broken and that their descendants today are suffering as a result. We must remember that working on the Day of Recognition is not a blessing, but keeping the Sabbath day holy is a blessing. In 2011, I hope that all members of the church will actively participate in the church's public worship.
3. We must restore the pure faith to serve only God.
- You must have faith that puts your complete hope and faith in God, rather than relying on other things while serving God. Saints! If we hold on to God, we can be used preciously. When God is with us, we can do great things. We know the story of the 12 spies of Israel. It's a 10:2 ratio. There are very few people of faith. But God is looking for people of faith. God works through people of faith.