Getting started we talk a little about the use of our official hash tags on twitter. For example a quick topic tattoos. And a possible bomb threat from Jill… not really.

In meeting the hosts, we shift gears and mention some of the things we’ve heard people talking about over the past week. In particular, whether it’s failure to have doubts. Can you still be considered a follower of God, or someone who loves God, if you doubt?

Actually doubting is good. It’s one way you know you’re growing, and thinking outside the box of teachings that were pressed on you when you first believed. Challenging what you know can bring assurance that its true. It’s a sign you’re seeking the truth about God, and what the bible teaches. Don’t take someone’s word for it, not even mine, take the time to find answers for yourself about God, inside his word. Learn it on your own, and you’ll own it for yourself.

Would you try to learn about astronomy by reading a cook book? Or gardening by reading a book on arithmetic? Don’t expect to find out about God from the culture, or in a science book, open his word. a good beginning place to look for evidence of a supernatural creator is in nature itself. From that launching spot, joining together with fellow worshippers, and doing some firsthand experiencing of God to share what you’ve learned and support each other is another good step.

As we talk about the problem of global warming, it may seem like one of our typical bunny trails, its a way of expanding on seeing God in nature. The globe is a lot more durable than we sometimes give it credit for being. As far back as the account of Noah, we have the promise from God that the seasons will never end until the end of the age. And only God holds the control of when the end of the age comes, not a self destructive people who live here. He sealed that covenant with the rainbow. A sign of that enduring hope… not an emblem of homosexuality.

Main Topic

The ten commandments are pivotal, and basic teachings/. They cover two categories of rules to follow. Jesus even boiled them down to just two commandments.

The Great Commandment

Matthew 22:34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

(ESV)

In Exodus 20, the commandments are given as God spoke them to Moses. Though we read through them, the point we want to focus on is grace. Is grace separate from the law, or is there grace in the law? How can they both exist and be observed, without being at odds with each other?

As God gave the commandments, he began by emphasizing who he was, Yahweh (the self existing, or living and breathing one), and what he had done for his people lately. These ten commandments are the foundation of all the rest of the commandments in the Old Testament.

The first five commandments deal with giving honor to God.

* No other Gods. God

* No idols.

* Don’t use God’s name in vain.

* Remember the Sabbath.

Do you wand to show love towards God? Follow the above commands. He will judge over whether you follow them, or to the degree you follow them. There is no justification for not keeping them.

* Honor parents.

* Don’t kill.

ratsach –

Hebrew. a primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill

— Strongs Greek and Hebrew Dictionary.

kill –

English. verb.