Podcasts about new covenant god

The sin offerings made in the tabernacle were only for unintentional sin and had to be repeated annually, because the people's hearts were not changed. Under the New Covenant God's law will be written on hearts of flesh instead of on tablets of stone. Thus, the offering Messiah made with His own blood needs only to have been done one time, since those cleansed by that offering will have had their hearts circumcised.

John 1:17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. There's a pointed contrast in this statement by the Holy Spirit through the apostle John. When the Word of God was given through Moses, grace and truth did not come into being. That's the idea conveyed in the word translated as "realized.” The Greek root word is similar to our English words genesis or generate. So the idea is that the Law had a flaw. It could not enable one to see or understand both grace and truth. The Law does manifest the truth, but there's no place for grace in its administration. Many people feel that way about Christianity. They see it as a bunch of do's and don'ts, which fails to give one an understanding of God's grace. If you think living to love with Jesus is a law or a standard that you have to live up to in your own strength to be accepted by God, then you don't really know Jesus. He revealed what James called the royal law or the law of liberty (2:8, 12). When Jesus came, He didn't replace the truth in the Law; He fulfilled it with grace, thus grace and truth are realized through Him. Having His life in us, we love the truth. We love what He loves, which is righteousness. Heb. 1:9 says, “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.” Because Jesus lives in us, He gives us the desire and the power to love, and it's not burdensome to us. We see the truth in God's Word given to us through Jesus, and we receive the grace to walk in it through Jesus. So we live to love with Jesus because grace and truth are realized through Him. Do you get it? Maybe we can see grace and truth more clearly when we read about the New Covenant God made with His people through Jesus. Hebrews 8:10 says, “I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.” Do you realize the grace and truth revealed through Jesus Christ? He doesn't throw away the Law. He writes it on our hearts and puts it into our minds. That's both grace and truth. As we live to love with Jesus, we are demonstrating the reality of John's declaration about Jesus in this verse—grace and truth are realized through Jesus Christ. We fulfill our destiny. We become what we were made for—imagers of God—through Jesus Christ. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may be encouraged to turn their hearts to God and live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Considering Hebrews 8:6; 2 Corinthians 3:5-12. The New Covenant God has established for us is far greater than the Old Covenant. The Covenant we are in is “better” i.e. more useful, more profitable, more conducive to good, more superior, more excellent, more valuable, stronger, more serviceable, more advantageous. Similarly, New Testament ministry, the ministry of the Spirit under the New Covenant will bring more glory, greater glory, what is more glorious – greater expressions and manifestations of who God is and what He does. We are in a better covenant, with better promises and a more glorious ministry. What should our perspective be as people under the New Covenant? Much greater! What should our expectation be as people under the New Covenant? Much more! Watch our online Sunday Church service live stream every Sunday at 10:30am (Indian Time, GMT+5:30). Spirit filled, anointed worship, Word and ministry for healing, miracles and deliverance. YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/allpeopleschurchbangalore WEBSITE: https://apcwo.org/live CHURCH: https://apcwo.org FREE SERMONS: https://apcwo.org/resources/sermons FREE BOOKS: https://apcwo.org/books/english DAILY DEVOTIONALS: https://apcwo.org/resources/daily-devotional JESUS CHRIST: https://examiningjesus.com BIBLE COLLEGE: https://apcbiblecollege.org E-LEARNING: https://apcbiblecollege.org/elearn COUNSELING: https://chrysalislife.org MUSIC: https://apcmusic.org MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP: https://pamfi.org CHURCH APP: https://apcwo.org/app CHURCHES: https://apcwo.org/ministries/churches

Considering Hebrews 8:6; 2 Corinthians 3:5-12. The New Covenant God has established for us is far greater than the Old Covenant. The Covenant we are in is “better” i.e. more useful, more profitable, more conducive to good, more superior, more excellent, more valuable, stronger, more serviceable, more advantageous. Similarly, New Testament ministry, the ministry of the Spirit under the New Covenant will bring more glory, greater glory, what is more glorious – greater expressions and manifestations of who God is and what He does. We are in a better covenant, with better promises and a more glorious ministry. What should our perspective be as people under the New Covenant? Much greater! What should our expectation be as people under the New Covenant? Much more! Watch our online Sunday Church service live stream every Sunday at 10:30am (Indian Time, GMT+5:30). Spirit filled, anointed worship, Word and ministry for healing, miracles and deliverance. YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/allpeopleschurchbangalore WEBSITE: https://apcwo.org/live CHURCH: https://apcwo.org FREE SERMONS: https://apcwo.org/resources/sermons FREE BOOKS: https://apcwo.org/books/english DAILY DEVOTIONALS: https://apcwo.org/resources/daily-devotional JESUS CHRIST: https://examiningjesus.com BIBLE COLLEGE: https://apcbiblecollege.org E-LEARNING: https://apcbiblecollege.org/elearn COUNSELING: https://chrysalislife.org MUSIC: https://apcmusic.org MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP: https://pamfi.org CHURCH APP: https://apcwo.org/app CHURCHES: https://apcwo.org/ministries/churches

