Bethesda Chapel 2002
SG Bible Study #9

Overview of Nehemiah

Suggested Opening Song: (Use one, both or neither)

The Church’s One Foundation:

The Church’s one foundation, is Jesus Christ her Lord
She is His new creation, by water and the Word
From heav’n He came and sought her, to be His holy bride
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died

Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth
Her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth
Till with the vision glorious, her longing eyes are blest
And to one hope she presses, with every grace endured

For I’m Building A People Of Power:

For I’m building a people of power
And I’m making a people of praise
That will move through this land by my Spirit
And will glorify my precious Name
Build Your church, Lord, make us strong, Lord
Join our hearts, Lord, through Your Son
Makes us one, Lord, in Your body
In the Kingdom of Your Son

Sharing as desired on an individual basis (Optional)
Anything from anyone to encourage fellow brothers and sisters?  Something for others to weep or rejoice with you?

Prayer
Whether in twos, threes, as a group, etc.

Scripture Reading
This is a ‘Bible-Study’ with a difference.  Read the entire text (all 13 chapters together as a group).  You can either read it in sections or by chapters.  Take turns to read.  Short breaks of 5 minutes between chapters are permissible.  The idea is that you complete reading the entire book.  You should be able to finish reading it under an hour. 

Discussion
1.    How did you find the ‘reading exercise’? Have you done such exercises before? Was it boring?
       Can’t wait for it to be over? Wants to continue with such exercises with other books of the Bible?

2.    What stands out for you?  Each one can contribute one or two issues.  Repeats are ok.

3.    Other than being a man of prayer, how would you describe Nehemiah?  
       Any strength or weakness in character or behaviour that you detected?   

Devotional Reflection
From the way Nehemiah responded to the task before him, what is it that you have learnt in terms of responding to your own particular tasks before you?  You can choose to either share or ponder over this for your own private devotion before God.