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Ten Words: A Practical Look at the Ten Commandments
Originally etched on tablets of stone, the Ten Commandments have been the bedrock of righteous living for thousands of years. These commandments, sometimes referred to as the “Ten Words,” can be summarized in two simpler ones, love God and love your neighbor. In this book, LJ Harry provides us with practical instruction on following these principles today.
- GenresChristian
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 20, 2021
Having enjoyed the delightful 52-week devotional journey L.J. Harry takes us on in his first book, Simplify, I had high expectations for his newest work, Ten Words. However, I enjoyed Ten Words more than a kid loves ice cream on a hot summer afternoon to use the Harry colloquialism. Ten Words is precisely what its subtitle purports to be: A down-to-earth examination of the Ten Commandments full of orthopraxical information helpful for every believer regardless of their theological savvy. Young and old, new believers, and mature believers will find powerful nuggets of biblical truth in Ten Words.
Essentially, Harry has boiled down each of the Ten Commandments into a single word that captures the essence and spirit of each command, therefore, the title Ten Words. Some readers might find this strategy startling; however, they should note that the title “Ten Commandments” is not mentioned in Scripture. In fact, that particular phrase is extra-biblical. The early church referred to what we now call the Ten Commandments as the Decalogue, literally translated Ten Words. Rest assured, Harry has heavily weighed every word initially written on tablets of stone by the finger of God and handed to Moses on Mount Sinai. In true apostolic fashion, Harry considers the spirit behind the law as well as the literal words themselves. Harry carefully eschews pharisaical loopholes in this examination of the Decalogue.
In his refreshing way, Harry pens tremendously convicting truths with disarming charm and wit. As a reader, I often found myself convicted without feeling attacked, belittled, or patronized. Harry’s self-deprecating style allows us the liberty to examine our weaknesses without feeling guarded or embarrassed. I’m confident readers will find this approach uplifting and feel a renewed inspiration to obey the Ten Commandments joyfully. And perhaps see their relevance in a way they have not previously understood.
Harry presents the Ten Commandments as the foundation upon which the rest of our practical Christian lifestyle is built. In the postlude cleverly titled 1+1=10, Harry echoes Jesus’ encapsulation of the law: One, Love God plus two, love your neighbor equals all the commandments (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31). Be careful because that isn’t quite as simple as it seems on the surface. Genuinely loving God and your neighbor leads to a radical lifestyle of holiness that far exceeds a list of ten things. That reality explains why a book on the Ten Commandments is full of helpful insight related to marriage, parenting, childhood, careers, worship, friendships, authority, dating, church, attitude, and thought life. Our willingness to submit to spiritual principles contained in Ten Words impacts every aspect of our daily lives and interactions with God and one another. I consider Ten Words to be necessary reading for every person who calls themselves a Christian.
Essentially, Harry has boiled down each of the Ten Commandments into a single word that captures the essence and spirit of each command, therefore, the title Ten Words. Some readers might find this strategy startling; however, they should note that the title “Ten Commandments” is not mentioned in Scripture. In fact, that particular phrase is extra-biblical. The early church referred to what we now call the Ten Commandments as the Decalogue, literally translated Ten Words. Rest assured, Harry has heavily weighed every word initially written on tablets of stone by the finger of God and handed to Moses on Mount Sinai. In true apostolic fashion, Harry considers the spirit behind the law as well as the literal words themselves. Harry carefully eschews pharisaical loopholes in this examination of the Decalogue.
In his refreshing way, Harry pens tremendously convicting truths with disarming charm and wit. As a reader, I often found myself convicted without feeling attacked, belittled, or patronized. Harry’s self-deprecating style allows us the liberty to examine our weaknesses without feeling guarded or embarrassed. I’m confident readers will find this approach uplifting and feel a renewed inspiration to obey the Ten Commandments joyfully. And perhaps see their relevance in a way they have not previously understood.
Harry presents the Ten Commandments as the foundation upon which the rest of our practical Christian lifestyle is built. In the postlude cleverly titled 1+1=10, Harry echoes Jesus’ encapsulation of the law: One, Love God plus two, love your neighbor equals all the commandments (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31). Be careful because that isn’t quite as simple as it seems on the surface. Genuinely loving God and your neighbor leads to a radical lifestyle of holiness that far exceeds a list of ten things. That reality explains why a book on the Ten Commandments is full of helpful insight related to marriage, parenting, childhood, careers, worship, friendships, authority, dating, church, attitude, and thought life. Our willingness to submit to spiritual principles contained in Ten Words impacts every aspect of our daily lives and interactions with God and one another. I consider Ten Words to be necessary reading for every person who calls themselves a Christian.
May 9, 2022
In a matter of a day I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down.
Not only was it attention grabbing and an easy read, but it was packed with teaching.
It brought conviction in such a sweet way.
Has impacted not just my relationship with God, but my treatment of those around me.
I look forward to taking the lessons learned from this book to help teach my youth group.
Not only was it attention grabbing and an easy read, but it was packed with teaching.
It brought conviction in such a sweet way.
Has impacted not just my relationship with God, but my treatment of those around me.
I look forward to taking the lessons learned from this book to help teach my youth group.
June 30, 2024
LJ Harry certainly has a way with words! The way he is able to turn what some may consider “Bible speak” into simple, layman, every day practical application is amazing! He can make you laugh one minute, but then cause you to pause and search within the next.
I look forward to reading whatever pen to paper journey LJ will take us on next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I look forward to reading whatever pen to paper journey LJ will take us on next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 23, 2023
THIS IS A MUST READ!
LJ Harry writes with a passion that pulls you into the ancient Hebrew. Using his God-given creative talent, he illustrates God’s “top-ten” list of words, and makes the application accessible and understandable.
LJ Harry writes with a passion that pulls you into the ancient Hebrew. Using his God-given creative talent, he illustrates God’s “top-ten” list of words, and makes the application accessible and understandable.
March 16, 2025
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to LJ on the God’s Word for Life podcast, than you can truly hear his voice as you’re reading his books. He writes just as he speaks on his podcast with delightful stories, and most importantly…truth!
November 10, 2021
Such a great book! Bro. Harry gives an in-depth look into the Ten Commandments and provides practical application for today.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews