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Antioch, California, United States
John is the under-shepherd of Agape International Church & Ministries Inc, Antioch, California and the President of Agape International Ministries Foundation, Inc (www.agapebfm.net) John has been a Preacher, Bible Teacher, Counselor and a mission-minded servant of God from 1984 till the present time. Married to Alice since 1987, he enjoys being a father to 2 sons and 1 daughter. He is available to preach, participate in evangelistic crusades and revivals, lead or participate in a Marriage Enrichment program internationally. John preaches on a weekly radio broadcast called "KNOW THE TRUTH" (Based on John 8:32)and the broadcast is aired every Sunday at Radio KDIA 1640AM. The broadcast is also accessible through the website of the radio station: www.kdia.com. You can follow him on twitter @agapebfm

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Predicament and Prayer-Bible Study

 Predicament and Prayer
Midweek Bible Study for September 18 & 25, 2013
Text: Nehemiah 1:1–11 

General Introduction:




1.    A depressive Report
Nehemiah 1:1–3



Overview:
Pss. 122; 137:5–6; Ps. 79:1–4.


A.  The Source of the writing: Verse 1 cf. Neh. 2:1

B.   The Reports: verse 2-3

Two Reports:
Cf. Neh 5:2-5; 2:19; 4:2–3



2.    A DRASTIC RESPONSE

Nehemiah 1:4 (NRSV) When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

See Dan. 9 and Ezra 9; Ezra 4:7–23

The responses of Nehemiah:
a)    He sat down and wept.
b)   He mourned for days.
c)    He fasted.
d)   He prayed.

Other biblical leaders grieved: cf. 1 Sam. 30:4; 2 Sam. 15:30; Luke 19:41; John 11:35; Heb. 5:7; 2 Cor. 1:8–11;Is. 53:3.

 “May my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”--Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision



3.    A DESPERATE REQUEST: Nehemiah 1:5–11

Summary: Nehemiah1:4–11; 2:4; 4:4; 4:9; 5:19; 6:9, 14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31


The Content of his Prayer:

A.  Acknowledgement of God. Verse 5; cf. Verses 6, 11.

B.  Faithfulness of God. Verse 5

Hebrew term hesed-Mercy.

C.  Confession of Sins: Verse 6.


D.  Petition to God to remember His Covenant Promise. Verses 8-9. Lev. 26:33; Deut. 12:5; 30:1–5; Leviticus 26:27–28


E.   God’s Relationship with Israel: Verse 10.


F.   The Sovereignty of God. Verse 11.
Cf. Ezra 4:21; Nehemiah 2:1; Psalm 61:1–2
“cupbearer to the king,”

Who is a cupbearer?