Are you satisfied with the quality of your life?  Think about that question for a moment.  What would make your life better?  For October and November 2008, our Sunday sermons will come from the book of Deuteronomy and will teach us what “living the good life” really means.  Deuteronomy 30:19-20 calls us to “choose life,” and it reminds us that “the LORD is your life.”  So then, the “good life” is all about living in the presence of God – a God who, according to Deuteronomy, showers his grace upon his people!

Obviously, we will not have time to work through every passage in Deuteronomy in nine Sundays.  We will, instead, look at nine key passages which help us live the good life in response to God’s grace.  You will be surprised, I think, to discover how much God’s grace and God’s love permeates the book. 

You may also be surprised to discover how relevant the book of Deuteronomy is to your life in the 21^st century on Chicago’s north shore.  For example, Deuteronomy establishes the true basis for your identity and your sense of self-worth.  As one lady in our church recently remarked, “Our culture says that we have to be thin to be beautiful, and beautiful to be loved.  It says that our value comes from working full time or having smart, athletic children.”  Deuteronomy will teach us where we find our value and significance.  Deuteronomy also addresses our responsibility to people in our communities who are in need, particularly immigrants.  Deuteronomy even gives some practical instruction on how to show respect for life in all of its forms.  We will work through these issues and more.

A great way to prepare for this sermon series is to read through the book of Deuteronomy at the rate of one chapter per day.  Remember, this is a book that Jesus read, used, and loved!