Neglected Ministry: How Did We Get There?

Bishop Keith A. Kershaw

Nehemiah 13: 10-11

Many have experienced what appears to be a rhetorical question that does not require a response. How did I get to where I have more negatives in my bank account than positive? We rationalize things we know the answer to the question. Sometimes, the question is framed not as trouble but as because God has been so good to us. 10 gates surrounded the city.

The Sheep gate: where the sheep came through for the sacrifice. The gate was built for worship. Although there were gates in the city, the door had no locks.

The Fish Gate: It was built by the men of Jericho. They are for men who are focused on the past and not the future. It was the way the fish came in for the market so people could have things to eat. Every church that does not have a door for the fish gate is incomplete. Jesus said He would make us fishers of men.

The Old Gate: It was the gate that spoke of the glory days. Some noblemen man the gate. They felt they were too noble to work. Just because you are a minister of the gospel does not mean that you can only do ministry in front of the mic. The Valley Gate: Always reminds you how far God has brought you. It is not about you, but it is about something bigger than you.

The Trash Gate: This is the only gate that has an odor. It is the gate where everything needs to burn. Everybody cannot work at the trash gate. You need humility to clean behind someone else mess. There is a smell that occurs when it is not the sweet fragrance of the Holy Ghost. In worship, there is a smell test.

The Fountain Gate: This is the gate where the water flows. It is a life-sustaining gate, it must be protected and maintained. The reason the Holy Ghost has not come is because there are things you have not let go of. God’s word has to help you maintain.

The Water Gate: It did sit on the outside of the wall. There is nothing said about the watergate being restored. The word of God cannot be restored. Some people are assigned to multiple tasks because they are faithful. The Horse Gate: It is the gate that would come and move out.

The East Gate: it symbolizes where the glory of God left. This gate The Inspection Gate: Before a matter can be judged, it must be evaluated. The Sheep Gate represents worship. God is seeking those who will worship in spirit and truth.

The Sheep gate should be the first and last entrance because everything should be done in worship. You do not get into the presence of God through happenstance. Church that focuses all their attention on building the physical building and not the spiritual building.

In Chapter 7, Nehemiah set individuals to protect the gates. They were known as gatekeepers. There were singers set by the gate. At each gate, there should be worship. Every song that is in the house is appropriate for worship. Not all gospel music is designed for the church. There are gatekeepers and then there are Levites. Worship requires some words. We got to get our assignments realigned.

Playing church will get you in trouble. How did we get to the place when the things of God are violated and we have become accustomed to being in the Lord’s House? If it does not align with the word of God, we should not be doing it. There are some things you cannot allow to stay in your house. It will impact what goes on in your house. something when your child knows all the emojis but they do not know John 3:16.

The church has been asleep with the enemy.