Reading the Bible

Peter Frere | Nehemiah 8 

On the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law... Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

The Temple and the walls of Jerusalem have at last been rebuilt, but there is still essential work to be done. The people of Israel, returned from exile, rediscover their purpose in being and their place in God's plan - and it has a profound effect on them. Peter explains why and how we should read the Bible and let its Good News change us.

The recording begins with the reading from James Williams.