Thursday, October 1, 2009

Congregational Feeling of Scripture

I am shamelessly stealing this quotation from Ray Ortlund:
"'It was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began' -- here, you will observe, it was the simple reading of the word without preaching; yet such was the power upon the minds of the people that 'it was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began, for great meltings to come upon the hearers. The deepest attention was paid to every word as the sacred verses were slowly and solemnly enunciated. Then the silent tear might be seen stealing down the rugged but expressive countenances turned upon the reader. '. . . The word of the Lord was precious in those days."

Charles J. Brown, The Revival of Religion: Addresses by Scottish Evangelical Leaders delivered in Glasgow in 1840

Oh Lord may it be precious in ours!

This memory describes the corporate feeling of Scripture.

I have written on 5 Ways to Feel Scripture before. This time, a few ways you preachers and teachers might prevent the melting described in the quote from happening.

1) Don't read substantial portions, just isolated verses.
2) Make the verses support your points rather than your points expositing the verses.
3) Read or preach Scripture as if you don't feel it. Read it rote-ly or dispassionately, so your hearers will believe that Scripture is lifeless.

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