GOSPEL PARABLES 16 GOOD SAMARITAN The background to this parable is yet another story about the Jewish Pharisees and legalists taking opportunity to appear righteous in front of Jesus for the sake of impressing the crowds. To do this they would pose theological questions to Jesus for which they believed they had a smart answer. A lawyer (an expert in Mosaic law) decided he would ask Jesus a question that he could himself answer brilliantly and then parry with Jesus to and fro, and so appear to be as wise if not wiser than Jesus.  Luke 10:25 And then a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered back, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will have life.” But he wanted to justify himself (appear righteous) and said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” (pl??sion; a person that is near or close in a variety of ways).  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. (These people are distancing themselves – the opposite to becoming near and close as neighbours) But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'  Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Jesus had just told a story of a man who was found beaten and helpless and left for dead. When Jesus told them that a priest came by, the crowd's hopes were raised, only to fall when he passed by without helping. Next, a Levite arrived, and the crowd's hope rose once more, but he too distanced himself from the injured man, leaving the crowd wondering about who was next. The crowd might have expected a Jewish man to be the hero, and perhaps this story was about the privileged religious leaders of the day, but Jesus was not trying to make that statement, and in any case, many may have even excused the priests and Levites, knowing that priests and Levites were bound by special rules when it came to touching the dead. (Jesus was saying something else) - And the big surprise was that a despised Samaritan was the compassionate hero in the story and what he did highlighted the true meaning of mercy and loving our neighbour. Jesus is not making a point that Samaritans are better people than Jews, or that all priests and Levites are hard hearted people. The shock element of who is who in this story is more about the fact that you can't predict where and when true compassion is going to occur just by having preconceived ideas about a person's role or status or tribal identity. The parable points out that genuine mercy and compassion is always seen when one person helps another person who is in a helpless or vulnerable or deprived situation by coming close rather than by distancing themselves. And the real issue here is that Jesus proclaims showing mercy as I would say the core relational value of the Kingdom of God. And this just happens to be the answer that the smart lawyer finally gives to Jesus about ‘who is my neighbour'. The Lawyer decisively said to Jesus ‘The one who showed him mercy.' It is mercy that generates closeness and acceptance and mercy responds to the vulnerability that we all feel as limited human beings. This is also seen in God's creation even by animals of all varieties in coming to the aid of a helpless young fledgling of a totally different and distinct species. God has woven his mercy into the world of all living creatures. A big goose mothering a baby cat and a cat playing with  a baby bird (and 100 more examples) There is a lot of talk about mercy and compassion these days but sometimes it seems kind of shallow like a superficial compassion. It's more about looking merciful and virtuous than actually caring, and it's more about having the correct moral high ground than actually helping people. And that can actually lead to some needy people adopting a victim mentality where they start to see themselves as helpless and always needing to be rescued. This can be dangerous because if someone or some special identity group can convince people that they're helpless then they can control them. And in today's global culture there are people in power that cultivate that kind of dependency to stay in control. And in this parable Jesus upholds this powerful theme of mercy as the overarching core value of God's love and compassion throughout the Bible. Mercy is not only a feeling of compassion – it is a healing energy that generates concern and care and closeness like no other demonstration of love and faith. But mercy loses its healing power when it is done out of obligation or duty or condescension or guilt – that is not how God works. We see God's powerful nature of mercy and compassion on display everywhere in the Bible and we see it emphasised in the writings of at least seven of the Old Testament prophets. And David in the Psalms passionately proclaims the enduring mercy of God about ninety times.  God's mercy is first seen in the Bible in the book of Exodus Chapter 25 where God commands Moses to construct a mercy seat to cover the Ark of the Covenant which contained the presence of God in the tabernacle and the temple. It was crafted from pure gold which represented the very nature of God, and it shows how God's desire is to be intimately near to his people, not distant or removed but right at the centre of Israel's life and worship. It is the place where God meets humanity, not with condemnation but with a desire to show grace. The mercy seat was flanked by two angelic beings called cherubim, with their wings spread over it and their faces turned toward it as though even the heavenly beings are in awe of God's loving compassion expressed through His mercy and emphasizing the sacredness of this place. The nature of God's mercy is also that it does not ignore sin or negate justice because mercy gives people enough time to consider their attitudes and behaviour and change before the consequences of their behaviour overtake them.  ‘The Bible also says The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.' (Lamentations 2:22). In the New Testament God's mercy is seen in Hebrews chapter eight where God's mercy is central to our understanding of how near and close God wants to be with us. The Old Covenant focused on adherence to the Law, and people having to do rituals of washings and sacrifices to come near to him. But in the New Covenant God writes the Commandments in our hearts and Jesus comes to dwell within us and give us his heart of obedience to the Father's will in all things. ‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people… for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness (being out of alignment with me), and I will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:10) God's mercy draws us close to himself by pulling us out of our self-conscious mindset of imperfection and unworthiness which makes us feel at a distance from him. Our sense of helplessness can become a pathway towards God and not a pathway into isolation.  We are called to be vessels of God's mercy in a world that desperately needs it, and the Holy Spirit within us will always be prompting us to respond mercifully to others as he carries that compassion of the Father and Jesus to those around us. Jesus was ‘moved' with compassion physically (plagchnizomai – in his inner body) when he saw the helplessness of the crowds around him. (Matthew 14:14). The Bible says that mercy triumphs over judgement (James2:13) but it also says that people who show no mercy to others will receive judgement without mercy for their wrongdoing in the form of the unpleasant consequences of their wrongdoing. This is a sad reminder of how a person can unwittingly choke off the flow of God's mercy even to their own self. The key to keeping the flow of God's mercy open is to start by opening ourselves up to God's mercy which endures forever. We make it something between God and ourselves and seek to live in his acceptance of us in our weakness and helplessness. That humble movement of our heart towards God is the truest expression of genuine faith that a person can have, and the Bible says that our hearts are purified by faith (Acts 10). From within that sea of God's mercy we can look with eyes of mercy upon another person in their helplessness and that draws us into their need. The prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray for someone in their struggles and their helplessness is an exercise of God's mercy through us, where we can have faith that God is at work supernaturally to draw that person close to him and bring them his strength and comfort. Mercy often looks like patience in everyday interactions because it resists being triggered into resentment or anger. Listening before speaking can invite a person's heart into God's mercy simply because they are being heard. Being listened to and heard can often lead to a person being healed. Mercy flows from heaven when we choose to respond with kindness rather than harshness even when someone is being difficult or insensitive. Mercy can simply be believing the best about others, even when there is reason to assume the worst. Mercy means refraining from judgment or harsh criticism and rather seeking to understand someone's vulnerability. That kind of mercy can allow a person to step out of the shadows of their own darkness and into God's transforming light. Paul OSullivan – spiritcode.podbean.com  -  pauloss@icloud.com

In this episode, I got to talk with Jared Compton. Jared is the Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. Jared has written several books including Psalms 110 and the Logic of Hebrews and Biblical Theology according to the Apostles: How the Earliest Christians Told Israels Story. He is also a frequent writer for Desiring God and has written some for The Gospel Coalition.In this conversation, Jared and I discuss his newest article at Desiring God, Should We Envy Abraham? Jared explains the difference between the Old Covenant God made with His people in the Old Testament and the New Covenant God made through Christ in the New Testament. We talk about the story set forth in Scripture revealing that the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant! We also discuss how this relates to the necessary relationship between truth and beauty. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for an Optiv Network subscription: https://optivnetwork.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optivnetworkFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OptivNetworkEmail us at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

"How can a Holy God live in community with a sinful people?" Listen to Matt Ostercamp's sermon from Hebrews 8, as he walks us through the need, aims and foundation of the New Covenant given to all people by God. Today's podcast is brought to you by Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago, which seeks to lift high the Son of God in the city of Chicago, that all my be drawn to him. If you've enjoyed listening and would like to support Immanuel's vision and ministry, you can do so by visiting https://immanuelanglican.org/give You can also find us in all these places:

Ecclesiology: Ordinance of the Lord's Supper Chris Hefner What does the Bible say about the Lord's Supper? The Lord's Supper took place during the Passover Celebration (Luke 22:15). The Lord's Supper introduces the New Covenant (Luke 22:20). The Lord's Supper is for the family of God (1 Cor. 11:17-34). Views about the Lord's Supper Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are transformed into Christ's body and blood. Roman Catholic. Consubstantiation: The molecules are not changed into the blood and body of Christ, but are present “with, in, and under” the bread and wine. Lutheran. Reformed: Christ is present spiritually and dynamically in the bread and wine. Calvinism. Commemoration/Ordinance: The value of the bread and wine (juice) is receiving by faith the benefits of Christ's death; emphasis is on what the table pictures; proclamation. Zwinglian. Theological Takeaway: The observance of the Lord's Supper reminds us of our sin, our Savior, and the New Covenant God made with us through Christ. Worship Takeaway: The observance of the Supper through bread and juice (wine) reflect God making himself accessible to his people. Evangelistic Takeaway: When we observe the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death—it is evangelistic. Relational Takeaway: We are invited at the Lord's Supper to pursue unity, seek out reconciliation, and realize that this is a family meal. Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    Ezekiel 36  (God says:)   23 And I will sanctify MY great name, which was profaned (made secular) among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.   24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.   25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.   26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.   27 And I will put MY spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes, and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.  

