In Jewish thought, the first commandment is not so much a commandment as it is a declaration: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Before God tells His people what they are to do, He reminds them of what He has already done. God’s work, then, is the power behind our works.
The Zero-eth Commandment
Introduction
January 22, 2023 • Pastor Daniel Ondov • Exodus 19:3–6, Exodus 20:1–3
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The Ten(der) Commandments
Tall Tales
March 19, 2023 • Pastor Chad Ott • Genesis 20:1–12, James 4:11–12
Everyone lies. But just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it right. Abraham lies about his relationship to Sarah because of fear. He also tries to justify his lie by pointing out how it is partially true. We do many of the same things. Yet, because Christ is the truth (cf. John 14:6), we are called to be truthful.
Beg, Borrow, But Don't Steal
March 12, 2023 • Pastor Chad Ott • Leviticus 19:9–14, Romans 13:8–10
God loves to provide for us (cf. 2 Corinthians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkhf54bzv1e&t=550s). Stealing takes what God has provided for someone else and tries to commandeer it for oneself. Therefore, stealing distrusts God’s provision. Theft, of course, is not just a crime of the poor. As the story of Zaccheaus demonstrates, even the rich can fall prey to distrusting God’s provision.