And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God. On the stairs of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani; and they cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. — Nehemiah 9:3-5

CALL OUT: To Dennis Byrne, a listener and partner from Nottingham, PA. Thanks for your support and partnership in the Gospel. I pray this blesses you today.

The service consisted of three hours of reading and understanding God’s Law, which was followed by three hours of confession and worship. The groups on the stairs of the platform led the people in either confession or praise. And the rest of chapter nine is a text from this experience.

Confession is both a negative and a positive activity. For example, confession involves an admission or acknowledgment of sin, but confession also involves a declaration or profession of belief. In this chapter, we are going to see these people engage in both.

This is what is so profound about confession. It's hard and easy. It's weighty and light. It's humbling and elevating all at the same time.

But here are some other details you need to note about their confession. It was spoken out loud to God with other believers.

Out loud.
To God.
With other believers.

The reason why it's done this way is because confession in the Bible is never done in secret. It's not a sacrament done in a private booth that is concealed between you and a man of the cloth. It is always done publicly and declared to God. The reason is that public confession of both sin and belief has many positive effects:

Fosters Accountability: creating a sense of accountability to others.
Encourages Support: this opens the door for the community to offer guidance and encouragement.
Promotes Transparency: which can encourage others to be open about their struggles.
Advances Spiritual Healing: stepping us towards healing and reconciliation with God and others.
Strengthens Relationships: increasing bonds and relational growth.
Demonstrates Repentance: showing a willingness to be vulnerable and an earnest desire to change.
Serves as a Teaching Tool: which can serve as a cautionary tale or learning experience for others.
Breaks Down Pride: leading to greater humility and reliance on God’s grace.

Believers who willingly live confessing lives look different, act different, grow faster, have greater support systems, and have a richer understanding of God. They experience freedom that other believers want but don't know.

So what's holding you back? Confess today. Confess your sin and newfound belief. Speak it. Tell another believer. Come before our Great God. And witness the effect of the covenant of confession in your life. And then keep confessing to God every day for the rest of your life.

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ASK THIS:

How have you experienced the power of confession in your own spiritual journey? Reflect on a time when confessing your sins or beliefs to others brought about a significant change in your relationship with God and with your community.

In what ways can you integrate the practice of public confession into your daily life? Discuss the challenges and benefits this might bring and how it could deepen your faith and strengthen your bonds within the Christian community.

DO THIS: Confess.

PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the courage to confess my sins and beliefs openly, trusting in Your grace and the support of my faith community. Help me to embrace the healing and transformative power of a life lived in transparent, humble obedience to Your will. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Kyrie Eleison.

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