03 Sep New Sermon Series: The Ten Commandments
Like a lot of folks, I am arriving at Labor Day weekend thinking, “Where did the summer go?” For that matter, where is the year going? I am always glad to turn the calendar to September. Autumn is my favorite time of year and I savor the thought of cooler temperatures and changing foliage. I am already anticipating making that first pot of chili and watching SEC football games. Go Razorbacks! I delight in watching children and teenagers venture out to a new grade or a new school (any excuse to buy school or office supplies will do!)
Here at the church change is in the air as well. I’m starting a new sermon series this Sunday on the Ten Commandments. I think I say this every time I start a new series, but it is always true: I am really excited about these upcoming sermons. Unlike other series in the past, I didn’t intend to preach on the Ten Commandments this fall. I wanted to preach on the Beatitudes and then on the rest of the Sermon on the Mount after the holidays. I ordered half a dozen books and began immersing myself in some of Jesus’ most famous sayings: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Good stuff, that, if you can figure out what the Sam Hill Jesus was talking about. Anyway, I didn’t get very far before it became plainer than plain: we would have no idea what Jesus meant in the Sermon on the Mount if we didn’t have a thorough understanding of the Ten Commandments. So, I’m preaching on the Ten Commandments. I know a lot of people think this is exactly what’s wrong with the church—people getting together talking about the rules. Sadly, the church has done a lot to deserve that kind of criticism, but what makes it sadder still is that this kind of thinking reflects a totally messed up view of what the Ten Commandments are—and why we have them. They are a gift. They are a grace. And, we’re going to have a good time talking about why that’s so for the next several weeks.
If you happen to be nearby, I invite you to join us Sundays at 10 a.m. If not, we hope to get the sermons online as soon as possible. Stay tuned…..
Yours for the Kingdom,
Michelle
No Comments