11 Oct 2026
The City of God
The City of God | Nehemiah 11:1–12:26
Christ Church East | A PCA Church in Jacksonville, Florida
How is the city of God built on this earth? In this sermon from our series through Nehemiah, Keith Dickerson walks through the list of names in Nehemiah 11–12 and shows that God builds his city through generations, through sacrifice, and through service.
SERMON RECAP
I. Through Generations
The families listed in Nehemiah 11 are traced back six and seven generations. Rebuilding Jerusalem wasn't the work of one person, or even one generation. It stood on nearly a century of faithfulness since the first exiles returned. The same is true for us: the faith is handed down in our homes, in the nursery and children's worship, in youth ministry, and through older believers mentoring the spiritual children God has given them in the church.
II. Through Sacrifice
Jerusalem was still in disrepair, so the people cast lots to bring one in ten to live in the city, and they blessed those who willingly went. They gave up homes, jobs, and comfort to obey God's mission. Their sacrifice points to Jesus, who went to Jerusalem at great cost to himself to accomplish our salvation. His sacrifice empowers ours, and it leaves every decision with one question: am I building the city of God or the city of me?
III. Through Service
Nehemiah names administrators, those who cared for the temple grounds, priests, and worship leaders. Many gifts, one purpose. No gift ranks above another. When each part of the body works with the single aim of pleasing Christ, there's no room for envy, and the church grows into something beautiful for his glory.
Everyone is building a city. Which city are you building?
SCRIPTURE
Nehemiah 11:1–2
"Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem."
Nehemiah 7:5
"And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first."
Psalm 145:4
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts."
Jeremiah 29:7
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Ephesians 4:16
"From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
2 Corinthians 5:9
"So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."
Also referenced: Nehemiah 11:4–7, 9, 11, 16–17; Nehemiah 12:24; Revelation 21
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway.
