One of the reasons we listen and engage with teaching and preaching each week is to re-engage with the stories & messages of the Scriptures. Pastor Sean invites us to consider why we need this continual act of engagement with the Scriptures through teaching and preaching.
Live Teaching Podcast
Scriptures & References
“What makes the difference to our behaviour is less what we believe than the phenomenon of being reminded, even subconsciously, of what we believe.” — Ara Nozorayan
When everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem. Everyone met in the square that is in front of the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law, the word the Eternal sent through Moses to Israel. 2 Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel. The community included both men and women—anyone who was able to understand was welcomed. This gathering took place on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Facing the people in the square, next to the water gate, he began to read excerpts. The document was massive, and just reading parts took him six or seven hours, from daybreak until noon. Everyone who was there heard him: men, women—anyone with the ability to understand. As he read, they were focused and listened carefully to the book of the law.
4 And as he read, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform made for this very occasion.
Nehemiah 8:1-4
Ezra opened the book of the law. As he opened the book, everyone stood. 6 Then Ezra called out and blessed the Eternal, worshiping God’s greatness. With their hands raised to the heavens, the people called out loudly in response, crying, “Amen! So may it be!” Then they fell to their knees and bowed. With their faces to the ground, they worshiped the Eternal. 7-8 Ezra read the law, the people listened, and the Levites explained it to them….
Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor), Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people,
Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.
Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection!
Nehemiah 8:5b-10
“The destructive quality of spiritual amnesia is that we forget the promise in light of the problem, and we also forget the times when the provision was made for us and we found ourselves standing safe and secure on the other side.”
― Casey Tygrett, As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life
“We live at a time when we believe we should have no story, except the story we chose when we had no story. We call this freedom.” -- Walter Brueggemen
Nehemiah 5:19
Nehemiah: 19 Remember me for the good I have done, my True God, for how I have served Your people.
Nehemiah 13:14
Nehemiah: 14 O God—my God—remember this good thing I have done. Do not forget the way I have served Your temple and its servants.
Nehemiah 13:22b
Nehemiah: O God—my God—remember my actions. Because of Your great love, show me mercy.
Nehemiah 13:31
Nehemiah: O God—my God—remember me with favor.
Also (in Neh. 6:14 and 13:29) he asks God to remember those who were against him and against Israel, for he knew that only God would deal justly with His enemies.
Nehemiah 6:14
My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess who would have made me afraid.
Nehemiah 13:29
Nehemiah: 29 O God—my God—remember how these men polluted the priesthood and the sacred vows of the priests and Levites.