TITLE:  Moral Absolutes
TEXT:  Deuteronomy 5:4-22
PROPOSITION:  God has an absolute standard of moral values.
QUESTION:  Why?
KEY WORD:  Changes
SCRIPTURE READING:  

INTRODUCTION:

1. The daily newspaper reminds us of the decay in morals.
2. In this “small town” – more police, more jails, more crime
3. Things that only happen in the “big city” now happen here.
4. Isaiah 5:20 – call evil good and good evil

Abandonment of Absolutes

1. Many believe absolutes are old fashioned
   1. Speak truth – preach rules = arrogant
   2. What about millions who disagree with you?
   3. Life is complex – no simple answers
2. Everything is now “relative”
   1. In every situation – do what you think is right
   2. Joseph Fletcher – professor Emory University
   3. “Is adultery wrong? One can only respond, “I don’t know. Maybe. Give me a case. Describe a real situation.”
3. Every situation is unique – all is gray – not black and white

Spheres of Change

1. Media – Radio, TV, Movies, Music, News
2. Change makers – Rosie O’Donnel, Mayor of San Fransisco

Necessity for Absolutes

1. Gray areas?
   1. Gray is combination of black and white
   2. Remove black and white – gray ceases to exist
2. EVERYONE BELIEVES IN SOME ABSOLUTE!

The Bible and Absolute Morality

1. 10 Commandments
2. Principles behind God’s law
   1. Perfect standard to live by
   2. Sin is exposed as a danger to avoid
   3. Our values are the commands we keep

Jesus and Salvation

1. God expects perfection
   1. Jesus was the only perfect man
   2. Our perfection is through Him
   3. On our own – all of us are lost
2. Jesus died – shed His blood – for our salvation
   1. To access and accept that salvation
   2. There are rules to obey:

                                                               i.      Faith, repentance, baptism

                                                              ii.      Continued faithfulness, work, prayer, etc.