Building His Kingdom: Gates of Hope and Reflection

Devotional

Day 1: Anticipating Jesus' Triumphant Return

The East Gate, also known as the Gate Beautiful, holds profound prophetic significance. It is reserved for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, symbolizing Jesus' triumphant return. Despite historical attempts to seal it, nothing can prevent Jesus from fulfilling His prophecy. This gate reminds us of the anticipation and hope we have in Christ's second coming, where He will return in glory and power. As believers, we are called to live in a state of readiness, eagerly awaiting the day when Jesus will come back to establish His kingdom fully.

This anticipation should shape our daily lives, influencing our decisions, actions, and priorities. We are encouraged to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate home is with Christ. The East Gate serves as a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Jesus and the glorious future that awaits us. [49:01]

Ezekiel 44:1-2 (ESV): "Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut. And the Lord said to me, 'This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut.'"

Reflection: How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more expectantly for His second coming?

Day 2: Reflecting on Our Lives

The Inspection Gate, or the Miphkad Gate, signifies the need for personal and collective examination. It calls us to reflect on our lives, ensuring that we align with God's standards of holiness and righteousness. This gate challenges us to live in a way that reflects Christ to the world, preparing us for the final inspection when Jesus returns. Regular self-examination helps us identify areas where we fall short and need God's grace and transformation.

This process of reflection is not meant to be a source of guilt but a pathway to growth and deeper intimacy with God. By examining our lives, we can make necessary adjustments, seek forgiveness, and pursue a life that honors God. The Inspection Gate reminds us that we are accountable to God and that our lives should be a testimony of His love and righteousness. [01:06:00]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there areas where you need to realign with God's standards of holiness and righteousness? What steps can you take today to make those changes?

Day 3: Guarding Our Relationship with God

We must guard our relationship with God, ensuring that we regularly meet Him in the secret place. This is crucial for being effective kingdom builders, participating in God's work in the world. Protecting what is holy and sacred in our lives is essential for spiritual growth. Building spiritual borders and boundaries helps us maintain our focus on God and avoid distractions that can lead us away from Him.

By setting aside dedicated time for prayer, worship, and reading the Word, we create a strong foundation for our faith. These spiritual disciplines help us stay connected to God and receive His guidance and strength. Guarding our relationship with God requires intentionality and commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable as we grow closer to Him and become more effective in His kingdom work. [41:05]

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Reflection: How can you create and maintain spiritual borders and boundaries in your life to protect your relationship with God? What specific steps can you take to ensure you regularly meet Him in the secret place?

Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective

We are called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom rather than temporary pleasures. This mindset helps us prioritize what truly matters and prepares us for the day when we will stand before God. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can navigate the challenges and distractions of this world with a clear sense of purpose and direction.

Living with an eternal perspective means valuing what God values and investing our time, resources, and energy in things that have lasting significance. It involves making choices that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom and our desire to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven. This perspective helps us stay grounded in our faith and motivated to live out our calling as followers of Christ. [01:11:28]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself focusing on temporary pleasures rather than eternal values? How can you shift your perspective to prioritize God's kingdom in your daily life?

Day 5: Fortifying Ourselves with the Word of God

To be effective kingdom builders, we must fortify ourselves with the Word of God and acts of righteousness. This spiritual fortification helps us withstand the challenges of life and remain steadfast in our faith. The Word of God is our foundation, providing us with wisdom, guidance, and strength to navigate the complexities of life.

By immersing ourselves in Scripture and living out its truths, we build a strong spiritual foundation that can withstand any storm. Acts of righteousness, such as serving others, showing compassion, and living with integrity, further strengthen our faith and witness to the world. Fortifying ourselves with the Word of God equips us to be effective ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. [01:27:07]

Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: How can you fortify yourself with the Word of God and acts of righteousness in your daily life? What specific practices can you implement to strengthen your spiritual foundation and remain steadfast in your faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the final part of our series, "Build His Kingdom," focusing on the significance of the gates mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. We explored how these gates symbolize various aspects of our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. The East Gate and the Inspection Gate were the primary focus, representing the return of Jesus and the personal and collective inspection of our lives as believers.

The East Gate, also known as the Gate Beautiful, holds profound prophetic significance. It is reserved for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, symbolizing Jesus' triumphant return. Despite historical attempts to seal it, nothing can prevent Jesus from fulfilling His prophecy. This gate reminds us of the anticipation and hope we have in Christ's second coming, where He will return in glory and power.

The Inspection Gate, or the Miphkad Gate, signifies the need for personal and collective examination. It calls us to reflect on our lives, ensuring that we align with God's standards of holiness and righteousness. This gate challenges us to live in a way that reflects Christ to the world, preparing us for the final inspection when Jesus returns.

Throughout the sermon, we emphasized the importance of building spiritual borders and boundaries to protect what is holy and sacred in our lives. We must guard our relationship with God, ensuring that we regularly meet Him in the secret place. This is crucial for being effective kingdom builders, participating in God's work in the world.

We also revisited the other gates we've discussed in this series, such as the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, and Old Gate, each representing different aspects of our faith journey. These gates remind us of Jesus' atonement, our call to evangelism, and the eternal nature of God.

