The tenth and final word is not as open and public as the others, but is more hidden in the heart. The Lord is again looking for a more expansive obedience as he calls us away from coveting toward contentment.

As God established laws to help govern how humans are to relate to Him and to one another, He was laying the foundation for a just society. One thing we see in our justice system is that justice depends on truth. And at the heart of the ninth word is the necessity for truthful talk.

The eighth word is another simple four-word statement that goes beyond face value. Not only does it deal with our propensity to take what doesn't belong to us, but it points to our new creation identity as those who give and share.

In the seventh word, God speaks further into the relationships in the home by addressing husbands and wives. But as with the previous command, Jesus presses into our hearts and speaks to how we view not only marriage, but the marriage bed.

The sixth word is straightforward in prohibiting murder. But as all the commandments, it calls us to a deeper obedience. We are called to follow in the footsteps of our Savior as life-givers.

The fifth word transitions from giving instruction on how we relate to God to how we relate to others. Specifically, we are called to honor our father and mother. More broadly, we are called to honor those who are in authority over us.

The fourth word is not a prohibition; rather, it is instruction on how to observe the Sabbath. For us, it is all about finding rest in the Lord.

The third word prohibits the misuse of God's name, calling us instead to honor His name in how we speak and how we live.

The second word is closely related but distinct from the first word. With this word, God calls us away from worshiping a version of God that is anything less than God. It is a call to undiminished worship.

The first word not only begins the Ten Commandments, but it sets the tone for all that will follow. In a somewhat surprising introduction, God calls us to an undivided allegiance.

Before diving into each of the Ten Commandments, we first consider the law of God. Where did it come from? What was its purpose? What does it mean for us today? Our goal in this series is deeper than mere obedience, but delight in God's law.

This Sunday sermon, preached by Pastor Andrew and his son Aidan, is the conclusion of our Youth DNow weekend. The theme was Irreplaceable, speaking of the one and only Jesus. If we are going to follow Him as the Bible calls us to, we have to know who He is. In the gospel of John, Jesus makes 7 "I Am" statements to help us understand exactly who He is. In this sermon, we see Jesus as the light of t...

The final five psalms all begin and end with the Hebrew word, Hallelujah, translated as "praise the Lord." These are a call to praise the Lord!

Psalms of Wisdom are similar to the ``Wisdom" books of the Old Testament (think Proverbs or Ecclesiastes). These psalms provide instruction, both specifically and broadly, on how to live life and exist in relationship with God.

Psalms of Remembrance retell the history of God’s presence in humanity, focusing on acts of salvation and redemption in the past. These psalms turn our hearts toward gratitude as we remember God’s grace in his specific actions, the miraculous, and major historical events.

Psalms of Kingship present a king as the major focus. This can be directed at a humanly king, or God as the heavenly King of all creation.

Psalms of Confidence describe the author’s trust and faith in God, typically with a central image or theme. Psalm 23 is the primary example, where David compares God to his shepherd.

Psalms of Thanksgiving are similar to Psalms of Praise, in that they celebrate God. In doing so however, they share narratives of God’s goodness and typically honor specific things that He has done. This can include heard and answered prayers, stories of deliverance, and God-given victories.

Psalms of Lament are songs and prayers given to God in times of pain - when we feel distant from God, hurting, or abandoned. Though each Lament begins in a generally negative position, each one turns back to God in trust and thanksgiving by its end (excluding Psalm 88). Psalms of Lament can be cries of desperation, petitions for aid, or pleas for justice.

Psalms of Praise, otherwise known as hymns, are songs of pure praise to God. These songs are sung when our orientation and relationship with God is stable, calm, and untroubled. Psalms of Praise can be general calls to worship, address God’s rule as creator, or exist as an author’s personal moments of adoration.

As the book of Acts concludes, Jesus is fulfilling His word and promise to build His Church by His Holy Spirit through his witnesses. Though the book ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome, the story of God continues through us today. God is with us to the end, as He sends us to the end of the earth.

As Paul's return journey from his third missionary journey, he landed in Miletus where he called the Ephesian elders to come to him. In this farewell address, he speaks of his own personal example as he exhorts them in their leadership. Here we see the heart of Paul and what he values most.

Paul enters Ephesus on his third missionary journey, and his time there is marked by the word "disturbance." In Acts 19, we see several disruptive episodes of activity amongst the Ephesians. Though we often view disturbances as irritants, God often uses them to move us out of the status quo. This is God's gracious work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.

In order to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, God establishes gospel partnerships. The mission of God cannot be accomplished alone. In Acts 18, as Paul brings the gospel to Corinth, God forms multiple alliances to advance the gospel. We can rejoice that God brings us into relationship with others who will further the work of God not only in the world, but in us.

As the second missionary journey continues through Europe, Paul and friends come through Thessalonica and Berea before finally landing in Athens. It is here at Mars Hill where Paul addresses the pagan unbelievers with the simple message of the gospel. This was something strange and new to them, but it was a story with the power to give them new life.