In the old covenant, God dealt with nations based on leadership. In the New Covenant God no longer deals with nations, He deals with Individuals. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you! This message is an encouraging tool to help remove fear about the most recent current events.

Today's sermon is the fourth and final lesson in our summer series “Covenant” from Jeremiah 31.  This lesson highlights the fourth statement of New Covenant God will forgive sin and remember it no more. Does God really forgive & forget?   How does that align with God's character of omniscience and His heart to deal justly?  The New Covenant points to a better sacrifice in Jesus and through His blood we can be truly forgiven, and it would enable God to no longer call our sin to mind. Please visit our website www.roanokevalleychurch.org and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/roanokevalleychurch for more resources, sermons, and links to help you be apart of what God is doing in the Roanoke Valley. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/roanokevalleychurch/support

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...  The Holy Spirit that is in us searches the heart of God to reveal the will of God to us concerning the matter at hand.    I Corinthians 2:9-12    9 But as it is written (Isaiah 64:4), Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love HIM.   (Verse 9 is Old Testament ...  but in the New Covenant God gave HIS Spirit to each child of God who believed in HIM.  So verse 10 shows us that Holy Spirit searching the heart of God to reveal the will of God to each of us.)   10 But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.   11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.   12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.   13 Which things also we speak,  

In our text today, we're going to be introduced to the concept of the New Covenant—God's promise to all mankind that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This new covenant can be summarized in the message of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We will pick up where we left off last week in 2 Corinthians 2. Paul is still referring to the “stern letter” that he had written to the Corinthian believers. We learn from other passages that it was Paul's disciple, Titus, who delivered the letter to them. Remember, Paul didn't want to go there himself because he did not want his visit with them to be filled with conflict and difficulties. Titus was to go to Corinth, deal with the issue and then meet Paul in Troas, but as we're about to discover, Titus never showed up in Troas and this worried Paul.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...  I Corinthians 1   1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.   9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Understanding biblical basics is necessary for anyone desiring to know Jesus.  Many professing Christians have very little knowledge of the New Testament much less the Old Testament really causing them to miss out on many cool things.  One area of understanding that helps clarify the Scriptures is the nation Israel.  Jacob, whose name was changed by God to Israel, is the father of the nation Israel and the Jews.  Understanding who he was and the covenants made with his family can give us a better understanding of the Law (God's covenant with Israel) and the New Covenant (God's covenant with all humanity).  

We live in a fragile world, surrounded by fickle love. Wouldn't it be great if we had sure and steadfast love that could never leave us? Today we will study the New Covenant God made with us and how, unlike the world's love, God's Love is life-changing. Many blessings!

