Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
October 20, 2024
FALL 2024
Together . . . for the Future
September 1 – November 2, 2024
Preaching Voice: Shepherd
The Joy of the Lord
Nehemiah 8:7-17
Theme for 2024: Together
Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future
Lessons for Re-Building (or Building)
-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer!
-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment!
-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work!
-Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome!
-Detoured by Distractions: Don’t get sidetracked!
-How Firm a Foundation: God’s Word is trustworthy!
CONTEXT: Nehemiah and Ezra led Israel in a revival service recorded in Nehemiah 8. After hearing the Word of God read aloud, these Jews were convicted. However, their leaders led them to a time of celebration, worship, remembrance, service, and . . . JOY!
How joyful, happy, blessed are you? How often do you rejoice? How do you express your delight in the Lord?
The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength!
JOY STEALERS: This sinful world, your sinful nature, and Satan!
When we seek joy from things, from others, from achievement, or accolade --- we will always be disappointed. In fact, we are placing our joy in the hands of something or someone else!
The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength!
The Joy of the LORD is . . . a gift!
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
-The Angel of the Lord (Luke 2:10)
“Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love . . . I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
-Jesus (John 10:10-11)
The Joy of the LORD is . . . a choice!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
-Philippians 4:4
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy . . .”
-1 Peter 1:8
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
-Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah (Daniel 3:17-18)
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
-Habakkuk 3:17-18
The Joy of the LORD is . . . our future!
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
-Revelation 19:7
The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength!