_Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah._ COVENANTING WITH GOD - I. The parties entering the covenant. 1. Nehemiah the governor. This is true greatness in the sight of God, to be foremost in consecration to the service of religion, and to stand among His people in trying times. 2. The priests. It... [ Continue Reading ]
_And all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God._ A GENUINE REVIVAL 1. The crucial test of any revival is the extent to which it actually purifies and reforms the lives of those who come under its influence. 2. This is the kind of revival which ever an... [ Continue Reading ]
_And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to all _ THE PROFIT OF SABBATH-KEEPING John Brand was an old Cornish fisherman. The fishing had not been good for some days, the water had been wild and stormy; but at length, on the Sunday, the weather became fine, and t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel._ VOLUNTARY TAXATION Not to enter upon the thorny path of endowed or voluntary religion, nor to inquire whether tithes are coeval with the first man, and binding upon the present age, let us maintain-- I.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And to bring the first-fruits of our ground._ A FRUIT-SERVICE We notice in this text-- I. Willinghood. “And to bring.” It was no tax. Love is its own tax-levier, and it ever gathers the richest, the ripest, and the best fruit. When a Church or a community is filled with love you need have no fea... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the tithes._ TITHES Without inquiring into the reason for which the number ten has been so frequently preferred as a number of selection in the ones of tribute offerings, both sacred and secular, voluntary and compulsory, we may remark that numerous instances of its use are found both in prof... [ Continue Reading ]
_And we will not forsake the house of our God._ ZEAL FOR THE SANCTUARY Why should we say of “the habitation of God’s house,” “We will not forsake it”? 1. God has clearly ordained public worship. He made man to be social--social in virtue of his sorrows, joys, wants, affections, and relationships.... [ Continue Reading ]