When you think about how God shows his love, giving us rules is probably not the first thing that pops in your mind. In this short and easy read, Jen Wilkin masterfully explains why love and rules go together perfectly.
We've all heard of the 10 Commandments, but how often do we misread and misunderstand them? I remember learning them as a child when we did a craft of writing them on two clay slabs in VBS. I've learned so much about them since then but they still felt like a list of rules to abide by rather than beautiful words to cherish. Once again, Jen helps us see the beauty of the Word and deepen in our love for the Lord by connecting the dots in our knowledge to our heart. Even though I've already done her Exodus study (also amazing!!) I still gleaned new and deeper understanding of how these words are to be read, obeyed, and appreciated as a beautiful gift from a God who cares for us. Each chapter has questions that can be used for personal reflection group discussion.

To deepen our understanding of what obedience to these commands looks like, she connects them with New Testament and shows how Jesus expounded them. My favorite part was her observation in the closing that each word was not just a command for us to obey but a prophecy about Christ. "YOU shall have no other Gods before me, YOU shall make no idols, YOU shall not take the name of the Lord in vain...." Jesus fulfilled these words perfectly in action, mind, and heart. In loving these words we continue to love the Word of God as we become more like Christ.

Blessed is the one who's delight is in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

When I went back and counted, I realized I’d sent my brothers nine texts telling them I thought they should pre-order Jen Wilkin's latest, Ten Words To Live By. Normally, I’d just hand my brothers my book when we’re in the same city. Not this time. When it comes out, I want them to have their own copy to 1) read immediately, and 2) be able to pass onto their small groups, because Ten Words To Live By isn’t a book for women. It’s a book for the Church. And it's a GIFT.

“No more external obedience. Obedience that pleases God begins in the heart . . . The tablets given to Moses have long since crumbled to dust, but the beauty of their commands lives on from generation to generation in the hearts of God’s people . . . "

“Ten Words to put to death our sin. Ten Words to herald abundant life. Ten Words to steady and strengthen us on the narrow path that leads us home.”

The 10 Commandments. We’ve all heard them at some point. Jen Wilkin dives in to examine each one and what it meant in the context of the time and for our lives today. I love that her work is always a solid Biblical exposition of the text, however I found it to be incredibly boring. The only thing that propelled me to the end was my own personal reading goal. If you are a fan of Jen Wilkin or if you desire to study Exodus deeper, this may be a good choice for you.

I've walked through five of Jen Wilkin's Bible Studies but this is my first time reading one of her nonfiction titles. Taking something that could be overwhelming to some or a "yeah yeah, I know that already" to others, Jen walks readers through the Ten Commandments in a way that is approachable, informative, and interesting.

I grew up in the Church and have learned brand new things from this short book. 5 stars.

I was absolutely delighted to get an ARC of this new book by Jen Wilkin, having also just done her Exodus Study. Ten words to live by brings the 10 commandments before us and asks us to reflect on what they meant to the Israelites and what they mean to us today - as ever Jen highlights the challenge for us In God’s words and asks us to reflect on what these words mean to us, their purpose in shaping us as we dwell on them. I found Jen’s exploration of each commandment challenging, convicting and thought provoking and would recommend her book to all. Many thanks to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC.

In Ten Words to Live By by Jen Wilken we are given an eye-opening look at the Ten Commandments. The book dissects each Commandment and thoroughly researches their meaning. Through the book, you learn that the Ten Commandments aren't just rules to live by outwardly, but they are rules for our heart and for our spiritual well-being. Ten Words to Live By will change the way you look at the Ten Commandments and you may get convicted on some things. (I sure did!) I highly recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! I loved it! (This review is also on GoodReads.)

Jen Wilkin is one of my favorite Christian living authors. Gods word is very near and dear to Jens heart and it is very evident in her writing. In her book, Ten Words to Live By, she reveals the importance the Ten Commandments has on our lives. Jen was vulnerable in her book admitting her defeat in sin when it comes to the Ten Commandments and encourages us with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Her books are short, but packed full with helpful wisdom discerning scripture and our daily walk with Christ. I highly recommend Jen Wilkin to those in the faith, and encourage small groups to read this book together to have meaningful and vulnerable conversations. Jen never fails to make an impact with her words and for that I am grateful for her teachings.

I have not picked up anything by Jen Wilkin, book or bible study. that I have not loved.
Ten Words to Live By is no exception. Jen has taken the 10 Commandments and made them feel new; fresh and relatable. She has reminded us that God's purpose in giving us these was to guide us, to bless us and encourage us to live the abundant life. She has such a wonderful way of teaching that is knowledgeable yet understandable. I was able to read this book through NetGalley and very happily give Ten Words to Live By
5 stars!!!

