This sermon is a review of a series of 6 sermons on the subject of “Community and Mission” preached in the spring. It was preached as a “kickoff sermon” for a new season of our covenant discipleship groups.
Read John 13:34-35
Repopulating Jerusalem
After the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the city was still empty because people were living in the towns and villages. This passage shows how the city was repopulated. It is an initial fulfillment of the prophecies of the revitalization of Jerusalem. These prophecies are further fulfilled in the growth of the NT church and will be completely fulfilled in the New Jerusalem.
Read Nehemiah 11
Divorce
Jesus teaches that divorce is only permitted if a spouse has committed adultery. To marry someone who has been divorced for any other reason is to commit adultery. People who are married must see their marriages as a life-long commitment and be careful to nurture their relationship.
Read Matthew 5:31-32
Supporting the House of God
This passage records the commitment that Israel made to support the Temple and its ministry. NT believers are called to support the church and its ministry.
Read Nehemiah 10:32-39
Anger and Reconciliation
In these verses Jesus teaches the meaning of the sixth commandment showing that it prohibits sinful anger and insulting others as well as murder and requires speedy reconciliation when conflicts arise.
Read Matthew 5:21-26
The Sabbath Year
As part of their covenant renewal commitment the people of Israel commit to obey the mosaic laws concerning the Sabbath year. The sermon describes the Sabbath year law and draws out implications for today.
Christ Fulfills the Law (2)
This sermon deals with how the various kinds of OT laws apply to us today in the light of the fact that Jesus came to fulfill the Law.
Read Matthew 5:17-20
We Will Keep the Sabbath
These passages deal with the matter of keeping the Sabbath. The sermon explores the importance of keeping the Sabbath law and some of the key aspects of its meaning.
Read Nehemiah 10:31 , 13:15-22
Christ Fulfills the Law (1)
In this passage, Christ describes his relationship to the OT and particularly to its laws as a response to the accusation from Jewish leaders that he had come to abolish the law. This sermon focuses on what Jesus means when he says that he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.
Read Matthew 5:17-20
Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
These passages deal with the matter of believers marrying unbelievers. They make it clear that God prohibits this and that there are serious consequences when God’s will is not followed. The sermon reflects on this subject in the light of God’s purposes for marriage.
Read Nehemiah 10:30; 13:23-27