What use are the Ten Commandments today? Do we really need to follow them all if we're living under the new covenant?

Ah, it is a new covenant, and an even better one because it brings true freedom through Jesus Christ. It's also a more challenging covenant. Here are two examples from Jesus' teachings:

"You have heard that it was said to an older generation, 'Do not murder,' and 'whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.' But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment. And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says 'Fool' will be sent to fiery hell.(Matthew 5:21-22 NET)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28 NET)

Whoa! So have you MURDERED? Are you an ADULTERER at heart? What about LYING? Have you ever told "little white lies" to avoid hurting others' feelings? Do you ever take the Lord's name in vain? That means you use it without acknowledging in your heart the power of the name. (Do you say it just out of habit instead of in faith at the end of your prayers?) That's BLASPHEMY!

No, not one of us is perfect. Only Jesus is. The Ten Commandments are of great use today because they show us just how much we need a Savior. And that Savior is Jesus Christ. Having received the salvation that is free through Christ Jesus, we live to walk in a better covenant.

One that is still summed up by "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and and with all your might" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." One that asks, "What would love do?"

So, do we need to follow them all? What do you think? Or, better yet, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you about the Ten Commandments? Forget what men say. Seek God's heart. He's the One you'll have to answer to in judgment (Romans 14).

Assignment:
Read Exodus 20:1-17. Summarize each of the commandments by writing them on paper. How many are related to God? How many are aimed at your relationship with others?
Meditation:
Which of the commandments are the most challenging for you when viewed as Jesus would interpret them? (e.g., anger is murder, looking to lust is adultery)
What is one victory Christ has given you over a sin? Praise Him for this and proclaim it as you pray for deliverance from other sins. He is not without power!

This is the fifth and final entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.

So we must not grow weary in doing good (acting virtuously), for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good (commit beneficial acts) to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 NET, parentheticals mine)

We may have our niche in a ministry, or if we're really fortunate our job is ministry to which God has called us. But ministry is more than just serving in a church or working at one job. It is a way of life that also goes beyond the walls of a building and happens outside a particular time slot. We ought to jump at the chance to help people as we are able, whether they're Christians or not.

Admittedly, there are times to use restraint. For example, in situations involving strangers (such as a disabled car on a deserted road in the middle of the night) it may sometimes be better to call for help or gather a group.

There are also times when helping others the way they want to be helped would only hurt them in the long run. Perhaps in this case, as the Chinese proverb suggests, the loving thing to do would be teaching the individual to fish instead of giving him the fish.

Despite these exceptions there are plenty of opportunities to help if we just look for them.

How good are you at seeing the needs of others?
In the last week, have you seen a need you could have met, but didn't do it? Why not?
Do you think there are times we simply must say no? Can you find Scripture to back up your answer?
Pray that God would reveal to you opportunities to meet the needs of those around you with gifts He has given you. Pray also for the motivation to meet those needs.

Here's something a little different from the norm for BibleStoreBrowser.com. The products featured here are usually books, but the last two weeks have brought the release of a new album from Jason Holdridge and a new podcast from Gabe Taviano.

"Technology meets eternity" in the passion-led ministry of Godsmac.com.

Gabe Taviano begins each podcast with a review of technology (with a slant toward the Mac). The "meets" segment follows with an interview. Then Gabe closes with inspiring thoughts God has laid on his heart and a prayer for the guest(s) and other concerns.

This week's Godsmac.com podcast featured an interview with a man who is a worshiper at heart: Jason Holdridge. Highlights from the interview include using God-given gifts and raising daughters.

I can not say enough about how God is using this man. I have had the privilege of being led by him in worship and being challenged and inspired by his preaching. It is no surprise to me that God has led him to this point in his life, and I expect even greater things from God to come through him.

You can sample some of Jason's music at his myspace. His album Pursue Me also features Bethany Dillon, whose incredible voice I was blessed to hear live just before she went on the road a couple years ago. Jason Holdridge's album is available at his website, www.JasonHoldridge.com.

If you've been following the Finding a Ministry series at Xanga, you'll understand how important passion is in ministry. These two men exemplify what God can do when we apply our talents and gifts to our passions.