Verse of the Day 11/14

 

Nehemiah 8:8  They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.   English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Every time I read from the book of Nehemiah I'm reminded how from the first time that I heard the song "He Is" by Aaron Jeofffrey, that in reference to this book, said that  God is "the re-builder of broken walls and lives".  He does so by building up corporately and individually in His Word, through preaching and teaching.

 

Today's passage points out how Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites taught the Word, the Law with clarity.  Not just reading it but explaining how it applied to the people's lives.  So it has been through history in revivals, in God's rebuilding His church, it has been through going back, excavating the scriptures.

 

In "Portrait of Calvin", T.H.I. Parker writes of Calvin, "the center of his pastoral work, around which all else resolved, was preaching of the gospel.  By this means Calvin says time and time again, God reveals Himself in His judgment and mercy, turning hearts to obedience, confirming the faith of believers, building up and purifying the church......  It is by the preaching of the gospel that God forms, builds, and rules His Church."

 

There are many theories today on how the church is to grow, but the preaching of the gospel from His Word has to be central if the building is to be effective.  From Pastors, elders and teachers the message is to be taugh clearly.  This method has not changed.
 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Nehemiah 8:7-9  English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites,^[a] helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. ⁸ They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,^[b] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

This Day Is Holy

⁹ And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.