How can we "build up the wall" in our church community? Key Verse “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30) Setting the Biblical Scene • In Ezekiel’s day, the wall around Jerusalem symbolized protection, identity, and covenant faithfulness. • God lamented the absence of anyone willing to repair breaches or intercede for the people. • The same call echoes today: strengthen the spiritual “wall” of the church so that our fellowship remains secure, united, and effective. Seeing the Gaps in Our Day • Erosion of clear doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4) • Waning commitment to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Shallow fellowship and isolated believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Neglect of fervent prayer and intercession (Ephesians 6:18) • Apathy toward the lost and hurting (Matthew 9:36-38) Bricks and Mortar: Practical Steps to Build Up the Wall 1. Lay a Foundation of Sound Teaching • Devote ourselves to “the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). • Guard the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). 2. Strengthen the Mortar of Prayer • Set regular times of corporate intercession (Colossians 4:2). • Stand in the gap for leaders, families, and communities (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 3. Raise Stones of Discipleship • “Equip the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). • Pair mature believers with newer ones for mentoring (2 Timothy 2:2). 4. Guard the Gates with Watchful Leadership • Elders are to shepherd and watch over the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). • Address error and sin quickly, restoring with gentleness (Galatians 6:1). 5. Seal Cracks with Genuine Fellowship • Practice hospitality and share one another’s burdens (Romans 12:10-13; Galatians 6:2). • Cultivate unity through humility and love (Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:14). 6. Stand Shoulder to Shoulder in Spiritual Warfare • Wear the full armor of God together (Ephesians 6:10-17). • Resist the devil steadfast in faith (1 Peter 5:9). 7. Celebrate Progress and Persevere • Like Nehemiah’s builders, stay “mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). • Remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Encouraging Examples from Scripture • Nehemiah organized families to rebuild specific sections—everyone had a role (Nehemiah 3). • The early church “continued steadfastly” and “the Lord added to their number daily” (Acts 2:42-47). • Paul likened believers to “living stones” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Living It Out Together • Identify one immediate breach—doctrine, prayer, fellowship, outreach—and assign teams to address it. • Set measurable rhythms (weekly prayer watch, monthly service projects, quarterly doctrinal classes). • Encourage testimonies of how each “brick” placed strengthens the whole wall. Looking Ahead As we commit to truth, prayer, discipleship, unity, and watchful care, the wall rises. The church becomes a refuge, a beacon, and a testimony that God still finds people willing to stand in the gap. |
    |