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  PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: The public reading of Scripture is a vital part of worship and
should be done with care and attention to convey the importance of the
Word.

Topics: "Public Reading of Scripture", "Reverence for God's Word"
Scripture References: Nehemiah 8:8, Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 4:4, John 1:1, Romans 10:17, Colossians 3:16, 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of the public reading of
Scripture, urging that it should be done with care and reverence. He
critiques the poor quality of Scripture reading in contemporary
churches, suggesting that a lack of attention to this practice
diminishes the perceived importance of God's Word. Tozer argues that
even though many own personal copies of the Bible, the public reading
remains essential and should be a memorable experience for the
congregation. He calls for a commitment to articulate and intelligent
readings that honor the sacredness of the Scriptures. Tozer concludes
with a prayer for humility and diligence in the act of reading God's
Word aloud.

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CONTENT
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Til I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. --1
Timothy 4:13

Of course we of this generation cannot know by firsthand experience how
the Word of God was read in other times. But it would be hard to
conceive of our fathers having done a poorer job than we do when it
comes to the public reading of the Scriptures. Most of us read the
Scriptures so badly that a good performance draws attention by its
rarity.

It could be argued that since everyone these days owns his own copy of
the Scriptures, the need for the public reading of the Word is not as
great as formerly. If that is true, then let us not bother to read the
Scriptures at all in our churches. But if we are going to read the Word
publicly, then it is incumbent upon us to read it well. A mumbled, badly
articulated and unintelligent reading of the Sacred Scriptures will do
more than we think to give the listeners the idea that the Word is not
important....

We should by all means read it, and we should make the reading a
memorable experience for those who hear. The Next Chapter After the
Last, 27.

"Lord, as I read the Scriptures publicly, I am both declaring the very
Word of God Himself and drawing people into an experience of worship.
Help me never to take that lightly or address it carelessly. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/public-reading-of-scripture/
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