“Happy New Year”
On Sunday morning, January 5, 2014, Pastor Mathew preached from Nehemiah 8-10 in a sermon entitled “Happy New Year.” (See full sermon transcript here). Pastor Mathew explained that God deals with his people on the basis of covenant and if we keep this covenant we enjoy covenant blessings. Nehemiah 9 describes God’s curse that came upon the people because of their covenant unfaithfulness. When the people confessed their sin and repented of it, God was faithful to show mercy and forgive their sin. At this time the Holy Spirit was poured out and the effects were tangible – leaders and people were united in heart and mind and there was a hunger for the Word of God, a desire for prayer, true repentance and faith, and more.
Pastor Mathew then outlined the steps of revival as we see them in Nehemiah:
- Love for the Word of God
We must read and understand God’s Word. When the Holy Spirit is moving, people are motivated to hear from God. As the people listened to the Word in Nehemiah they were cleansed and refreshed. - Repentance & Confession
In Nehemiah 9, we see the people experiencing godly sorrow for their sins. When the Holy Spirit is working there is conviction of sin. Unless the Holy Spirit is working people will not inquire what they must do to be saved. When God grants true repentance we own our sin, forsake it, and live a transformed life. - Renewing the Covenant
Also in Nehemiah 9, the people made a binding covenant to obey the Lord’s decrees. Obedience is not optional. The people agreed to: (1) Separation from the surrounding toxic culture, (2) Sabbath-keeping, and (3) Support of worship by bringing the whole tithe. - Enjoying Covenant Blessings
Sin depresses us. If we walk in obedience then “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
May we each enjoy covenant blessings in this New Year!
Brittany Spencer contributed this post.