Podcasts about old covenant

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacramental economy, specifically the Holy Spirit's work in the liturgy. Fr. Mike emphasizes that what Jesus makes possible, the Holy Spirit makes actual. We are made to live in the life of the risen Christ and that is what the Spirit brings about in us. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding that the Christian Liturgy springs from and fulfills the Jewish Liturgy. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1091-1098. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe, we’re learning to Give God His Proper Place. When you hear the phrase, “The Ten Commandments,” what comes to mind? Charlton Heston coming down from the mountain in Cecile B. DeMille’s movie? Or do you see yourself in Sunday school trying to remember them all? Why are we spending time talking about them? They’re a part of the Old Covenant … so they don’t really apply to us, right? Find out as we dive into the book of Exodus in our message is called, Give God His Proper Place. Bold Steps Gift: LIES GIRLS BELIEVE: AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREEBecome a Bold Partner: https://give.moodyradio.org/bsj?appeal=podcast&utm_source=bs_podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_term=radioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introduction: The Trustworthiness Test (Matthew 5:33-37): Do I Need to CONVINCE OTHERS of the TRUTHFULNESS of what I say? (Matt 5:33–34a) Do I Look for LOOPHOLES to GET OUT of what I say? (Matt 5:34b–36) Matthew 23:22 – And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it. 1 Peter 2:22 – He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. Do I Always FOLLOW THROUGH on what I say? (Matt 5:37) James 5:12 – But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:33-37What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How can you strengthen your reputation when it comes to honesty and trustworthiness? How can you weaken it?Do you ever make excuses or look for loopholes to get out of what you say?Do you struggle with being a “yes or no” person? How do you fail to be reliable and follow through on what you say?What does it look like to truly repent of deception and make things right with those you have lied to?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Return your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37.Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37.Is it safe to say that trust is in short supply in 2025?We are constantly bombarded with lies, conspiracies, fraud,lame excuses, propaganda, cover-ups.With each passing year, we become less and less trustingas others seem less and less trustworthy.I was going to use an object lesson to prove this point,but for the sake of unity, which you'll see in a minutewhy I'm not doing this, I'm going to have you use your imaginations instead.Imagine with me that a bunch of images are from the screens behind meof famous individuals, politicians, billionaires, tech gurus, celebrities,social media influencers, world-renowned doctors,and popular preachers who you see pop up on Spotify, YouTube, and television.And with each image, with each person, I ask this very simple question,is this person trustworthy?And with some of these famous people, the answer would be a decisive yes,while others would be a resounding no.But some examples may prove to be a bit controversial and divisive.It may be a bit of a mixed reaction, which could lead to some frustration,heated debates, and strained relationships.Hence my unwillingness to show these images in service today.What if I were to close out this slideshow with a picture of you?And for the final time, I ask this very simple question, is this person trustworthy?What would be the response?What would your family members, friends, and fellow church members say about you?Maybe you don't want to play along with my made-up scenario,because you're afraid of what other people would say about you.But you cannot be oblivious in this area of life, because your reputation,when it comes to honesty and trustworthiness, is not a throwaway issue.Your credibility with others on the outside speaks to your integrity before the Lord on the inside.We've been studying the Sermon on the Mount for the past few months,and now this is the fourth week of our latest section, "The Heart of the Law."And throughout Matthew chapter 5, Jesus doesn't lessen the Old Testament law.He elevates it. He doesn't abolish it and throw it away.He digs down deep into our hearts to show how it applies at the deepest levels of who we are.Jesus proves that obeying God's commands and displaying true righteousness are matters of the heart.Jesus cares way more about the internal than the external,because who you are internally shapes all that you say and do externally.So far, we have covered what Christ commands and expects when it comes to anger,sexuality, and marriage.In Matthew chapter 5, verses 33 through 37,the Lord turns your attention to what he has to say about making promises and keeping your word.To help you gauge your own personal credibility, Jesus assigns an important testthat you cannot afford to skip or to fail.And this test is the trustworthiness test.Before we dig into the first question, let's go to the Lord in prayer.Please pray that I will faithfully proclaim God's word.While I pray that you will faithfully and joyfully receive God's word.Father, we thank you for the gift of your word.It is a mirror that you hold up to our hearts to show us what means to change.Lord, this morning you're going to show us some very challenging and difficult things about ourselvesthat we do not want to see,but we must recognize them and we must make changes by the power of your Holy Spirit.So may you do the work that only you can.We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.All right, who is ready for the trustworthiness test?Well, we're going to take it anyway. So the trustworthiness test, question one.Do I need to convince others of the truthfulness of what I say?Do I need to convince others of the truthfulness of what I say?Let's read verses 33 through 34.Jesus says, "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old,'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'But I say to you, do not take an oath at all."This is the fourth time in Matthew chapter 5 that Jesus repeats the same verbal pattern."You have heard that it was said, but I say to you."So let's cover what was said in the past."You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn."You will not find this exact sentence word for word in the Old Testamentbecause it is a mashup of three different passages about keeping oaths.With the Nicos 19-2, Numbers chapter 30 verse 2 and Deuteronomy 23-21.In the Old Testament, oath taking was serious business.It wasn't something to be entered into lightly or carelessly.Vows were reserved for important matters.And God put them in place as a first line of defense against dishonesty.I find it helpful to view Old Testament oaths like spiritual speed bumps.Why do speed bumps exist?To cause you to slow down and keep pedestrian safe.Let me ask you, do speed bumps always do that?No, we've all seen maniacs treat speed bumps like challenges and jumps instead of warnings.And maybe you've been that maniac from time to time.Oaths were set up by God to curb the natural tendency to be deceitful and unreliable.They were like speed bumps.By taking an oath, you were saying,"God, you can bring judgment and cursing upon me if I do not keep my side of the bargain."But these spiritual speed bumps could not stop all dishonesty.It couldn't do away with people being deceitful.So vows help provide accountability, but they could not change the human heart,which is seen most clearly in the lives of the religious leaders of Jesus' day.The rabbis, the scribes, the Pharisees misinterpreted the Old Testament commands about vowsand twisted God's word to advance their own dishonest agenda.They believe that you shall not