In Nehemiah 4, we read that "Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a day if they offer enough sacrifices? Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!”
Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
This is what the enemies of God do. They stand idly by and mock as the people of God, standing on Truth, refuse to come down from the walls they are building. Enemies never look for commonalities or ways to jhelp the Kingdom. Their goal is to steal, kill, pervert and destroy.
Walls separate. They distinguish the holy from the profane. The enemies of Truth hate doctrinal walls because those walls show exactly how unholy their message, tactics and motives are.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Are you familiar with the names Sanballat and Tobiah? Let me give you two quotes from earlier in the book of Nehemiah that describe who they are:
"But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very angry that someone had come who was interested in helping Israel." (Nehemiah 2:10)
"But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing, rebelling against the king like this?” they asked. But I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We his servants will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no stake or claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:19-20)
Who were Sanballat and Tobiah? Enemies of Israel, and enemies of God. That’s all that Nehemiah needed to know when he faced their criticism. If they opposed God, of course they’re going to criticize Nehemiah.
We need to learn to source those who criticize Truth.
The source will often tell you more than the criticism itself.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Maybe there is a world of difference between a literal wall designed to control who comes in and out of a city and the comparison that you make to "walls" that essential seem to be built to offend. Walls at that time are more similar to a military force to protect a nation than teachings designed to keep people out.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
We cannot allow our doctrinal enemies to be the sole focus of our attention. Nehemiah could have (a) stopped building (b) launched a preemptive strike (c) built the wall while remaining on the defensive.
Nehemiah chose option (c).
This is the best option for those of us who still hold to the Biblical absolute found in Acts 2:38. We must continue to preach, teach and hold proper doctrine while at the same time defending it against every naysayer and backslider.
The church is not failing.
The church is progressing.
We are building something of eternal value.
Do not let a blasphemous mocker like Sanballat or Tobiah deter you from your mission.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron1710
Maybe there is a world of difference between a literal wall designed to control who comes in and out of a city and the comparison that you make to "walls" that essential seem to be built to offend. Walls at that time are more similar to a military force to protect a nation than teachings designed to keep people out.
You have a skewed view of Truth.
Walls are meant to keep enemies (false doctrine) out. Not friends.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
You have a skewed view of Truth.
Walls are meant to keep enemies (false doctrine) out. Not friends.
I don't think my view of truth is skewed. I just don't know that building the walls around a city is a good analogy to truth. I don't disagree that walls are meant to keep enemies out, which is why I don't think it is a good analogy. Truth is not put in danger by falsity. The darker the night the brighter the light.
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron1710
I don't think my view of truth is skewed. I just don't know that building the walls around a city is a good analogy to truth. I don't disagree that walls are meant to keep enemies out, which is why I don't think it is a good analogy. Truth is not put in danger by falsity. The darker the night the brighter the light.
You're funny.
Our view of Truth is in danger when we tolerate false doctrine.
See Revelation, chapters one through three.
Apparently Jesus felt some sort of wall needed to be erected to keep false doctrine out.
Are you really suggesting we open our puplits to Wiccans and Catholics? I mean, after all, you believe false doctrine can't hurt Truth, right?
Re: If Nehemiah Were in the Twenty-First Century..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pastor Poster
You're funny.
Our view of Truth is in danger when we tolerate false doctrine.
See Revelation, chapters one through three.
Apparently Jesus felt some sort of wall needed to be erected to keep false doctrine out.
Are you really suggesting we open our puplits to Wiccans and Catholics? I mean, after all, you believe false doctrine can't hurt Truth, right?
Utter foolishness.
All I did was challenge your analogy which I find to be a poor one. I at no time suggested allowing Wiccans in the pulpit.
Can you show me where Jesus erected a wall to keep false doctrine out?
A wall around a city is a military statement. It says we are not at your mercy, we can defend our selves. Truth is its own protection against false doctrine.
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