1 Nehemiah 3 “Those Who Step up to Join the Great Work” Introduction

Nehemiah 3 “Those Who Step Up to Join the Great Work”

Introduction Nehemiah 3 is all about work – how individuals pitched in and did the work together, coordinated and led by Nehemiah.

This chapter shows the need for believers to work together to accomplish something.

1. It pleases God to see His people working together in one accord, with one heart, with one mind. God will put us into situations where we must work together, and learn how to lead, how to follow, how to work together with one heart and mind.

2. The wall was continuous. Any gap compromised the entire structure. Therefore, each space at the wall was important – even if someone did not think so.

It is a beautiful example or picture for us in the New Testament.

Eph 4:16 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying (i.e. building up) of itself in love.

Map of the City during Nehemiah’s time https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/jerusalem_in_nehemiah_time_m ap_1.jpg

3:1 The Jewish High Priest rose up along with all the Jewish Priests Neh 3:1 1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel.

A. Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests So powerful that the number one spiritual leader steps up and gives a great example. No doubt greatly encouraging to Nehemiah and all the people. “No- wait and see what others might do first” attitude, but very dominantly stepped up!!! Such an important first move to have happened.

Quote: (Guzik) “If you are a leader, others are looking hard at you and they follow your example. If you are slow to work, they will be also; if you are full of discouragement and doubt, they will follow. There is a good reason why Eliashib was first mentioned, and why the rest of the chapter is filled with the names of more than 50 others that followed his example in the work”.

B. They Built…the 1st things mentioned to be built, “The sheep Gate” So cool that the first gate that is mentioned is the gate in which the sheep and other sacrifices were brought through, to head towards the temple area for inspection by the Priest. The first gate was used for the worship of God!!!

It seems that they had a very large area to cover:  built the Sheep Gate  as far as the Tower of the Hundred  as far as the Tower of Hananel

C. They consecrated it: The idea behind consecration is to recognize something as special; as uniquely set apart for God’s glory and service. These city gates were made special to God. Nehemiah and Eliashib knew that God wanted everything set apart special to Him, including these city walls and gates. Because the first of the work was specially set apart to God, it was a way for them to say, “All of this work belongs to You, LORD. This is a special work done unto You.”

Note: (Great secret to a joyful life) This is a great secret of joy and success in life: to do everything as unto the LORD.

Col 3:17 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

D. the Gates were a top priority: The gates were the critical entry and exit points to the city, and the places most likely to see an enemy attack. Therefore, the work started at each gate and worked out from there.

3:2-4 the men of Jericho and many more Neh 3:2-4 2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs.

A. Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built This group of guys traveled about 16 miles from their city. Jericho was a very vulnerable location being on the boarder of Israel next to all their enemies to the east.

Although they did not work on something as important as a gate, Every mans’ work was still important. Their section of the wall was essential to the protection and security of Jerusalem.

B. Next to them: So awesome looking back in history and realize that you were a part of this monumental task.

Something one man or even a small group of men could not do. But it took all 12 tribes to come together and join in this purpose.

We read very simply (next to them…), but yet it is so powerful:  next to them …Zaccur the son of Imri  next to them ….Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz  next to them ...Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel  next to them …Zadok the son of Baana

Example: (All tribes unified; in dealing with the sin of the tribe of Benjamin) Judges 20:1 1 So all the children of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, as well as from the land of Gilead, and the congregation gathered together as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.

Judges 20:8 8 So all the people arose as one man, saying, "None of us will go to his tent, nor will any turn back to his house;

Judges 20:11 11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, united together as one man.

David talked about it in Psalms 133:

Psalms 133:1-3 1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing--Life forevermore.

Example: (The first worship in Jerusalem in over a century and the beginning of the building of the temple)

Ezra 3:1 1 And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem.

Example: (Glorious- they equally come together to worship after the wall is complete, and then together as one they see a spiritual revival)

Neh 8:1 1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel.

C. the Fish Gate…they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars This gate got its name because of the nearby fish market. The Fish Gate was evidently a substantial gate and it was a large and extensive project to accomplish.

D. Made repairs: (mentioned 35 times in Ch. 3) The word for repairs is the Hebrew word (chazaq), used 35 times in this chapter alone. It has the idea of strengthening, encouraging, of making something strong (Kidner).

Note: (this is a picture of a spiritual principle in the New Testament) These are principles that have application far more than material gates and walls. The Bible says that we must be built up and repaired. We all come together and each person does their part:

Eph 4:12 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying (i.e. building up) of the body of Christ,

Quote: (Guzik) “God says the purpose of the church is for the equipping of the saints, and idea behind equipping is to prepare, strengthen, and make something able to be used. We come together as Christians to strengthen one another, to make us strong and able to live for Jesus and serve Him outside the gatherings of the church”.

