Old Testament
1. In Deuteronomy 4, Moses explained God's deliverance of this generation's parents from Egypt.
2. In chapter 5 we a new and striking emphasis. Moses moved from history to Israel's now. He insisted that God sought relationship "not with our fathers" with with whom the Law covenant was made, "but with us, with all of us who are alive here today."
3. The nature of the relationship with God
- Love is personal (5:1-3). The relationship is between "us, who are...alive here," and Yahweh (God)
- Love is urgent (5:4-14). The urgency of the relationship is emphasized in the first 4 of the Ten Commandments, all of which are repeated here from Exodus 20. God wants our eyes fixed on Him. As any lover, God is unwilling to share our affections with competitors. God will not share with other gods- whether they be idols of the ancient world or the financial success of the modern.
- Love is demonstrated (5:15) Love that make us feel that we "belong" must be demonstrated. How clearly God had demonstrated to this generation His personal and practical involvement with them. Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us. But each of us can find many other special ways in which God has acted in our lives to show His love.
- Love is expressive (5:16-20) Here we see God's willingness to communicate His expectations.
- Love is unselfish (5:21-33) This is the last element of real love. It is expressed in these verses. God enters into relationship with us and speaks to us.We are not pawns in some cosmic game. We are not His playthings. No, God's love for us is unselfish. He honestly has our best interests at heart.
4. Chapter 6 deals with the communication of relationship
- We give God priority (6:1-9) The reality of God's love can only be communicated by those who give Him priority. The central command here is,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart." All flows from this, for such a love leads to a unique lifestyle. First the lover of God responds to Him. Second, we share that which has taken root in our lives with people who are close to us. Third, the context in which the reality of God is shared is that of daily life and activity. God's words are the touchstone which guide our lives. And we refer to them to explain our actions, our attitudes and all our ways.
- We assume God's presence (6:10-19)
- We rely on God's provision (6:20-25)
- How thrilling to be freed by His love to love others!
New Testament
5. Jesus raises a widow's son.
- The lesson for us is that no matter how spiritually dead we may have been, Jesus is capable of awakening us to new life. First comes faith. And the we too hear Jesus' words: Arise!
6. John's disciples had seem miracles foretold in the Old Testament. The ministry of Jesus focused on people. Jesus came to reach out to people, to heal, to save, to bring hope. To care.
Psalm
Proverbs
7. "The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life"
8. "If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? "
See you next post...
Showing posts with label Ten Commandments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ten Commandments. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Exodus 34-35:9; Matthew 27:15-31; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6 (New Living Translation)
Old Testament
1. The tablets have been destroyed by Moses in a fit of anger, now he has to make new ones for the Word of God.
2. Moses pleads once again for the Lord to stay with them.
3. He makes the Mosaic covenent. Remember, we have only had the Abrahamic covenant until now.
4. He repeats Himself about the feasts and the Ten commandments. He tells them not to mix with the other races. Kind of like a parent going over the same ground again.
5. Moses remained on the mountain 40 days. When he returns his face is so radian that he hs to wear a veil when he is around other people. This is the radiance which should be sprining from our hearts. Overflowing with the good news of the whole bible!
6. Keep the sabbath!
New Testament
7. The crowd is given a choice. Release Jesus, called the Messiah or Barrabas, accused of muder. We all know this story, they choose Barabbas...they understand "his kind" better.
8. When asked what to do with jesus, the crowd cries," Crucify Him!"
9. Pilate washes his hands of this whole mess. Does that act exonerate him? Free his conscious...or his soul?
10. The soldiers mock Jesus; he was flogged (scourged) and led off for crucifixion.
Psalm
11...."the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love." His love is unfailing...and His mercy endures!
12. "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield." He is our sheild!
Proverbs
13. Wisdom says, "...learn to use good judgment."
See you next post...
1. The tablets have been destroyed by Moses in a fit of anger, now he has to make new ones for the Word of God.
2. Moses pleads once again for the Lord to stay with them.
3. He makes the Mosaic covenent. Remember, we have only had the Abrahamic covenant until now.
4. He repeats Himself about the feasts and the Ten commandments. He tells them not to mix with the other races. Kind of like a parent going over the same ground again.
5. Moses remained on the mountain 40 days. When he returns his face is so radian that he hs to wear a veil when he is around other people. This is the radiance which should be sprining from our hearts. Overflowing with the good news of the whole bible!
6. Keep the sabbath!
New Testament
7. The crowd is given a choice. Release Jesus, called the Messiah or Barrabas, accused of muder. We all know this story, they choose Barabbas...they understand "his kind" better.
8. When asked what to do with jesus, the crowd cries," Crucify Him!"
9. Pilate washes his hands of this whole mess. Does that act exonerate him? Free his conscious...or his soul?
10. The soldiers mock Jesus; he was flogged (scourged) and led off for crucifixion.
Psalm
11...."the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love." His love is unfailing...and His mercy endures!
12. "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield." He is our sheild!
Proverbs
13. Wisdom says, "...learn to use good judgment."
See you next post...
Monday, February 4, 2008
Exodus 19:16-21:21; Matthew 23:13-39; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 7:1-5 (New Living Translation)
Old Testament Text
1. The people are asked once again to purify themselves.
2. The giving of the Ten Commandments. These are actually some pretty simple and straightforward rules to live by.
-Honor God above all else. How easy to say, and how difficult to do. We put so many other things ahead of God. Our jobs, our money, ourselves, and even our children.
- Rest, and keep the Sabbath set aside for the Lord.
- Honor your parents.
- Don't covet- things, people, other peoples possessions.
-Don't steal.
- Don't lie.
3. Fair treatment of slaves.
New Testament text
4. Jesus' ongoing discussion with the Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites. Much of what they do is for show. I am moved by the passage about tithing the tiniest portion from herb gardens- but not justice, mercy and faith.
Many Christians today are accused of being hypocrites. I think this ia true because we are frequently blided by our "religious" rules and regulations. And we forget that we are dealing with other frail human beings. People who would benefit from a little love and grace. Perhaps they just aren't as well put together as we think we are. Perhaps they are.
Jesus says the Ten Commandments, all the Mosaic teachings boil down to 2 things
- Love God, above all
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
Psalm
5. "The Lord is my strength and sheild...I burst out in songs of thanksgiving"
Poverbs
6. Keep wisdom and insight close
1. The people are asked once again to purify themselves.
2. The giving of the Ten Commandments. These are actually some pretty simple and straightforward rules to live by.
-Honor God above all else. How easy to say, and how difficult to do. We put so many other things ahead of God. Our jobs, our money, ourselves, and even our children.
- Rest, and keep the Sabbath set aside for the Lord.
- Honor your parents.
- Don't covet- things, people, other peoples possessions.
-Don't steal.
- Don't lie.
3. Fair treatment of slaves.
New Testament text
4. Jesus' ongoing discussion with the Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites. Much of what they do is for show. I am moved by the passage about tithing the tiniest portion from herb gardens- but not justice, mercy and faith.
Many Christians today are accused of being hypocrites. I think this ia true because we are frequently blided by our "religious" rules and regulations. And we forget that we are dealing with other frail human beings. People who would benefit from a little love and grace. Perhaps they just aren't as well put together as we think we are. Perhaps they are.
Jesus says the Ten Commandments, all the Mosaic teachings boil down to 2 things
- Love God, above all
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
Psalm
5. "The Lord is my strength and sheild...I burst out in songs of thanksgiving"
Poverbs
6. Keep wisdom and insight close
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