Nehemiah 9:31. “Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.” OPEN CONFESSION.
They rise to their feet to show honor and respect. They have been humbled, no longer harden their necks Against God and His ways, His truth and His laws. On the stairs in front of all the leaders to plead their cause To God Himself, in open and frank confession – Declaring that they as a nation had learned their lesson. And now in humility and heart-felt contrition – Have come to seek mercy and grace for a sinful nation.
We need to learn too, as we review our history – That the blessings we have received are not a mystery – But are provisions from God, who in His bountiful grace; He kept us and fed us giving us this wonderful place To live and serve Him as a people who found mercy – But a terrible attitude has come upon us – we no longer serve Thee. The idols of materialism, of existentialism and pride – Have turned us from Thee, Father God, and we have no place to hide.
The review of assembly life from its inception until now – Lets the newer generations learn where we came from and how We are a unique company of people with a strong heritage, That we need to remember and learn from experience and ourselves we gage – And see what has happened over the last one hundred and ten years – And the causes of our failures and weakness so that we will fear The God who has cut covenant with people He did choose – And for our part we will humble ourselves lest our testimony we loose.
History of a family has a real benefit to our children. It gives continuity and respect to remember those before them. The children never met most who are in the family tree – But their place in their generation will help them to see They are part of a group of people, who found God in the past, And lived their lives in view of God so their heritage would last. Now it has been passed on to the new generation that has arrived - So, they can see how the family unit by God’s grace has survived.
I review all alone the events and years of my life: Where I came from; what I have done; how Linda became my wife. And I consider with wonder, God’s mercy and grace to me – Allowing me to be a servant of His, and letting me to see
His hand in salvation as His Gospel I sought to preach – And those He has saved; He has instructed me to teach. I am not an important person; I’m limited in so many ways, But I have learned through my own history, the glories of God’s grace.
“O Lord God of heaven and earth and all that is in them: I have read this review made by people in the past, and how because of it, they covenanted with Thee again. If it is possible in some way, may I and my family, this assembly – yea even this departed nation, again experience Thy kindness, mercy and grace in recovering us to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”