Sermons

Jason is enjoying a much deserved vacation this week, so we welcome Craig Simonian, Jason's longtime friend, and Pastor of Vineyard of Morris Plains (NJ).  Craig challenged us to be the light of God's love in our community and in our world, especially in response to the darkness that seems so present recently He used Revelation 5 as a reminder that though we may not feel worthy to shine our light and share our God, Jesus is worthy and is walking out this life alongside us.

It would’ve been nice to end Nehemiah on Chapter 12, since chapter 13 reveals a reversion to old ways once again with which Nehemiah must deal strongly. In this chapter we learn we need to be uncompromising in areas of purity & faith. Our personal walk affects others. Our corporate walk must be guarded. We need to exercise our spiritual muscles; stay in the Word, in community & listen the Holy Spirit. And finally we need to pursue humility & faithfulness in our work for the Lord both corporately & individually. Come explore with us this final chapter of a great book. 

The Israelites are doing a lot of the right things, however, they historically haven’t fully grasped the message of Grace extended by God through Abraham. If they just go through the motions, this renewal will end with them in the same state as before or worse. But if they experience heart change and true reliance on God by grace through faith, deep life change will happen. God is inviting them closer to their positional reality of Grace in Nehemiah 11. 

We’re witnessing a revival in Israel beginning in chapter 8 of Nehemiah and now extending into chapter 9. This is where we find that confession is good for the soul, and leads into a deep attitude of praise & gratitude of God’s faithfulness even in light of their past unfaithfulness.