Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
The Sixth Commandment in the Decalogue simply states, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). This Commandment, consisting of just two words in its original Hebrew form, represents the first of four tersely stated prohibitions (the others forbidding adultery, stealing, and bearing false witness). However, as simple as these words are they are often misapplied. Perhaps you’ve memorized this Commandment as rendered in the King James Version–“Thou shalt not kill.” But the word “kill,” at least as we typically understand it, is not what is in view here. “Murder” is the better translation, and this refers to the unjustified taking of a human life.
Over the course of the next few Sundays we are going to explore this simple Commandment. As you might suspect, the implications and contemporary applications of this sacred Word are as numerous as they are convicting, and as close as today’s headlines. To better prepare for the introductory message on this Commandment look over the following passages from the Old Testament: Genesis 1:26-27; 4:8-11; 9:6; Exodus 21:12; Leviticus 24:17; Deuteronomy 27:24.
Special Announcement for All Men
Our 2015 Men’s Fall Bible Study will take place during the month of October. Each Sunday evening in October (4, 11, 18, 25) we will gather from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Education Building for fellowship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word. Our lessons will be based upon one of the sermons of Thomas Watson (the great Puritan theologian and preacher of seventeenth century England) entitled, ‘Man’s Chief End Is to Glorify God’ (I have attached the PDF version of this sermon so that you can get familiar with it). The study will end with a Men’s Cookout on Friday night October 23 and a Breakfast on Saturday morning October 24. All men of the Church are invited, and guests are most welcome to join us! For more information see Mark Cooper (our Men’s Ministry Director) at the table in the Narthex following worship this week.
I love you all so much and always pray for each of you,
Mike