Ten: Living the Ten Commandments in the 21st Century

by J. John

Can we really expect an ancient list of do’s and don’ts to apply to life in the twentyfirst century? J. John believes that far from being outdated or irrelevant God’s ten commandment

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Ebooks, Unfinished, Religion, Discipleship

299 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2006

About the author

J.John, a Greek-Cypriot by birth. He is married to Killy and they have 3 sons, Michael, Simeon and Benjamin. He became a Christian in 1975 and has been described as refreshing, humorous, passionate, earthy, accessible and dynamic.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books about the Old Testament, especially ones which show clearly that God's revelation given in ancient times is entirely relevant to us today. Books like these help to show us that God's Word stands the test of time and we would do well to soak ourselves in the whole counsel of His truth (reading the New as well as the Old Testament).

One of the points John brings up about the third commandment that I have only ever heard one other preacher touch on, is that to use God's name in vain means that as a Christian I must realize that I also carry His name. "We are called to live lives that are worthy of the name of Jesus." Wow! I may not swear or use profanity but how do my actions, words and attitudes match up with Jesus? Am I profaning His name by the kind of person I am?

In the end of the book he wishes to correct what people usually think of when they think of the 10 Commandments. Lest one think that life is just about obeying some set of rules he offers this parallel. "To say Christianity is only about keeping the Ten Commandments is like saying that driving is all about keeping the traffic regulations. No one would say that. We all know that driving is something else: it is getting into a car, starting the engine and traveling. The regulations are vital but they are not what driving is about." The 10 commandments are about helping us along the road of life, and most importantly, they start where we must start, putting God first.

I really enjoyed all of his many illustrations but mostly I relished his commitment to Scripture. While rooted in the truth of Scripture he skillfully brought out from many fresh thoughts for today's reader.

[Jonathan Brooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the reverse order approach given to the Ten Commandments. It serves to create a bit of intrigue to a portion of Scripture that is, at least to some degree, very familiar to many. His approach and insight were quite refreshing to have on this topic and I found many things he said to be rather riveting. Some chapters did, for different reasons, fall a bit flat for me, which is the only reason I gave it a 3 instead of a 4. In fact, I really wish there were some way I could give it a 3.5, because it certainly earned that!

[Rebekah Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been immersed in church culture for 26 years and I have never heard anyone break down the Ten Commandments like this. What is wrong with my upbringing? J John presents these foundational truths in such a straightforward and applicable way. This book really is a must-read for anyone who calls themselves a follower of Jesus.

[Bob Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting approach to the 10 commandments. We have always looked at them as 1 being highest and 10 the lowest, and well we should. The author looks at them in reverse. Starting with 10 and working to 1, he shows us that they build upon each other that way. By doing 10 through 9, we really do not have to struggle with number 1.
Excellent read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and theologically sound, TEN expounds the meaning of the Ten Commandments for the twenty-first century. The author also gives tips to help us (try to) keep them.

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

An interesting look at the Ten Commandments. He begins with commandment number 10 and works his way to number one. Some good insights and a few things I question.

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exposition of the 10 Commandments is written from an unapologetically evangelical and indeed evangelistic perspective. I first read it when it came out in this edition in the mid 1990s and it has appeared in many guises since, even being adapted into an "Alpha-esque" course for churches at one point. This edition is clearly dated (it primarily counters post-Christian western secular materialism rather than the multi-faith/"spiritualism" and militant "new atheism" of recent years, nor the rapidly changing world of sexual/gender politics/theology), and my own understanding of the commandments has probaby developed since I first read it, but it is very readable and raises important questions about faith and morality in the post-modern/post-Christendom western world... However, I fear it is advocating an attitude to the commandments that is framed by modernity, and so whilst it may appeal to the Biblically literate, it is largely preaching to the converted, or maybe that should be the "unconverted" conservative.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 10 commandments, from ten to 1. Kind of a 'chart count down' of commandments. There is also an accompanying study guide, but I won't cover that here. I read this book because we are planning to run 'Just 10' in September - November 2010.
Each commandment is looked at using a similar approach. A detailed discussion of the problems caused by not following the commandment followed by some suggestions about how following the commandment may be achieved more successfully.
You can see from the book why the commandments are called 'Laws of Love'. They simply describe how life works, or rather how we'd all like it to work, so you don't have to be a Christian to read it, but it probably helps if you are.
I wouldn't describe this as an easy read. It should be read slowly and carefully. There will be times, I'm sure when you will want to stop and think about what he's saying. There were times when I wished he would go deeper, times when I wished he hadn't, and times when he really didn't need to.
Overall it does succeed in its aims of showing how the commandments are relevant today, and will always be.

[David Cowpar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good...

There is a lot in there! I loved the way J. John worked through the Commandments backwards, what a refreshing way to study them.

He draws so much out of each commandment as well; the implications that are more far reaching about our heart attitudes and how each command speaks to those attitudes.

Worth a read, and a study!

[Hong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical; explains how the 10 Cs still apply today and why they are still important. Can read it over and over again, putting it into practice is going to take a lifetime.

[Carl Palmer]

An incredible practical guide to putting the ten commandments into practice.
Brilliant study guide for personal and group use.

[Steven Mckimmey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read from English Evangelist. The ten commandments. Easy and enjoyable.I thought it would be deeper but really an easy read

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for individual or small group study. The commandments were given not to enslave us but to set us free to live in harmony with God and others.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set aside (not a library book). Will read as devotional and not track