The Congregation’s Role in Preaching.
The role of the congregation in preaching is often underestimated. Just as merely standing in water doesn't equate to bathing, passively sitting through a sermon doesn't constitute active worship. This mindset in many churchgoers, where the sermon is endured rather than engaged with, needs a shift. Drawing inspiration from Nehemiah 8:1-8, let's explore how a congregation's active participation can breathe new life into the preaching aspect of worship services.
Expectant Approach to God's Word
The story of Nehemiah and Ezra reveals a vital aspect of engaging with preaching: expectant participation. The people in Nehemiah's time didn't just gather; they prepared themselves and the environment for receiving God’s Word. They built a platform for Ezra and stood attentively, symbolizing their readiness to absorb every word. This illustrates the first step in revitalizing our approach to sermons: preparation and expectation. Before we step into the church, we should prepare our hearts and minds, anticipate a divine encounter, and be ready to absorb the wisdom imparted. Do we attend church anticipating a routine or an encounter with the living God?
Personal Internalization of the Message
In Nehemiah 8:9-12, we see the emotional response of the people to the Word. It wasn’t a mere intellectual exercise; it deeply moved them to tears. The people were grieved over their sin and mourned their wickedness. As they grieved, Ezra comforted them with the hope of forgiveness prompting them to feast with one anther before the Lord. This shows the importance of personal internalization. When we listen to a sermon, it should be an intimate conversation between us and God, where His Word penetrates our hearts and minds. It’s about allowing the sermon to challenge, comfort, and change us. How often do we reflect on a sermon's message and let it question our beliefs, our actions, and our very lives?
Practical Demonstration of God’s Word
The story further unfolds in Nehemiah 8:13-18, where the people don’t just hear the Law; they live it. They celebrated the Feast of Booths as a tangible demonstration of their learning. Similarly, our response to preaching should be action-driven. The real test of a powerful sermon is its visibility in our lives. It’s about embodying the teachings, serving others, and displaying Christ’s love and grace in our everyday interactions. Are we mere note-takers, or do we step out to be doers of the Word? As the Spirit works in us through the Word of God, the evidence of His working is found as we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Our actions are proof that the Word has been effective in its aim. This ongoing life transformation is proof to the world around us that the gospel is true and powerful.
Conclusion
True revitalization in our churches begins with how we, as a congregation, engage with preaching. It's a journey from expectation to internalization, and finally, to demonstration. This active engagement not only deepens our worship experience but also plays a crucial role in the spiritual health and growth of our church community. As we transform from passive listeners to active doers of the Word, we become living testimonies, eagerly sharing the transformative power of God’s Word in our lives. Let's embrace this call to active participation and witness the profound impact it has on our church and beyond.