Nehemiah 8:1-18
6 Heart Attitudes Towards the Bible
1) Don’t just
All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 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. 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. Nehemiah 8:1-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 1 Peter 2:2
This Week’s Power Verse
Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119:165 (NASB95)
2) It’s not a
Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion… 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. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:4-6
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6
3) Don’t just
The Levites… instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Nehemiah 8:7-8
4) It will behoove you to let it
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. Nehemiah 8:9-12
5) Don’t just
On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law. They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written. So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. Nehemiah 8:13-17
“to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” Ephesians 5:26
6) Don’t
Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly. Nehemiah 8:18
He came to His own, and his own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:11-12
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Ministry Highlights
- Connection Global
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28). At The Connection Church, we believe that that is a calling for all believers which is why always have opportunities to go out into our community, whether it is in our local cities, across the nation, or even across oceans, to make a difference and share the good news of Jesus. Click the link to find out about upcoming opportunities to serve this year! FIND OUT MORE!
- Connect One
If you regularly attend The Connection Church and haven’t taken the step to officially become a member, we want to invite you to our Connect One event on Sunday, February 2nd, at 5:30pm at the Buda Campus. We’ll provide dinner and childcare so you can have a relaxing evening with us as you hear from our lead Pastors, Cole, and Pam Phillips. We can’t wait to see you there and welcome you to the TCC family! RSVP Here!
Connection Group Guide:
Opening Question:
How would you describe your current relationship with the Bible? Do you find it easy or challenging to engage with Scripture regularly?
Key Takeaways:
1. The Bible is not just a rulebook, but a life-transforming message from God.
2. We should approach the Bible with eagerness and reverence, treating it as a treasure.
3. Understanding and applying Scripture is more important than just reading it.
4. God’s Word has the power to convict us of sin and bring us joy through forgiveness.
5. Consistently engaging with the Bible can lead to positive life changes and spiritual growth.
Questions to Discuss:
1. Only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily. What are some obstacles that keep people from reading the Bible regularly? How can we overcome these challenges?
2. Pastor Cole compared the Bible to a gold mine. How have you experienced discovering new “treasures” in familiar Bible passages?
3. The prince in the story became an expert in Bible trivia but missed the transformational power. How can we make sure we’re not just gaining head knowledge but allowing God’s Word to change our hearts?
4. The Israelites responded physically to hearing God’s Word (standing, shouting “Amen,” bowing). How do you typically respond when you encounter powerful truths in Scripture?
5. Pastor Cole emphasized the importance of understanding and applying Scripture. Can you share an example of how a Bible passage has impacted your actions or decisions recently?
6. How does the idea of “washing up with the Word” (Ephesians 5:26) change your perspective on daily Bible reading?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to reading a portion of the Bible every day this week, even if it’s just a few verses.
2. Choose one practical way to apply something you’ve read in Scripture this week and share it with our group next time.
3. Find an accountability partner in our group to encourage each other in consistent Bible engagement.
4. Memorize this week’s Power Verse: Psalm 119:165 - “Those who love your law have great peace and nothing causes them to stumble.”
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Word. Help us to approach the Bible with eagerness, understanding, and a willingness to be changed. Give us the discipline to engage with Scripture consistently and the wisdom to apply its truths in our daily lives. May your Word bring conviction where needed and joy in your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.