swear falsely, only spoke to perjuring yourself in a court of law.We'll talk about this in even greater detail in a few minutes,but they also believe that the instruction you shall perform to the Lord what you have swornleft some room for coloring outside the lines when it came to keeping your word.If you weren't in a court setting or you didn't make vows directly to Godand in His name there was some wiggle room to tell some lies.It wasn't ideal, but hey, not a big deal.As long as you said the right things and as long as you kept their man-made rules.Once again, the religious leaders are taking God's word, taking His commandsand putting it into their own man-made box.Their standards were shallow and their righteousness was phony.But Jesus calls His followers to a greater righteousness, to a higher standardwhen He says, "But I say to you, do not take an oath at all."This command brings up an important question that we have to answer.Is Jesus saying that it's always sinful to make a promise or a vow of any kind at any time?Well, some Christians, some scholars and pastors certainly think so,but that's a really hard stance to defend from the rest of Scripture.The Apostle Paul kept and he made and kept a vow in Acts 18-18.In Revelation chapter 10 verses 5 through 6, the Apostle John records an angel swearing enough.In the Old Testament, God made oaths to show the seriousness of His covenant promises.God didn't do that because he had a shaky reputation.He lovingly did that to give His people a rock-solid confidence in His trustworthinessand the certainty of His purposes and His plans.God's vows were like exclamation points that highlighted His credibilitybecause we so often do not trust Him even though His track record is flawless.The Lord established the Old Covenant with Israel and He has established a new covenant with all who believein the life, death, and resurrection of His Son.And at its core, a covenant is an oath-bound relationship that is built upon promises being keptand the Bible is crystal clear that God always keeps His promises.And speaking of covenants, the Bible describes marriage as a covenant relationshipwhich means that as a good and godly thing, you swear your devotion to your spouse.You know, 11 years ago, Pastor Jeff married my wife and Iand when he asked me to repeat my vows to Kate after him, I didn't say, "Whoa, wait preacher boy,I don't make promises or take vows. Don't you study the Bible for a living?Shouldn't you know that? Pass." Did I do that? Jeff, do you remember that? I don't think I did that.Let's move from the marriage ceremony to the courtroom.I'm called to testify in a very important case and the judge tells me to raise my right handand he asked me, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?"What should I say?Sorry, judge. I'm a Christian. I can't do that. You may as well call the next witness. I'm out of here. Deuces.Is that going to go very well with the judge?Listen, Jesus is not condemning vows in the context of a courtroom or a wedding ceremony.Jesus is forbidding the practice of taking frivolous oaths and making pointless promises in everyday life situations.He's saying, "Do not be the kind of person who needs to swear on something or someone to be believed.Do not be the kind of person who needs to clarify that you're not lying.Who needs to clarify that you're telling the truth.Be so trustworthy that your word can be taken at face value without jumping through hoops.As a follower of Christ, you shouldn't need the spiritual speed bumps of promises, oaths, and vows to be taken seriously.You should be a person of such great integrity that promises are unnecessary because your past performance speaks for itself.Others should trust you implicitly because you have proven yourself explicitly.Your heart should be so full of the truth that lying doesn't even register as a valid option to choose or path to take.For the Christian, honesty is like breathing.You inhale the truth of God's word and then you exhale the truth in every situation.You don't tell white lies because you understand that there are no such thing as white lies.Every lie, no matter how small, is a huge deal to the Lord.You don't embellish your stories or add on extra details to impress people because who cares what other people think about you.What matters most is what God thinks about you.And He knows what you're saying is not true.You don't cut corners at work because you ultimately serve the Lord of all creation who sees everything,not the human boss across the hall who cannot see into your heart.You cannot control much in this life, but you do have the ability to deepen your credibility or destroy it,to strengthen it day by day or to willingly weaken it.You have no right to be offended when someone doesn't believe you if you have a shady history of saying things that are not trueand making promises that you didn't keep.You are simply reaping the consequences of what you have sown.You are receiving the label of untrustworthy, which is a title that you have repeatedly earned.The trustworthiness test.Move on to the second question.And it will not be easier than the first.Do I look for loopholes to get out of what I say?Do I look for loopholes to get out of what I say?So Jesus pulls the rug out from underneath the religious leaders and exposes their ridiculous schemes in verses 34 through 36.But I say to you, do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,or by the earth, for it is His footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.As I said earlier, the scribes and Pharisees were experts at looking for loopholes and creating escape patches to get out of what they said,especially if what they said wasn't made in a court setting.So instead of swearing in God's name, they would swear by heaven, they would swear by the earth, the city of Jerusalem, or even their own heads.In their minds, swearing on these things was not binding like swearing in God's name.This is the verbal equivalent of crossing your fingers behind your back whenever you make a promise.They thought they were so clever. They found their own get out of oaths free card.But Jesus shows them that this line of thinking is childish and dumb.He destroys their loopholes and he closes their escape patches.Let's follow his logic.Jesus says, "Do not swear by heaven because who does heaven belong to?"All right. I know it's early. I'm going to ask that question again.Who does heaven belong to?It is His throne.And Matthew actually reinforces this later on when Jesus says,"And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it."He also says, "Don't swear by the earth because who does it belong to?"Once again, I'm going to try it again. Who does the earth belong to, everyone?It is His footstool. God is so awesome. He is so big.The earth is like a teeny tiny ottoman where He puts His feet up.The earth belongs to God, so don't swear by it.It's also not a great idea to swear by Jerusalem because who does it belong to?Great job, everyone.The king of Jerusalem, the king of the earth, and that is God.You swear by Jerusalem. You swear by the one who created and rules over Israel.And He also says, "Don't swear by your own head."It seems kind of weird, right? What does that even mean?Well, it means this. "If I don't keep my word, let me be decapitated."A modern day equivalent of this would be, "Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my..."These words mean nothing and they control nothing.Jesus says, "You cannot make one hair white or black."Back in those days, people could not control their hair color with hair dye like we can today.Once your hair started going gray, there was no going back.But even today in 2025, you can't speak a change of hair color into existence, right?You can't say, "Let my hair be black. Let my hair be blonde again."You cannot do that.So Jesus is saying, "If you cannot even control the color of your hair with your words,your words definitely cannot control if you're decapitated or not."God is saying, "My words