The New Covenant God established with man brings benefits many believers don't even know about. Paul shows us how it brings freedom.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... After we are born again by the Spirit of God, God puts HIS laws for the New Testament church directly into our hearts and minds.   Hebrews 8:10-11 God says: For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put MY laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to ME a people:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know ME, from the least to the greatest.     Often God will put HIS own desire into our hearts so that we desire to do that thing even before the situation arises.   But if we are about to go in a way that would not be of God, HE can cause our heart to change to go even in a way opposite from that which we thought we wanted to go.   God just puts in our heart another desire and leads us that new way.   God shields us from those things that would not be beneficial for us.  And keeps us from that which would hurt us and destroy us.  And leads us into a more abundant life than we could have had otherwise.   And God even puts HIS own laws into our hearts and minds.   Hebrews 10:16   God says:  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put MY laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;   I John 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of HIM abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in HIM   (Abide in that which God has told you.) 28 And now, little children, abide in HIM; that, when HE shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before HIM at HIS coming. 29 If ye know that HE is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of HIM.   * For more extensive information on this podcast, click here:  Jesus Ministries Podcast Blog * For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Title: Gospel Shaped Lives Part 1 Text: Titus 2:1-8 FCF: We often struggle discipling others Prop: Because the gospel changes the behavior of those who have received it, we must generationally make disciples. Scripture Intro: NET [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Titus 2. Having explained the true gospel from its opposite, and having shown the failure of the false teachers in Crete and the great need for qualified men to help refute them – Now Paul turns to Titus and tells him to teach the people. What follows is a hard hitting, come out swinging, difficult to swallow exposition of what behavior goes with the gospel and how that message is delivered down through the church. As one expositor said, if you can’t say amen, you better say ouch. This may be an ouch kind of message. I am in Titus 2 starting in verse 1. I am reading from the NET which you can follow on page 1345 in the pew bible or in whatever version you have. Transition: There is a lot here, and really this is only 2/3 of what Paul is saying in this section, hence the two-part message. So, let’s get to it. I.) The gospel changes the behavior of those who have received it, so we must teach behavior that corresponds to the gospel. (1-3) a. [Slide 2] 1 – But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching, i. Paul’s primary critique of the false teachers is that they say they understand who God is, they are privy to secret knowledge that has propelled them beyond the rudimentary teachings of the gospel… but the fact remains that they have not stayed in the truth. This is demonstrated by their lifestyles of self-righteousness, added laws, and sinful practice. ii. This still happens today. People who seem to be the best at knowing God, oftentimes set themselves up as especially devout, adding extra laws to show how serious they are while simultaneously failing to keep the clear laws God does give. They put emphasis on tangential teaching or disputes over things that are unclear rather than the firm and healthy teaching. iii. We’ve seen this in Ravi Zacharias. We’ve seen this in Hillsong’s ministry. We’ve seen this is Joshua Harris. We’ve seen this countless musical artists and publicly recognized Christians and Christian leaders. The formula continues to repeat. iv. That is why Paul’s words here to Titus cannot be glossed over. They cannot be under appreciated. They cannot be emphasized enough. v. As for you Titus. When all others crumble. When all others fail. When all others leave the truth. As for you Titus. vi. Communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching. But what does that mean? First, what does it mean to communicate behavior? Second what is behavior that goes with sound teaching? 1. First, the word behavior does not actually exist in the text. The NET adds this to help explain where Paul is going. 2. Paul desires that Titus, contrasted to the silencing of the opponents, should speak what goes with or corresponds to sound teaching. 3. What is clear, as Paul continues, is that which must be spoken, which corresponds to sound teaching, is obedience to Christ. A life changed by the power of the gospel. b. [Slide 3] 2 – Older men are to be temperate i. So first, interpretationally, we have to recognize that the first word is presbytery or Elder. So, the question must be, is Paul referring to the office of Elder or to older men? ii. As is almost always the case, context helps us here. 1. There is no indication that Paul is introducing further qualifications or roles for Elders. 2. Paul speaks of female elders in verse 3, which if taken as an office would contradict much of what Paul has said about their exercising authority. 3. Young women and young men are mentioned in the context as well. iii. What is obvious is that Paul is expressing truth toward age groups. In that case, we know that this is not talking about Elders, but rather older men in the church. iv. As an interesting point of clarification, and what I will attempt to prove later in the sermon, is that I believe Titus to be one of these older men. 1. We cannot know for sure the age of Titus. In fact, we raised this question in a recent Wednesday night bible study. 2. However, given the number of clues in this passage, and the length of time Titus has been with Paul, I conclude that Titus is probably an older man at this stage. Perhaps even older than Paul. v. That may be why Paul goes directly from telling Titus to speak of behavior that is fitting to sound teaching to explaining what that behavior is in an older man. vi. The first of these is to be temperate. To be temperate is to be sober and vigilant. It is to be watchful. It is to be on guard. Able to see anything that is amiss. c. [Slide 4] Dignified i. This means that there is a certain seriousness about these men. ii. They are not young men trapped in aging bodies. They don’t succumb to flights of fancy and toys. They recognize that they are older and that life is not for playing all the time. d. [Slide 5] Self-controlled i. They are conscience of the time they have left on the earth. ii. They are not preoccupied with addiction to any substance, practice, or experience. iii. Rather they are in control of their thoughts, actions, finances, and practices. e. [Slide 6] Sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. i. Their faith, love and endurance are healthy. ii. Their bodies may yet be failing, but their spirit is more vibrant than it has ever been. iii. They should be entering their spiritual prime as they are used to being pressed into the mold of Christ. They have clung to their faith through many difficulties and stages in life. iv. Their confession of truth and the doctrines to which they cling should be all the more solid and healthy. v. Their love expressed toward God and other believers should be Christlike and often given. vi. Their endurance and patience in trouble and trial should be consistently trusting of God and His sovereignty. vii. Such should be the behavior that flows from sound doctrine for older men. viii. However, their list is not quite done. I’ll explain what I mean toward the end. Just keep it in the back of your mind. f. [Slide 7] 3 – Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy i. So, we see a direct parallel here between older men and older women. ii. Their behavior also must conform to a certain standard. The standard is holiness. iii. All who receive sound teaching by God’s grace, have been set apart as a holy people unto God. Therefore, the source of this lifestyle of an older woman is still sound teaching but specifically that they have been marked out by God for His purposes. iv. In essence this changes the trajectory of their entire lives. v. How specifically? g. [Slide 8] Not slandering i. If an older woman is to be set apart for a Divine purpose, they certainly cannot be malicious gossips going about spreading lies or truth in an effort to destroy other people. ii. They cannot be busy-bodies flitting from house to house saying “have you heard about…” h. [Slide 9] Not slaves to excessive drinking i. Drunkenness is appalling whenever we discover it. Being a slave to alcohol, or any substance is truly devastating. But there is something about this particular slavery when applied older people, that is particularly pitiful and reprehensible. ii. It is not how women set apart for a divine purpose should behave. iii. As a side note: It is interesting that Paul does not have one negative attribute to list with regard to Older men. All of them are positive attributes that ought to come from sound teaching, but for older women there are two negative characteristics that cannot go along with holiness. iv. Perhaps Cretan women struggled with these in their old age. Either becoming bored or lacking vigilance, they become drunks and gossips. v. I wish I could say that it was only Cretan women to which this applied – but I think the temptation endures even to today for older women. i. [Slide 10] But teaching what is good. i. And here is the only positive expression of holiness that Paul lists for Older Women. ii. That doesn’t, of course, mean that this is an exhaustive list. In fact, we will see a secret list for older women and older men in a few minutes. But for now, we’ll go with this. iii. The ladies have gotten bored and become gossips and drunks. iv. Instead, they should be using their time to demonstrate in word and deed what is good. v. And what is good? vi. God being the very definition of good – we can just as easily supply the words: godly or Christlike. vii. They ought not be bored. They have so much to teach. They have plenty to demonstrate. viii. This teaching is directed at a particular target which we will address next, but for now let’s review what we’ve seen so far. j. [Slide 11] Passage Truth: Paul illustrates exactly what kind of behavior should flow from healthy doctrine. In a word, holy. k. Passage Application: So, Titus must speak these things to the Cretans. He must utter these behavioral standards and connect them to the gospel from which they flow. l. [Slide 12] Broader Biblical Truth: Zooming out from this text, we know… WE KNOW – that Christians are changed irrevocably by the grace of God. How can we not be? Almost every book of the bible speaks to God’s desire for His people to be set apart. To be different. And in the New Covenant – God supplies a new heart capable of doing what He desires. m. Broader Biblical Application: So at CBC we ought also to teach these behaviors. To demand that they be practiced among us. Why? Because they are the natural outflowing of a person who has experienced the grace of God. There can be no doubt, older men and women, those who have had time to grow in their faith, should be people who are like Christ. They should be examples. They should be mentors. Indeed, it is not out of turn for me, a young man, to demand that the older men and women in this church, be these kinds of people. You must be these kinds of people. Transition: [Slide 13(blank)] And of course, if they are to be examples and mentors, we must ask who they are to mentor. Who are they to guide? II.) The gospel changes the behavior of those who have received it, so we must pass on what we have learned to the next generation. (4-8) a. [Slide 14] 4 – In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands i. Grammatically speaking there is no real ambiguity here. The ones teaching are the older women. ii. Why is it so important for them to be non-slandering, non-drunk, teachers of good? iii. They have a generational imperative to teach younger women. iv. Can older men teach younger women? Of course! But most naturally this falls to older women. v. If an older woman is set apart for holiness, not slandering or drunk, but a teacher of good – she is going to teach younger women a few things about life. This then is the secret list for older women. Because if you are not modeling these, then you cannot teach them. vi. So Older women must teach younger women by example, how to love their husbands. But we need to break this word down a little to catch all that is being said here. vii. Love their husbands is actually 1 compound word in Greek. 1. Love – of a brotherly, friendly, or fondness kind. 2. Man – or contextually husband. viii. This word is also not a verb. In our reading it seems like it is… but in actuality it is an adjective. ix. Older women are to teach younger women how to be husband-lovers. And if I can take the liberty… how to be husband-likers. x. This is certainly love – but less of duty and more of covenant and commitment. It is bonded love. xi. Older women ought to be teaching and demonstrating to younger women how to like, appreciate, befriend, and otherwise selflessly support their husbands. xii. Do young women need this today? You better believe it. But here is the harder question… Are there any older women who can teach it? b. [Slide 15] To love their children i. In the same way, Older women ought to teach and demonstrate how younger women ought to be children LIKERS. ii. This does not negate a parent’s role in authority. We are not saying that parents should befriend their children. Nor are the older women imposing a laxer standard. iii. But kindness, fondness toward one’s own children ought to be taught and demonstrated. iv. Oftentimes young mothers can see their children as enemies, even hell-raisers

1/31/21  One of the most profound proclamations of the Lord’s Prayer is the missional statement of transforming the atmosphere of the earth into the atmosphere of heaven.  In the New Covenant God has redeemed and empowered His people to bring about this transformation.  In this week’s message DT addresses some of the very practical things that we can do to come into alignment with this mission and also addresses some of the things that get in the way of walking in this reality.  We hope you dig it...

