Today we begin our study of one of the most well-known passages in the Bible throughout the world and across religions: the Ten Commandments. I am not saying everyone can recite all Ten, but we know the idea. Some of us remember seeing them posted in schools and various government buildings. Then began the legal battles to take them down, to keep them up. Believe it or not, most Americas still today have a favorable opinion of them being posted, even believe they are relevant. Now while it is a largely favorable view, it is declining view as we as a culture embrace the idea that nothing is wrong, except telling someone that something is wrong. I think posting them is of great value not just for the content, but the symbolism. I also think God is as interested, if not more, on whether they are posted on our hearts. We need the Ten Commandments. They are a moral compass for our soul.

Today we begin our study of one of the most well-known passages in the Bible throughout the world and across religions: the Ten Commandments. I am not saying everyone can recite all Ten, but we know the idea. Some of us remember seeing them posted in schools and various government buildings. Then began the legal battles to take them down, to keep them up. Believe it or not, most Americas still today have a favorable opinion of them being posted, even believe they are relevant. Now while it is a largely favorable view, it is declining view as we as a culture embrace the idea that nothing is wrong, except telling someone that something is wrong. I think posting them is of great value not just for the content, but the symbolism. I also think God is as interested, if not more, on whether they are posted on our hearts. We need the Ten Commandments. They are a moral compass for our soul.

At the Heights, Our mission is to be a church that the 804 can’t live without. It’s a phrase that if you’re here for any amount of time you’ll hear a lot. Many of us may have ideas of what that looks like, but this morning I would like to look at a church in the New Testament that gives us an example of what it looks like to be part of a church that’s influencing its community in such a way that the rest of the World has heard of the impact its making.

At the Heights, Our mission is to be a church that the 804 can’t live without. It’s a phrase that if you’re here for any amount of time you’ll hear a lot. Many of us may have ideas of what that looks like, but this morning I would like to look at a church in the New Testament that gives us an example of what it looks like to be part of a church that’s influencing its community in such a way that the rest of the World has heard of the impact its making.

All commands can be put under two categories, two great commandments: love God and love others. Last we talked about loving God, and that topic is interesting to most of us. It doesn’t frustrate us to think about it, doesn’t raise questions. We want to love God better. But loving others. Now indeed, there are some others that we want to love better and love more, but the command to love others is not about some of your choosing. It is about all.

All commands can be put under two categories, two great commandments: love God and love others. Last we talked about loving God, and that topic is interesting to most of us. It doesn’t frustrate us to think about it, doesn’t raise questions. We want to love God better. But loving others. Now indeed, there are some others that we want to love better and love more, but the command to love others is not about some of your choosing. It is about all.

Last week we began a new series on commandments. We are going to spend 3 months studying the two great commandments, then the Ten Commandments, as well as others that come from these. We also introduced the idea that this is all about love. Studying the commandments is studying how to love God as well positioning our lives to best experience His love and presence and blessing. So today we start with the first and the great commandment. Turn in your Bible to Matthew 22:35-40.

Last week we began a new series on commandments. We are going to spend 3 months studying the two great commandments, then the Ten Commandments, as well as others that come from these. We also introduced the idea that this is all about love. Studying the commandments is studying how to love God as well positioning our lives to best experience His love and presence and blessing. So today we start with the first and the great commandment. Turn in your Bible to Matthew 22:35-40.

Possibly the wisest person that has ever lived concluded that life is meaningless. It was Solomon who said that, and it was not a random thought after a bad day, a bad experience, or a bad life. This is his conclusion upon purposely studying all that we put our hands to, to find life and meaning. God put this conclusion of Solomon here in His Word. God wanted us to see this. Why? The key to understanding this book and what Solomon is communicating is 3 words: under the sun. If you only live life under the sun, horizontally, no vertical connection, no relationship with what is above the sun; it will never matter how much you laugh, spend, make, accomplish, achieve or enjoy – you will be empty. He is profoundly communicating that there is no real joy, no meaning life, apart from God.

Possibly the wisest person that has ever lived concluded that life is meaningless. It was Solomon who said that, and it was not a random thought after a bad day, a bad experience, or a bad life. This is his conclusion upon purposely studying all that we put our hands to, to find life and meaning. God put this conclusion of Solomon here in His Word. God wanted us to see this. Why? The key to understanding this book and what Solomon is communicating is 3 words: under the sun. If you only live life under the sun, horizontally, no vertical connection, no relationship with what is above the sun; it will never matter how much you laugh, spend, make, accomplish, achieve or enjoy – you will be empty. He is profoundly communicating that there is no real joy, no meaning life, apart from God.