Sermons

The heart of mankind is filled with a fierce sense of independence. This independence separates us from God, as we protest our individual situations. We protest each other's behavior to us as well. When we protest, we seem to overlook our own faults (brokeness) and our own sins. Jesus made the ultimate protest for us, when he went to the cross and died for our sins.

Talk is 'in'. There are talk shows on television and radio, as well as podcasts and Twitter. The need for truth remains steadfast in this world of constant communications. Treasure the reputation of your neighbor as well as your own.

Some things are important to us. Meanwhile, people steal out of need, people steal out of greed, people steal for personal convenience. Stealing can be expanded to when people gain something fraudulently for nothing. If we were to be honest, we could admit to stealing in one form or another. It can be based on our preoccupation with personal stuff, but we can eventually forfeit our soul with this preoccupation.

It can be difficult to hold on to the same person for a lifetime. Jesus discussed with the Pharisees about divorce, putting into context the old testament law about divorce. Jesus further ended the discussion about divorce. 'No adultery' is intended to be no sexual contact outside the covenant of marriage, which is to be a blessing to those married. It is a model of commitment for endurance. Marriage is to lift up God's intention. The good news is that God still loves us, married, divorced or devoutly single.

It is important not to cross the line of human rights and take another life. We are to lift up human life. Everyone is created in the image of God, so we are to treat them as in the image of God. Show restraint. The Gospel is key to the breaking of the cycle of violence.

God has such good plans for us as a society. A basis for the plans begins with the Ten Commandments. It is important to place our trust in God. We can carry on that tradition of being good parents, honor God's commandment and bring about the blessings of righteousness.

Jesus redefined the Sabbath as a gift for the benefit of Mankind. What is the keeping of the Sabbath trying to tell us? There's a reason for the rest prescribed on the Sabbath. The fourth commandment is an opportunity to refresh, reflect, rest and remember what's important in our lives. It's an invitation for a timeout with God, in keeping our relationship with God.

God is not without meaning. We, as Christians, are not to misrepresent God to the world around us.

What we understand as idols needs to be closer scrutinized. How are we to understand idol worship if we don't fully know the idol?

Why did God give us the Ten Commandments? Was it to 'end our fun'? Was it to point a finger of shame at His Creation? Let's take a closer look at the purpose of God's perfect plan for us.