3:5 but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord Neh 3:5 5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

A. Tekoites These were the people from Tekoa, which was a city of the tribe of Judah (The linage of the Kings; i.e. King David). It is about 12 miles from Jerusalem and about 7 miles from Bethlehem.

B. but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord These nobles from the city of Tekoa thought they were above the hard work, so they didn’t join in.

Literally, the idea in the Hebrew is that they wouldn’t submit – they would not “bend their necks” to what the LORD wanted them to do. The real issue was submission.

Maybe they thought they had a better plan, maybe they didn’t like how Nehemiah was doing it.

Whatever their reason, you can be sure they later regretted it because they stand in infamy as the only people mentioned in this chapter who did not join in the work.

They stand in stark contrast to Eliashib the High Priest. As encouraging as Eliashib’s example must have been, these Royal’s of the Kingly tribe of Judah’s example must have been equally discouraging.

This must have been very discouraging to everyone, but especially of those from the Tribe of Judah, no doubt wanting to see their royal class get just as sweaty and dirty as the rest.

Note: (God is gracious, their names are not mentioned) Perhaps Nehemiah wanted to record the names of each of these nobles? But the LORD made him have mercy and only indicate them in a general way.

Note: (Don’t miss “special moments” in your life – to “Create a moment”) Living with regret is a heavy burden. Don’t miss special opportunities, that is ‘key moments’ to ,”Create a moment”. Most likely, this opportunity and any other similar opportunities will never happen again in a life-time.

Don’t miss the opportunities to ‘Serve or be a Servant’; to give (time, talents or your treasure), and don’t miss the opportunity to shine for Jesus, in love and giving His gospel!!!!

Matt 5:42 "Give to him who asks you,….

And give above and beyond…this is the nature of Jesus!!!

Matt 5:40-42 41 "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Matt 5:43-45 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

3:6 Moreover or “in contrast to, or on the other had”…. Neh 3:6 6 Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars.

A. Moreover…. Although the Nobles of Judah were unwilling “to put the shoulder to the work”, it was discouraging, they kept their eyes on the Lord and the work in front of them.

Note: (There is a time to separate yourself from your friends) We are so affected by other people, or friends and those around us but, then there comes a moment that you have to cut-a-way from them and their choices and influences for you to obey God.

Paul tells his young proteges:

2 Tim 2:22 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Cor 15:33 33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

B. Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars These guys also had a substantial and important gate to build.

3:7-10. Not expert wall builders…but goldsmiths, perfume makers, etc. Neh 3:7-10 7 And next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor of the region beyond the River. 8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Also next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 And next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabniah made repairs.

A. in front of his house (mention 5 times in Ch. 3) 5 times in this chapter 3 of Nehemiah, it speaks of those who worked on the section right in front of their house.

Often, we need to give attention to the work of God right at our own homes. If the work needs to be done anywhere, it needs to be done at our homes.

Being a leader in the home is a requirement to be a leader in the church:

1 Tim 3:1 1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.

1 Tim 3:4 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence

B. Some of them were goldsmiths, and others of them was perfumers These were men of different professions, not professional builders. They were not typically accustom to such strenuous work. Their jobs were that of a more skilled and technical work. They were not trained for this kind of work. It would have seemed they had an easy excuse to not do anything, but they jumped in and did the work.

Note: (Please notice there are not “expert builders” mentioned in this whole chapter) There are no expert builders listed in the “Holy Land brigade.” There were priests, priests’ helpers, goldsmiths, perfume makers, and women, but no expert builders or carpenters were named.’”

Note: (The most important “ability” is “availability”) The most important ability in the work of the LORD is availability. 8

The one with few gifts and little talent, who has a passion and a drive to see God’s work done, will accomplish far more than a gifted and talented person who doesn’t have the passion and drive to do the LORD’s work.

C. The Broad Wall: Today you can see in Jerusalem the remains of this Broad Wall – and broad it is, more than 20 feet (6 meters) wide. Critics had denied the accuracy of Bible history like this, but the archaeologist’s shovel constantly confirms the truth of the Bible.

D. …leaders district various districts of Jerusalem and other cities: Such important leaders worked on their section of the wall. Leaders who understood real leadership were getting down and doing it – being a servant, instead of expecting others to do it for you.

o Vs. 9 Rephaiah .. leader of half the district of Jerusalem..

o Vs.12 Shallum …leader of half the district of Jerusalem; ….

o Vs.16 Azbuk…. leader of half the district of Beth Zur…

o Vs.17 Hashabiah, leader of half the district of Keilah, ….

o Vs.18 Bavai … leader of the other half of the district of Keilah….

3:11 Malchijah finished their section and then started in on another section Neh 3:11 11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens.