Jan 24 2021 - Sunday AM Bible Class   JOHN, THE GOSPEL OF BELIEF, CHAPTERS FOURTEEN thru SIXTEEN (Comfort for the Disciples, Jesus Responds to Phillip, The Promise of the Holy Spirit, The Vine and the Branches, The World will Hate Disciples, The Work of the Holy Spirit, The Grief of the Disciples Would be Turned to Joy)   CHAPTER FOURTEEN VERSES ONE thru SIX (Comfort for the Disciples)   In a general sense Jesus’ mission was one to rescue the lost both in this life and for the life to come. The Spirit would reveal all needful things for the Messianic Age and these three chapters have that as an overarching emphasis. The Holy Spirit would allow the essence of Jesus to return through the seed of the word to live in the hearts of Christians. Loving obedience is at the heart of Christianity. Encouraging words were commonly given by God at times of trial (cf. Deut. 1:21; Josh. 1:9; II Kgs. 25:24; Isa. 10:24). The “heart” represented to a Jew the center of both the will and the emotions. The translation “believe” in verse one carries the idea of trust, always a vital component of believing. The familiar “many mansions” is actually a poor translation; literally the thought is “many rooms.” As families grew in Jewish culture, rooms would commonly be added to homes to accommodate the additional family members. A compound around a courtyard would have been an idea understood by most. Additionally, the Greco-Roman culture had similar constructions where rooms were built within terraces and pools with beautiful flowers and trees added for additional enjoyment. There would be plenty of room in the Father’s house for all His children, and Jesus would personally prepare each place (cf. Deut. 1:29-33). Jesus would come back to gather His own (cf. Jn. 21:22-23; I Thess. 4:16-17). If these things were not so, Jesus would never have given such a hope (cf. Mk. 12:14). Jesus emphasized three important characteristics of His essential relationship to salvation: the way, the truth, and the life. Early Christians were said to be followers of the “way,” indicating the manner of life that defined them (cf. Jn. 13:34-35). “Truth” speaks to the point of a standard that sets Christians apart (cf. Jn. 17:17). “Life” indicates that Jesus is the only source of eternal life (cf. Jn. 11:25-26). As in the pluralistic climate of Jesus’ world, so also in our day, exclusivity is a stark, unpopular thing (cf. Acts 4:12).   CHAPTER FOURTEEN VERSES SEVEN thru FOURTEEN (Jesus Responds to Philip)   Knowledge of God and the intimacy it allowed were highly valued among the Jews (cf. Ps. 46:10; 100:3). Jesus associated knowing God with eternal life (Jn. 17:3). Seeing God was tied to the greatest of blessings (cf. Ex. 33:18; Isa. 6:1; 40:5). Philip had missed the point, but he was not alone; few of the disciples came to see the point quickly. To imagine God standing before them as a man was astounding! o To define God in such a practical, earthy manner as the word that became flesh, this was amazing. Such a definition demanded much—life could now be seen in an everyday reality, the application of which could hardly be ignored or avoided. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Moses to raise up a prophet in whom God would place the completeness of His word (Deut. 18:18). The acts Jesus preformed in His life could be interpreted no other way but that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. Those who followed Jesus would, according to Jesus, do even greater works than He had done—but how could this be? For one thing, following work would be based of the finished work of Christ on the cross, thus allowing advanced achievements (cf. Jn. 12:24; 15:13; 19:30). Additionally, subsequent accomplishments would come within the context of the Messianic Kingdom, the most significant earthly age (cf. Matt. 11:11). Jesus intersession in prayer would be another benefit. Also, the spiritual union Jesus speaks of in John 15:1-11 would only be possible in the age to come. All of these “greater works,” we must also remember, are accomplished only by Jesus working in Christians—He remains the power (Eph. 3:1921).   CHAPTER FOURTEEN VERSES FIFTEEN thru THIRTY-ONE (The Promise of the Holy Spirit)   The key ingredient in all that Jesus would project into the coming age centered on the implications of love (cf. Jn. 13:34-35). To love Jesus is the surest guarantee of our following His will (cf. Jn. 14:21, 23; 15:10; I Jn. 5:3; II Jn. 6). Thus, if Christianity is to succeed, Jesus must be known so He can be loved so He will be obeyed. In addition to Himself (cf. I Jn. 2:1-2), Jesus would send another “Comforter.” The term “Comforter,” could also be translated by words such as, “counselor, advocate, and helper.” o It comes from the Greek parakletos, literally meaning “One called beside.” Commonly the word would have been used in the context of a legal assistant. The verb form of the word was used in the Septuagent rendering of Isaiah 40:1 where the Messianic era is addressed. The Rabbis made strong association between obedience and advocacy. This Comforter would also be known as the “Spirit of Truth.” These words were familiar among the rabbis in first century Judaism, “Two spirits await an opportunity with humanity, the spirit of truth and the spirit of error … (Testament of Judah 20:1-5). Nevertheless, while the words had a familiar ring, the concept intended by Jesus was different in intention The Jewish idea was one expressing the dualism existing between good and evil choices. For Jesus, these words referred to deity, to a manifestation of God. A most intriguing statement is found in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” o Compare to the parting words of Moses (Deut. 31:6; cf. Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5). The term “orphan” could actually be applied in Jesus’ culture to a disciple left without a master. The followers of Socrates expressed his passing in terms of being left as orphans. Here, however, there is a very interesting twist. Jesus is not simply speaking of His departing and sending them the Comforter. Jesus said He would come back to them! This could not mean His resurrection since He would stay with them but forty days. His intention is to let them know that He will return to abide with them through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn. 14:23; Jn. 15:1-11). o Unlike some of the promises made in John 14-16 that apply only to the Apostles, this one is for all believers—all who lovingly obey the words of the Spirit of Truth. Jesus’ disclosure would be only to the people who would know, love, and obey Him—the world would never see Jesus in this way (cf. I Cor. 2:10-16). John 14:23 is the only place where Father and Son are combined in indwelling. o Jesus is mentioned on other occasions (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17). o The Spirit also is referenced (Rom. 8:9, 11; I Cor. 3:16). In the Old Covenant God dwelt with the people in the tabernacle and the temple (Ex. