Notes based on 6:30 pm sermon series
6. Nehemiah 5

At Christmas time or holiday time do you tend to overspend or keep within your budget? How do you feel about those who do not seem to care?

Read Psalm 133 together then praise God for each other and for his promise of blessing.

Read Nehemiah chap 5

1. Do you think it is important to have a clear vision for our church? If it was up to you, what would be your vision. Try to avoid discussing what you like or dislike about what happens now, and concentrate on what you think we should be trying to achieve.

2. In what ways can internal opposition and falling out with each other affect our vision of being a church that is growing in its love for God and growing more like Jesus as individuals?

3. Read verses 1-8 then list the ways in which people were being oppressed by their own people. How do you think this would affect their unity and effectiveness?

4. Read Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Galatians 6:10. Should we be more willing to help people out financially and should we look upon fellow Christians more favourably than others. How can we avoid favouritism in dealing with people in financial distress?

5. Nehemiah was angry about people preying on others and took their complaints seriously. He set a good example because he had a passion for God's work. Jesus too was angry when he drove out the moneychangers in the Temple courtyard. Do we have a passion for what is God's? How can we encourage each other in our commitment to God's vision for St Luke's?

Pray for the unity of our church. Pray for the example of our leaders. Pray that we will honour God and become more like Jesus so that more and more people will be drawn to Jesus.