This Sunday we begin a 10 week series on the 10 commandments: The Law of Life in 10 Commands.  Growing up in the church it was a regular weekly practice to read the 10 commandments.  Hearing them with this regularity can tend to lead you to recite them without thinking and give you the impression that God is all about what you can’t do.  

Since the early days of my church experience with the 10 commandments, I have done a 180 on how to view the commands.  The Law of God is life.  I now see the 10 commandments in light of Psalm 19’s reflection on God’s law: radiant, trustworthy, perfect, right, and pure – sweeter than honey, more precious than gold…  for ‘in them your servant is warned and in keeping them there is great reward.’

The commandments of God lead to life.  I now see God’s law as creational norms spelled out for us.  God’s laws reflect the true reality of truths built into the fabric of creation that lead us in God’s ways of flourishing.  

Each week we will address a different command and unpack its understanding in terms of each commands scope.  The ten commands actually cover every area of life in terms of its scope.  Think of it like an archery target.  The bullseye of the command is the central driving emphasis of the target.  The surrounding rings on the target are different areas of the central commands scope.  I’m really looking forward to this series.  This series will lead us deep into our 2019 Lenten season – great preparation for Passion Week.   

Reminder: Sunday there is a Super Bowl party invitation for all to the Huffaker home late afternoon and evening.  Bring yourself and some food.  Also, Thursday Feb 7th 7:00pm its Pub Theology night at the Brewing Market Espresso Vino on the topic of Civil Religion.  

See you soon,
Pastor Mark