Ten Essential Words

Can the relevancy of the Christian faith and the answers to so many complex questions we face today be as simple as getting back to some of the basic tenants of the faith? Can something like the Ten Commandments really shed much light on a world shaded by grey? Ten Essential Words attempts to reclaim the original intent of the Ten Commandments given in their ancient context and brings them forward as a healthy and relevant way to live in today’s world. In order to accomplish this, we must first let go of many preconceived notions regarding the Ten Commandments. If God were re-introducing these commandments to us today, what words would God give us? The answers may surprise you.

The book follows a similar layout for each commandment. First, considerable time is given to the original context of each commandment. As simple as some of the commandments may seem, there is a reason why God chose these particular commandments, and each one is far more multifaceted than a surface reading. Next, we will look at what Jesus had to say about each one. Jesus interprets each commandment in a way that helps shed light on how we are to view them. Remember, Jesus was making these commandments relevant to his culture some 1,400 years after they had originally been given. Then we will cross that same bridge of relevance Jesus was crossing by exploring what each commandment means for our day and time. Because we are not simply called to learn more about each commandment there will also be an opportunity to respond to each one. Finally, each chapter concludes with a covenantal statement that may help these commands become a part of who we are.