This past week we spent time looking at the 10 commandments and looking at the deeper intention for the rules He gave. (Scroll down to see them) Needless to say, what God intended for good became corrupted by becoming a system of religious rules rather than moving people towards a relationship with Him. When Jesus comes, He explains the intention of God's law.
For April 8th: Read Matthew 5:38-48. What are the two "rules" that Jesus explains? (Hint: You've heard it said...) and what does He say the real meaning of God's law is? WRITE DOWN YOUR EXPLANATION and come prepared to share what Jesus is saying and why people should follow it. (Similar to what we did with the 10 commandments last Thursday)
And join us this Thursday night as we look at the sacrifice of Christ at our Maundy Thursday service. It will be held in the sanctuary and will start by 7pm, running no later than 8pm.
And join us this Thursday night as we look at the sacrifice of Christ at our Maundy Thursday service. It will be held in the sanctuary and will start by 7pm, running no later than 8pm.
God's Story: Exodus 11-13, 20
What we learn about God/life:
God's delivers His people by the blood of the lamb (Grace) is the motivation for living covenant lives.
God delivers His people by the blood of the lamb:
THE PASSOVER
Exodus 11-13:
"The instructions I will give you for tonight should be followed each year in a festival of celebration. Each family must choose a one year old male sheep or goat, one that is flawless and clean.
Take special care of this chosen animal until the time you are to kill it at twilight. You are to take some of the blood from the lamb and smear it along the sides and top of the doorframes of your house.
On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Continue to observe this festival every year as a time of remembrance. And when your children ask what it means, tell them: 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though He struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.With the power of his mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery."
Why should we follow what God says?
God set Israel apart to be different from the rest of the world. They follow a different Kingdom.
They’re not rules for the sake of rules but are the best way to live and for our good.
Sin disrupts the intimate relationship God desires with humanity and causes damage to ourselves and others.
In response to God’s grace and faithfulness, we offer our lives in gratitude. God’s sacrifice for us bought us back from sin because of love.
10 Commandments
When we read them now, they can seem like cold and harsh rules. We must remember that the Israelites are coming out of slavery and need their entire worldview re-shaped. In many ways they have the mindset of children and God needs to direct them for their best. They would have been used to a clear cut way of being lead. We re-wrote the commandments in a more positive tone in order to get a deeper sense of God's intention for these rules. Here's some examples:
1. You should have no other gods before Me.
There is only one God, and He is good and faithful. There is no reason to look to anything else becaues there's no one else out there.
2. Do not make any idol or image of worship.
God is beyond our wildest dreams and we could never fully express or represent Him with mere physical images. Don't put Him in a box, He's too great for that!
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
He is so good and so worthy of our praise that we should only speak of Him with humility, excitement, and honor because He's awesome!
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
God desires us to not be so busy that we forget to rest: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally...It is for our best interest to take time to be refreshed, especially in His presence.
5. Honor your father and mother.
Your parents love you and want what is best for you. We show our gratitude for them by obeying and respecting them with our words and actions.
6. You should not committ murder.
Cherish life! It is a gift that should be protected and honored, for both yourself and others.
7. Do not committ adultery.
Be faithful to the commitments you have made, and to the people you have made them. The marriage relationship is an expression of our relationship with God, built on a covenant, and we should place a high value on it.
8. Do not steal.
Respect others by respecting their stuff. Be happy with what you have.
9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Live with honesty in the things that you do and say.
10. Do not covet your neighbor's house.
Be content with the gifts you have been given. God has blessed you with so much and we should be more grateful for what we have.
10 Commandments
When we read them now, they can seem like cold and harsh rules. We must remember that the Israelites are coming out of slavery and need their entire worldview re-shaped. In many ways they have the mindset of children and God needs to direct them for their best. They would have been used to a clear cut way of being lead. We re-wrote the commandments in a more positive tone in order to get a deeper sense of God's intention for these rules. Here's some examples:
1. You should have no other gods before Me.
There is only one God, and He is good and faithful. There is no reason to look to anything else becaues there's no one else out there.
2. Do not make any idol or image of worship.
God is beyond our wildest dreams and we could never fully express or represent Him with mere physical images. Don't put Him in a box, He's too great for that!
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
He is so good and so worthy of our praise that we should only speak of Him with humility, excitement, and honor because He's awesome!
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
God desires us to not be so busy that we forget to rest: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally...It is for our best interest to take time to be refreshed, especially in His presence.
5. Honor your father and mother.
Your parents love you and want what is best for you. We show our gratitude for them by obeying and respecting them with our words and actions.
6. You should not committ murder.
Cherish life! It is a gift that should be protected and honored, for both yourself and others.
7. Do not committ adultery.
Be faithful to the commitments you have made, and to the people you have made them. The marriage relationship is an expression of our relationship with God, built on a covenant, and we should place a high value on it.
8. Do not steal.
Respect others by respecting their stuff. Be happy with what you have.
9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Live with honesty in the things that you do and say.
10. Do not covet your neighbor's house.
Be content with the gifts you have been given. God has blessed you with so much and we should be more grateful for what we have.
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