Sermon Tone Analysis

Nehemiah 3:1–2 (AV 1873)

1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho.

And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

All Hands

Priests v 1, leaders v 12-19, women v12, specialists v 8.

1 Corinthians 12:1 (AV 1873)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

When doing a work for God you will often be used beyond your specialties.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (AV 1873)

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

The young preacher thrilled his congregation with his first sermon—a challenge to “gird their loins” for Christian service and living.

Then, to their dismay, he preached the same sermon the following Sunday.

When he confronted them with the same ringing message on the third Sunday, his flock felt something must be done.

“Don’t you have more than just one sermon?”

blurted a spokesman to the pastor.

“Oh, yes,” he said quietly, “I have quite a number.

But you haven’t done anything about the first one yet!”

Once the eminent philosopher John Dewey found his son in the bathroom.

The floor was flooded.

The professor began thinking, trying to understand the situation.

After working a few minutes the son said, “Dad, this is not the time to philosophize.

It is time to mop.”

Eliashib the high priest seems all in at this point, but in chapter 13:4

Filled With Desire

We are not told at this time that the people had any other desire other than to turn the reproach of the nation into praise and glory.

Nehemiah 2:18 (AV 1873)

18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me.

And they said, Let us rise up and build.

So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Nehemiah 2:20 (AV 1873)

20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Proverbs 13:12 (AV 1873)

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

God’s desire was much bigger than Nehemiah’s or the people.

In conversation with Professor S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, the Rev. George W. Hervey asked this question:

“Professor Morse, when you were making your experiments yonder in your room in the university, did you ever come to a stand, not knowing what to do next?”

“Oh, yes, more than once.”

“And at such times what did you do next?”

“I may answer you in confidence, sir,” said the professor, “but it is a matter of which the public knows nothing.

I prayed for more light.”

“And the light generally came?”

“Yes, and may I tell you that when flattering honors come to me from America and Europe on account of the invention which bears my name, I never felt I deserved them.

I had made a valuable application of electricity, not because I was superior to other men, but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must reveal it to someone, and was pleased to reveal it to me.”

In view of these facts, it is not surprising that the inventor’s first message was, “What hath God wrought!”

—Moody Monthly

the sheep gate

The healing that Jesus brought to this poor man is nothing compared to the healing He will bring to all those who put their faith in His name.

John 5:24 (AV 1873)

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Acts 4:12 (AV 1873)

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Circled the City

A city cannot be fortified by one person.

It takes the dedication and sacrifice of many.

However, A city that has God as its strong-tower will be fortified and helped in its endeavors to glorify Him.

Psalm 127:1 (AV 1873)

1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Matthew 28:18–20 (AV 1873)

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Amen.