1. 22-05-2016 Glenn Kwabena Gyimah The Joy Of Christ! Nehemiah 8:13-18 John 1:1,14,17 GICF

2. Nehemiah 8:13-14 13 Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law. 14 And they found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, 22-05-2016

3. Nehemiah 8:15-16 15 and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” 16 Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim. 22-05-2016 GICF

4. Nehemiah 8:17-18 17 So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness. 18 Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day there was a sacred assembly, according to the prescribed manner.” 22-05-2016 GICF

5. On the first day,.. Vs 9-12 The people were MOVED to tears… vs 9. Why? Psalm 19:7, the Bible says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;…” The word of the Law is PERFECT, Christ is PERFECT, He had the POWER just as the LAW, converting the SOUL; turning US BACK to GOD! The Bible says in Luke 15:10, “… there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This JOY of the LORD became THEIR STRENGTH – vs 10. The Levites instructed them to HOLD their peace and be happy – vs 11. Their RESTORATION has come and it CALLS for celebration BUT NOT weeping!- vs 12. This was what happened at the END of the FIRST DAY! 22-05-2016 GICF

6. John 1:1,14,17 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth… For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” There are TWO FORMS of dispensation in the text! 1.The LAW of Moses and the prophets! 2.The LAW of Grace and Truth by Jesus Christ! 22-05-2016 GICF

7. Desire To Know Christ/Law of God More – vs 13-14 Ezek 3:17, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:” 1 Cor. 2:1-2, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” His Spirit says, those who SEEK the LORD shall live – Amos 5:4; those who SEEK the LORD shall lack no GOOD thing – Psalm 34:10. We should SEEK His Strength and face forever more– 1 Chron 16:11. 22-05-2016 GICF

8. Desire To Do As Christ/Law of God Says – vs 15-16 Today, what is CHRIST our NEW Covenant LAW asking us to do? In Mark 16:15, Jesus said “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” And in Matt 24:14, “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” We should know that, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9. WOULD we still NOT DO the WILL of GOD by PREACHING to them? Then His final plan, in Revelation 14:6-7 the Bible says, “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” 22-05-2016 GICF

9. Gladness/Joy Of Christ/Law! – vs 17-18 In Psalm 19:8, “ 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; …….” – The STATUTES of the LORD are RIGHT!:- Making straight and giving understanding, showing men the TRUE WAY of LIFE – Jesus Christ said, I am the WAY, TRUTH and LIFE…John 14:6. Does this JOY ENDS on earth? NO! We have the DOUBLE blessings! Revelation 22:14-17, the Spirit of the LORD say, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” 22-05-2016 GICF