The Ten Commandments have influenced non-religious Western culture more than it might imagine. This guide to the famous rules does more than explain what they are or what they say, but why we need them. This moral code in the Old Testament of the Bible—from which sprang ideas of justice, compassion, human rights, and freedom—has had such a strong impact on our society that it seems to represent what most of us think of as basic ethical reasoning. Even atheists like Richard Dawkins have offered up their own version of the Ten Commandments, and the strange thing is that many of them don't stray very far from the ethical teachings of Moses and Jesus. Bestselling author and apologist John Dickson explores how these ten rules have changed our world and how they show us what the "Good" (as Socrates called it) looks like in practice. Whether or not one believes in the Bible, these ten ancient instructions open a window to Western thought and civilization—and to our own souls. In each chapter, Dickson unpacks one of the ten famous commandments to show how they're not simply outdated rules but apply directly to our lives today. Along the way, he discusses broader philosophical implications, such as: Why do humans try to be good at all? What's the point of ethics, and why do we systematically seek them out? Why the Ten Commandments have outlived the moral codes of the ancient world, such as the Code of Hammurabi and the Maxims of Delphi. What does the Bible actually say about punishment and reward? How the teachings of Jesus relate to the much older instructions of Moses.

You know them. But do you understand them? The Ten Commandments have become so familiar to us that we don't think about what they actually mean. They've been used by Christians throughout history as the basis for worship, confessions, prayer, even civil law. Are these ancient words still relevant for us today? Their outward simplicity hides their inward complexity. Jesus himself sums up the entire law in a pair of commandments: Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Peter Leithart re-introduces the Ten Commandments. He shows us how they address every arena of human life, giving us a portrait of life under the lordship of Jesus, who is the heart and soul of the commandments.

A concise account of the whole biblical narrative and what it means—as well as the beliefs and lifestyle it inspires—for those observing Christianity from the outside, especially those who think there are good reasons not to believe. A Doubter's Guide to the Bible charts a biblical roadmap from the story of creation to the fulfillment of creation, answering many of the most frequently asked questions along the way: How can we read the creation account in Genesis in light of modern science? How should Old Testament law be understood when it appears inconsistent and irrelevant? Isn't the story of Jesus' birth a little far-fetched? What is the Gospel? Why are there four accounts of the same thing, and what are they really saying? John Dickson provides a readable and inviting Bible primer for anyone interested in informing themselves about the most widely read book in the history of humanity. By presenting the whole of the Bible as an account of God's promise to restore humanity to Himself, and humans to one another and to creation, Dickson allows believers and skeptics alike to gain insight into why the Bible has been a compelling, life-changing, and magnetic force throughout the ages—and why it still matters.

The Ten Commandments is an ideal Bible study resource for youth and adults. Shows both the traditional and contemporary wording of each of the 10 Commandments, a principle and the meaning of each commandment, what Jesus taught about the commandments, and why the 10 Commandments are important today. Below is an example of the information you will find in The Ten Commandments: Commandment 3 - Do Not Misuse God's Name Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. Principle- God's name is holy, powerful and glorious. Meaning- God's name is holy and should be treated with respect. there is power in the LORD's name and it shouldn't be used lightly. Because God is Spirit, we know Him through what He says about Himself, to take His name in vain violates God's nature. As God's creation, everything a person says and does should be done in order to praise and glorify God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Bible examples- When a man named Shelomith blasphemed the name of God with a curse, the Lord commanded that he be taken outside the camp and stoned to death. (Leviticus 24:10-16) Jesus was accused of blasphemy because He claimed to be God. (John 10:33) James warned believers to watch what they say because the tongue is capable of evil and poison and can easily corrupt a person. (James 3:5-9) Jesus' Teaching- Jesus said, ..".every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven...But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:31, 36, 37) Jesus said to begin praying with: "Our Father in heaven, hollowed be your name." (Matthew 6:9) Explanations: Jews and Jewish scribes would go to great measures in order to avoid saying or writing the LORD's name for fear of blasphemy. The Bible says we are to pray, heal, and baptize in Jesus' name. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:17, John 14:13, Acts 3:6) The Bible says that what we say is very important and it is a glimpse into who we are (James 3:9-12). God loves us and wants us to love and worship Him in whatever we are doing and at all times. God wants us to use His name; it is holy and powerful. If we can show respect for the names of our fathers, mothers, teachers and doctors, then how much more should we respect the name of our sovereign God. The Ten Commandments breaks the 10 Commandments into two main divisions: commandments about our relationship to God and commandments about our relationship to other people. This pamphlet is also a great resource on the history of the commandments and why The Ten Commandments were revolutionary for their time.