In conclusion, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom rather than temporary pleasures. We must fortify ourselves with the Word of God and acts of righteousness, preparing for the day when we will stand before Him. Let us strive to reflect Christ in our lives, building His kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The East Gate and Jesus' Return: The East Gate, also known as the Gate Beautiful, symbolizes the prophetic return of Jesus. Despite historical attempts to seal it, nothing can prevent Jesus from fulfilling His prophecy. This gate reminds us of the anticipation and hope we have in Christ's second coming, where He will return in glory and power. [49:01]
2. The Importance of Personal Inspection: The Inspection Gate calls us to reflect on our lives, ensuring that we align with God's standards of holiness and righteousness. This gate challenges us to live in a way that reflects Christ to the world, preparing us for the final inspection when Jesus returns. [66:00]
3. Building Spiritual Borders and Boundaries: We must guard our relationship with God, ensuring that we regularly meet Him in the secret place. This is crucial for being effective kingdom builders, participating in God's work in the world. Protecting what is holy and sacred in our lives is essential for spiritual growth. [41:05]
4. Living with an Eternal Perspective: We are called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom rather than temporary pleasures. This mindset helps us prioritize what truly matters and prepares us for the day when we will stand before God. [71:28]
5. Fortifying Ourselves with the Word of God: To be effective kingdom builders, we must fortify ourselves with the Word of God and acts of righteousness. This spiritual fortification helps us withstand the challenges of life and remain steadfast in our faith. [01:27:07]
### [87:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:58] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[39:37] - Introduction to "Build His Kingdom" Series
[40:09] - The Importance of Borders and Boundaries
[41:05] - Protecting What is Holy and Sacred
[42:10] - The Significance of the Gates
[42:44] - The Sheep Gate and Atonement
[43:21] - The Fish Gate and Evangelism
[43:55] - The Old Gate and Eternal Nature of God
[44:43] - The Dung Gate and Purification
[45:32] - The Horse Gate and Jesus' Return
[46:33] - The East Gate and Prophecy
[49:01] - The East Gate in Scripture
[51:01] - The Significance of the Inspection Gate
[57:04] - Living with an Eternal Perspective
[66:00] - Personal Inspection and Reflection
[71:28] - Fortifying Ourselves with the Word of God
[87:07] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What is the significance of the East Gate as described in Nehemiah 3:29-32? How does it relate to the return of Jesus? [46:33]
According to Ezekiel 43:1-2, what happens when the glory of God comes from the east? How does this passage connect to the East Gate? [49:01]
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, what events are described that will occur at the return of Jesus? How does this passage reinforce the message of the East Gate? [57:52]
What does the Inspection Gate symbolize in Nehemiah 3:29-32, and how does it relate to personal and collective examination? [46:33]

Interpretation Questions

How does the prophetic significance of the East Gate in Ezekiel 43:1-2 enhance our understanding of Jesus' second coming? [49:01]
What does the anticipation and hope associated with the East Gate teach us about living with an eternal perspective? [57:04]
How can the concept of the Inspection Gate in Nehemiah 3:29-32 be applied to our daily lives in terms of self-examination and alignment with God's standards? [46:33]
In what ways does 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 encourage believers to prepare for Jesus' return? How does this preparation reflect in our actions and attitudes? [57:52]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the East Gate, how can you cultivate a sense of anticipation and hope for Jesus' return in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise? [49:01]
The Inspection Gate calls for personal and collective examination. What areas of your life need closer inspection to ensure they align with God's standards of holiness and righteousness? [46:33]
Building spiritual borders and boundaries is crucial for protecting what is holy and sacred. What specific boundaries can you establish to guard your relationship with God? [41:05]
Living with an eternal perspective helps prioritize what truly matters. How can you shift your focus from temporary pleasures to God's kingdom in your daily decisions and actions? [57:04]
Fortifying ourselves with the Word of God is essential for spiritual growth. What specific practices can you implement to immerse yourself more deeply in Scripture and acts of righteousness? [01:27:07]
How can you actively participate in building God's kingdom here on earth? Identify one area where you can contribute to God's work in your community or church. [41:05]
Reflect on the final inspection when Jesus returns. How does this future event influence your current lifestyle and choices? What changes can you make to better reflect Christ to the world? [46:33]

Sermon Clips

1. "We have been talking about borders and boundaries. We've been talking about how good and necessary it is for we who have experienced God's grace and mercy in our lives and claim him as God. As Master and Lord, to build borders and boundaries to protect what is holy and sacred in our lives. Protecting primarily the presence of God. The point and place where we meet him on a regular basis. Often in the secret place. Where on a regular basis we are one-on-one with God Almighty." [41:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We can't save ourselves. We can't be holy enough ourselves. We can't earn our living and we sure can't buy it. Amen? We need Jesus to be the atonement of our sins. He is the perfect sacrifice. He is the perfect sacrifice without blemish. He never sinned. And therefore he would lay his life down." [42:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You can't keep it to yourself. You got to talk about it. You got to share it. You got to talk about the one who has given you grace. The one who has given you mercy. The one who has forgiven you of all of your sins. Because he wants to do the same thing for your neighbor next to you. Amen?" [43:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "He is the only source and sustainment of life. He is the source of living water. So we can only be clean by taking on the word of God in our life. That is the only way we can have righteously by being in the word of God. That Jesus is the source of life eternal. He don't need no help. Right? He is on his own the source and provider of everything we could possibly need in life." [44:43] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The first time Jesus came, he rode on a donkey. The crowd shouted Hosanna. But soon they switched their tones to crucify him. But see the next time he's coming on a white horse. And he will be called faithful and true. And with justice he will judge and make war. The first time he came, he came in complete humility. He came humbly to submit himself to death on the cross. Coming through the sheep gate as a sacrificial lamb. To take on the sins of the world." [01:00:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God is not interested in our personal kingdoms. He's so focused on building our personal agendas. He's not interested in our personal vendettas. God is not interested. He's not interested in us establishing our personal kingdom. God is working out his purpose, his kingdom, and that all would know his love for everyone in this world. And then everyone would have an opportunity. That is what he wants for all of us." [01:15:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus is enough, Jesus is enough, put your faith in him, put your hope in him, trust him for the work that he is doing, for his, you can get on your face before God, that's to the table, to part of the building, to see what he will do in this life." [01:27:07] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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