We live in the 21st Century and we have the New Testament in our Bibles, why would anything in the Old Testament be of beneficial study for us today?

Paul told Timothy that:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction inrighteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

At the time of his writing, the New Testament saints only had the Old Testament for study. It was all they needed to walk a perfect (or complete) walk. If it was profitable for their Christian discipleship, it is for ours well.

The Book of Nehemiah records a pivotal time in the history of Israel when the city of Jerusalem was restored to its majesty. Ezra had coordinated the rebuilding of the Temple several years before. A fellow Jew comes to tell Nehemiah that the Temple is built but the people are being mocked because the city walls are destroyed and the vulnerable. Upon hearing the news, Nehemiah weeps for Jerusalem and prays to God.

Nehemiah's prayer and dedication to the Lord are recorded as the walls are rebuilt against all odds in only 52 days! The restoration of order in the city and an additional repentance from backsliding are recorded for us as well.

There are amazing parallel lessons to apply to rebuilding a life, a family, a church, or even a country. This study will look at the restoration of Israel from the perspective of rebuilding our personal and church-family discipleship. I hope that you will join me in this adventure, and pray that God will bless our time we spend in His word.