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ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (I)
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Nehemiah 8:1-8

Exodus 19:7-17

 

“And the LORD came down

upon mount Sinai.”

 

ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (I)
 
The congregational gathering in Nehemiah 8 presents the elements of congregational worship. What elements are essential for a congregational gathering for worship? This is a vital question especially in light of the varied types of services fronted in this age, with every proponent claiming that their variation is spirit-filled or spirit-led. We have seen earlier that the gathering in Nehemiah 8 was in accordance with the command of Moses given in Deuteronomy 31, and that it focused on the Word of God being read and expounded.
 
And all the people gathered themselves together (Neh 8:1). Without a congregational gathering, there cannot be a congregational worship. This element of worship is increasingly challenged today by the advances in technology especially in the area of remote meetings. Many today would conveniently choose to “attend” worship services from the comfort of their homes. They disregard the call, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb 10:25). In Exodus 19, which presents to us the first occasion of congregational gathering, Moses was instructed that “when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount” (Exod 19:13). And on the appointed day of the meeting with God, “Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God” (Exod 19:17).
 
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation (8:2-3). The second element of congregational worship is the reading and exposition of Scripture. The centrality of the Word of God in the worship service has been highlighted in the previous devotions. It is clear that the climax of any congregational worship gathering must be the reading and exposition of the Word. In Exodus, at Mt Sinai when Moses led the people to meet with God, God spoke to the people (Exod 20:1). The people in response requested Moses to “let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exod 20:19), and to relay to them God’s words. God uses faithful and holy men to bring His Word to His children.
 
THOUGHT: (Read John 4:23-24.)

PRAYER: (Pray for grace to be faithful in attending worship services.)

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