North Avenue Church Podcast

What created the joy of the Lord in God's people in Nehemiah 8? And what was the nature of this joy according to the text? Answering these questions can enable us to better 'rejoice in the Lord always'! I. What precedes this joy? Eager Initiative (v. 1-2) Prolonged Attentiveness (v. 3-4, 7-8) Passionate Reception (v. 5-6) Brokenhearted Grief (v. 9) II. What is the nature of this joy? It is an understanding joy (v. 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12) It is a holy joy (v. 9b, 10b, 11b) It is a neighbor-loving joy (v. 10a) It is a God-centered joy (v. 10c) It is a strengthening/protective joy (v. 10c) It is an obedient joy (v 12) Spurgeon, "What a gracious God we serve, who makes delight to be a duty, and who commands us to rejoice! Should we not at once be obedient to such a command as this? It is intended that we should be happy." You can watch this message here.