certainly control that."Which means, "I own you. I own your head. I am the one who controls all things.So do not swear by heaven, by earth, by Jerusalem, or your own head."Jesus even exposes the other things the religious leaders swore by in Matthew chapter 23 verses 16 through 22.They would swear by the gold of the temple instead of the temple itself.They would swear by the gift on the altar instead of the altar itself.Jesus doesn't actually commend them for their shrewd thinking and their creative brainstorming.He calls them blind fools who cannot see the stupidity of their own actions.He labels them as blind guides who have fallen into a sinful pitand are calling the rest of Jerusalem to join them in the darkness.I know what you may be thinking at this point.Taylor, this is an interesting history lesson at all.I just don't see how this relates to me.I haven't sworn by anything or anyone for a long time.I haven't said, "I swear on my mother's life. I swear on my grandma's grave.I swear by my life that I'm not lying."So how does this relate to me? I haven't done that for many years.Well, here's how the text relates to you."Don't be a sneaky word ninja like the scribes and Pharisees.Do not be a sneaky person.Do not look for escape hatches and loopholes to get out of what you say,because that does not honor the Lord."Let me give you some examples that may hit close to home.Husbands, you're supposed to carry out a task for your wife, but then you forget.Yeah, stretch your imagination because that never happens, right?Then your wife calls you on it and to save face you say, "Oh, I was just about to do it.You didn't give me enough time. That's sneaky. So don't do it."You commit to a small group, but on one particular night, you don't really feel like going.So you call your small group leader, "Oh, man, I'm really under the weather.I don't want anybody else to get what I have. So I'm not going to make it tonight."That's sneaky. So don't do it.Someone texts or calls, someone texts or emails youand really annoying message that you do not want to respond to.So the next time you see that person, you pretend like you accidentally missed it.That's sneaky. So don't do it.You get invited to an event that you desperately do not want to go to.So what do you say? "Yeah, maybe that might work. Let me get back to my calendar and get back to you."You ain't getting back to them about nothing. You are going to ghost this person.That's sneaky. So don't do it.Unfortunately, you do get sucked into that event that you do not want to go to.Instead of biting the bullet and attending, you call that person the day of,"I really wanted to come, but something came up."But nothing came up.That's sneaky. So don't do it.And I know what some of you are saying to yourselves right now."Taylor, this seems like really small potatoes in the grand scheme of things."Shouldn't we move on to something a bit bigger?I mean, come on. These kinds of excuses are harmless and they hurt no one.Actually, these kinds of excuses are harmful and they hurt everyone, including you.You are numbing yourself to the deceitfulness of sin.And you are paving the way to lie in bigger and bolder ways moving forward.Listen, no one starts out as a pathological liar.It starts with one compromise that you get away with.And then it's way easier to make another compromise.You cross the line, you get away with it,and then you make a habit out of pushing boundaries and testing the limits.If you keep this up, you will end up saying and doing things that you never thought you were capable of.Sneakiness is a way of slipping into your heart and taking over if you're not on guard against it.But most importantly, these kind of devious excuses are sinful and sinning against the Lord.And that alone should give you pause and cause you to cut this behavior out of your life.It is not wise, it is not right to walk in the sneaky footsteps of the scribes and Phariseeswho rejected and murdered the Son of God.Instead, walk in the footsteps of the one who committed no sin.Neither was deceit found in his mouth.Jesus always told the truth even when it cost his own life.Jesus never made excuses to get out of his mission of dying on the cross.You must always tell the truth even when it gets you into trouble.Never make excuses even when it seems like everyone else around you is.The final question of the trustworthiness test.Do I always follow through on what I say?Do I always follow through on what I say?Jesus wraps up by showing the alternative to being an undependable and sneaky person in verse 37.Let what you say be simply yes or no.Anything more than this comes from evil.Well, according to our Lord, being an honest person is not a complex concept.Say yes if you'll do something. Say no if you will not do something.That's super easy, right?Not really.It is so simple, but it is also so hard to live out.It isn't convenient to be a yes or no person, but it is the freest way to live.It is so stressful to not keep your word.It is so stressful to have all those deceitful plates spinning in your mindbecause at some point one will come crashing down and you will have to deal with the consequences.It is exhausting to put on a mask and pretend to be someone who you are not.It is painful to not be the person who you project yourself to be.It is embarrassing to be unreliableand to have the reputation of being a constant flake and not an unshakable rock.When I am closing things down in my office for the day and packing things up,I often text my wife to let her know that I am on the way home.But sometimes I get distracted with other things after I send that text.Writing down a sermon thought that I don't want to lose,wrapping up a task that I forgot to complete, or talking to Pastor Jeff.That never happens, right Jeff?Several months ago I arrived home way later than I told Kate that I would.And I profusely apologized and I will never forget her blunt response with a loving smile on her face."Oh, that's okay. I always add an extra 15 minutes to your arrival time when you text me."Ouch!That loving burn really stung my conscience.My wife gave me some extra wiggle roombecause she was aware that I often missed the target of my stated arrival time.Do people need to give you wiggle room because they know that you often missed the target of keeping your word?They know you'll be somewhere off on the board but way off-center,or maybe you'll miss the board completely.You mean well, you have good intentions but your follow-through fall short.Maybe you feel very discouraged by your unreliable reputation.You're thinking to yourself, "I don't want to be this way. I want to help everyone.I want to be there for everyone but I can't seem to keep all of my commitments."Well, it sounds like you have a no problem.You say yes to everything because you don't want to let anyone down.But in the process, you let everyone down because you cannot equally serve everyone.If you say yes to everyone, your word will not carry weight with anyone.And to be clear, saying no can be wrong and sinful.Some of you in this room say no way more than you should at home, at work, and even in this church.God may be calling you to step up more, not step back less.But at the same time, saying no can also be right and productive.Because you have to recognize that you are not God.You cannot be everywhere all the time and you cannot do everything at the same exact time.You are a limited person.You need to count the cost of what you are committing yourself to before you say yes or no.It takes great wisdom and discernment to say no to good things.So that you can say yes to the best things.And Jesus is so direct at the end of verse 37 and says that anything beyond being a yes or no person is evil.It is wicked.And this is recapt in James 512.Some translations of Matthew 537 say that this kind of behavior beyond being a yes or no person is from the evil one.Meaning if you live this kind of deceitful lifestyle, you are way worse off than just being like the scribes and