by Denis Beausejour

Sermon Series: GOOD TO GREAT

Companion Handout: Bible BasicsGod’s Word Transforms
Text: Nehemiah 7:73b - 8:18

The Word of God transforms people. This happens because it is true, reliable, and given in self-revelation by a God who loves us more than we can imagine. A transforming journey with Jesus is impossible without understanding His Word, and applying it as we bring our lives into conformity with His character and His desire for us to be intimate with Him. The insert today gives a "cliff notes" summary of why the Bible should be our most-read book.

Today, we learn that the principles of biblical transformation through the power of God's Word are timeless. Today's text shows us how the people of Israel responded to God's Word 2500 years ago. May we respond faithfully today as we study God's timeless truth!

1. Gathering: Seeking God and His Word (7:73b - 8:3)

2. Preparing: Worship for a great God (8:4-6)

3. Understanding: Knowledge brings repentance (8:7-9)

4. Celebration: Knowing the truth (8:10-12)

5. Private study: Going deeper in the Word (8:13-15)

6. Immediate obedience: Doing the Word (8:16-17)

7. Hunger for growth: Getting more of God's life and wisdom (8:18)

Bible Reading Plan for our series:

To get the most from our series, read these Scriptures: (It takes only about
30 minutes a week!)
Week ending Feb 18: Zechariah 8-14, Nehemiah 8
Week ending Feb 25: Esther 1-5, Nehemiah 9
Week ending Mar 4: Esther 6-10, Nehemiah 10
Week ending Mar 11: Ezra 7-10, Nehemiah 11-12
Week ending Mar 18: Nehemiah 13, Psalm 126
Week ending Mar 25: Acts 1-3, Revelation 1:1-18
Week ending April 1: Acts 4-6, Revelation 1:19 - 3:22

Some history notes to help us keep track of key events:
1. Jeremiah prophesied from approximately 627 BC to 586 BC - in Chapter 29, he calls for an exile of 70 years as a punishment for national disobedience.

2. The Babylonians began to exile the Judeans in 597BC, and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.

3. The Persians defeated the Babylonians and in 538 BC, King Cyrus decreed that the people return and the temple be rebuilt. (See 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-4).

4. The first Jews to return under Zerubbabel did so in 538 BC.

5. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied in 520-518 BC, and the temple foundation was at least partially and temporarily rebuilt in 516 BC (70 years from its destruction).

6. Esther is dated between 483 and 473 BC. She no doubt influenced the queen from Nehemiah chapter 2.

7. Ezra came to Jerusalem in approximately 458 BC to begin reforms, but is thwarted.

8. Malachi prophesies between 450 and 430 BC.

9. Nehemiah comes in 445-4 BC and serves as governor for 12 years to 433-2 BC.