First Things

June 24, 2007

Opening Text:   Colossians 1:15-20

Title:  First Things (10 Commandments Series)

Text:  Exodus 20:1-3

Bitter Sweet week

-          Back in the pulpit

o   Miss hearing the preaching

-          Rory is leaving

o   Preached on What’s Next from the West Wing

-          AFI and VCR’s

o   Without understanding that the VC R must be off it will not wor

-          Hydrophobia and Haiti

o   Chlorinated lungs for children

What is the first commandment?

We must do some things first

1. These are not laws that must be kept to earn God’s favor

a. Paul makes that clear

                      i.  Romans 3:23 – No one has been able to keep them, save one, who can save us

                   ii.  Galatians 3:21-25

1.       No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

2.       For it is by grace that you have been saved

2.       What then about this law?

a.       No other God’s the reality is there are none, but we often create some (In fact that is what was going on down below.

b.      God claims and demands total focus as are creator and redeemer

                                                                                                   i.      Gets strengthened not weaken by grace

3.       What about you?

a.       Perhaps this morning you have attempted to please God with your partial law keeping

b.      Realize that God still requires the journey to begin with the knowledge that He is the only one.  Acts 4:12