The Ten: Timeless Truths for Today
At Evangel North Church, we believe that God’s Word is as relevant today as it was when it was first given. Over the course of our sermon series titled “The Ten,” we’ve taken a fresh look at the Ten Commandments—one of the most well-known yet often misunderstood sections of Scripture. While these divine directives are thousands of years old, they speak boldly into the challenges, temptations, and cultural drift we face today.
This series was not just a call to moral living—it was a call to relationship. God gave the commandments not as a harsh list of demands, but as a covenantal guide to shape a people who would walk in love, justice, and reverence for Him and each other. In a world that often trades absolutes for relativism, we’ve rediscovered that God’s truth doesn’t change, and it never goes out of style.
Below is a breakdown of each message from the series, along with key reflections. Whether you’re catching up, revisiting, or exploring these messages for the first time, we pray this journey deepens your walk with God.
1. The Ten: No Other Gods
We began with the foundational command: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” This sermon invited us to examine the ultimate allegiance of our hearts. In a culture full of distractions—money, fame, politics, comfort—it’s easy to let other “gods” creep in. But our God is not interested in part-time devotion. He desires and deserves our full-hearted worship. When He is first, everything else falls into place.
2. The Ten: Right God, Right Worship
Building on the first commandment, we explored what it means to worship the right God in the right way. This message tackled idolatry—not just statues and symbols, but how we often form God in our own image. When we redefine Him to fit our preferences, we drift from truth. True worship aligns with who He has revealed Himself to be in Scripture. He is holy, just, merciful, and sovereign—and He alone is worthy.
3. The Ten: Honor His Powerful Name
“Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” This isn’t just about using God’s name as a curse word; it’s about carrying His name with reverence in all areas of our lives. As Christians, we are His representatives. This message reminded us that how we live reflects on His name. Are we treating His name with honor in our speech, decisions, and character?
4. The Ten: A Holy Time-Out
The Sabbath command may be one of the most neglected in modern Christianity. Yet, the principle of rest and worship is woven into creation itself. This sermon challenged us to prioritize rhythms of rest, reflection, and renewal. Sabbath is a gift, not a burden—a holy “time-out” that reminds us our identity isn’t based on performance but on being God’s beloved.
5. The Ten: A New Testament Guide to Honoring Parents
Honoring parents is more than a childhood virtue. It’s a command that comes with a promise: “that it may go well with you.” We explored what honoring looks like at every stage of life. Whether through respect, support, forgiveness, or care, this message helped us navigate family relationships with biblical wisdom and grace.
6. The Ten: Killing Murder
Jesus elevated the sixth commandment when He said that hatred and anger are the seeds of murder. This sermon pressed deep into the heart, asking whether we harbor bitterness or refuse reconciliation. God’s kingdom is one of life, peace, and forgiveness. If murder destroys life, Christ calls us to be agents of restoration.
7. The Ten: Getting Sex Right
The seventh commandment—“You shall not commit adultery”—remains powerfully relevant. In a hyper-sexualized world, God’s design for intimacy is still the safest, most sacred path. We discussed purity, fidelity, and the healing grace of God for those who have stumbled. Sex is not taboo; it is holy—and it must be honored within God’s covenant.
8. The Ten: Stop Thief
This message tackled stealing in its many forms—cheating, cutting corners, taking credit, and yes, literal theft. At its core, the eighth commandment is about integrity and trust. When we live honestly, we reflect the God of truth. We also talked about generosity as the kingdom antidote to a spirit of theft. God blesses us to be a blessing.
9. The Ten: Liar, Liar, Soul on Fire
“You shall not bear false witness.” Truth-telling is vital to both justice and community. This sermon called out gossip, slander, half-truths, and self-deception. We were reminded that our words have power—to heal or to harm. In a world drowning in misinformation, the people of God must be known for truth, love, and clarity.
10. The Ten: Spirit-Filled Kingdom Over Fleshly Craving
Covetousness is sneaky. It’s not about what we have—it’s about what we long for at the expense of others. This message exposed how unchecked desire leads to restlessness, discontent, and sin. But through the Holy Spirit, we can live in victory. Contentment is not found in what we get, but in who we know—Christ, our all-sufficiency.
Why This Series Matters
The Ten Commandments are more than rules—they’re revelations of God’s heart. They show us who He is and how He calls us to live. They drive us to the grace of Jesus, who not only fulfilled the Law but empowers us to walk in righteousness through His Spirit.
This series was a spiritual recalibration. In a time when right and wrong are up for debate, God’s Word is a steady anchor. These commandments reveal God’s care for both individual holiness and communal justice. They remind us that freedom isn’t doing whatever we want—it’s living how we were created to live: in love, order, and truth.
A Final Word of Encouragement
If you missed any of the messages or want to revisit them, the full series is available at evangelnorth.net/live-on-demand/sermon-notes. Each message includes notes and Scriptures to help you go deeper.
You can also watch on YouTube. Click here.
As your pastor, I pray that “The Ten” helps you not just know the commandments, but to live them out with joy, confidence, and power. Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Law—He came to fulfill it and write it on our hearts.
Let’s be a people who live out these timeless truths in a way that honors God and blesses our world.
If you need anything, please let us know.
We love you,
Dr. John & Pastor Erin Carmichael
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