The Gates of Jerusalem

THE GATES OF JERUSALEM

A. The Church is Christ's body

B. As such the Church has the task to make Christ visible and touchable!

C. The Church has this task ‘together' (Neh. 3)

D. The Church's walls and gates need to remain in good condition: Neh. 3

Are our ‘ten gates' in good repair?

A. The Sheep gate (vs. 1) reminds us of the cross of Jesus Christ (John 1:29)

B. The Fish gate (vs. 3) reminds us of the main task of each Church (Prov. 11:26)

C. Old gate (vs. 6) reminds us walking in God's unchanging will (Jer. 6:16)

D. Valley Gate (vs. 13) reminds us of the need for humility (1 Cor. 1:4; 15:10)

E. Dung Gate (vs. 14) reminds us of the life of holiness and purity (1 Cor 7:1; 1 John 2:15-17)

F. Fountain Gate (vs. 15) reminds us that believers are to be ‘fountains of rivers of living waters” (John 7:38)

H. Water Gate (vs 26) reminds us of faithfulness to God's unchanging Word
(Col. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:19-21; Ps. 119:9)

I. Horse Gate (vs. 28) reminds us of our calling to warriors of the Lord (Jude 3)

J. East Gate (vs. 29) reminds us of the believer's eager posture (2 Peter 3:12; Titus 2:11-13; Matt. 25:1-13)

K. Gate Miphkad (vs. 31) reminds us of the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:9-11; Col. 1:9-11)

REFLECTIONS:
A. Which of these ten gates need attention in our congregation?

B. Consider God's call and promise in Is. 58!

1. true religion isn't forms – ceremonies – outside cup matter

2. true religion is a life of faith in Christ while living the life of Christ

a. our hope is to be on ‘nothing else but Christ and His righteousness'

b. yet our life is to be ‘nothing else but Christ and His holiness