TIME TO GIVE THANKS

Sermon Notes, November 17, 2013

Pastor Jan Sinozich

Pastor Jan’s message was titled “Time to Give Thanks” and was based on Nehemiah 11:1-12:47.  The wall of Jerusalem is finished.  The people have heard and promised to obey God’s word, to tithe their produce and income.  Now in Chapter 11, Nehemiah decides to tithe the people, by arranging for 10% of them to move into the city from the surrounding towns.  Some people volunteer willingly, while others are chosen by “casting lots.”  These people show us four counter-cultural traits that apply to us today.

1. Move out of your comfort zone.  They were farmers, but were willing to move to the city for the sake of the kingdom.  What might God be asking us to do?  We need to be flexible, out of debt, listening for God’s voice, and praying for His will in all things.

2. Commit to holiness.  Jerusalem has been set apart for God’s use. The people are to keep the Sabbath and offer the sacrifices in the temple.  To live in the holy city is a great privilege, but also a challenging responsibility.  Holiness comes through full surrender to God; we are holy because God is holy.  And we give Him control to direct our lives.

3. Mobilize for ministry.  There are people with the gift of leadership, not only the priests and Levites (in v. 1) but “provincial leaders,” (v. 3) who are pacesetters, setting the example for those who follow.  There are people with administrative gifts, making sure that things function well.  There are people who have gifts of serving and helping, keeping things in good repair, and serving in areas of their giftedness.  We are saved to serve, and although no one can do everything, everyone can do something.

4. Adore God in worship.  The primary purpose of worship is the celebration of God.  We do this with thanksgiving and praise, and dedicating ourselves to Him.  The secret of acceptable worship is not just what we do, but how we do it.  We are to come with joyful hearts, jubilant songs, expressing our adoration and praise with a variety of musical gifts.  The leaders and the choirs walked on top of the wall they were dedicating.  It was a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness, not only to the people but to the watching world.  It was a symbolic act by which the Jews stepped out in faith to claim God’s blessing.  In order for worship to continue, the people responded with offerings, to be given gratefully and regularly (v. 37).  As Thomas Adams, a colonial Puritan, said, “Let us do with our goods, while we live…to part with what we cannot keep, that we may get what we cannot lose.”