Jen Wilkin's Ten Words to Live By is a book that is poised to respond to our current cultural moment. Wilkin unpacks the Ten Commandments and poignantly connects Christians to their relevance in daily life today. Though our culture often tells us that these commandments are no longer relevant and are antiquated, Christians know that the Ten Commandments form the foundation for a life influenced by the way of Jesus. Wilkin points out that the Ten Commandments are not merely a list of "thou shalt nots," but are calls to the way of Jesus. In the language of do nots we also see the things that we are called to do. For example, when we are told not to steal, we are also called to provide for others. Wilkin draws numerous important connections between the commandments and a life lived for Jesus to the full. Following the Ten Commandments strengthens us to endure the trials and scars of this life to ultimately mold us into who God has called us to be as his image bearers.
I highly recommend this book! Look for it March 30, 2021 from your favorite bookseller. Many thanks to Crossway Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Ten Words to Live By refer to the Ten Commandments that many of us learned in Sunday school. This in depth look at these laws delves deeper into why Christ followers should take a look at our own realities in relation to these commands. Think you are doing ok on following these commands how you should? Maybe read each of these 10 chapters and then answer. We need to understand, and Jen Wilkins does a pretty good job of laying it out for us.
~Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher~

Jen Wilkin is a well-known and respected Christian author. In "Ten Words to Live By: Delighting In and Doing What God Commands", Wilkin discusses the Ten Commandments. I appreciated how Wilkin used separate chapters to fully explain each commandment and its practical applications today. Each chapter also ended with discussion questions, making it perfect for a group Bible study. If you're looking for a good book to further help your understanding of the Ten Commandments, this book is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"We should love the law because we love Jesus, and because Jesus loved the law . Contrary to common belief, the Pharisees were not lovers of the law; they were lovers of self."

I was highlighting this book from the second page. I appreciate so much Jen's solid Bible teaching. Our generation so badly need the Jen Wilkins who point us back to Scripture and away from mantras and catchphrases.

Ten Words unpacks the Ten Commandments and shows how we can go beyond minimal obedience (or more popularly, no obedience) to EXPANSIVE obedience of the law. There's much confusion about the law in the Church and so many women who claim to be "living free" while living as slaves to their passions and despising the law that their Savior loved so much. Why would we want to follow the law even MORE expansively when we live in what's commonly believed to be an age of grace? Well, expansive obedience is what Jesus Christ taught; going beyond rote service to the very heart. And what we find at our heart over and over is an addiction to self and sin. Guess what- that is the way of Satan, not of Jesus. By walking the path of obedience, we are able to see these things more clearly- they're in our line of vision - and allow Jesus to root them up and get them out. Following Jesus is not leaving our selfishness and sin in there and doing whatever we want. Jen shows us that expansive obedience over time trains our hearts more and more to desire and be like our Lord. Honestly, it was so refreshing to be challenged in this way. Meat is good for our souls, folks.

For each ten of the commandments (or, words), she challenges us in ways to go beyond the "don't do"s to the "do this instead"s. Don't just "not hate" - love actively. Because it's what Jesus did. Because it's good for the community and for ourselves. She asks probing questions at the end of each chapter and gives a prayer to start us on the path of asking God to reform our hearts in that way. I could see already how God would take me beyond what Jen said to ways that my own heart rebels against the commandments.
This book was very readable, with chapter lengths that were doable, not daunting. It's a little book that packs a punch. I think it would be great for book club discussions.

I read an advance copy which I received from Netgalley and the publisher but I was not compensated in any way or required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I am thankful for the wise and insightful work on the Ten Commandments. These ten “words” are too often talked about rather than obeyed and this book helps address that mistake.

This book is one that is so easy to read, and so convicting to read, and stepped all over my toes, and still I closed the book feeling refreshed and invigorated and ready to conquer my dragons.

This was a book that I thought would be interesting. With the "New Calvinist" movement sweeping the reformed world, and all the cries of legalism and a general bent towards antinomianism, I'm not quite sure what I was expecting. I mean, a book written about the Law of God? In today's day and age? I'm pretty sure I went into it thinking that I could finally reconcile and *maybe* understand how Christians can be under grace, not have to obey any law of God, and yet we can still talk about the 10 commandments. So, I went into the book expecting to disagree with much of it, but hoping to learn more about this strange doctrine that I have personally encountered, so I could have a better idea of where these people are coming from in speaking with them.

But I discovered so much more.

This book DID address antinomianism, and legalism, and I basically agreed with much of it. And I was surprised. So often with a woman author, the book is all about feelings and not about theology. But not this one! No, Jen Wilkins delves deep into the commandments, brings out the importance of them in todays world, rebukes those who would think otherwise, and steps all over toes as she explains and spells out the heart-attitude behind the commands.

And I discovered that I can be quite a pharisee, as we all can, obeying the letter of the law, and totally ignoring the spirit of it.

This is a great book! It's one that I will be purchasing so I have more than a digital copy on hand, and I can highlight and make notes to my heart's content. It's one that I would recommend to all women to read. It's definitely one that can be breezed through, but I recommend slowing down and digesting the info slowly. I have not read anything else by this author, but I am excited to discover if Wilkin's other Bible study material is as sound as this book is.

*I am VERY thankful to NetGalley and Crossway for sending me this eARC to read! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

An insightful read! The author presented a fresh perspective on the ten commandents and how can they be applied to our lives today. The writing felt a bit repetitive to me, but it's something I can look past!

