Surprised by the Commandments by Graham Beynon and published by IVP Books.
This book grew out of a slightly reluctant sermon series which, as it turned out, became 'one of the most talked about in our church,' says the author. There was a sense of rediscovering the 10 commandments, 'and so coming to appreciate and value them afresh', he enthuses. We see the commandments as a summary of God's law for Israel. The rest of the law in the Old Testament is an unpacking of these commands. The New Testament then shows us a variety of repetition, enlargement and fulfilment of the different commands.
The result is a hugely informative and helpful overview of Christian living and ethics. A side benefit comes in the form of worked examples of how to move from Old Testament to New Testament. This is a popular, clear and accessible volume, with pastoral application for today's believer. Tragically, it is often the absence of guidelines that is a cause of confusion and heartache in today's society which this book will help to redress.