Pharisees.You are also like their spiritual father, Satan.Listen to what Jesus says to religious leaders in John 844.You are of your father the devil and your will is to do your father's desires.He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.When he lies, he speaks out of his own character for he is a liar and the father of lies.My kids bear a family resemblance to Kate and me.They have my eye color and thankfully they have her good looks.After service, you see them running around.It shouldn't come as a surprise that they belong to Kate and me because they look just like us.There are two spiritual families and it's obvious which one you belong to based on which father you resemble the most.Do you resemble Satan who lies, cheats and steals or do you resemble God who tells the truth, does the right thing in the right way and selflessly serves?Which father do you resemble the most?We've reached the end of the trustworthiness test.How did you do?Did you pass or did you fail?Did you stick the landing or did you crash into the runway?Maybe the Lord has encouraged your heart and revealed to you that you have a strong and solid reputation that is well deserved.If that's you, keep up the good work, keep your foot on the gas pedal and keep moving forward by the grace of God.Maybe you're convicted that yes, you are in the family of God, but you sure aren't acting like it right now.Instead of hiding away and keeping your lies a secret, be honest about your dishonesty to God and to those you have betrayed.It is not enough to just stop lying from now on. You also have to uncover the lies that you've already told.I know that's hard. I know that feels shameful.But remember, if you are a true believer in Christ, there is no condemnation for you.You can be honest about your sin and ask for forgiveness from others because the penalty has already been paid by Jesus Christ.We can share openly about our failures because they're no longer held against us.Maybe you've come to the realization that you resemble the evil one and belong to the wrong family.For years, you've unapologetically told bold-faced lies. You've shared half truths.You've led people on. You've been underhanded and you've covered your tracks so you can avoid getting in trouble.You may feel crushed under the weight of your own dishonesty right now.If that's you, please do not try to do better or be better on your own.Do not try to clean up your act because that will not solve the problem.Self-improvement and self-help are fools errands that lead straight to hell.Those worldly methods will not solve the problem that is truly within you, which is the problem of your heart.Please come clean and confess your sins to the Lord.Turn from your deceptive ways and throw yourself at the mercy of Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to save liars like you and me.If you do that, the Lord will give you a brand new heart that loves the truth, that desires the truth.A heart that is overflowing with a desire to share the truth with everyone.Only the most trustworthy one in all of existence can truly turn you into a trustworthy person.Let's pray.Father, I am a man of unclean lips who dwells among the people of unclean lips.Lord, we have sinned against you with our deception and our lies and our half truths.Lord, on our own, we are so helpless. We are so hopeless.But we thank you for your redeeming work.We thank you that you have cleansed us.You've cast our lies away from us as far as the east is from the west.Lord, help us not to be sneaky anymore.To not be deceptive anymore. To not make untrue excuses.Lord, help us to be people of our word who don't need to make promises.Help us to be people who have a solid reputation because our reputation impacts your reputation in this world.Lord, there's someone in this room who does not know and love you.May today be the day where they finally make the most important decision of their livesand are transformed and changed forever.We thank you for your goodness. We thank you that you are unchanging even though we're constantly changing.We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Topics: Closer to God, Misconception of Earning God's Closeness, Understanding the New Covenant Closeness with God, Why Church Attendance Doesn't Equal Closeness to God, The Role of the Cross in Our Closeness to God, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant Closeness to God, Animal Blood vs. Jesus' Blood for Drawing Near to God, Hebrews on Drawing Near to God, Why Reading the Bible Doesn't Automatically Make You Closer to God, Understanding Bible Context for True Closeness, Jesus' Rebuke of Scripture Misuse for Closeness, The Obsolete Nature of the Old Covenant, The New Covenant Based on God's Promise to God, Why Sinning Less Doesn't Achieve Closeness to God, The Finality of Jesus' Sacrifice for Forgiveness, God Doesn't Leave You Based on Your Physical Location, Why Following the Law Doesn't Bring You Closer to God, Prayer and Fasting, The Old Covenant's Trade-Off System with God, The Obedience of Faith vs. Behavioral Holiness, Understanding Holiness in the New Covenant, You Are the Church, Your Identity as One Spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17), The Permanence of Your Closeness to God Through Jesus, Hebrews 10:25 and the True Meaning of Assembly, The Significance of Hebrews 7-10 on Christ's Accomplishments, Colossians 3:3 and Being Hidden in Christ, The Truth About God's Dwelling Place Within You (1 John 4:13), The Difference Between Grieving God and Him Leaving You, The Meaning of Being Holy as God is Holy (1 Peter 1:16, Hebrews 12:14)Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Sunday Morning Message - "Saying Yes to God: The Covenant Confirmed"In this message from May 25, Family Pastor, Brad Randall, explores Exodus 24:1-11, focusing on the covenant God made with the Israelites. We will look into the nature of God's covenant relationships, contrasting them with mere contracts. The message emphasizes God's pursuit of us, His proposal for a relationship, and our response of surrender. God initiates this covenant knowing our imperfections, highlighting His unconditional love and the need for sacrifice to bridge the gap between us and Him.Key Takeaways:God pursues us, even in our lowest moments.A covenant with God is relational, not just contractual.Saying "yes" to God requires our surrender and faithfulness.The New Covenant, established through Jesus' blood, allows us direct access to God's presence.Discussion Questions:The sermon mentions that "God is the one who pursues." How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life?What's the difference between a contract and a covenant? How does this distinction change our understanding of our relationship with God?The Israelites promised, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey." What challenges do we face in keeping our promises to God?How does the imagery of blood sacrifice in the Old Covenant help us appreciate Jesus' sacrifice in the New Covenant?The sermon states, "To enter into the Covenant of God is to promise that He will be your only God." What are some modern-day "gods" that compete for our allegiance?Reflect on Jeremiah 31:31-33. How does the New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What does it mean to have God's instructions "written on our hearts"?Practical Applications:Covenant Reflection: Take time this week to write down the promises you've made to God. Pray over them, asking for strength to keep your commitments.Pursuit of God: Set aside 10 minutes each day to actively pursue God through prayer, worship, or Bible reading. Journal about how this impacts your relationship with Him.Identifying Idols: List potential "idols" in your life that compete with God for your attention and devotion. Share with a trusted friend or accountability partner for prayer and support.New Covenant Gratitude: Write a thank-you letter to Jesus, expressing your gratitude for His sacrifice that established the New Covenant.