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:11-12; Acts 7:46-47). In the New Covenant God dwells in believers (I Cor. 6:19; II Cor. 6:16; cf. I Pet. 2:5)! Jesus phrase “These things I have spoken to you,” from John 14:25 is repeated in 15:11; 16:1, 4, 6, 25, 33. He draws on the trust He had developed with them. His word can be fully accepted and relied on. All things needful for the Christian Age would be revealed by the Holy Spirit as well as recalling things that might have been forgotten (cf. Jude 3; cf. Neh. 9:20). This promise was for the Apostles and the Apostolic Age as the Apostles were subject to forgetting their experiences with Jesus. Succeeding generations would have no such experiences to forget. Jesus promises to leave the Apostles with His “peace.” o The word for peace in Greek is eirene, a word with a primarily negative meaning—the absence of war. However, a Hebrew idea is behind this word when spoken by Semitic people—positive blessings and brotherhood (cf. Jud. 3:11, 30; 5:31; 8:29; Num. 6:24-26; cf. Ps. 29:11; Hag. 2:9). The idea of peace was prominent in the Old Testament prophets (Zech. 9:10; cf. 14:9; Isa. 52:7; 54:13; 57:19; Ezek. 37:26; cf. Acts 10:36). Jesus’ peace is not what the world commonly covets (cf. Matt. 10:3439). Jesus’ peace is grounded in the hearts of believers and is secured in the unshakable courts of Heaven itself (Heb. 12:28; Eph. 1:3; cf. Rom. 8:31-39). Jesus declared, “The Father is greater than I,” what did He mean? o Jesus had emptied Himself to come to earth as a man (Phil. 2:6-7). o Also, even in Jesus’ return to Heaven with His full attributes of divinity restored (cf. Jn. 17:5), He was still submissive to the Father (I Cor. 15:25-28; 11:3). There is a hierarchy in the Godhead that is not of superiority (cf. Col. 2:9; Jn. 10:30), but of place (Jn. 13:16). In this the Father occupies the first place. I do not understand all there is to this, but then I really don’t ever expect fully to understand God. Satan has no claim on Jesus—Jesus never sinned! As we are found in Jesus, Satan has no claim on us (Rom. 8:31-39)! Now Jesus will leave the upper room and journey out of the city of Jerusalem.      CHAPTER FIFTEEN VERSES ONE thru SEVEN-TEEN (The Vine and the Branches)   A disciple’s life is tied to Jesus for all things he or she needs. If we live like Jesus lived, the world will react to us as it did to Jesus—this will result in a general hatred from all those who do not want to come to the light. The Holy Spirit supplied all truth for all earthly time. The death of Jesus in His crucifixion led to great gain, as true peace can come only from Jesus. The imagery of vine and branches was common in the secular world as well as in the religious metaphors of Judaism (cf. Isa. 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Jer. 2:21; 6:9; 12:1013; Ezek. 15:1-8; 17:5-10; 19:10-14; Hos. 10:1-2; 14:7). Whereas in Israel’s past they had commonly born bad fruit, Jesus was the true vine who produced what the nation had failed to produce (cf. Ps. 80:14-17). Jesus intends to establish an intimate relationship with all His followers (cf. Jn. 10). In Intertestamental Judaism, the vine had become a symbol of wisdom. The significant rabbinic school of R. Yohanan ben Zakkai was known as the “vineyard.” The Father is the “gardener,” the one who tends the vineyard through all stages of development. “Pruning” would involve cutting the vine back in winter so that it might grow more rapidly in the spring. Additionally, the branches that did not produce would be removed to allow those producing to get more nourishment. One thing we learn from this is that unproductive Christians hold back the growth of the church. This entire process of spiritual growth in a disciple cannot occur unless the disciple and Jesus are closely linked together. Christians can be removed from Jesus if they are unfaithful (cf. Ezek. 15:1-8; 19:12); we can fall from grace (Gal. 4). True joy is found only in Jesus (cf. Acts 13:52; Rom. 15:13; II Tim. 1:4). The true test of friendship in the various cultures of Jesus day was said to be found in the giving of one’s life for a friend. Jesus went beyond the accepted standard of love by dying for even His enemies (cf. Rom. 5:6-11). Jesus had a very practical way of defining His friends, they did what He said (cf. Jn. 14:15). Friendship goes beyond being a servant by adding a dimension to a relationship that is deeper and more satisfying—this allows for a greater degree of sharing. The choice of friendship with God is ultimately a matter of God’s doing; apart from His grace their can be no relationship. With the privilege of friendship goes the responsibility of being productive. It is in the context of loving, knowledgeable service God hears and answers our prayers.   CHAPTER FIFTEEN VERSES EIGHTEEN thru CHAPTER SIXTEEN VERSE FOUR (The World will Hate Disciples)   Since the world will largely reject Christianity, it is imperative that Christians love each other. Early Christians we accused of being insurrectionists (claiming there is only one way), cannibals (eating the body and blood of Jesus at Communion), immoral (love feasts and the “holy” kiss), arsonists (teaching the world would be burned up), and disruptive in family relationships (when a family member became a Christian despite family opposition). The words of those who follow God are to bring a response similar to if God Himself had spoken (cf. I Sam. 8:7; Ezek. 3:7). Jesus name would be preached in opposition to Roman Emperors (i.e., Domitian required being addressed as “dominus et dues,” Lord and God, yet there was no true cause for hating Jesus (cf. Ps. 69:4). The Helper, or Holy Spirit, would be sent to assist the Apostles in a special way as they stood up to those who would try to stop their message. They had no choice but to speak boldly for Jesus (cf. Acts 4:17-20). Jesus’ comforting assurances to His Apostles would be especially helpful in the coming times of persecution. Discipleship, especially with such visible men as the Apostles, was a dangerous thing. The actions of the persecutors would be because they did not know God; this was particularly amazing when the persecutors were Jews.   CHAPTER SIXTEEN VERSES FIVE thru SIXTEEN (The Work of the Holy Spirit)   The coming of the Spirit was strongly tied to the beginning of the Messianic Age (e.g., Isa. 11:1-10; 32:14-18; 42:1-4; 44:1-5; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 11:17-20; 36:24-27; 37:1-14; Joel 2:28-32; cf. Jn. 7:37-39). The teaching of the Jews at the time of Jesus evidences striking statements quite similar to Jesus’ words, “And when He comes, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The Spirit would convict of sin due to unbelief (possessing faith is the only way to find forgiveness in Jesus), of righteousness as it would reveal the manner in which Jesus had lived, and of judgment because Satan would be judged and found wanting. The final word on the subject of truth would come by the “Spirit of Truth” to the Apostles within the context of their first century ministry (cf. I Cor. 13:8-13; Eph. 4:11-16). Additionally, the Spirit would reveal things yet to come. Death would not be the end of the Apostle’s relationship with Jesus; through the ministry of the Spirit and because of the Resurrection, Jesus would renew His relationship with them.     CHAPTER SIXTEEN VERSES SEVENTEEN thru THIRTY-THREE (The Grief of the Disciples Would be Turned to Joy)   Mourning, in the Jewish context, was very loud and demonstrative. God alone is able to turn mourning into true joy (cf. Est. 9:22; Jer. 31:13; Isa. 61:2-3; Matt. 5:4). The Messianic fulfillment of the “Day of the Lord” was predicted to be a time of distress (Dan. 12:1). Intertestamental Jews used a phrase, “the birth pangs of the Messiah,” to describe the distress to come before the consummation of the Messianic Age. This language and concept are common to the New Testament (cf. Matt. 24:8, 21, 29; Rom. 2:9; Acts 14:22; I Cor. 7:26; II Cor. 4:17; Rev. 7:14). True rejoicing is only found in the Lord (cf. Ps. 33:21). Compare John 1:1, 14 with Isaiah 66:14 to see how Jesus was the embodiment of God’s word. Jesus’ ability to know answers to questions before they were asked was convicting to the Apostles that Jesus was from God. Jesus knew that all the Apostles would desert Him (cf. Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31). Even though the Apostles would never find earthly peace in the tribulations of the world, they could be courageous and of good cheer because of the peace they would find in Jesus. Jesus was always straightforward with the Apostles, even when the truth was distressing.     Edwin     Duration 38:01