Who was Jesus? Historical sources portray a person who was complex, multi-layered, and often contradictory to the tidy portrait that much of modern Christianity paints him as. Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and savior. A Doubter's Guide to Jesus is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive. Each chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring: His words and their impact. The scandal of his social life. His preference for the poor and lowly. The meaning of his death and influence of his promises. The goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles. After two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.

In this new volume from the New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology series, Mark Rooker discusses one by one the language of each of the Ten Commandments and its complete meaning in the ancient context. Adding a depth of understanding that can’t be obtained by looking only at the commandment itself, he shows how each commandment echoes elsewhere in the Old Testament, how it was violated in Israel’s history, and how it surfaces again in the New Testament. In conclusion, Rooker includes an extended section on the theological significance of each commandment and its contemporary implications.

For believers and skeptics alike, A Doubter's Guide to World Religions introduces the five major world religions so that you can explore their similarities and differences in a fair and engaging way. The world is a very religious place. Wherever you look, people are worshipping, praying, believing, following, even dying for their faith. But what does it mean to be religious? Are all religions the same? Do they all call on the same God simply using different names? Are their beliefs and practices simply cultural expressions of the same spiritual longings? Written by historian and theologian John Dickson in his characteristically engaging style, this book presents each of the world's five major systems of faith, carefully outlining the history, doctrines, beliefs, and spiritual practices of: Hinduism ("The Way of Release") Buddhism ("The Way of Enlightenment") Judaism ("The Way of the Torah") Christianity ("The Way of the Christ") Islam ("The Way of Submission") In his own words, Dickson acts as an art curator in a gallery, presenting each of these "works of art" in their best light and letting each have their say. Along the way, he demonstrates the importance of religion in general—to society and to individual believers—and addresses many of the universal questions that all of these serious and ancient religions ask: Who are we? What is our worth? How should we live? Are we alone? At the end of each section is a bibliography of helpful books and websites for those who are interested in learning even more.

Can you find a proven source for lasting standards and values? God revealed the heart of His standards--the Ten Commandments--long ago at Mount Sinai. But what sets them apart from man-made rules and guidelines? What do they reveal about nature of God Himself. In this booklet you'll discover the answers to these questions and more. Inside this booklet:- The First Commandment: What Is Our Greatest Priority?- The Second Commandment: What Is God Like?- The Third Commandment: From Profanity to Praise- The Fourth Commandment: Key to a Relationship With Our Creator- The Fifth Commandment: A Foundation for Success- Sixth Commandment: Life Is a Precious Gift- Seventh Commandment: Protect the Marital Relationship- Eighth Commandment: Practice Giving Rather Than Getting- Ninth Commandment: Truth as a Way of Life- Tenth Commandment: True Righteousness Comes From the Heart- Does the New Covenant Abolish the Commandments?[ View or download other free booklets at www.ucg.org ]

Secular society coupled with religious culture has inadvertently created a climate in America that blindly praises political correctness and the legislation of questionable laws. Religious traditionalists must now contend with how to remain spiritually relevant in perilous and polarizing times without compromising age-old biblical practices and principles. A glorified biblical commentary, you might say this book addresses almost everything you wanted to ask your local traditional religious leader but was afraid to. If I cant share my wisdom and experiences and exercise my talents, gifts, and skills at the slight chance I may inspire and help others, what good is my life?

Is the Bible still an authoritative guide? Television documentaries regularly explore the "mysteries of the Bible" and question whether its stories can be supported by historical facts. A multitude of people claim the Bible's authority for their own, often competing, agendas. And for many, the church has lost credibility in light of various scandals and failures. Is it any wonder, then, that a growing number of folks doubt whether the Bible is a legitimate source of religious authority, much less the word of God? In A Doubter's Guide to the Bible, Terry Giles asks the hard questions that skeptics have about the Bible. Affirming the legitimacy of doubt in light of such questions, Giles invites us to walk with him as he explores issues such as the Bible's origins, violence in the Bible and in the modern world, and the degree to which the Bible has been used as propaganda to justify particular ends. Never ignoring the doubts that may still remain, Giles suggests that the Bible's power arises from its ability to open up a space where we can meet God, who confronts us amidst all the messiness of our humanity. Whether we've never considered these questions before--and especially if we have--A Doubter's Guide to the Bible is an essential companion on our spiritual journey.