Under Nehemiah’s leadership, and by the grace of God, the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in fifty-two days! It wasn’t time to rest, glorying in their achievements, however. They still had enemies outside the walls and a city to rebuild and run inside. Next, Nehemiah appointed workers to important tasks (Neh 7:1-4). Examining the jobs and the characteristics of those assigned to them, we can make applications today regarding the important work of the church and the necessary character of those who do it.

We need to make hay while the sun shines. While that is not what Nehemiah meant when he told the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites only to open the gates when the sun was hot, he was telling them they had a job that needed to be done, and there was an appropriate time to do it. The city needed protected. Enemies who planned to attack in the cool of the morning would lose the cover and comfort of darkness if they had to wait until the sun was well up. When the gates were barred, the townsfolk were to ensure that guards were appointed at specific parts of the walls, and that guards were stationed in front of their own houses (Neh 7:3). Such deployment would elicit the urgency and diligence that was required for the job. Vigilance was especially important, considering there were still few people in the large city (Neh 7:4), a deficit that a wily enemy would exploit.

Today, the Lord’s church has the important task of sowing the seed of the kingdom. When Jesus was with the disciples, he encouraged them to see the potential of the work and “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matt 9:38). Jesus warned those questioning Him that His time on earth was drawing to a close, they should believe in the light while they had it (John 12:34-46). He was the light of the world and did the works of God while it was “day” (John 9:4-5). In other words, Jesus did what He should do when He had the opportunity to do it. God’s people have an important job, and we need to do it while the sun is shining. “… the night is coming when no one can work.”

Not so fast. Just because the work needs to be done while it is warm, it doesn’t mean just any warm body is fit for the task. Sure, there are practical considerations. Do they have the skills necessary to accomplish the job they are given? But the more important question is, are they faithful? While Hanani was Nehemiah’s brother, don’t think it was nepotism that won him his job. Look, he gave him charge of Jerusalem because “he was a faithful man and feared God more than many” (Neh 7:2).

Our Creator does not need stand-ins for faithful servants. He set standards for those who do His work. In the case of those who were considered to care for widows, God didn’t check to see if they had their food-handlers’ cards or could balance a checkbook. The apostles said, “Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3). God calls those who worship and serve Him to be faithful. To be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18), someone must “let the word of Christ dwell” in them richly (Col 3:16).

Are you faithfully applying the Word of God in your life? Fearing God more than many? What is between you and being a good worker for God?

– Van Sprague (Church of Christ at Houston Park, Selma, AL)

The love of God is the foundational truth of the Christian faith. Scripture declares in 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” This brief but profound statement reveals that love is not merely one of God’s attributes, it is His very nature. From the beginning, God demonstrated His love through His creation, forming humanity in His image and breathing into man the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Despite humanity’s fall into sin, God did not abandon His creation. Instead, He set in motion a divine plan to redeem mankind, displaying His unwavering love.

One of the clearest expressions of God’s love is seen in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse emphasizes that God’s love is not dependent on our worthiness or performance. The ultimate act of love was displayed at the cross, where Jesus bore the punishment for sin, making reconciliation with God possible. John 3:16 further declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God’s love is not only demonstrated through Christ’s death but also in the ongoing relationship He desires to have with His people. In Romans 8:38–39, Paul writes, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life…nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love is constant and unchanging. For members of the Church of Christ, this truth provides comfort and assurance. His love motivates believers to walk in obedience, knowing that their relationship with Him is rooted in grace and truth.

God’s love is meant to be reflected in the lives of His children. As recipients of divine love, Christians are called to love one another sincerely. Jesus said in John 13:34–35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you… By this all will know that you are My disciples.” This love must be more than words, it must be seen in action, service, and sacrifice. As the church strives to follow the New Testament pattern, reflecting God’s love in both worship and daily living remains a powerful testimony to the world of the One who first loved us.

God Bless

– Todd

Personal evangelism is rooted in the Great Commission where Jesus instructed His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This command was not just for the apostles or church leaders but for every believer. Jesus did not call His followers to simply gather in a church building and wait for the world to come to them; He sent them out into the world to spread the message of salvation.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Personal evangelism begins with individuals being examples of Christ in their own lives. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend or an interaction with a stranger, believers are called to be ready to share the hope that they have in Christ.

One of the most powerful methods of evangelism is through personal relationships. Jesus Himself modeled this approach during His ministry on earth. He spent time with people, listened to their needs, and met them where they were. He engaged with individuals, whether they were the woman at the well (John 4:1-26), the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), or His disciples, encouraging them to follow Him and become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). Personal evangelism involves more than just preaching or handing out tracts. It’s about building trust and showing genuine concern for others. By living out the principles of Christ, showing kindness, patience, and love. Christians create opportunities for natural conversations about faith to take place. In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are encouraged to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul reminds us that “we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Each Christian is called to represent Christ, sharing the hope and salvation found in Him.

As Christians, we must recognize that evangelism is not just a task but a privilege, a chance to lead others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Through personal evangelism, the love of God is spread, and lives are changed for eternity. Pray for God to open doors for conversations about faith and for boldness in sharing the Gospel with others.

God Bless

 – Todd