Hebrews 8: Shadows of the New Covenant | God had ordered Moses to build a tabernacle in the wilderness as a copy of the throne of God in Heaven. The Old Covenant was just a shadow of the truth that was to come through Christ.Journey 15 | Savior. Journey Fifteen focuses on our great Savior, Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew reveals Jesus as the Promised One of the nation of Israel and the coming King of Kings. Hebrews connects the OT to the NT and reminds us that Jesus is better than whatever we left behind. Then James teaches us how to live in light of the Kingdom of God. In the OT, we look at romance in Song of Solomon and a falling empire in 1 Chronicles and Nahum. (89 days)Teacher: Sandy AdamsAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingHebrews 8 Themes: New CovenantHebrews 8 Tags: high priest, Jesus, sanctuary, temple, sacrifice, new covenantKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

When humanity chose to step out of love, God started making promises! We see love in God's covenantal faithfulness! And the covenants themselves are promises that relational love will be fully restored. The Old Covenant was a promise made. The New Covenant is a promise kept! What's new is the cross. It's the same love but a deeper experience! In the New Covenant God declares an emphatic "yes" to all His promises!

I've been waking up each morning feel dark and weary in the face of such long waiting The amazing experience of capturing how many times God has shown me a number which points to a Scripture promise that I so badly needed to hear. I could not have made it this far without His help like this In the face of a very strong desire to have a church family, I find a local church the Lord tells me again STAY FOCUSED on the work and keep memorizing the Scriptures The pain of having to stay focused on something that I am so absolutely weak in I find that I am really struggling in my faith again...feeling down Two sisters I have been trying to disciple are not listening and they become huge distractions to me and I reason Biblically to leave them alone and move on Having to really persevere to the promises God has for me The shocking news of finding out the man I offered to move into my house eventually turned away from the faith because He was looking at a New Covenant God through the Old Covenant lens Wondering how many Christians miss out on God's best for their life because they give up and don't persevere Shocking revelations the Lord was giving me about America

I've been waking up each morning feel dark and weary in the face of such long waiting The amazing experience of capturing how many times God has shown me a number which points to a Scripture promise that I so badly needed to hear. I could not have made it this far without His help like this In the face of a very strong desire to have a church family, I find a local church the Lord tells me again STAY FOCUSED on the work and keep memorizing the Scriptures The pain of having to stay focused on something that I am so absolutely weak in I find that I am really struggling in my faith again...feeling down Two sisters I have been trying to disciple are not listening and they become huge distractions to me and I reason Biblically to leave them alone and move on Having to really persevere to the promises God has for me The shocking news of finding out the man I offered to move into my house eventually turned away from the faith because He was looking at a New Covenant God through the Old Covenant lens Wondering how many Christians miss out on God's best for their life because they give up and don't persevere Shocking revelations the Lord was giving me about America

COVID-19 is the latest scourge to hit humanity. Is this God’s judgment on us? What is God’s posture toward the world and humankind as definitively revealed in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant? God did not cause this pandemic, neither has he left us to face it alone. God is hurting with us—He is redeeming this tragedy in amazing ways. Recorded on May 3rd, 2020 Sermon by Chris Higgins First Church of Christ - Owosso, MI. www.firstchurchofchrist.org

Study Notes Ed Underwood The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12) “Indeed a time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with my people.” (Jeremiah 31:31) The seventeen Books of Prophecy record the messages of the writing prophets (those whose messages are preserved in writing) God raised up to speak for him following the ministries of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The failings of the Divided Kingdom Era prompted God to speak to Israel in the north and Judah in the south. They continued to speak to God’s people for over 400 years, including the exile to Babylonia and the return to the Promised Land. (1 Kings 12-Esther) Studying the Prophets of Israel presents unique interpretative challenges. We must keep in mind the number one principle of interpretation—the Bible can never mean what it never meant. When we place the prophets in their proper literary and historical context a pattern emerges. We begin to see the prophets as Covenant Enforcer Mediators. (Fee and Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All It’ s Worth, p. 167) The prophets spoke for God to His people concerning the enforcement of terms of their covenant relationship with God. Each spoke to a specific generation of Israel or Judah to enforce the conditional covenant (Mosaic) in the context of the unconditional covenants flowing from the Abrahamic Covenant. Their message can be summed up in these sentences: You are mine! (Unconditional covenants, Romans 11:29). Walk with me and I will bless you. Walk away from me and I will call you back to myself through loving discipline. (Conditional covenant, Romans 9-11) An exciting aspect of God’s covenant relationship and promises to Israel for New Testament believers is our relationship to the New Covenant God made with Israel. During the days of Jeremiah, when it was obvious that Israel would never keep the Old Covenant, God promised to make a new covenant with Israel and Judah. This New Covenant had to do with the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant: Indeed, a time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt. For they violated that covenant, even though I was like a faithful husband to them,” says the Lord. “But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land,” says the Lord. “I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be my people. “People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34) This was the passage to move Origen to name the last twenty-seven books of the Bible the New Testament. It’s also the largest piece of text quoted literally in the New Testament in Hebrews 8:8-12. It’s a key passage in helping us understand how we, as New Testament believers, fit into God’s great plan. God made the covenant with Israel and its ultimate fulfillment will involve the physical descendants of Abraham, the Jews. Yet the New Testament writers make it clear that church-age believers have mysteriously and wonderfully entered into the blessings of the New Covenant: Before we begin our journey through the Prophets of Israel, it’s important to understand the implications of this critical text for us today. I. What is the New Covenant? It is a series of promises that God made to Israel and Judah during the darkest days in Old T estament history. These promises are unconditional, unchangeable, and irreversible since they are sealed by God’s oath. The New Covenant replaces the Old Covenant of the Mosaic Law because that covenant had been broken. It is vastly superior to the Old and makes it obsolete. It defines the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant in glorious and unexpected ways. Christian, enthusiastically embrace and live out your New Covenant blessings! The term “New Covenant” occurs only here in the Old Testament, though there are numerous references in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea. The New Covenant was future to Jeremiah’s writing. The Lord would make this New Covenant with all the Israelites—those who had inhabited the Northern and the Southern Kingdom: The blessings of the New Covenant are: An inner inclination to obey God, an internalization of His Law. “ I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds.” God’s New Covenant will give Israel the inner capacity to obey His righteous commands and enjoy deep intimacy with Him. Ezekiel (36:24-32) and Joel (2:28-32) clarify that this inner power will be the indwelling Holy Spirit. A firm relationship with God that is secure and eternal. The knowledge of God: Intimacy never achieved under the Old Covenant. The forgiveness of sin: Israel’s sins would not only be forgiven, but forgotten. Isaiah clarified this by saying that God’s Substitute would make payment for sin (53:4-6). Jesus announced that His substitutionary death on the Cross would ratify the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 22:20). II. What do the New Testament authors say about the New Covenant? God ratified the New Covenant with Israel when Jesus Christ died on the Cross, and the church now operates under this covenant. Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant when He died on the Cross as a substitute for sin (Luke 22:20, Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; 1 Corinthians 11:25). New Testament Christians are ministers/servants of a new covenant based upon the Spirit that gives life and therefore our stories of relationship with God are about what the Spirit is doing in our heart (on the inside, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6). New Testament Christians are recipients of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant through the promise of the New Covenant. Because of Israel’s unbelief and unfaithfulness to the Old Covenant, the church has been grafted into all the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant (Galatians 3:14; Romans 9:8, 11:17). The four benefits of the New Covenant—inner inclination to obey God, firm relationship, knowledge of God, and forgiveness of sins—belong to all the regenerate of every age since the substitionary death of the Son of God on the Cross. (Hebrews 8:8-12) Since the New Covenant offers final forgiveness based solely upon the death of Christ, there is no further need of a sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:15-18) III. Does this mean that God is through with Israel? No! The promise was specifically made to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The full spiritual, physical, and national portions of the New Covenant do not belong to the church. Those will be fulfilled in the future. We believe that this will occur during the Millennium, the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth following His Second Coming. IV. What does this mean to me? God made the New Covenant with Israel at the Cross. But grace upon grace! Though the church does not replace Israel, mysteriously and gloriously we enter into her New Covenant blessings! We have the Holy Spirit who inclines us to obey God (Romans 8:9; Philippians 2:13). We have a firm relationship with God through Christ which is secure and eternal (1 John 5:11- 13). We have intimacy with God that no one under the Old Covenant could experience (Romans 8:16- 17; 1 John 1:3). And we have forgiveness of sins through the death of Christ (Ephesians 1:7).

