Are The 10 Commandments Still Relevant?

"Then God gave the people all these instructions" Exodus 20:1

My Pastor finished his message series asking the question, "Why Would God?" This past week's was about why would God give so many rules. I have never heard this about the 10 commandments before, so I had to share.

Josh's main statement was, "Obeying God increases the freedom that matters most."

People think that God has all of these rules and laws, therefore making life boring. I like Josh's term of people think God is a "fun sponge". LOL

God is not a fun sponge at all.

As a matter of fact, the 10 Commandments are in place so that we can have a good life.

1. You shall have no other gods before me.  God wants to be first in our lives. He loves us so much, and He doesn't want us allowing other things to get in the way.
2. You shall not make idols. In Bible times, they actually made idols out of gold or whatever. In 2016, we tend to make people, jobs, and things idols. Josh said, "The moment you turn something into an idol, you will destroy it." 
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. This means more than simply saying a cuss word. If you are a Christian, you should try hard to let everything you do represent God. Josh said, "Don't attach God's name to things He doesn't like. Don't make God look stupid." (The Westboro Baptist people come to my mind on this one. Telling people "God hates fags" is not true.)
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. We need a day of rest. Period. We are too busy.
5. Honor your father and mother. This is the only commandment with a promise attached! Ephesians 6:2-3 tells us that we will live a long life if we honor our parents.
6. You shall not murder. I know a lot of people think we're good on this one. However, when Jesus came, He kind of one up'd several of these. This one He added that if we'd ever been angry with someone, we've killed them, and killed our chance to tell them about Him. OUCH!
7. You shall not commit adultery. It sabotages the oneness of marriage.
8. You shall not steal. To a Hebrew, it was also with-holding something that can bless others. Live life with open hands. Be generous.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. When we are honest, we experience freedom.
10. You shall not covet. God says you'll never find happiness comparing yourself to others. Be content.

It's a good idea for us to live by these commandments. They are still very relevant for 2016. Then, we should add some of Jesus' ways as well.

You see, God put these in place, but knew that He had a plan for redemption for the world through Jesus.

God decided to make a new covenant by way of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

This did not necessarily do away with the 10 Commandments, but as I already stated, Jesus added to them. 

Are you living fully for God? Or are you stuck in the Old Testament living under the law?

Can I ask you to consider the truth of the New Testament, the new covenant God made through Jesus, and the redeeming power of His love?

It's my prayer that you will fully surrender your life to Christ. Let Him lead and guide you. Know that He's not a "fun sponge". I have a lot of fun as a Christian. (Just ask my friends how often I laugh.)

God loves you and He wants to be in a relationship with with. If you need prayer, just ask. I'm here and honored to pray for you.

God bless you today and always.