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Nehemaeus 1-9 Final

Decent Essays

In the twentieth year of his reign, King Artaxerxes, observes Nehemiah feeling melancholy. He asks, “Why are you so sad?”
Nehemiah responds, "Why should my face not look so sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruin, and its gates have been destroyed by fire." (Nehemiah 1: 3)
"What is it you want?” the king then demands. (Nehemiah 1: 4)
"Send me to the city where my fathers are buried so I can rebuild it,” Nehemiah replies. (Nehemiah 1: 5)
To all reform minded priests: Follow Nehemiah's example. Rebuild (re-enter) the City of God. First, visit the king (the bishop). State your goals. Outline the process clearly. Have a plan. Tell the bishop you need his backing and apostolic authority to succeed. Do not settle for just a blessing. Obtain a mandate to finish the job as well as a promise from the Bishop that he will personally defend the reformation process against all resistance. (Nehemiah 1: 7 - 8) Set a definite timetable with a completion date.
“The gracious hand of God is upon you." (Nehemiah 1: 8)
Assess the damage secretly. Delay notifying those …show more content…

Insist that they meet you at Christianity's primal roots. Be impartial, yet partisan for Christ. Show favoritism only to children, outcasts, and the needy. Be faithful to Christ's Spirit. Meet people where they are. Then, graciously accept the accusation that you are not meeting people where they are. Challenge the bishop to defend his own ministry. Offer friendly support. Do not nag. State your position firmly and clearly. Do not trade away right worship to keep long-time parishioners in the community. Prepare to have wealthy parishioners leave. Never ask laity embarrassing questions that reveal their ignorance. Do not use your university training to play devils advocate with, or to befuddle and confuse, your detractors' best arguments or they will write you off as

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