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NEHEMIAH 8:6-10

"THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH"

Intro: Year 445 B .C. King Artaxerxes gave command to Neh. to restore & rebuild the  wall. In 
       spite of opposition task was completed in 52 days on Sept. 25. 5 days  later on Oct 5
       whole congregation gathered before the street to the water gate. While they stood, Ezra
       read out of the Book of the Law till noon.

I. THE WORSHIP OF THE PEOPLE. VS. 6.
        A. Inspiration for worship.
                1. Reading of the Word.
                        a. Their God was the creator of the Universe.
                        b. Their God was faithful to His Word.
                        c. Their God led their fathers into this land.
                        d. Their God was ready to pardon, gracious & merciful.
                2. Looking at the wall.
                        a. Like dreaming for they had despaired.
                        b. True worship is that which arises spontaneously from the
                           recognition of God's Grace.
        B. Their form of worship.
                1. Response to Ezra's praise - Amen. "So be it."
                2. Lifting up their hands.
                3. Bowing heads with face to the ground.
                4. They worshipped the Lord.

II. THE WORD TO THE PEOPLE. VS 8.
        A. How to read the Word.
                1. Distinctly.
                2. Gave the sense & caused them to understand.
                        a. Phi lips question to Ethiopian.
                        b. Understanding is vital.
                        c. Chief duty of every minister of God.
        B. The result of the Word.
                1. Consciousness of the greatness of God.
                        a. Worship reverence (fear).
                        b. Faith.
                2. Conviction vs 9 "For all the people wept when they heard."
                        a. For the Word of God is alive, powerful and sharper than any two
                           edged sword.

Ill. THE STRENGTH OF THE PEOPLE
        A. A great seemingly impossible task has been accomplished.
                1. The wall stands again.
                2. Just 2 months ago lay in ruin.
                3. They had worked together - united hearts.
                4. They worked with dedication.
                5. They worked with determination. . . trowel in one hand & sword in other.
        B. Wherein lay their strength?
                1. United effort?
                2. Dedication?
                3. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
                        a. "Who for the joy of the Lord?"
                4. Joy is the result of hope. "And whom having not seen ye love, etc"
                5. Fullness of joy is the realization of that hope.
                        "Some day we shall stand in His presence look upon Him fact to face."
                        Fullness of joy.
                6. Hope is born by the understanding of the Word.