Sermon Central
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Ten Commandments: Guideposts To Freedom
Contributed by Vic Folkert on Jan 8, 2019 (message contributor)
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1. Why The Ten Commandments?
Contributed on Jan 8, 2019
Optional but important intro to a series on The Ten Commandments. Christians should live according to the commandments because, a) God gave them, b) They help us fulfill our role in his plan for salvation, and c) They are a guide to freedom.
WHY THE TEN COMANDMENTS? Exodus 20:1-2 A TV personality had as a guest on his show a congressman, who was advocating for displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings. When asked why the commandments should be put on display in a courthouse, he answered, “Well, the Ten Commandments is not a ...read more
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2. Ten Commandments: No Other Gods
Contributed on Jan 8, 2019
Gods are whatever people worship, trust and serve. WHY does God care? Other gods hurt us. HOW: Practical ways to worship, trust and serve God.
NO OTHER GODS—Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 44:6-24 Read Exodus 20:1-3. The first commandment seems like an easy one. I doubt that any of you is a secret worshipper of Baal or Zeus. You don’t kneel before a Buddha in your garden, or have a shrine to Hindu gods in your bedroom. How then is this commandment ...read more
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3. Ten Commandments: No False Images
Contributed on Jan 8, 2019
False (mostly mental) images of God distort him, and harm us. Recognize how false images might come to us, and replace them with a true image of God from the Bible, especially Christ.
NO FALSE IMAGES—Exodus 20:4-6, 32:1-6 (I began with a children’s sermon: “Can you draw God? Why not? God is more than we can describe!”) Read Exodus 20:1-6. (Note to preacher: NIV 1984 has the unfortunate translation “idol” not “image,” which sounds more like a different god. NIV 2011 more ...read more
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4. Ten Commandments: Honor God's Name
Contributed on Jan 8, 2019
Don't dishonor the name of God by word or deed. We need God's help: the Holy Spirit, confession and cleansing, filling our minds with good things.
HONOR GOD’S NAME—Exodus 20:7, Ezekiel 36:16-28 (optional children’s sermon: Use a Coke can. The Coca Cola name is so valuable, that if anyone uses the name without permission, they can be sued. God’s name is more valuable!) (Project on the screen: What is the most valuable brand name in world? ...read more
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5. Ten Commandments: The Gift Of Sabbath
Contributed on Jan 8, 2019
A positive view of the Sabbath, as God's gift to us. It is a) a time to relax, b) a time to worship, and c) a taste of heaven. A balanced view, with a unique perspective on c).
THE GIFT OF SABBATH—Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 31:12-16 (Children’s Sermon: Show a car Maintenance Schedule. Just as a car needs maintenance, we do too. We do that at church, and other times…) Which of the 10 commandments is optional? For many Americans, all of them! You can hardly go through a day ...read more
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6. Ten Commandments: Tell The Truth
Contributed on Jan 9, 2019
WHY: Lying harms individuals and society, and us even more. HOW: It is a spiritual issue, and we need the help of the Holy Spirit.
TELL THE TRUTH—Exodus 20:16, Exodus 23:1-2 ***In Boston, a minister noticed a group of boys standing around a small stray dog. “What are you doing, boys? “Telling lies,” said one of the boys. “The one who tells the biggest lie gets the dog.” “Well, when I was your age,” the shocked minister said, ...read more
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7. Ten Commandments: Don't Steal
Contributed on Jan 9, 2019
WHAT is stealing? WHY should we not steal? HOW can we keep from stealing, and do good? Practical, relevant, without being heavy-handed.
DON’T STEAL—Exodus 20:15 You go out for the evening, and when you get home and walk in the door, something doesn’t seem right. In the next room, the TV is missing, along with valuable electronics. Or maybe it is not your house. Your purse is gone, or you get a text showing new charges on your ...read more
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8. Making The Most Of Your Family
Contributed on Jan 9, 2019
Honor or "give weight to" parents. Children should a) obey, b) respect, and c) surpass, their parents. Positive and practical for all ages.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FAMILY—Deuteronomy 5:16 Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Preacher: a few extra words in Deuteronomy, ...read more
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9. Ten Commandments: Healthy Ambition
Contributed on Jan 9, 2019
WHY not covet? It harms us, and relationships with others and God. HOW overcome it? Gratitude, love for others, and godly ambition.
COVET GODLINESS—Exodus 20:17, 1 Timothy 6:6-11 Would it be good if everyone lived by the Ten Commandments? The answer seems obvious: Almost everyone agrees that life is better if people don’t murder, steal, or lie in a court of law. Maintaining marriage and honoring parents supports a healthy ...read more
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10. Ten Commandments: Value Life
Contributed on Jan 9, 2019
Value human life, regardless of abilities or productiveness. In practical ways, be a) pro-life, and b) pro-dignity.
VALUE LIFE—Exodus 20:13, Genesis 9:1-6 The sixth commandment is short: “Don’t murder” Isn’t that obvious? Unlike some commandments, most people agree with this one. Yet the commandment points us to a deeper understanding of the value of human life. WHY should we value human life, above all other ...read more
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11. Sex: Guard Your Heart
Contributed on Mar 8, 2021
Practical, positive message. WHY does God say this? 1} God loves us. 2) God loves other people. HOW do we keep this? 1) Guard your heart, 2) Control your environment, 3) Seek God's help.
SEX: GUARD YOUR HEART—Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 I once saw a cartoon: Moses is coming down from the mountain, and he says to the people, “I have good news and I have bad news. The good news is that I got him down to 10. The bad news is that #7 is still in there.” The ...read more