There are a growing number of churches that no longer include reading the scriptures as a regular part of public meeting, with the exception of a passage read during the sermon. Even many churches that I would align closely with and have a Christ-centered concentration. and a high vision of preaching still divides its public meetings into two halves: the singing part and the preaching part.
I am increasingly concerned about this trend, as it often neglects public scripture readings for having an essential and distinct role in our services.
- Here are some reasons why I would like to encourage pastors to continue to see public scripture reading as a necessary part of their public meetings:.
Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “Are you engaged in public scripture reading?(1 Tim 4. 13). No matter where you are in discussions about the principle of regulation, it is difficult to deny this clear instruction about what should be included when the church meets.
Reading, during the service, other scriptures that relate to the sermon passage to be preached later can be a very effective use of the scriptures in a service; However, there are others who simply reserve space for each weekly service to read the Bible chapter by chapter. If not, how will strange and difficult-to-understand passages be read, heard, and known publicly?
Do we really believe that there is power simply to read the Word of God?Is he so alive and active that, just by listening to him, can God work, convince a sinner, and know his people?Experience when God’s people come together to hear the Word of God, being well interpreted by someone and allowing these words to affect people’s souls.
This weekend, I heard the testimony of a man whose awakening to the gospel began when he heard the Word of God be read publicly in a religious service by a church and a pastor who did not even believe in the gospel. Church. There is a unique power in the Word of God when read publicly, a power that I would say is absent when neglected.
Surely nothing should compete in our services with the faithful ex display and application of God’s Word when it is powerfully preached; however, do not underestimate the power of God’s Word when it is read publicly, it is a standard established with God’s people. Israel (Ezra 8), followed by new Testament instructions for the Apostle’s letters to be read before the churches, and should be considered equally valid today.
How much time and focus on your worship is given to public scripture reading?