Father Edward Looney reads and comments on The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich. Day 14Volume 1SIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCESChapter 14: Abraham Receives the Sacrament of the Old CovenantChapter 15: JacobLEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE ACE25 FOR 25% OFFThe Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3QVreIsThe Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4bPsxRmThe Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich Two-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3yxaLE5The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/3wTRsULMary Magdalen in the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4brYEXbThe Mystical City of God Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/44Q9nZbOur Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims - https://bit.ly/3Ke6O9SThe Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich is a podcast from TAN that takes you through one of the most extraordinary books ever published. Follow along daily as Father Edward Looney works his way through the classic four-volume set, The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations, by reading a passage from the book and then giving his commentary. Discover the visions of the famous 19th-century Catholic mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nun who was privileged by God to behold innumerable events of biblical times.Anne Catherine's visions included the birth, life, public ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the founding of His Church. Besides describing persons, places, events, and traditions in intimate detail, she also sets forth the mystical significance of these visible realities. Here is the infinite love of God incarnate and made manifest for all to see, made all the more striking and vivid by the accounts Blessed Anne has relayed.Listen and subscribe to The The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich on your favorite podcast platform or at EmmerichPodcast.com.And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code ACE25 for 25% off your next order.

What's the difference between how prophecy worked in the Old Testament and how it operates today? In this foundational episode, Juliana Page breaks down the distinct role of the prophet under the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant—and why understanding the shift is essential for any believer seeking to hear God's voice or operate in spiritual gifts. Join Courage Co.: If you're hungry to grow in your spiritual gifts, develop your prophetic discernment, and walk in bold faith—Courage Co. is for you. It's more than a community. It's a training ground for Kingdom leaders, water-walkers, and prophetic voices rising up in this hour. Get access to prophetic trainings, prayer calls, mentorship, live workshops, and a global network of faith-driven leaders who are being equipped and activated—just like you.

In this final installment of our Generosity series, we shift from Old Covenant requirements to New Covenant posture. What does giving look like under grace, not law? We explore 2 Corinthians 9 and the principle of “firstfruits” as an act of faith, identity, and intentionality—not just obligation. This episode challenges us to move beyond fear- or greed-based giving and embrace cheerful, Spirit-led generosity that reflects the heart of God.   From Sunday 05.18.25

Jeren Wentworth, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. From the "Various 2025" series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Jeren Wentworth, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. From the Various 2025 series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Reader: John Hargrave Preacher: Jonathan Smith Recalling the big picture message from the first week, we are ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to the Lord Jesus to the ends of the earth. In today's message from Acts 2:14-41, the apostle Peter explains what the people are seeing and hearing and why it is happening. The Old Covenant has been replaced by a New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit is poured out upon all who find their lives in Jesus, no matter the circumstance. Because God sees Jesus when he looks at those who call Jesus "Lord", God will NEVER remove the Holy Spirit from us. This is new! Unlike the Old Covenant, God would give his Spirit to a few and only for a specific purpose, and once that purpose was done, he would remove his Spirit because the person was not holy and righteous. But not now! Red Door is an Anglican Church in Melbourne, Australia. We exist to be a community of people helping people make all of life all about Jesus.

In this session of the Wonderful Words of Life Radio Broadcast we will be looking into 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 which depicts the difference between the faded glory of the Old Covenant compared the far surpassing glory of the New Covenant in the face of Jesus Christ +++++++ You can find more information on my website: https://pastorjohndunning.com/ You can hear my personal testimony on this website: https://www.ifyouonlyknew.life/

The Old Testament is filled to the brim with allusions and depictions of Christ. All we have to do is discover them with a little diligence and cross-referencing. In today's message, Pastor Johnny reflects on the depictions of Christ found in the Old Covenant practices that Israel was instructed to follow.

