Over the next nine weeks, we’re going to be hearing sermons on some sermons.
If that sounds a bit unusual, don’t worry—it will make sense soon.
We’re beginning a journey through the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. It’s the final book of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), set on the plains of Moab just before Israel enters the Promised Land.
The first generation rescued from Egypt has died in the wilderness because of unbelief. Now a new generation stands on the edge of God’s promises. Moses, who will not enter the land himself, addresses them with a series of final sermons—preparing them for life with God in the land.
At its core, Deuteronomy is a call:
The God who has saved his people calls them to love him, listen to his word, and choose life with him.
Everything in the book flows from this:
God’s grace comes before obedience
Obedience is the response to salvation, not the basis of it
Life, blessing, and freedom are found in wholehearted devotion to the Lord
Right at the centre is this command:
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deut 6:5)
And the book builds to this moment of decision:
“This day I set before you life and death… Now choose life.” (Deut 30:19)
Deuteronomy matters for us because it makes a simple but searching claim: true life is not found in self-rule, but in trusting and loving the Lord who saves.
While we are not under Israel’s law as a covenant, this book deeply shapes how we understand:
grace and obedience
love for God and neighbour
what wholehearted devotion really looks like
Ultimately, it points us forward to Jesus, the one who perfectly loved God, obeyed his word, and brings us into life.
And as we walk through Deuteronomy together, it presses the same question on every generation, including ours:
Will you trust the Lord, and choose life?
Grace & peace,
Andrew