One TV show that I have followed for many years is NCIS. One of the continuing details that fans of the show pay attention to are the “Gibbs Rules”. Leroy Jethro Gibbs is the team leader for a group of NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) agents. If you want to be on Gibbs’ team, you need to know the rules. Problem is, there are at least 51 of them. (I will not debate the actual number because there are a variety of views on that, though I have never heard one higher than 51.) These rules range from “Always wear gloves at a crime scene” to “Always be reachable” to “Always carry a knife” to “Never say you are sorry” and finally, Rule 51, “Sometimes you are wrong”. Gibbs Rules are fun and sometimes a bit profound. Why do we like Gibbs Rules? Because we like rules. We really do. Following a particular set of rules defines whose tribe you are in. If someone cites a Gibbs Rule – I always carry a knife – for instance, your fellow tribe mates (NCIS fans) will know you are one of them. Also, we like the discipline rules give us. If we follow a certain set of rules, we will accomplish certain goals. We will lose weight, make friends, advance in our careers, make more money – if we follow this set of rules. Interestingly enough, the Ten Commandments are such a set of rules. They were given to the Israelites by God and if followed, the Israelites would be a tribe of “God’s chosen”, distinguishable from the rest of humanity, and would prosper as a people. But you have to follow the rules! So, if we want to be part of that same tribe and prosper as a people of God, we need to understand what those rules require, right? You bet. That is why Pastor Jeff is starting a sermons series on the Ten Commandments. What do they say? What do they mean? Is it possible to follow them? You might be surprised at the answers to these questions. It all starts this Sunday at John McMillan Presbyterian Church at 8:30 and 11 when Pastor Jeff Preaches “A Mountaintop Experience” based on Exodus 20: 1-17. Come and join us. We will look forward to seeing you.