Sermon Tone Analysis

Bible Conference put on by Ezra and Nehemiah.

Understanding the Word (1-8)

A. The Wanted the Book (1-4)

Water Gate:

Water Gate: Water is the symbol of the Word of God and cleansing power.

eph 5 26

That the leaders chose the Water Gate for the site of the assembly is interesting.

In the Bible, water for washing is a picture of the Word of God (John 15:3; Eph.

5:26), while water for drinking is a picture of the Spirit of God (John 7:37–39).

When we apply the water of the Word to our lives, then the Spirit can work and bring the help we need.

It is refreshing to the soul when you receive the Word and allow the Spirit to teach you.

neh 8 1-

This was on the first day of the seventh month, which was the Jewish equivalent of our New Year’s Day.

The seventh month was a special time in the Jewish calendar because the Jews celebrated the Feast of Trumpets on the first day, the Day of Atonement on the tenth day, and the Feast of Tabernacles from the fifteenth day to the twenty-first day (Lev.

23:23–44).

The Wall that had just been completed may have served as a natural sound system.

B. They Listened to the Book (5-6)

C.

They Learned from the Book (7-8)

Suppose you had to use John Wycliffe’s Version of the Bible, the oldest version in English.

How much of this passage would you understand if you did not already know it from another version?

alle ye that traueilen & ben chargid come to me & I schal fulfille you.

take ye my yok on you & lerne ye of me for I am mylde and meke in herte: and ye schulen finde rest to youre soulis/ for my yok is softe & my charge liyt.

Wycliffe’s translation goes back about 600 years (1382)

Teachers of the law broke up into smaller groups to explain the law, apply it, and answer questions.

Here we have a precedent for more intimate small groups that help us to grow towards maturity in God.

If God is to work in and through His people, then they must respond positively to His Word; and this chapter describes three basic responses: understanding the Word (8:1–8), rejoicing in the Word (vv.

9–12), and obeying the Word (vv.

13–18).

The whole person—mind (understanding), heart (rejoicing), and will (obeying)—must be captive to God’s truth.

Rejoicing in the Word (9-12)

nehemiah 8:1-

A. The Word Brought Sorrow (9, 11)

neh

neh 8 9, 11

Day of Atonement (10th day of the month) was the highest holy day that reminded the Jews of the forgiveness that God gives to His people.

Day of Atonement (10th day of the month) was the highest holy day that reminded the Jews of the forgiveness that God gives to His people.

This is followed by the Feast of Tabernacles (the 15th to 21st of the month) for 7 days.

B. The Word Brought Joy (10, 12)

Obeying the Word (13-18)

A. Instruction in the Word (13-14)

B. And a Call to Obey the Word (15)

C. Led to Obedience to the Word (16-17)

D. Brought Joy in the Lord (18)

The Feast of Booths will be the only required Feast during the Millennial Kingdom.

zech 14 16-

God doesn’t give us joy instead of sorrow, or joy in spite of sorrow, but joy in the midst of sorrow.

Gave gifts especially to the needy.

It was joyful giving week, like our Christmas celebration.

Bible Conference

Someone asked evangelist Billy Sunday if revivals lasted, and he replied, “No, neither does a bath; but it’s good to have one occasionally!”