Romans 7:18-25 - In light of the 10 commandments series, we want to remember the importance of grace. Living with a never ending struggle to do what is right vs doing what is wrong, God’s grace offers mercy and forgiveness for when we fail to live in the way God has designed us to live. The purpose of grace is not so we can continue to do whatever we want whenever we want. Rather it is to give us the space to grow into becoming more like Christ.

Exodus 20:17, Psalm 16:5-11

Coveting, like the rest of the commandments, comes down to a heart issue. God calls us to be content with what He gives us, find joy in what we have, and be faithful with what He puts before us.

Exodus 20:16, Acts 6:8-13

"You shall not give false testimony." By lying about someone’s behavior you are denigrating their reputation and taking away their true identity. This is a command about safeguarding the truth about someone. By slandering someone you are attempting to destroy them, which is exactly what happens to Stephen when he is slandered. God is a God of truth and expects us to tell the truth about each other.

Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28

Stealing is a violation of others, placing value of things about the value of the people in our lives. Ephesians tells us that the opposite of stealing is charity, thus the giving of things we own is a way of giving a part of ourselves to others.

Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:27-30

The cultural understanding of adultery is a physical act of infidelity, but to Jesus it is a heart issue. When an extra person is added to the equation of marriage it negatively impacts its final outcome. Are we practicing self-awareness and self-control?

Programming note: Pastor Brett's message was briefly interrupted by a medical event in the congregation. He concluded his remaining point after the closing song just prior to the blessing.

Exodus 20:13, 2 Samuel 11:14-17

The value behind the command to not commit murder is to honor the existence of others even when it is a problem for us. Honoring the existence of others is fundamental to loving our neighbors. Jesus applies this principle to anger/hatred; if you consider another a fool you have diminished their existence.

Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-4

The commandment to honor our father and mother challenges us to treat them with respect and obedience. Paul's letter to the Ephesians expands that challenge to parents to cultivate a culture that breeds children that honor them. Children should honor their parents, but parents need to make sure they are honoring their children.

Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 16:23-30

The command to keep the Sabbath holy stems from the creation story; God takes a day of rest, so we should take a day of rest. But why does God need to rest? God rests so He can enjoy His creation. Enjoying the fruits of our labor is a key part of the rhythm of life.

Exodus 20:7, Matthew 5:33-37

Swearing falsely in God’s name associates His name with something deceitful or immoral. Like all names, God’s name is a representation of God. When we misuse it, we are taking God’s name and damaging His reputation. Our character reflects God’s name and our lives should represent who God is.

Exodus 20:4-6, Jeremiah 10:1-11

The second commandment is to have no graven images or Idols. Just as the Israelites were challenged with not placing any idols in their life, we too, sometimes struggle with making things idols in our lives. Are we compromising our worship of the one true God to different idols in our lives?