Each time Jen Wilkin writes a new book, I don't think it will be as good as the others, I'm so glad I'm wrong. Jen talks about scripture with such a deep love and appreciation that stirs those emotions in your own heart. She's managed to write about the ten commandments in a new way that caused me to love them and appreciate them.

"Ten Words to Live By. Ten Words to show us the pattern of Christlikeness and to stir in us a longing for the kingdom to come. Ten words to convict us, to shape us, and to give us hope. Ten Words that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill.”-page 151

I've been aware of the Ten Commandments since early childhood, well before I would have considered myself to be a Christian. I've always been able to rattle off a mostly complete list, and like many people thought I was doing right by God for many years. As my relationship with God has grown and I've become more versed in the Bible, it's clear that the bare minimum is not what God wants for us, and reading the Commandments at face value does not truly capture their meaning.

“This is a book about the law of God in all of its life-giving beauty. In the church today there exists a great forgetfulness about the role of the law in the life of the believer. This book is an exercise in remembrance”- page 11

This book devotes a chapter to each of the Ten Commandments, delving into the true meaning behind each thing God wants from us. There are many cross-references to other parts of the Bible to support each topic. I appreciate how Jen Wilkin demonstrates the ways we all sin and stray from the Commandments on a regular basis and encourages greater obedience. I also appreciated her discussion of legalism in the introductory chapter, explaining that we are not to follow the law to gain favor, but rather are to be Christlike in all we do, therefore fulfilling the Commandments.

Jen Wilkin is quite possibly my favorite contemporary author of Christian Living/ Christian non-fiction. I adored [book:In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character|36250813], which was my favorite read of 2020. I've given everything I've read by her five out of five stars, and this book is no exception. I adore her ability to delve deeper into Scripture, creating a more comprehensive understanding of topics that are familiar.

Thank you to the publisher, Crossway, for providing an e-ARC for review via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

It is common for Christians to talk about our relationship with Christ. That it must be personal, and I agree. It’s easy to focus heavily on grace because we like favor. Who doesn’t? I like and need to remember every day that I’m saved by God’s overflowing, miraculous grace. It can be easy to find ourselves thinking that grace is the opposite of the law instead of the law being something that points us to grace and shows us our need. I know I can tend to focus on relationship over rules.

In Ten Words to Live By, Jen Wilkin illustrates that rules enable a good, healthy relationship with God and each other. Allow me to give an example. If foster care removes a child from a home where the father is abusive and the mother is neglectful, its not because they just focused on the relationship over rules. No, there wasn’t a loving parent/child relationship AND there were likely not many rules. Rules are for our good.

She takes us a chapter at a time, a commandment at a time, through the do nots and elaborates on each one and what it would have meant to the original hearers and what it means for us today. Not only do we begin to see what God’s good commands are pointing us to what we shouldn’t do, but they are pointing us to what His commands implore us to do. I think it’s easy for us to feel anxious about all of the what nots and want to sit on our hands, but they lead us to what is to be honored, cherished, loved, and conformed to. As Christ tells us in the sermon on the mount, our actions overflow from our hearts. I really appreciated the chapters on murder, which is really about anger and contempt and covetousness, which is never satisfied and always wants more. There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a great discussion with a group. This book will be released March 30, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the advanced reader copy.

Oh, man, where do I start? Jen Wilkin is a treasure! She’s one of those gems who can communicate beautifully in written and spoken word alike! She loves God and it’s obvious. She cares about making the Word of God, rightly divided, easily accessible to each reader and calling all of us in closer to see more of the heart and voice of God. And I am grateful. From the first lines, I was hooked, reading page after page. I’m teaching through her Women of the Word book right now and I can see her putting her own teaching into practice beautifully in these pages, bringing the text alive and asking the right questions to bring it home. It was hard to put this book down as night approached.

Jen's turns of phrase and observations, bringing out the depth of the meaning of each word, calling us to changed hearts, not just simple moralism, are beautiful. She gives us a vision for a future where “the things we have exalted will be cast down to the level of their real worth,” – and a call to place them there now, giving “undivided allegiance to the God of our costly deliverance.” But we don’t have to wait to cast off the idols of our hearts. “Why wait until the next life to esteem what God esteems? Jen calls us to put off the idols of our hearts and to worship God with single-minded allegiance, to see the building of the commandments, all stemming from the first call to worship God alone. This book is a practical call to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength; to love the law that helps us see Him better and be transformed into His likeness; to love the law He has so graciously given to us; and to love our neighbors as ourselves - as He has so kindly loved us.

Each chapter ends with a reflection question and a call to prayer. It's so good! I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book today!

Thanks to Netgalley and Crossway books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and always appreciate what Jen Wilkin has to say. I think the Ten Commandments are something that’s easy to skim over (especially when you’ve grown up hearing them in Sunday school). This book reminds you how important they are and gives you greater context. Would definitely recommend reading but you probably will want to break it up like I did (she always gives me a lot to think about and process.)
(Posted on goodreads and will post on my Bookstagram within the next couple days)