Originally Presented On:  June 3rd, 2007 Scripture Reading: Romans 7:5,6 In Romans 7:5,6 there is a contrast being made which highlights the wondrous change that takes place in the soul of a converted person.  The union Christians experience with Christ causes a change in the motivations and affections of the heart.  We see this change briefly described in Romans 6:17 -  "But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed." It is this wonderful change, deep in the heart, that is in focus in Romans 7:6, when Paul mentions the difference between "the newness of the Spirit" and "the oldness of the letter."  What he doubtless has in mind, though it is not specifically mentioned here, is the New Covenant which God promised in the Old Testament. The New Covenant is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:6, which has very similar wording compared with Romans 7:6.  ". . . our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Cor 3:5,6). The New Covenant is unfolded in Jeremiah 31:31-34, in which God says, "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jer 31:33).  One significant difference between the New Covenant and the old one, which is the Law of Moses, is this.  Under the old covenant, the law, written on tablets of stone, creates demands from without.  In the New Covenant God writes His law on someone's heart, creating desire from within.  The old brings death.  The new brings life.  Is there any experience more wonderful than to desire to obey the living God from a heart that beats for Him?

Hebrews 8: Shadows of the New Covenant | God had ordered Moses to build a tabernacle in the wilderness as a copy of the throne of God in Heaven. The Old Covenant was just a shadow of the truth that was to come through Christ.Journey 7 | Promises Kept. Journey Seven returns to Jesus' story, as Matthew presents Christ as the coming King and fulfillment of God's promises. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy brings us to the edge of the Promised Land as Moses reminds Israel of God's faithfulness and challenges them to trust God for the road ahead. Then Hebrews connects the dots between the testaments, and 2nd Corinthians digs in to the heart of ministry. (91 days)Teacher: Sandy AdamsAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingHebrews 8 Themes: New CovenantHebrews 8 Tags: high priest, Jesus, sanctuary, temple, sacrifice, new covenantKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam *God becoming Man and establishing the New Covenant *God working through the priest *Are gluten-free hosts acceptable? *The prophecy of a King riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-9) *Making wine for the Church *When does the Christmas season end?

Episode 111 How should Christians use the Law of Moses today? How should Christians use the Law of Moses? This seems to be a major issue in our time. The law was given to Israel through Moses and takes a large place in the Old Testament. But most of us are not of Israel, so how should we use the Law? In our last program we introduced this subject but today we want to go farther. Most of us are very familiar with the teaching that the law came through Moses, but grace through Jesus Christ. But what does that mean to us in practical terms? Do we just completely discount the Law of Moses? What meaning does it have to us? How should we use the law in our personal lives, with our family, and in the church? How should we use it with those who are not in Christ? Many today are trying to go back and keep certain parts of the Law of Moses. Is this right? Why was the Law of Moses given? To specify the moral requirements of a Holy God To reveal sin (Rom. 7:7-13) To minister Christ (Ceremonial-sacrifices, Tabernacle) To structure the nation of Israel until Christ came (Gal. 3:19-25) When Christ came He fulfilled the Law (Matt. 5:17-20) He kept all of the commands of God perfectly He fulfilled all of the prophecies concerning the Messiah He gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin once for all He made the way that the righteous requirement of God could be fulfilled in us (Rom. 8:1-4) How then is the law to be used today? To convict the sinner (I Tim. 1:8-10) As a basis for teaching the moral requirements of God (Matt. 5-7) As a basis for civil law How is the law not to be used? As a basis for our acceptance before God ((Rom. 3:19-20) As a legal (literal) requirement for conduct (Col. 2:11-23) In the New Covenant God writes His law on our hearts by the presence of the Holy Spirit (Heb. 8:7-13) God writes His word on our minds by the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit will interpret and apply spiritual truth from the Law of Moses Spiritual men and women will use the Law of Moses to minister Christ Should Christians today keep the holy days (Sabbath, Feasts) (Rom. 14) Not to be approved before God or to be more spiritual (Gal. 5:1-6) Could be used as a form of teaching (ministry of Christ) The spirit in which we use these things is critical (must not be legal or condemning) The supreme test: Does our use of the Law of Moses minister grace? (John 1:17) Does our ministry always lead a person to union with Christ as our complete sufficiency? (Col. 2:10) Is our ministry using the Law of Moses a ministry of life or death (2 Cor. 3)   Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com  

What's so new about the New Covenant God has made with us through Jesus. The difference is not just that God relates to us differently now; the difference is life-altering in how we relate to Him. Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves, and He has changed everything. This New Covenant gives us new confidence to approach God. Text: Jeremiah 31:31-37 Series: The Covenant Keeper Speaker: Pastor Rusty McKie March 6, 2016

True of false: a Christian’s heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked”. The biblical answer is: definitely false. In the New Covenant God promises — and gives — a new heart that is good. In this eye-opening episode you’ll find out about your new, good heart given to you by God in the new … Hebrews Pt 19: The 100% New Heart Read More »