Nehemiah 8 - The What, Why & How of Bible Translation

  1. Can you recall a moment in your life when the Scripture came to life for you? Tell the story to the group. What was the scripture? How did you experience it? What effect did that experience have in your life?

  2. Read Nehemiah 8:5-12. In the sermon we reviewed the fact that this passage narrates the first public reading of scripture in Jerusalem after the return from exile. What role did the Levites play in this important corporate worship event (vv7-8)?

  3. In verse 8 it says the people “understood the reading.” What does the response of v9 tell us about the power of understanding the Bible? How have you seen the Bible affect people on both individual and societal levels?

  4. In vv10-12, Ezra and the Levites encourage the people to rejoice rather than mourn. What is the place of joy in the work of Bible translation? What sorts of things can we do to step into the joy of God together as a church family?

  5. There were many references to outside resources in the sermon this morning. Take a moment to explore these links and learn more about Vision 2025 & Joy Ridderhof. Share with each other how you see God leading you to participate in his global work, and pray for one another.

Robb EsperatComment