Did the New Covenant replace the Old Covenant, or are we suppose to combine practices and traditions from both in order to serve God? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the Bible's story didn't start in Genesis, but in eternity past? Discover the eternal covenant between Father and Son that shapes all of Scripture and salvation history. In this episode of Remnant Radio, Joshua Lewis sits down with Dr. Ryan McGraw, professor of systematic theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to unpack the powerful doctrine of Covenant Theology. But this isn't just about ancient agreements—it's about the eternal plan of salvation crafted before time began. Dr. McGraw lays out the “covenant of redemption,” the intra-Trinitarian agreement between the Father and the Son to redeem a people through the perfect obedience and atoning death of Christ. This covenant provides the foundation for everything that unfolds in redemptive history—from Adam's failure under the covenant of works, to the unfolding covenant of grace that culminates in Christ and continues through the Church.Together, they trace the storyline of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, showing how the theme of covenant brings coherence and clarity to God's dealings with His people. You'll hear how the law reveals not just commands, but the very character of God; how the gospel is embedded even in the earliest pages of the Old Testament; and how the biblical distinction between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent runs throughout all redemptive history. Whether you're new to covenant theology or looking to deepen your theological roots, this episode will help you see that the Bible is not a disjointed anthology—but a breathtaking, unified narrative of God's eternal purpose in Christ. ABOUT THE GUEST:

Just because it's different doesn't mean that it's wrong. It's just different." As we think of loving others based on Christ's summation of all the Old Covenant law, the question remains, "Do we love people?" Sometimes people are difficult to love, but Christ calls us to do so. Join David, TJ, and Alex as they seek to help us learn from each other as to how we can love others. --- Submit a question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this pivotal message, Pastor Randy unpacks the biblical context of tithing under the Old Covenant. From Mosaic law to Malachi's rebuke, this teaching clarifies what the “whole tithe” really meant—more than just 10%, and far more complex than we've often been told.   We explore how the tithe functioned as national support, community celebration, and local care for the poor. Pastor Randy also addresses the misinterpretation of Malachi 3 and reminds us that biblical generosity was never meant to be driven by fear or guilt.   This message may challenge your assumptions—but it's rooted in covenant clarity, not controversy.   From Sunday 05.11.25

Because God called Israel into covenant faithfulness under the old covenant through Moses, we must learn to see both the continuity and discontinuity in what he required of them as we seek to apply these same words as God's word in our lives under the new covenant in Christ. I. Covenant Context Matters II. The Old Covenant Context of the Ten Words vv 2-6III. The Purpose of God for Israel Under the Old Covenant vv 5-6

In the fourteenth episode of "The Cross," Duane Sheriff explores the depth of God's love and forgiveness as demonstrated by the cross. Jesus died once as a sacrifice to provide complete and eternal forgiveness for all our sins - past, present, and future. The Old Covenant included repetitive sacrifices, while the New Covenant established Jesus' one-time, all-encompassing atonement for our sins. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as our eternal High Priest, who offered Himself once and for all. God's love is so infinite that He forgave our sins even before we committed them.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/the-cross/

In this week's episode, we dive into part 3 of our series on Hell - challenging traditional beliefs about hell, unpacking Jewish and early church perspectives, and exploring why fear has no place in the gospel. We share listener feedback, address theological criticism, and ask some hard but necessary questions about God's love, judgment, and what it really means to follow Jesus.Whether you're curious, skeptical, or wrestling with your own faith journey, this conversation is meant to open dialogue - not shut it down.00:00 - Welcome & Podcast Intro00:23 - The Purpose Behind These Conversations01:16 - Feedback and Questions from Listeners02:04 - Responding to Online Criticism03:30 - Coloring Books, Theology, and Humor05:06 - Nearly 100K Downloads & Gratitude05:41 - Preaching About Hell at Church06:54 - Why We Talk About Hell Publicly07:59 - Announcing the New Ebook on Judgment & Wrath08:42 - Week 3: What the Hell Series Intro09:27 - Recap of the Four Hell Words in Scripture10:04 - Diversity of Jewish Thought on the Afterlife11:19 - Olam Haba & Resurrection Beliefs11:59 - Gehenna as Temporary Purification12:48 - Recommended Deep Dive: John Crowder Teaching13:35 - God's Fire as Healing, Not Harm14:12 - Powerful Quotes About God's Wrath14:52 - Fire Reveals the True Self16:00 - The Real Goal: Removing Fear from Theology17:04 - Biblical Love Casts Out Fear17:16 - A Biblical View of Hell as Earthly Experience18:19 - Hell as Earthly Suffering, Not Afterlife Threat19:02 - 70 AD vs. Afterlife: What Was Jesus Talking About?19:49 - Hell Shouldn't Be in Gospel Presentations20:56 - Adam vs. Jesus: Who Holds More Power?21:25 - Paul's Gospel Never Mentions Hell22:10 - What the Disciples Did—and Didn't—Say About Hell23:16 - No NT Precedent for Hell in the Gospel23:49 - Old Covenant vs. New Covenant Logic Breakdown24:46 - Jesus as High Priest vs. OT Priests25:12 - Challenging Question: Is Eternal Hell Logical?26:04 - The Tragic Case of Andrea Yates27:06 - Atonement Theory Breakdown: Did Jesus Suffer Hell?28:13 - Jesus Defeated Death—Not Suffering in It28:42 - God Is Love, Not Death and Torture29:18 - Defining Hell: No Longer Being Able to Love29:35 - Empowerment to Manifest Heaven30:15 - Manifesting Heaven or Hell: You Choose30:49 - Closing Reminder: You Are Loved

This sermon analyzes the significance of Communion, drawing insights from the Gospel of Mark and other biblical passages. It explores the historical context of the Last Supper as both the final Passover and the first Communion, emphasizing Jesus' sacrifice as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. The sermon also interprets the symbolic meaning of the bread as Christ's body and participation in the Christian community, and the cup as representing the new covenant established by His blood.

