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Essential Practicals:
Simply Teach The Bible Simply
Nehemiah 8:8, So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.
Nehemiah’s task in Jerusalem may not seem very spiritual. Yet God did call him to build the wall and he was faithful to do it. Then Nehemiah teamed up with Ezra to bring the Word of God to the people. Consider these important lessons from his example.
Meet Practical Needs And Teach The Word—There are many practical needs that can and should be met. Ministry is not limited to what happens when the Bible is opened. That being said, in meeting practical needs we also need to bring forth the Word of God. Rebuilding the wall was the first step for the people to rebuild their relationship with God.
If Nehemiah had only rebuilt the wall then the people would not have been changed. He would have went back to his post as cup-bearer and they would have continued in their sinful unrepentant state. Building walls and doing good things is good. It is good to meet practical needs as God gives us provision and opportunity. We must also bring forth the Word of God so that lives can be changed. God’s Word promises that it will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
Teach The Bible—There are a multitude of good books about the Bible. There is only one book that is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We must teach the Bible, not good books.
Teach The Bible Simply—They read the Bible distinctly. They read it loudly and clearly. Then they gave the sense. They explained the words, gave the background and kept the context. That is exactly what we are called to do. So that the people can understand the Word of God. Read the Bible clearly and explain it simply so that the people can understand, and obey.
Consider the congregation. This group was unfamiliar with the Word, so they delivered the Word in a way they could understand. There is a place for teaching complicated and technical details, but most of the time people need to hear the Bible read and taught simply.