Sermon, 5.24.2009
“City Living”
Rev. Erik Bonkovsky
Nehemiah 11:1-36
We’ve seen in our recent studies in Nehemiah how God’s purpose is to rebuild not just the walls of the city, but also the people of the city. And in order to do that, the people must live life to the fullest within the city.
City living is creative, not cool. [...]
Sermon, 4.26.09
“Pilgrims On the Road”
Rev. Erik Bonkovsky
Nehemiah 8:13-18
In this part of Nehemiah the people celebrate Sukkot, the Festival of Booths. During this time Israelites would build booths for themselves out of branches, and live in the booths for a week. The custom of living outdoors in simple booths an indicator of harvest time, like when [...]
Sermon, 4.12.09
“What Is Hope?”
Rev. Erik Bonkovsky
1 Corinthians 15:12-23
Why is hope important? It goes beyond just political slogans and bumper stickers. What it means is central to everything Christianity is about. It means that death is over. Not that you won’t die, but that death no longer has a grip on you. Your sin and brokenness [...]
Sermon, 3.15.09
“Living Generously”
Rev. Erik Bonkovsky
Nehemiah 5:14-19
The way we treat people reflects our love for God. In this passage from Nehemiah, we see Nehemiah acting out in bold generosity, embracing the people in a way that showed his fear of God and compassion. Instead of raking in the standard fee that a ruler in his position [...]
Sermon, 3.8.09
“No Longer Slaves”
Rev. Erik Bonkovsky
Nehemiah 5:1-13
In this passage, Nehemiah has found out that some of the Israelites are taking advantage of the economic situation of those who are working on rebuilding the city. They were buying the workers’ children as slaves and exacting interest from them on fields and vineyards. As Nehemiah sees it, [...]