Questions for the Week

1.  PHEW!! When the people gathered in chapter 8, they spent the first day and the eighth day reading scripture – likely for 4 hours each time! What does that say about their hunger for the word of God after being in exile so long. What does it say about their willingness to be obedient? What does this say about the importance of continuously going back to Scripture?

2.  After gathering on the 1st and 7th day, Israel celebrated the Feast of Booths for 7 days. After that, they gathered to fast and confess their sins for half a day! Fasting and confession are signs of mourning and grief. Why were they more spiritually receptive to their sin at this point? What is the value of doing this? Why is it dangerous to never do this?

3.  In chapter 12 we see a dedication ceremony. Priest and Levites purify themselves. Judah’s leaders praise God and TWO large choirs lead worship. There are offerings and great rejoicing –so loud that it was heard far away. What is lacking in our culture today that we don’t see this? Why aren’t we thankful? How can we make ourselves ready to worship like this?

Want to dig deeper? Go directly to www.mikethebaptist.com. You will be able to listen or watch a conversation with Temple's pastors as they sit down and dive deeper into the weekly questions and content.