Together As One Man Title Slide—Together As One Man…

The Assembly “Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.” Nehemiah 8:1,2 Background: The people had returned from bondage in Babylon. The walls and gates of the city were rebuilt. People were again in the city of Jerusalem. Ezra the scribe was called the people together in the open square—for what purpose? The reading of God’s Law. This was a solemn assembly. Let us examine the statement made in Ezra 8:1 ’’they gathered together as one man.” What lessons can we learn from this statement?

The Assembly Unhurried Psalm 1:2 Acts 17:11 “Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand…” Nehemiah 8:3 Unhurried Psalm 1:2 Acts 17:11 The Assembly: The text gives the distinct impression that this crowd was not in a hurry—UNHURRIED. Not concerned about time or being inconvenienced. These were people who had their priorities in the proper place. Read Psa.1:2 and Acts 17:11.

Our Assembly Unhurried? Psalm 122:1 “Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand..” Nehemiah 8:3 Unhurried? Psalm 122:1 Our Assembly: What about our assembly? Do we arrive at the last minute, or even late? Do we continually look at the clock wondering when the service will end? Do we worry about the number of song verses we sing? Length of the prayer— Length of comments made at the table— Length of the sermon— Length of the announcements. Are we really GLAD to be here, or in a hurry to leave? (Psa.122:1)

The Assembly Attentive Acts 10:33 1 Samuel 3:10 “…and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:3 Attentive Acts 10:33 1 Samuel 3:10 The Assembly: The people were ATTENTIVE to the words that were being read. What does this say about their attitude? It seems they understood the importance of the hearing and reading of the words of God in the Law—they paid close attention. Their attitude was much like the attitude of Cornelius in Acts 10:33.

Our Assembly Attentive? “… and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:3 Attentive? Matthew 5:6 Mark 4:24 Our Assembly: What about our assembly? Do we pay attention to what is being said in the services? Do we say AMEN to the prayer because we LISTEN to what is being prayed? Do we sing with an understanding of the words? (1 Cor.14:15) Do we listen as the events take place at the Lord’s table? Do we listen and follow along during the sermon with Bibles and minds open? Matt.5:6; Mk.4:24. it is amazing what I see when I stand up here…

The Assembly “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:5,6 Reverent Habakkuk 2:20 The Assembly: The people were REVERENT toward the words being read. What does this say about their attitudes? They understood the power in God’s words. They expressed deep respect and awe toward God during the reading of His word. This is the attitude we are commanded to have in Habb.2:20. “But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

Our Assembly Reverent? Hebrews 12:28 “…and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:5,6 Reverent? Hebrews 12:28 Our Assembly: What about our assembly? What attitudes do we express to God by our conduct? Do we bow during the prayers? Do we show the proper respect and remembrance when we gather around the table? Do we listen with awe and respect when the word of God is being proclaimed? Are our hearts reverent before God during our assembly?

The Assembly Tenderhearted Matthew 5:4 “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:9 Tenderhearted Matthew 5:4 The Assembly: The people were TENDERHEARTED to the words being read. They had tender consciences that were moved by the words they heard. Their hearts were honest, and they were willing to accept God’s word and what it meant to each of their individual lives. (Matt.5:4)

Our Assembly Tenderhearted Acts 2:36,37 “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:9 Tenderhearted Acts 2:36,37 Our Assembly: Are we TENDERHEARTED to the words and actions that take place in the assemblies? Can our hearts be pricked like the hearts of those who heard on the Day of Pentecost? (Acts 2:36,37) Do we get angry when someone presents truth that points our the shortcomings in our own lives? Are we moved to tears when we see a lost soul come home or when we sing songs that depict the great love the Lord expressed when He died on the cross?

The Assembly Willing to Change Leviticus 23:40-43 “Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim.” Nehemiah 8:16 Willing to Change Leviticus 23:40-43 The Assembly: The people were WILLING TO CHANGE when they heard the words being read. When they realized that they had not been keeping the Feast of Booths (Levi.23:40-43), they determined to make booths and correct their mistake. This shows they had willing hearts that did not become angry when faced with their failures. Rather, they learned from them and did better by correcting the mistakes.

Our Assembly Willing to Change Galatians 1:13-16 “Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim.” Nehemiah 8:16 Our Assembly: Are we WILLING TO CHANGE when we find out we’re not following God’s will? This is exactly what Saul did when he learned that he was wrong? (Gal.1:13-16) Do we take God’s word to heart when we learn that we are not following it? Do we become angry with the preacher, the elders, or others who point out our need to repent? Do we truly examine ourselves to be sure we are living our lives according to God’s will? (2 Cor.13:5)

The Assembly Finders of Joy Acts 8:39 “So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.” Nehemiah 8:17 Finders of Joy Acts 8:39 The Assembly: The people FOUND JOY in the words being read. Keeping God’s laws again brought great joy to their hearts. These people found great happiness in being able to correct their mistakes and once more be faithful to God’s laws. They manifested their love by obeying His will.

Our Assembly Finders of Joy Philippians 4:4 “So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.” Nehemiah 8:17 Finders of Joy Philippians 4:4 Our Assembly: Do we FIND JOY in obeying the Lord’s commands? Do we look forward to the expressions of joy we give to our God during the assembly? Singing, praying, communing, and learning from His divine will.. If you’re not receiving joy from assembling with the saints, you need to find out why and correct the problems.

Our Assembly What is your attitude toward the assembly? “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 What is your attitude toward the assembly? Our Assembly: Conclusion—Summary—Invitation…