NORMAN, Okla. (ABP) — Just as God used Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem after the Jews returned from exile, God also will use his people today to rebuild and repair brokenness in society, said Major Jemison, pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
"The walls are down," Jemison told Baptists gathered for the New Baptist Covenant meeting Aug. 6-7 in Norman, Okla., pointing to economic, moral, spiritual and political problems in the United States. But he stressed that God can "use one to motivate many" to repair brokenness.
"God has never been bankrupt of human resources," said Jemison, past-president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. But to be used by God, he said, Christians must demonstrate four characteristics:
–A liberal, giving spirit. "We must be willing to give," he said, noting that God set the standard by giving of himself, sending his Son into the world. "Everyone who participated in the Christ event had to give up something."
–An inclusive spirit. "We can't do it by ourselves. We all need each other to get the work done," he said.
–An indomitable spirit. Nehemiah had to prevail against discoursing and distracting voices. "We must have a tenacious spirit that holds on in spite of" any obstacle, Jemison said.
–An industrious spirit. Nehemiah "had a mind to work," Jemison said. "He did not say 'no' to the clarion call to service."
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Ken Camp is managing editor of the Baptist Standard.