In a very familiar story we find Jesus caring about the plight of some of his dearest friends. But we also learn that his care goes far beyond the physical and the immediate. While he does perform the most amazing miracle of his earthly ministry, the real lesson comes back to the depth of the […]

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“I wish I had….” “I wish I could make…” “I wish someone would give me…” These are all statements that could reflect discontent and could lead to coveting. God wants his people to be people who depend on Him to meet their needs and to be content with His provision. The problem with wanting something […]

The post Contentment is the Key (Exodus 20:17) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

All to often we reduce the ninth commandment to a simple statement of “Don’t lie.” Granted that is part of this commandment, but it goes beyond just being honest. As we examine this commandment we will learn its breadth and its depth. It speaks to the very character of who we are to be and […]

The post More than just not lying (Exodus 20:16) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

In a community being able to trust one another is at a premium. To take something that belongs to another person undercuts that trust and divides the community. What is more, if we truly believe God owns it all, but has entrusted property to another person, then from whom is one really stealing.

The post If God Owns It All… (Exodus 20:15) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

The seventh command is all about faithfulness. At first glance any of us would say it is about faithfulness in marriage. But the ramifications are deeper. One who is faithful in marriage is faithful in other areas of life. Jesus would go so far as to remind us that this command had to do with […]

The post The Freedom of Faithfulness (Exodus 20:14) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Each human being is created in the image of God. Therefore, human life is sacred in God’s eyes. The sixth command is straightforward, literally rendered “No murder.” To take an innocent human life in a premeditated, violent manner is to attack the very image of God. But what about attacking and assassinating the character of […]

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The first four commandments deal with one’s relationship with God. The final six deal with one’s relationship with others. Just as God is our ultimate authority, our parents are our first human authority. We will discover in this command how our response to primary relationships can have impact for our entire lives.

The post Honor and Respect (Exodus 20:12) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

God did not create us to be on the go 24/7/365. We all need rest. Not just a three week vacation once a year, but a regular rhythm of work and rest. When we operate within a rhythm of work and rest, we are healthier, more productive, and just easier to live with. Consider your […]

The post Freedom in Rest (Exodus 20:8-11) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Sometimes we just skirt by the third commandment and assure ourselves that we are okay because we don’t swear. But the third commandment is more than just a prohibition against uttering profanity. It is a reminder that in all of our words and deeds we are to remember that we represent the person and character […]

The post What’s in a Name? (Exodus 20:7) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

The temptation of the Israelites was to worship other gods. In their mind other gods offered more options. We are tempted in the same way, maybe not with stone or metal idols but with so many distractions. Yet when we refuse to let anything or anyone interfere with our relationship with God, there is a […]

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