August 13, 2023 “Community Of Confession” Nehemiah 9: 2,6-7, 9-10, 30-36 Introduction It’s often said, “confession is good for the soul”, meaning to come clean regarding what one maybe guilty of in order to feel better about themselves. James 5:16 says “therefore confessing your sins to one another that you maybe healed”. The prayers a righteous person has great, as it is working. A step in the process of atonement doing which Israel, admits to committing a sin before God 1 THE PEOPLE CONFESS THEIR SINS (Nehemiah 9:2) Reading and hearing scripture is the beginning of one’s journey of faith. The act of forgiveness emerges as the vehicle to accept that only God can and does change. Throughout the old testament the Bible records the disobedience of Israel. All the people gathered themselves together as one man in the street. Unlike Israel, we are under God’s grace and mercy, our confession of sin leads us toward freedom. Israel was under the law, the word of God delivers, heals, empowers and transforms. 2 THE PEOPLE NUMERATE THEIR SINS IN THEIR CONFESSIONS (vv.6-7, 9-10, 30-36) Israel had suffered from their sins. 70 years in captivity, they had been stiff necked, hard headed, ungrateful people who would not follow God’s word. Time and time again Ezra acknowledged that God had been just in his punishment for transgression. There was no excuse nor anyone to blame but themselves. CONCLUSION Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Second Chronicles says, “If my people who are called by name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear”. Communities gather for many reason. All sorts of community activity for health reasons, sports events, fun, food and festivities of all sorts. In times like these, we need a “community of confession” enough said.
“COMMUNITY OF CONFESSION” Sunday School Commentary
Rev. J. H. Eskridge Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church