2. 1)Rules generally make the world run more smoothly.

3. 2)The people in the positions of “authority” are the ones who make the rules. -Home: parents – children -Work: employers – employees -School: teacher - students -Government:“king” - citizens -Church: church leaders - church members -GOD:God - everyone

4. 1)Just one God. (No other gods) 2)Put nothin’ before God. (No idols) 3)Watch yer mouth. (Lord’s name in vain) 4)Git yourself to Sunday meeting. (Sabbath) 5)Honor yer Ma and Pa. (Honor father/mother) 6)No killin’. (Do not murder) 7)No foolin’ around with another fella’s gal. (Adultery) 8)Don’t take what ain’t yers. (Don’t steal) 9)No tellin’ tales or gossipin’. (Don’t lie) 10) Don’t be hankerin’ for your buddy’s stuff. (Don’t’ covet) The Ten Commandments: Cowboy Style

5. 1 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” 3 You shall have no other gods before Me…. Exodus 20:1-3

6. God is saying to us: Before we talk “rules,” let’s talk “relationship.” I chose you and you chose Me BEFORE I gave you any rules. My rules are a confirmation of our relationship, not a condition for our relationship. I want you to follow these rules as a response to my goodness.

7. Takeaways 1)In a world that has lots of bad/unreasonable rules, at least remember that rules generally make the world run more smoothly.

8. Takeaways 1)In a world that has lots of bad/unreasonable rules, at least remember that rules generally make the world run more smoothly. 2)If you are a Christian and you are in a position of authority, remember your faith in Christ as you make rules.

9. Takeaways 3)Choose “gratitude-driven obedience.” Choose to willingly and voluntarily and joyfully follow God’s rules BECAUSE they are not only reasonable, but they are for our good, for the good of this planet, and for the glory of God. And, they are given by our good, good, Father, who has saved us “out of slavery!”