Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today

by Adam Hamilton

What if the Ten Commandments were not just a set of ancient rules, but a guide to experiencing the good life today?“Adam Hamilton is a teacher of the highest order, able to bridge the gap between very old divine teaching and very current human reality.”—Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Always a Speaking of Faith Far from HomeNearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, the list of “thou-shalt-nots” found in the Bible. Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guideposts to help us experience a good and beautiful life. These ten ancient “words” were given to us by a loving God who longed to set safe boundaries, create order out of chaos, help communities live peacefully, and protect us—often from ourselves.In this book of Scripture and inspiration, bestselling author Adam Hamilton brings modern eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He considers the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus reinterpreted them, and showing how every thou-shalt-not was intended to point to a life-giving “thou shalt.” He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminates these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one's life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media-driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, confidence, and peace.A landmark work from one of our most trusted biblical thinkers, Words of Life is an inspiring, thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to live a meaningful and joyful life.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Church, Spirituality

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2020

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us hear the phrase "The Ten Commandments" and think, "Yeah. I'm good. I don't steal. Or murder."

But what if there are other, more hidden meanings to not stealing and not killing—meanings you probably never before considered? That is the premise of this powerful book by Methodist minister Adam Hamilton, who explores the Ten Commandments from a Christian point of view, giving the biblical and cultural history of each and then delving into what they mean for us today in our frenzied, Facebook-Twitter-soaked world.

A few thoughts for you to ponder:
• "Do not make an idol for yourself." You may not be creating golden calves out of your earrings, but are you placing prized material goods, your career, or even political leaders on a pedestal and essentially worshipping them?

• "Honor your father and your mother." Consider a whole new twist on this commandment as our parents age. Bonus: Our ancient ancestors had a fabulously creative and useful idea for those who have no children and need someone to care for them in their senior years. We should be doing this today!

• "Do not steal." The prohibition against stealing could encompass more than robbery. Consider this: Whenever you are late and keep someone waiting, you are stealing that person's time. We're all thieves.

• "You shall not covet…anything that belongs to your neighbor." Keeping up with the Joneses has always been self-defeating. Find out how doing just the opposite of coveting can add new meaning and joy to your life with some powerful real-life examples of people who are doing just that.

The Ten Commandments are as important to our lives today as they were when Moses walked down Mount Sinai carrying the two tablets. This book is not only inspirational, but also grounded in common sense with lessons that can be put into action. You'll never read the Ten Commandments in the same way again!

[M Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Adam Hamilton's most recent book. His simple explanations paired with anecdotes reframed my understanding of the Ten Commandments in a way that was easy to understand and extremely applicable to me personally. My toes got stepped on several times as I read and it's challenged me to really examine how I am called to follow each commandment in my daily life.
My book reviews are also posted at https://www.instagram.com/justonemoor....

[Christina Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of Hamilton’s best and I have probably read a dozen of his books. He truly brings the 10 Commandments to life in the 21st century.

[Kerrie Highley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was eye opening for me. We often hear about the 10 Commandments but don’t always think about all the ramifications of each one. Adam Hamilton breaks each one down to some of the root words in the Bible, as well as the historical context of the time in that culture. He does a great job of explaining what the commandments meant to the Hebrews at the time they were given to Moses.

He made me realize some of the ways I may have broken each commandment that I might not have realized. For instance the command not to steal encompasses more than taking something from someone. It can be stealing time when you run late for an appointment or meeting, you take time from that other person. There are other examples but I found his insights very thought provoking. A very good book that I recommend!

[Rrshively · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are into Christian study books (or even if you are Jewish) this is an excellent look at the Ten Commandments as they were understood in Moses' time and how they can be applied today. Jesus' expansion on these rules of life added to one's understanding. Not only should one not murder, one should not hate. Famously, adultery begins with lust. Even more significant was how one can turn some of the "Love your neighbor" commandments on their head. Instead of stealing, give generously. Instead of bearing false witness, build other people up. Instead of coveting, be content with what you have. Instead of murder, show love. I must warn that the Commandments are numbered as they are for mainstream Protestants. Catholics and others have a slightly different dispersion, but the lessons to be learned are the same.

[Jacqulyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ten Commandments have been with me throughout my life. From struggling to memorize them as a little girl in Sunday school, to being reminded of them in various sermons. Now that I'm old and cramming for finals so to speak, it seemed time to revisit these guidelines.

Adam Hamilton does a wonderful job explaining the origin of these very ancient rules and exploring what they mean beyond the obvious. He does so with humility and humor, often using himself as an example. Think you've never broken a commandment? This book will give you a new perspective and perhaps open your eyes. No matter how righteous we may believe ourselves to be, we are all vulnerable and the only way to truly practice these truths is through love.

