Church bulletin for June
It has been interesting to observe over the last couple of years the different dynamics between the north and south Bible study groups. Different personalities, different backgrounds, different concerns have led to different questions and points of discussion. Just recently in the south group the reading of scripture came up in the context of church services. It is common today for churches not to include the reading of scripture in their worship service at all. Or if they do it may be just a few verses; often scripture is only read during the actual sermon. Here are some thoughts.
A. The scriptures were read publicly in the early church. 1 Tim 4:13, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” The apostle Paul instructed Timothy that reading scripture to the congregation at Ephesus was a part of his pastoral responsibility, along with exhorting them and teaching doctrine.
B. Reading the scriptures publicly emphasises their importance. Scripture is important of course because it is God’s Word. When people pause to listen it is a way of demonstrating the high esteem with which it is held. Obviously we place much significance on preaching and rightly so. But it is good for us to simply listen to the reading of scripture without any human interpretation, explanation, or application. God by His Spirit can make His own comment to us.
C. We read scripture publicly in order to teach. This is not just a ritualistic practice; it is undertaken to make God and His purposes known. It is a helpful way in which we prepare for the preaching of His Word. The service leader will read from the passage to be expounded or a passage relative to it, and so this helps to tune our hearts and minds for what is to come. In fact any passage of scripture is useful in preparation whether it is relative to the sermon or not.
D. Listening to the reading of scripture is an act of worship. The concept of worship today is almost exclusively consigned to singing. The Bible actually places more importance on listening. Listening is to bow before God in submission, need, and thanksgiving as we pay careful attention to both the reading and preaching of His Word. Ecc 5:1-2, “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.”