The Ten Commandments
by the Rev. Christa von Zychlin
Join Gather magazine and revive your soul in 2023 with a four-session study of the 10 commandments. ELCA pastor and Bible study author Christa von Zychlin will help us see how these commandments are more than they may appear at first glance. For example, Martin Luther taught that the commandment, “Do not kill,” means not only refraining from murder, but actively promoting the health and life of others. Get ready to explore old and new interpretations of God’s laws, using Luther’s Small and Large Catechism and more!
Psalm 19 claims, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Joy and romance may not be the first images that come to mind when we think of the Ten Commandments. However, a close reading of the first several commandments opens us to a fresh encounter with the God of fierce, freeing love.
Some might say the Old Testament commands Remember the Sabbath and Honor Your Folks seem outdated and quaint. After all, didn’t Jesus routinely break the Sabbath? Didn’t Jesus (on occasion) talk back to his mother? Yet these commandments are far from outdated. Find out how these commands offer a source of peace and inspiration in today’s often hectic and generationally segregated society and church.
In our third session, we will review some of the major murders of the Bible. We’ll also delve into the scriptural witness to the spirituality of sex and the covenant of marriage.
In this fourth and final session, we will consider sayings from Proverbs and other biblical wisdom related to minding our tongues, integrity in the marketplace, and practical ways to serve our neighbors.
Photo by jsp via Shutterstock.com. Used with permission.
I am leading our Bible study in March, I haven’t received a magazine yet. Are you going to make it available to print on here? I love to spend several weeks getting ready. Thank you so much for your time and help.
Thanks so much for the wonderful videos for the January and February Bible studies.I loved how well they are done and plan to use them with my circle. I learned a lot of new things. Thanks for the food for thought. I’m so glad that we are able to connect visually this way!
That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Thank you for the encouraging words, Gloria! I love the divine synergy when women gather to wonder and grapple and be sculpted by the Word. Blessings to you!
I have just led the February Bible study on the third and fourth commandments. The video I had forwarded to the women really added to our discussion. It is also interesting to feel that we are acquainted with the author. Thank you very much.
I put together a brief synopsis of the bible study for our group.
It’s difficult to do without the magazine.
I write a brief synopsis for each months bible study. I have not received the March 2023 magazine.
Can you give me a brief idea of what it will be? Or are we continuing the 10 commandments?
Thank you for your comment, Nancy. The March/April issue will continue with the study of the 10 Commandments.
(March 2023) Session three: Sanctity of life and love (Commandments 5 & 6)
In our third session, we will review some of the major murders of the Bible. We’ll also delve into the scriptural witness to the spirituality of sex and the covenant of marriage.
Thank you for adding a 2nd staff person to Gather. As a long time member of the WELCA, local officer, Conference officer, and 8 years on the SWMN synod WELCA board and a Woman who has been a voting member at Conventions I want to THANK YOU of adding another staff to Gather. I know that there have been many cuts in programming and staff I still follow what is Happening. I feel however also so passionately about our organization that let the women in my Bible Study circle know the needs of the WELCA organization. I led the Jan. lesson and will be continuing in Feb. I intend to bring up the lack of offering in our faith community due to lack of leadership and encourge our group to send a donation to either WELCA or Katie’s Fund. We will be celebrating BOLD WOMEN’S DAY on March 5th!!! I look forward to Triennial Event this coming fall. Deacon of Spiritual Care Jennelle Cunning, Grace Lutheran, Fairmont, MN.
I have a question: Who is eligible to attend the 2023 Leadership Event this month.? I received a notice but didn’t understand who could attend on line.
Hello, Deacon Jenelle! Thank you so much for your kind words and for your faithful readership. We also appreciate the ways that you are promoting Gather and Women of the ELCA resources, etc.!
All are welcome to attend the the leadership event, Living faithful: Called and Thriving. I encourage you to register at the link provided. I look forward to seeing you! Blessings, Beth
https://www.womenoftheelca.org/living-faithful
Thank you
The youtube referenced in the study about Dr. Collins is no longer available.
“You can learn more about Dr. Collins with
this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
FYvi8qwp7Og.”
How do I access the video to the study – we meet at 10:30 this morning, January 16.
Thanks so much!
Franny
Hi Frances. The video is available here: https://www.gathermagazine.org/january-2023-video-supplement-to-the-ten-commandments/
Blessings, Beth
pure unconditional love that is eternal doesnt command or demand
You have a great point, Karen Wolfe! In the first session we’ll look at how the very phrase “The Ten Commandments” is parguably not a great translation of either the Hebrew language, nor the Divine Intent.
arguably!