[Jamie Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, thought-provoking and practical study of the 10 commandments

A thorough and relevant discussion of the ten commandments. So much more than the "thou shalt nots" many of us memorized as children. Rev Hamilton presents each commandment with an in-depth review of the language/words/meaning, biblical examples and real-life scenarios and situations that are quite relatable. Enjoyed this book tremendously and am grateful for all I learned!

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev. Hamilton goes through each of the 10 commandments from a historical, biblical and a Jesus perspective. I read the book as part of a book discussion group at my church. I enjoyed reading the book more than I thought I would. Rev. Hamilton describes the 10 commandments as the guardrails to our life. Rather than condemn those who have violated the tenets of the commandments, Rev. Hamilton writes a message of redemption and grace.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great study. Eight of us read the book, watched the video and had some great discussions. I especially appreciated the way Hamilton expanded the way we can look at the Ten Commandments, making them more relatable for those of us who would never murder or commit adultery -- and yet may be hurting or harming others. It also offered ways to avoid breaking these commandments: be grateful, be generous and show our love to others.

[Susan Lindquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Hamilton's book on the Ten Commandments with a new and different take on how we approach these words of guidance and encouragement. He does a good job of turning the phrases of 'Thou shalt not' around to thinking on the commandments as ways to approach life by using the words of guidance to build parameters in which we can live happier and less stressed lives that are filled with gratitude, joyful obedience and giving, and loving - a far better recipe for happiness than defiance, arrogance, shame and guilt.

A good and thoughtful read that is easy to understand, filled with examples of people living and walking the walk. Thanks, Rev. Hamilton !

[Gilbert C. Hanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Appreciation From Ancient Text

I am one of those readers who began reading this book wondering what could be new in something so old? The message from this reading is as current as tonight's evening news. This will guide you, inform you, and expands what you may have been taught, or assumed. I'm so glad I read this, and hope to lead a small group through this wonderful journey.

[Debbie Babbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in conjunction with Pastor Hamilton’s Tuesday night vespers. The book looks at each commandments from Old Testament to Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament to how it applies to us today. Pastor Hamilton reminds us with every “thou shall not” there are so many good “you shall” centered in love.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly excellent book. I loved how it broke down not only the obvious meanings behind the Ten Commandments, but also discussed the less obvious, and then also discussed how they were applied in both biblical times and present day. I can tell this is THE book I’m going to be recommending my Christian friends and family read, as well as those who are interested in becoming Christian.

[Bill Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire book is dedicated to something EVERYONE has heard of and most consider to be something that is by definition limiting - certainly NOT inspiring : the ten commandments. Be prepared to be surprised, inspired, and changed.

A great read for personal study and development, or as a guide for group study. I heartily recommend it.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this insightful book for a Bible Study class. The author using an accompanying video dissected over a ten week period the meaning behind each Commandment and how he believes Jesus would interpret them.

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for small groups (why I read this). Obviously I disagree with Adam Hamilton fairly often on politics, but I still find his viewpoint engaging, helpful, and empathetic.

[Rebecca Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study of the 10 Commandments.

[Staci Overbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book had some interesting insight, at times I felt the author was stretching the meaning to make it fit a social agenda rather than a Biblical context.

[Ltcls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for Bible Study. Good discussions. Better understanding of the Ten Commandments and relevance in today’s world.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton Pastor of the Church of Resurrection of Leawood Kansas took us through the Ten Commandments. Our bible study group read a chapter a week, discussed each chapter. It was very good.,

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Husband was given this book. He enjoyed telling me about each chapter.
I also spent time reading 3/4 of this book before returning this wonderful book to our Friend Jerry.

[Julie (JR) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We covered this book as a series in Sunday school. It was an interesting discussion on the 10 commandments.

[Loree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to study with a Bible Study group or Sunday School group.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent theology...just be ready to give this your full attention!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful in really understanding the Ten Commandments from God.

[Patty Corwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for 2 group studies at church. Typical Adam Hamilton writing, this book delves into more deeply as to what keeping the 10 commandments really is all about. I appreciate Adam’s depth of study.

[Cindy DavisClark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this for our Bible study group. We have our last session today. This author is always interesting and thought provoking.

[Jan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book, we all know the 10 Commandments but this book takes another look at them through the eyes of Jesus too. We read that God says thou shalt not but Jesus says thou shalt instead.

[Sara Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty elementary. Read it for my PW circle. He writes in a down to earth way, so I can see why it was chosen as this year’s book.

[Suzanne Pepple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book on the Ten Commandments
Adam Hamilton explains in detail each commandment
A quick read and one of my favorites from this author