Israel belongs to NEH 8 Sermon Outline

Title:

Text: Nehemiah 8

Intro: Wall had been rebuilt now time to rebuild the people of God

The 7th month was a very important month for Israel (Sept. Oct.) 1st month of the New Year. 3 events took place that month.

1st day was the feast of Trumpets – day of rest for work and day of burnt offerings to the LORD. The people were reminded by to rest by the sound of trumpets.

Trumpets, Feast of. Day of solemn rest and remembrance of God’s provision for his people through the Sinai covenant (Lv 23:23–25).

10th day was the day of atonement.

Atonement, Day of. Yom Kippur, the most important day in the religious calendar of Israel, falling on the tenth day of Tishri (the Hebrew month corresponding to mid-September through mid-October). On that day the high priest entered the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle (or temple) to atone for the sins of all Israel. (Lev. 16)

15th – 22nd (7 days) feast of Tabernacles

Tabernacles, Feast of. One of the three great festivals of Israel, celebrating the completion of the agricultural year. The Jews built booths or tabernacles (temporary shelters) to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt by the hand of God (Lv 23:33–43).

CPS: A rebulding of Jerusalem was not complete until God’s people were rebuilt -Transformed to follow closely after Him. How are people transformed by obeying the Word of God.

People had an appetite for the Word of God Vs. 1-6

1st day of 7th month was the feast of trumpets – a day of rest from laborious work and a day where the people were to present a burnt offering to the LORD (Lev. 23:24-25)

Holy assembly (Convication)

-water gate (some say this represents the Word of God) John 4:10

- gathered as one man – united

Came for Church – Hear God’s word – trained in God’s word

They came to worship -

Purpose

Told Ezra to bring the Law – read it – preach it

All the people who were old enough to understand came ready

Came not only for an hour service From early morning until noon – no tie restriction

*** Vs. 3 the people were attentive

Stood out of respect at the opening of the scroll

There purpose was to come to an UNDERSTANDING of the LAW

Outcome

Worshiped

*** Vs. 6

Raising of their hands – Acknowledgement of dependence on God.

Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2.

Prostrate – demonstrated humility before God and His word

Illustration: Fishing in Florida – intentional

APPLICATION: What would our church look like – worship look like – what would our walk look like IF WE CAME TO CHURCH EVERY TIME THE DOOR WAS OPENED WITH A PURPOSE

WHAT WOULD OUR LIVES LOOK LIKE IF WE PERSONALLY CAME TO GOD”S WORD WITH AN APPETTITE AND PURPOSE?

It would look like undefiled worship - God Focused – God Centered people who responded to Him in ways that would change the world.

It would look like revival!

The people gained understanding of the Word of God and it brought conviction Vs. 7-12

A.

B.

The people obeyed God’s Word.

A.

B.