The Book of Nehemiah

We are studying the book of Nehemiah in our week night Bible study. Last week we learned about the repairs done to all the gates along the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3). It's fascinating to see how our Christian walk is embedded so many times into the Old Testament through God's dealings with Israel. For example, have you heard about what the gates on the wall symbolize? If not, you can read a wonderful study about this by Jacob Prasch here:

The Gates of Jerusalem
www.moriel.org

It's pretty amazing. Especially when you compare the richness of a study like that, for only one chapter in Nehemiah, to what many churches are being fed as Bible studies and sermons. For example, churches who have adopted the purpose driven thing have sooner or later repeated a sermon on Nehemiah which is straight from a book (recommended by RW) by Dan Southerland on transitioning through changes. You can read about this wicked thing here, and its incorrect interpretation of the book of Nehemiah (which is promoted as being biblical). This view equates Sanballat (Neh. 4) to traditional Christians who resist the transitions which Bible believing churches must make when they become seeker friendly and purpose driven (as opposed to Spirit led). Such biblically grounded Christians are described (in this misguided view) as mean and ornery leaders from hell (see here).

Another incorrect way of interpreting the book of Nehemiah is being done by some in contemplative spiritual direction. For example, a book by Jan Johnson called Savoring God’s Word is being used in spiritual direction for those seeking purpose in their life. They are instructed to 'center' themselves with breathing exercises and relaxation. They then read slowly and meditate on the book of Nehemiah. Using the Lectio Divina or Ignatian style meditation method, they are instructed to visualize and imagine themselves in the story and see what images pop out at them, and then ponder on how their life is touched by this story.

In a day when Satan is using his ministers to twist and counterfeit scripture, it's become more important every day to be very careful to examine everything we hear.

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For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NASB


Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 NASB