THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

[Brother Bob...<><]

 

 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

 

A lot has been said about the Ten Commandments, especially in these days of moral degeneracy in our schools and culture. Think of it, the Ten Commandments used to be displayed prominently in public schools, and are still displayed in some public buildings all over our country. One judge has been attcked and sued because he wants to keep a copy of the Ten Commandments in his courtroom.
Just what is it about the Ten Commandments that creates such controversy??

 

They are just few simple words forbidding certain types of behavior and commanding other types be performed....we see commands and forbiddings every day in our schools, from the news media and tv. And yet THESE simple words from "some ancient mythical God who either died or just went away and ignores us or isn't even there" seem to cut to the heart of people who enjoy the freedom to sin without criticism or limitations.

 

 If indeed God isn't there and these are just so many words, then why the controversy??? Why the lawsuits??? Why the concerted effort to remove these ancient words from our culture and public life and discussion???

 

It is precisely because GOD IS THERE , and the Word of God has its own inherent power to convict of sin and alter behavior. Imagine what effect there would be on our society if these simple words were once again taught to our children.

 

You cannot be saved by keeping the Ten commandments, only repentence and placing one's faith in Jesus Christ can do that. But the Ten Commandments are a mirror whereby we can look at our own behavior and realize that we are sinners... Many of our civil laws are based on them, and they still are a framework  of what God desires for us to display or avoid in our christian lives. And by the way, if your school or public building does not have a copy of the Ten Commandments, why not put up a copy in your HOME??

 

As a young person, i had to take 2 years of "catechism classes" after school to be a member of my church. I always remember the commandments and their explanations from the Small Catechism of Martin Luther fondly as a foundation of my understanding of God's Word and christian behavior. I hope these simple words bless you as they have me.

 

in Christ....brother bob...............<><

 

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

(from Martin Luther's Small Catechchism)

 

The Simple Way a Father Should Present

Them to His Household

 

A. The First Commandment

You must not have other gods.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear, love, and trust God more than anything else.

 

B.

The Second Commandment

You must not misuse your God’s name.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will not use His name to

curse, swear, cast a spell, lie or deceive, but will use it to call upon

Him, pray to Him, praise Him and thank Him in all times of trouble.

 

C.

The Third Commandment

You must keep the Sabbath holy.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will not look down on

preaching or God’s Word, but consider it holy, listen to it willingly,

and learn it.

 

D.

The Fourth Commandment

You must honor your father and mother.

(So that things will go well for you

and you will live long on earth).

 

Q. What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will neither look down on

our parents or superiors nor irritate them, but will honor them, serve

them, obey them, love them and value them.

 

E.

The Fifth Commandment

You must not kill.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will neither harm nor hurt

our neighbor’s body, but help him and care for him when he is ill.

 

F. The Sixth Commandment

 

You must not commit adultery.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that our words and actions will be

clean and decent and so that everyone will love and honor their spouses.

 

G.

The Seventh Commandment

 

You must not steal.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will neither take our

neighbor’s money or property, nor acquire it by fraud or by selling him

poorly made products, but will help him improve and protect his

property and career.

 

H.

The Eighth Commandment

 

You must not tell lies about your neighbor.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will not deceive by lying,

betraying, slandering or ruining our neighbor’s reputation, but will

defend him, say good things about him, and see the best side of

everything he does.

 

I .

The Ninth Commandment

 

You must not desire your neighbor’s house.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will not attempt to trick our

neighbor out of his inheritance or house, take it by pretending to have a

right to it, etc. but help him to keep and improve it.

 

J.

The Tenth Commandment

 

You must not desire your neighbor’s wife, servant, maid, animals or anything that belongs to him.

 

Q.

What does this mean?

A.

We must fear and love God, so that we will not release his cattle,

take his employees from him or seduce his wife, but urge them to stay

and do what they ought to do.

 

K.

The Conclusion to the Commandments

 

Q.

What does God say to us about all these commandments?

 

A.

This is what He says:

 

"I am the Lord Your God.

I am a jealous God.

I plague the grandchildren and great-grandchildren

of those who hate me with their ancestor’s sin.

But I make whole those who love me

for a thousand generations."

 

Q.

What does it mean?

A.

God threatens to punish everyone who breaks these

commandments. We should be afraid of His anger because of this and

not violate such commandments. But He promises grace and all good

things to those who keep such commandments. Because of this, we,

too, should love Him, trust Him, and willingly do what His

commandments require.

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Found in "THE MASTER CHRISTIAN LIBRARY" OF AGES SOFTWARE

in the Theology Section, under Martin Luther

http://www.ageslibrary.com

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God Bless You.....brother bob.......<><