This message from our "Life After Exile" series in Ezra-Nehemiah once again takes us to the necessity of repentance. As the Jews gather again to hear the Mosaic Law read (for three hours), they confess their personal sin and the corporate sins of their past. As confession occurs, so does praise! It's a beautiful picture of what corporate worship should look like.... the prominence of Scripture, prayer, praise, and repentance! Ultimately, the people renew their covenant with God as a physical sign of repentance. The story highlights the need for repentance, not just confession. The latter is the BEGINNING to repentance, but not the full work. Confession must be followed by radical obedience. Sermon preached on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at ParkerDC by Pastor Joey Bentley.
