F-260 Ezra Reads the Law - Nehemiah 8:1-18  When or in what circumstances do you find it easy to be enthusiastic about what you are doing?  What events or occasions do people celebrate nowadays?  At what point in Israel’s history does this story take place? (8:1)  Why did the people of Israel assemble at the Water Gate? (8:1)  What did the people want Ezra to read? (8:1)  Who was included in the assembly at the Water Gate? (8:2)  What attitude did the people of Israel have toward the Book of the Law? (8:3, 6, 9, 17)  What did the people do when Ezra opened the Book of the Law? (8:5)  What specific steps did Ezra and the other leaders take to make this event practical for everyone? (8:5-8)  How did Ezra and the people of Israel respond to the reading of the Law? (8:6)  Why did the leaders declare the day sacred? (8:9)  Why were the people of Israel weeping? (8:9)  What words of encouragement did Nehemiah offer the people of Israel? (8:10)  How had the events of this day changed the lives of the people of Israel? (8:12)  Why did the leaders of Israel gather on the second day of the month? (8:13)  What specific instructions did the leaders glean from the Book of the Law? (8:14-15)  How did the people react to the newly discovered instructions? (8:16)  How would you describe Israel’s view of God’s written Word?  In what specific ways are Israel’s actions in this passage a good model for us today?  As Christians what reasons do we have to celebrate?  Why is it important for believers to meet corporately?  How should we follow the example of the leaders of Israel in this story?  Generally speaking, how should we respond to God’s Word?  In what ways do you think you should change your attitude toward reading the Bible?  What prompts you to praise and worship the Lord?  What steps can we take to be sensitive to the message of God’s Word?  What is one message from Scripture or one biblical command that you need to take more seriously?  How can we guard against apathy toward God’s Word?  What gift of praise or worship can you offer the Lord today?  What specific changes do you want to make in your Bible reading habits this week?