Tag: 10 Commandments

Nehemiah 8:13-18 – Festival of Shelters

Read Nehemiah 8:13-18

I appreciate when I can learn more about Jewish traditions and what the Law of Moses instructed the Jewish people to do. After all, these are the traditions that Jesus would have known and participated in. This feast or festival is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles and is still celebrated today for nine days sometime during the months of September or October. It is associated with the gratitude for the bounty and provisions of God.

Because the returnees were trying to do things “by the book,” literally, reviving this festival was one of those activities being renewed. Rather than “guess” at what God wanted, the leaders met to learn more by reading the law together. When we want to know how to act in a certain situation, our “go-to” should always be, “what does the Bible say,” or “what would Jesus do?”

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Colossians 2:16-23 – Whose Rules?

Read Colossians 2:16-23

the word RULES in a fancy blue block font with a shiny light effect

Have you ever lamented over all the rules you have to follow? There are best etiquette techniques involving place settings, curfews, and speed limits, to name a few. Then we can look spiritually and never forget the 10 Commandments or the rest of the law God gave Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. While the world’s rules can limit us and direct us, God’s rules empower us for service and loving others.

We’re not to be condemned for living the way God desires. Paul says it plain as day. He also alludes to the fact that Jesus radically changed the rules. For Gentiles not familiar with the ways of the Jews and the rich history of being in relationship with God, this was terrific news. They didn’t have to worry about a lot of ritualistic behaviors. There is freedom in Jesus for everyone!

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Exodus 19-20 💚 God’s Top Ten

Read Exodus 19-20

The Ten Commandments with bibles on a black background

Did you already guess our new theme? This week we’ll focus on “Living as God Desires.” How fitting that we would begin with the 10 commandments. We can really sum all of these up into two: Love God and Love Each Other. But there is so much richness in this passage I hope we don’t miss.

God appears as unapproachable, and the people were afraid. And yet, God makes himself available for the purpose of showing his love by setting some safe boundaries for his children. Many people today want to compartmentalize God and say he was a mean God in the Old Testament and a loving God in the New Testament. He’s the same God.

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