Weekly Update – July 28th, 2021
If you remember from our Sunday morning study in the book of Ezra, the Lord kept his promise to bring his exiled people back to their land and rebuild the temple. The temple, which was the place of God, had been destroyed 70 years earlier, effectively changing the identity of God’s people. Over 42,000 exiles make the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem in response to the king’s decree (Ezra 1:2). After getting the necessary materials and laying the foundation for the temple, they according to Ezra 3:11, “sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, ‘for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.'”
What is occurring in Ezra 3:11 is essentially a worship service. It can be assumed that the “whole assembly” is there (Ezra 2:64), with young and old gathered at one site (Ezra 3:12-13) with instruments and temple officials leading the service (Ezra 3:10). Those gathered here didn’t simple come to watch, they came to participate in the celebration of God’s presence coming back among them. Therefore they sang, not only in response to the grace of God to rescue them and bring them back to his place, but to each other in proclaiming the God’s goodness among them.
Singing is such a key aspect of what the people of God do when they gather together. Yes, it is a way for us to praise God in response to his wondrous acts toward us, but it is also a way for us to encourage each other. Consider Ephesians 5:19 where the apostle Paul calls us to addressing “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” This is not a call to simply make pretty music, but to exhort and admonish each other with truth. This is why Israel, when conquering the land of promise, stood opposite of each other as one assembly and recited God’s covenant (Joshua 8:30-35) It wasn’t to remind God. No, it was so that they wouldn’t forget God.
It is easy to think that our attendance in the worship service is only for our benefit, but that is not true. God calls his people to gather together as one group to not only listen to his word, but to sing. And in singing, we lift each other up, push each other to endure, remind each other of God’s goodness, and encourage each other to remain faithful. So come and gather in person with God’s people….and sing!
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week:
“... he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
Announcements:
Work Day: On Saturday, August 28th from 8:00am-noon, we will have a day to clean and work on minor projects around the church. A light breakfast will be provided.
Child Protection Meeting: On Sunday, August 29th from 5:00-7:30pm, there will be a child protection meeting. This is required for all who work with children. The meeting will be presented by Dawn Hensley from the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. You can find a preview of this meeting HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour.
You can find First Baptist Church’s policy for health guidelines in light of the most recent Jackson County health order HERE.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 6th – 12th meet downstairs in the Youth Room.
0 Comments