Hello Everyone,

Another element of this worship was it was marked by a Hearing of the Word.

Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5 ² So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. ³ He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

⁴ Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion…⁵ Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up

They were not time conscious, thinking about lunch. They stood for 5 or 6 hours a day, day after day.

Don't misunderstand, I don't think our celebrations and gatherings should drag on unnecessarily, but we shouldn't rush it or quench the Spirit of God.

We need to be sensitive to the Lord's leading as well as to the attention span of the people ... the point is, the people need to GROW in their attention span, especially when God offers us such a feast!

I'm thankful for a church that is attentive.

I try not to be long winded or take advantage of your time. I'd prefer to get finished before you get finished! My goal is to leave you wanting more.

3b And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

They were attentive. Why waste your time in coming if not to listen? And we're trying to teach our kids that when they are in big church they are here to listen.

Church is a place not just to color and try to pass the time, but to show reverence to God and His Word.

Greater Things Are Still To Come!

Pastor Phil