A. Malchijah (mal-key-a-who) son of Harim: This man is mentioned in Ezra 10:31 as one of the men who was confronted by Ezra for the sin of taking on a pagan wife. That was many years before this, so Malchijah got things right with God and now, years later, he served Him.

Note: (We serve a God of the 2nd chance and much more) A believer should never let a past failure get in the way of serving God. Repent, set it right, make a stand for righteousness – and get on serving the LORD.

C. repaired another section He was not embittered at the earlier discipline brought on him. But he was fully enjoined with the community and was doing above and beyond his portion.

3:12 A man with a perfect excuse to not set-up, (no sons, only daughters) but he did anyway Neh 3:12 12 And next to him was Shallum the son of Hallohesh, leader of half the district of Jerusalem; he and his daughters made repairs.

A. Shallum a leader of a district had no sons but his daughters made repairs I am sure it was quite unexpected for this man to take on the responsibility of the portion of wall in front of his house. I am sure it was very strange for all to see these women doing such rigorous and dirty work.

B. Every willing person needed Take note that everyone who could help did help in the repairs, even people way outside their society norms or expectations.

C. Unique people with unique styles: No doubt each section would have a unique look and feel, (since none were professional wall builders). But yet, they all worked side-by-side as they joined their portion of the wall together.

Important to remember; “It was God making that wall work, to stand and be strong”.

God loves when we respect and enjoy each other’s uniqueness.

Rom 14:4 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Rom 14:7 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.

Rom 14:8 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Note: (Believers need to work together in one accord). Each of us uniquely offers their distinctive unique gifts, in a unique way. It is in this way that the work of God gets done, and in a glorious way unto God.

“Different types of people, no doubt with different building styles, but one heart and mind in the common vision”.

3:13-14 The non-glorious parts also must be built – Refuse or Dung Gate Neh 3:13-14 13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Refuse Gate. 14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, leader of the district of Beth Haccerem, repaired the Refuse Gate; he built it and hung its doors with its bolts and bars.

A. a thousand cubits (1000 cubits equals .28 miles or 1478.4 feet) Evidentially this was an unusually large portion they were given

B. repaired the “Refuse or Dung” Gate Not only did they have a larger than normal responsibly to build, they were also given an inglorious gate to build. Imagine when your grandkids ask, “which portion did you build”? But they did it willingly, with no complaint.

On the other hand 3:15-16 Some got to build glorious sections – city of David and tombs of David Neh 3:15-16 15 Shallun the son of Col-Hozeh, leader of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he built it, covered it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the King's Garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David. 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs as far as the place in front of the tombs of David, to the man-made pool, and as far as the House of the Mighty.

A. he built it, covered it (roofed it) Although it is not said of another gate, this maybe was just another way of saying, “they laid the beams”, as in Neh 3:3 and 6.

B. the Pool of Shelah by the King's Garden Called before, “the king’s pool,” which received its water as “sent” through a long subterranean conduit, and supplied the king’s gardens.

C. the stairs that go down from the City of David A flight of steps, still to be seen, led from the low valley of the Tyropoeon up the steep sides of Ophel to the "city of David," which it reached probably at a point not far south of the temple.

Quote: (Barnes) “The "pool of Siloah" lies at the southwestern foot of the temple hill, near the lower end of the Tyropoeon. It appears to have been at all times beyond the line of the city wall, but was perhaps joined to the city by a fortification of its own”.

D. to the man-made pool 11

This was unknown to what this is referring to; Evidently another pool that one of the Kings built.

3:17-20 Some areas required great skill and had to be carefully constructed Neh 3:17-20 17 After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani, made repairs. Next to him Hashabiah, leader of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him their brethren, under Bavai the son of Henadad, leader of the other half of the district of Keilah, made repairs. 19 And next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the leader of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the Ascent to the Armory at the buttress. 20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai carefully repaired the other section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

A. carefully repaired the other section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest This took some thinking about and discussion no doubt to get this strategic section right.

3:21-27 the Tekoites repaired another section Neh 3:21-27 21 After him Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. 22 And after him the priests, the men of the plain, made repairs. 23 After him Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs by his house. 24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress, even as far as the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the buttress, and on the tower which projects from the king's upper house that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs. 26 Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower. 27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section, next to the great projecting tower, and as far as the wall of Ophel.

A. repaired another section

B. made repairs opposite their house

C. to the buttress, even as far as the corner

D. made repairs opposite the buttress, and on the tower which projects from the king's upper house

E. the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower

F. the Tekoites repaired another section, The section of wall near the Water Gate saw some remarkable service.

Apparently, the Tekoites weren’t satisfied with the significant work they did before – they went on to do even more work.