Law and the Real Sabbath (1) (audio) David Eells – 5/4/25 First, let me say that we do have a Sabbath to keep in the New Covenant. If you, who have eyes to see, will be patient and hear me out, I will show you that it is the best news you have ever heard. The Sunday Sabbath folks want to bring us under the law of man, and the Saturday Sabbath folks want to bring us under the Law of the Old Covenant, which God refused to make with the Gentiles (Psa.147:19,20; Deu.7:6,11). If you hold either one of these positions, do not be afraid to examine this subject for the truth will hold up to scriptural scrutiny. The early church kept neither Sunday nor Saturday as the New Testament Sabbath until a great falling away in the third century. The Old Covenant Saturday Sabbath was a type and shadow of what is promised in the New Covenant, but as we will see, Sunday is not the fulfillment of it. (Col.2:16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day: (17) which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's. As anyone knows, a shadow is not real; it is only darkness. It is created because what is real is in the light. When Christians try to keep the Old Covenant Sabbath, they are in darkness and have not yet come into the light of the real Sabbath. The Jews never knew what the real Sabbath was, only the shadow or type of the New Testament Sabbath. God never made the Law covenant with the Gentiles. For a Christian to come under part of the Law, like the old Sabbath, is to come under a curse for not keeping the whole Law. (Gal.3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. Christ delivered us from the curse of failing to keep any part of God's Law. (13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. We are now justified by faith, not by keeping any part of the Law. Paul then warned the Christians not to go back under the Law in observing feast days and Sabbath days. (Gal.4:9) but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. (11) I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain. Paul warned by the Spirit that these believers could not be Christ-like under the Law. (19) My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you. Paul then warned that the Christians who go back under the Law are sons of the bondwoman Hagar and not the freewoman Sarah. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (22) For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. (23) Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. Here we come to a stern warning for those seeking to be justified by keeping the Old Covenant Sabbath or any other part of the shadow of the Law. (30) Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. For a Christian to go under any part of the Law is for him to go into bondage and be cut off from the benefits of Christ. (5:1) For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. (2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision (Or any other part of the Law), Christ will profit you nothing. (3) Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision (Or any other part of the Law), that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (4) Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. We are “severed from Christ” when we do not follow or abide in Him, but the Law. Only under grace through faith are we united with Christ through justification and delivered from the curse. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles told us to keep the Old Covenant Sabbath. Jesus always appeared to the disciples and taught on the Lord's day after His resurrection because it was His resurrection day, the first day of the week (Luk.24:1,13; Luk.27-32; Joh.20:1,17,19, 26; Rev.1:10-13). The disciples gathered on the first day of the week (Act.20:7; 1Co.16:1,2). However, they did not make the Lord's Day into a command or law, but a custom; and they never claimed it was the Sabbath. Apostate men did that. Jesus and the disciples went to the Jews on their Sabbath to evangelize them and bring them into the New Covenant Sabbath rest through the promises. Jesus was constantly accused of breaking their shadow Sabbath (Mat.12:2; Joh.5:16-19; 9:16) because He was not under the Law. We will also be accused of this if we follow in His steps instead of being “severed from Christ” by keeping a Law that was never given to us. The Apostles and elders in Acts 15 were gathered together to see whether to bring the Gentiles under the Law. They came to a conclusion that those under the Sabbath Law need to understand. (Act.15:19) Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Gentiles turn to God; (20) but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. These few things he commanded so that the Jews would not consider them anathema. This was important for the Jews' sake so that they could be evangelized. (21) For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him (Law), being read in the synagogues every Sabbath. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.... Notice that the Sabbath was not commanded of the Gentiles. Neither were a lot of other things that the legalists bring the ignorant Christians under. The Law passed away and was fulfilled in Christ, except for those whose hearts are blinded by the veil. (2Co.3:12) Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, (13) and [are] not as Moses, [who] put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away: (14) but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed [to them] that it is done away in Christ. (15) But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. (16) But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Don't go into bondage with the veil of Old Covenant Laws, which are just shadows or parables of what was to come. Now we, with an unveiled face see the New Covenant in Christ. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, [there] is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. The Law was cancelled because it could not complete or make perfect, because it was only a shadow of the good things to come in the New Covenant. (Heb.7:18) For there is a disannulling (Greek: Annulled or cancelled) of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness (19) (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope (The New covenant through grace), through which we draw nigh unto God. The purpose of those under the Law was to give us a shadow or parable of the great things to come. (Heb.8:5) who serve [that which is] a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned [of God] when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount. (6) But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. (7) For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second. (8) For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; (9) Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers ... (13) In that he saith, A new [covenant] he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away. (10:1) For the law having a shadow of the good [things] to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh. The Law was always planned to be a temporary shadow. (Gal.3:19) What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made... So there was an end of the Olde Covenant law. The Sabbath was eternal as the legalists will tell you (Exo.31:16). So how could it be eternal and still pass away? What they do not understand is that it changed from letter to spirit in the New Covenant (2Co.3:2-11). The letter of the type, shadow, or parable as taught in the Old Covenant is now fulfilled in the spirit of the New Covenant. Jesus said in (Mat.5:17) Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. So now we must fulfill the parable. Fulfilling or accomplishing the Law is not the same as being under the Old Covenant Law as Jesus went on to demonstrate. (21) Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time (Notice that the Law was spoken unto them, not us.), Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (22) but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment. Notice that Jesus changed the Law from regulations of our actions to regulations of our heart, as the prophets said would come (Jer.31:33) But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Those who do not permit anger in their heart will fulfill the Law and not kill. (27) Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: (28) but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Jesus interpreted the Law again. If we do what He says and avoid lust, we will fulfill the Law by not committing adultery. Jesus continued to demonstrate how changing the Law from outer actions to inner nature will fulfill it (Mat.5:33, 43). If God changed all these Laws in order to fulfill them, then He did the same with the Sabbath. The Sabbath was meant to be a change in our nature rather than a regulation of our actions, one day a week. If a person rests from his own works every day by believing in Christ's finished work, he will certainly fulfill the Law of resting for one day. The Law will be fulfilled in us, but not by keeping the letter, “For the letter kills but the spirit gives life”. It will be fulfilled through us as we walk in and by the Spirit. