Ten Commandments.  (Exodus 20)
The Collect for this Sunday service prays to ask God to sanctify and govern our bodies in the way of your commandments.

 

       It is largely forgotten in our predominantly secular society. that the law of this                   nation, and that of our American cousins, were built on the Commandments to guide       us on our duty to God and society. Field Marshal Montgomery once said, ‘God spoke       these words and I agree with Him.’

Shortly after God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, God called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai and gave him these Commandments, which God intended should be the spiritual and moral absolutes for His people. They give us rules for basic behavior, and guidance to holiness. We live in a society which desperately needs to be reminded of right and wrong, but at present right and wrong is what is according to one’s own standards rather than God’s standard.

A number of years ago, workmen were demolishing a church building, and had instructions to preserve anything of value. One of the men found a tablet bearing the Commandments, and asked if that should be kept. The foreman said they shouldn’t as they don’t count anymore. He was in fact reflecting society’s attitude, that we don’t have to be told how to behave, which is why we are in such an awful state in this country, where all traditional values have been cast aside.

In the United States, when that great nation was founded, the Christian faith was in the hearts of the religiously minded men who framed the Constitution, and created that noble phrase, ‘in God we trust’, which politicians in this country do not have the courage to use.

.The permissive society in Western nations, does not like authority and is besotted with a human rights mindset. Police have given up enforcing many of our laws, and are encouraged to do so, unless of course it is some suspected obscure act of discrimination that can be detected. This is contrary to the moral attitude observed.

I   It is pathetic sentimentalism, to claim as some do, that the State cannot commit murder, or that it is unchristian, for God gave the Commandments that people could live peaceably. The Bible states, whoever strikes a man that he dies, shall be put to death.   Nor should it be claimed that is just an Old Testament statement, for Jesus stated He had come to fulfil the law, not destroy it.

In Jewish homes, children are taught the Commandments at an early age and learn on their ten fingers. I wonder how many children are taught in the homes of our nation (you could probably count the number on five fingers), yet as Abraham Lincoln once said ‘ the strength of a nation lies in the home’. 

Moral deterioration is, as great a threat as political crisis, for a stable democracy needs a Christian moral code, but this is not given in most homes, and schools no longer teach Christianity (unless it is a private school). They are given much education on sex, with particular emphasis on alternative lifestyles, which is why we have such high moral lassitude. Consequently, our children are growing up without realizing spiritual or moral truths.

When God told Adam and Eve what they should not do, He was testing their obedience, but Adam and Eve wanted to do their own thing, and the human race ever after has copied them. God said, ‘you shall not,’ He didn’t say have a think about it, He was positive in His command. His laws bring security and peace as we follow our duty to Him, to parents, society, property and marriage. We are called to   follow all; they are not like a test paper where you respond to any four from ten.

God is a God of reason and mercy. The Commandments are given to make us worthy and happier, and to create a stable society. In the United States, the politicians generally, do not have reservation about declaring their Christian faith. 

Indeed, after one Senator was severely injured, on his return to the Senate he openly stated his faith had been a large factor in his recovery, and all present applauded.  Sadly, our politicians in the United Kingdom take care to hide faith (if they have any) and instead legislate to protect those who adopt different antichristian ways of life. As one government Minister stated, we  don’t do God’.

For far too long, the liberal establishment have influenced society and guided it into a moral abyss. It is time for the Church to stop prevaricating, and trying to meet society half way. The Church is the only institution which can offer hope. Politicians have shown how they look after themselves first, and without much moral example, and even royalty has shown a lack of moral action. It is a matter of great regret, that too many of Church leaders need to learn the morality of the Bible, and keep to it, rather than campaigning against it.

Turning to the Commandments from the Book of Exodus Chapter 20.
1, You shall have no other Gods before me.

God is the one true God of heaven and earth and is exclusive God who will not recognize any other god.

2. You shall not make any graven image

The gods of Egypt and Canaan were sometimes considered as having some part of creation and wooden images were carved out.

3, You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

This means you should not use the name of God in any oaths or to use His name in any act which is dishonest or irreverent.

4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,

The Lord worked for six days and rested on the seventh.

This was so to be we have six days for our own work and on the Sabbath give time to attend worship and rest from work.

5. Honor  your father and mother.

There is a call to respect your parents and care for them in times of illness and in old age.

6. You shall not murder.

The deliberate killing of another person by any means.

7 You shall not commit adultery.

Unfaithful behavior by a man or woman who is married and has a sexual relationship with  another person of the opposite sex.

8. You shall not steal.

Simply means taking, with intention to keep, any goods or property that belong to another person without their consent.

9. You shall not bear false witness.

Telling lies or making a false statement in order to deceive someone.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Longing to possess goods or property belonging to someone else.  This includes a desire to achieve a person belonging to someone else.

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Praise God for His Holy Gospel.  May He be Glorified.