They weren’t going to let the bad example of their nobles who did no work (Neh 3:5) keep them from working above and beyond the call of duty. They looked over-shoulders of their bad leaders and led themselves.

3:28-32. The final section Neh 3:28-32 28 Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. 29 After them Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs. 30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling. 31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the Nethinim and of the merchants, in front of the Miphkad Gate, and as far as the upper room at the corner. 32 And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

A. Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house

B. Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling: The Hebrew word for dwelling is actually -chamber – it refers to a singular room. Meshullam appears to have only one small room, yet he was devoted to God and to the work of rebuilding the walls. It is better to be devoted to God in one small room than to have a mansion and have a heart cold to God.

Important note: (There is no such thing as an “unimportant” part of the body).

1 Cor 12:20-22 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

1 Cor 12:23-25 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that [part] which lacks it, 13

25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

1 Cor 12:27 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Conclusion Nehemiah has been able to get the majority of the people, group or team to start, continue and not only do the portion in front of their houses, but in many cases extra additional sections, and to take on difficult, tedious, complicated, and technically important sections (corners, buttresses, etc.)

Principles of leadership:

1. A leader has the work organized and has things in order.

 He understood it - what has to be done in order to accomplish or reach the goal?  He planned it – the best he could (not enough people for every section, but…)  Communicated it - so the people understand all that has to be done. It is so very impressive that so many took it upon themselves to start working on “another section”, because they understood what the goal was and that although Nehemiah had not been able to find someone to take on that area, when people finished their section they stepped right up and filled in to start building another section.

2. A leader involves everyone possible

3. A leader is not bothered by delegation Some people try to do it all themselves because they want it a particular way and they don’t want to exhaust themselves with trying to explain it.

Quote: “It’s best to get 10 men involved, to do the work of 10 men. Instead of one man trying to do the work of 10 men”.

4. A leader is not discouraged when visible and important people won’t join in and/or be a part of the plan, so that their participation might be an encouragement, in order to accomplish the plan and reach the goal.

Note:  When you need man the most, he will be there the least.  When you need “man” to come and help the most, is when “man” will fail you the most.

Psalms 60:11-12 11 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. (KJV – vain is the help of man) 12 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Psalms 20:7 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Keep your eyes on the Lord, “He will not fail you”.

Example: (Apostle Paul’s life)

2 Tim 4:16 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

2 Tim 4:17-18 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

5. A leader expects opposition and ready’s himself for discouraging and disparaging words. Others may and probably will be affected by the “fake news”, but the leader must stand strong and keep his eyes on the Lord and His promises.

Note: “Often what the enemy is saying is correct, if there is no God. And sometimes there is much that is “true” in their “lie”. But what they are saying is indeed “a lie” if God does come through.”

Application: Let us as a church be God’s instrument in our community, city, and beyond.

1. Everyone has to be involved in ministry. “Everyone putting his shoulder to the work”, so to speak.

 Often, it is discouraging to some people that 10% of the people do the work and the giving.  But, that will not be the case with us!!!!  God will give us a mind to work, and together we will rise and build!!!

Psalms 60:12a 12a Through God we will do valiantly, ….

2. To all those in the church that are leading, overseeing or head over a ministry, get as many people involved as you can. As the old saying goes, “The more the merrier”.

 Helping people get involved is an integral way by which we can connect with each other and to get to know each other better. And through getting to know them better we can often discover the areas they need to grow in, or be discipled in, and then we are able to disciple them.

 Often we falsely think, if people want to be involved they would see the invitation in the bulletin or hear it in the announcements on Sunday morning and they would then get involved. This is not true!  Most people won’t get involved until someone personally invites them. Whether that is to join in on a Bible study or be a part of a ministry opportunity.  People are often afraid. They are afraid to meet new people, possibly get rejected, the stress of meeting new people and putting yourself out there is a very hard thing to do.  Sometimes people need help to see the vision of being a part of the Bible study or being involved in a ministry.  You will find when people are personally asked, they will say, yes.

3. God is not looking for “great talents”, but for “willing hearts” who will make themselves available.

1 Cor 1:26-31 26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."

Let us understand the wall we are building as Calvary Chapel Los Alamitos. In a sentence, we are to be a light of the “Gospel”, and to then disciple people into maturity in Christ.

Vision Statement: We are a Discipleship Making Church that teaches verse by verse through the whole Bible. We also believe that we need to share the “Gospel of Grace” to those who don’t know Him and/or are not aware of Him and His grace. We believe that the whole world can hear about Christ by one-on-one evangelism and discipleship. We believe such evangelism and discipleship needs to start in our own home, in our own neighborhoods, and then from Orange County to the ends of the world. We believe that each disciple should grow to do the same. We believe that maturity in Christ will be a person who lives and loves as Jesus does.