Church in ruins: anticipate further opposition

When you are rebuilding the church in a destructive spiritual climate you should prepare for the long haul and focus. The agents of destruction will not be happy with your attempts. They will scheme to harm you or your good name. They will try to distract you. They will hire theologians to discourage and intimidate you.

All these things happened to Nehemiah. So, do not be discouraged, but: Anticipate further opposition. Don’t be distracted. Never meet on the enemy’s terms. 

Also: Expect them to hire theologians. This is particularly sad. In recent church history, theologians have often been used as agents of change. Nehemiah shows us that this is not a new phenomenon. Those who prefer a church in ruins often hire prophets to do their bidding. These men and women will tell you that what God intends is actually very different from what you find in Scripture and tradition.