Sunday, February 05, 2006
God's Word
GOD’S WORD BRINGS REVIVAL
Nehemiah 8:1-18
INTRO: The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in 52 days. (6:15). The people gathered in the square before the Water Gate and asked Ezra to read the Law of Moses to them. Let notice:
THEIR ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD’S WORD (1-8)
All the people gathered (2).
They listened attentively from dawn till noon.
Ezra read. The people stood with raised hands.
The Levites instructed.
THEN CAME JOY (9-12)
As the people understood, they mourned their sin.
But Nehemiah called the people to REJOICE.
-- no weeping. – rather, have a party.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. (10)
(Your strength comes from rejoicing in the Lord.)
CELEBRATION BY OBEDIENCE (13-18)
Leaders came back for more of the Word.
They learned about the Feast of Booths.
They called for the feast. (first time since Joshua!)
God’s word was read daily.
Their joy was very great! (17)
THEN COMES CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE
Chapter 9 gives history of Israel including:
Creation, Chosen people, Rebellion, Rescue…
Then came confession and praises.
Renewal of commitment:
Holiness, giving, and worship.
WE ARE CHALLENGED TO COME TO GOD’S WORD WHICH WILL LEAD US TO JOY AND RENEWAL OF OUR COMMITMENT.
========================
Our study in Nehemiah has both challenged and encouraged us. As Nehemiah came to trust God completely, we can do so also. As the people turned to God's word and responded in obedience and a new commitment, they received a joy only possible through God. We can have that same joy today! God bless as you go to His Word.
Remember: The reason I am posting here is to attempt to get a dialog going.
Nehemiah 8:1-18
INTRO: The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in 52 days. (6:15). The people gathered in the square before the Water Gate and asked Ezra to read the Law of Moses to them. Let notice:
THEIR ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD’S WORD (1-8)
All the people gathered (2).
They listened attentively from dawn till noon.
Ezra read. The people stood with raised hands.
The Levites instructed.
THEN CAME JOY (9-12)
As the people understood, they mourned their sin.
But Nehemiah called the people to REJOICE.
-- no weeping. – rather, have a party.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. (10)
(Your strength comes from rejoicing in the Lord.)
CELEBRATION BY OBEDIENCE (13-18)
Leaders came back for more of the Word.
They learned about the Feast of Booths.
They called for the feast. (first time since Joshua!)
God’s word was read daily.
Their joy was very great! (17)
THEN COMES CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE
Chapter 9 gives history of Israel including:
Creation, Chosen people, Rebellion, Rescue…
Then came confession and praises.
Renewal of commitment:
Holiness, giving, and worship.
WE ARE CHALLENGED TO COME TO GOD’S WORD WHICH WILL LEAD US TO JOY AND RENEWAL OF OUR COMMITMENT.
========================
Our study in Nehemiah has both challenged and encouraged us. As Nehemiah came to trust God completely, we can do so also. As the people turned to God's word and responded in obedience and a new commitment, they received a joy only possible through God. We can have that same joy today! God bless as you go to His Word.
Remember: The reason I am posting here is to attempt to get a dialog going.
