2. Listen to God’s Word to Gain Bible Knowledge
Why listen to the Bible? God’s living Word speaks to us.
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah told about the day Ezra called the people of Israel together and he read from the Book of the Law.
The exiled Jews had recently come back to their land and settled in their towns. They rebuilt the houses that were destroyed.
On that day a multitude of people gathered together in the square by the Water Gate in Jerusalem. “They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel” (Nehemiah 8:1) Standing on a high platform, Ezra opened the Book and read aloud.
The people of Israel listened carefully. They understood clearly the words of the Book when it was read to them. They stood one-fourth of the day hearing the Word.
The people spent another fourth of the day repenting. They knew they had not been living according to the Book of the Law. Hearing the Word inspired people to turn away from their sins.
The people responded to the reading of the Word with awe and reverence to God. They knew that day was a holy day for them. They were motivated to active obedience.
We must not neglect the importance of listening to the Word. Apostle Paul asked, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14).
There are different ways to listen to the Word. It may be through a Sunday sermon or someone’s teaching.
Apostle Paul was a theologian and preacher. He said we shouldn’t use deception and distort the Word to suit ourselves. Instead, we make the truth known plainly (2 Corinthians 4:2).
That’s why it is important to attend a church that does not stray from true biblical teachings. Whenever the Word is taught, it must be presented accurately.
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