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. When you see what's written in the shadow of the Law, you must look in the New Covenant to find out what the fulfillment is. Circumcision was necessary under penalty of death, but Paul, by the Spirit, changed it from a carnal shadow to the spiritual fulfillment of baptism. (Col.2:11) ... in the circumcision of Christ; (12) having been buried with him in baptism. Under the Old Covenant, we were 90% owners and 10% stewards but according to Jesus, we are now 100% stewards, or we are not really disciples. (Luk.14:33) So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. To Peter, it was revealed that the Old Covenant carnal restriction on eating unclean beasts was spiritually a restriction of partaking of unclean people, which Solomon called beasts (Ecc.3:18), and the gospel solves that problem. (Act.10:11) and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth: 12 wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean. 15 And a voice [came] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. Then Peter was sent with the gospel to the Gentiles and got the revelation that they were the unclean beasts that God had cleansed. (28) and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and [yet] unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean. As you can see, it was the habit of Jesus and the disciples to translate the shadow to the spiritual reality. It is a violation of the Spirit to bring old Covenant ceremonial laws into the New Covenant without translating them. Since this is so, we must find out what the Sabbath translates to. Let me explain the New Testament Sabbath rest. The Sabbath shadow was to cease from man's works one day a week. But we are commanded to do this every day.  We can cease from works of religious self-justification, works of the flesh, and various forms of salvation by man's works, through faith in the work that Christ has already accomplished. Jesus said, “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive (Greek: received) them, and ye shall have them (Mar.11:24). Why believe that we have received everything? Notice in the following verses that all things have been received by us and that the only thing left is for us to believe it. Also note the past-tense of our sacrificial provision in the following verses: (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; (1Pe.2:24) Who his own self bare our sins in his body ...by whose stripes ye were healed; (Col.1:13) Who delivered us out of the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (2Co.5:18) ...who reconciled us to himself; (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ, and its no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse; (1Pe.1:3) ...the Father ...begat us again ...by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Heb.10:10) We ...have been sanctified ...; (14) He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; (Eph.1:3) ...who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and God (2Pe.1:3) hath granted unto us all things .... Jesus told us in His day which, of course, is also in the past that “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (Joh.12:31); “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Joh.16:33); “It is finished” (Joh.19:30). This is why we are to believe we have received. The devil and the curse were conquered. We were saved, healed, delivered, and provided for. We can rest from our own works to accomplish this when we truly believe. Let me give you an example. (1Pe.2:24) who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. The one who believes that Jesus already “bare our sins” considers himself delivered and can rest. He no longer has to worry about how to be delivered because he reckons himself to be “dead unto sin but alive unto God” (Rom.6:11). He reckons within himself, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me” (Gal.2:20). He can rest. Notice that the one who believes that “by whose stripes ye were healed” never has to resort to his own works to get healed. All he has to do is rest and receive it by faith. If a man continues to try to get healed when the Word says he was healed, he shows he does not believe the Word. He has not ceased from his own works to enter the rest by believing 1 Peter 2:24. All the sacrificial promises are past-tense to cause us to rest from our works every day. Redemption from the curse is truly finished! In fact, God's “works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Heb.4:3) when He spoke the plan into existence. The only thing left is for the true sons of God to enter into those works by faith, believing they have received. Since the works are finished, we should believe and rest from our own works to save, heal, and deliver ourselves. (3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest. Notice it is not the one who ceases from works on Saturday or Sunday but the one who believes who enters the New Covenant Sabbath rest every day. (9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. This constant “keeping of rest” every day, not one day a week, through the past-tense promises, is our spiritual Sabbath. (10) For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. This rest is to believe these past-tense promises and rest from our own works or man's works to save ourselves. Our faith in each of these promises brings us into more of the rest. We should be diligent not to leave out even one of these promises for our own good. (Heb.4:1) Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. (2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. This is true faith and always brings the answer. Through believing the promises, we enter into rest from our own works. For a child of God to say that they believe they have received and yet continue seeking to receive, usually through worldly methods, is to be double-minded. (Jas.1:6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. Those who continue to work for what God has freely given believe in salvation by works. (Heb.4:10) For he that is entered into his rest, hath himself also rested from his works. (Jas.3:19) And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. Since the promises of deliverance from the curse are past-tense, when we believe them, we must stop working. It is an evil heart of unbelief to not rest. God was angry with Israel because they would not believe His Word in their trial in the wilderness (Heb.3:8-10). (Heb.3:11) As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest (the Sabbath!). (12) Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God .... (14) We are become partakers of Christ (His health, holiness, and blessing) if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. When we believe we have received, we are put in a position of weakness because we cannot do anything to bring the desired result to pass. This weakness is rest in our wilderness experiences because there is no help from Egypt or the world there. Only God's power saves in the wilderness. God says, “My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor.12:9). If we refuse to be weak, God refuses to be strong on our behalf. Our weapon against our enemies who try to talk us out of our covenant rights is the two-edged sword of these past-tense promises (Heb.4:11,12). Let me share with you a good example of the power of the true gospel through faith in our past provision. Several years ago, I ran across a lady who had two large, inoperable tumors. She listed for me several famous preachers she had been to, who had prayed for her to be healed. She said to me, “David, I just don't understand why I have not been healed”. I said, “You just told me why you have not been healed. You are looking in the wrong direction. Turn around and look behind you for 'by whose stripes ye were healed' (1Pe.2:24). You are looking forward to a healing that happened behind you. You have a little hope, but no faith. Faith 'calls the things that be not (in this case, healing) as though they were' (Rom.4:17). Faith looks back at what was accomplished at the cross, but hope looks forward to what will be accomplished. Jesus said, 'All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for believe that ye receive (Greek: “received”) them, and ye shall have them' (Mar.11:24). That is the gospel, sister, that you must believe”. With these few words, I saw the light come on in her eyes; and her face brighten up. I said, “Now we are going to pray one more time; but this time believe the Scriptures, and believe you have received whether you see an instant manifestation, or not”. She agreed, so I rebuked the infirmity and commanded her to be healed in Jesus' name. She instantly felt the tumors leave. We rejoiced and thanked God together. I said, “Sister, that is the first time you believed the true gospel concerning your healing. If you had done that when those other preachers prayed, you would have been healed.” Because she, through faith, entered into rest from her own works to save herself, she saw the works of Jesus. Many do not receive from God because they do not keep our Sabbath through faith. Many years ago, I had a dream about resting from my works in order to be caught up by the power of God to do His works. In scene one, my wife and I were resting in lawn chairs in front of our house. Our gaze was riveted on the power line that crossed our property because it was sagging between the power poles so much that it almost touched the ground. As we watched and rested, a tornado came over that power line and picked us up out of our chairs and carried us away. Interpretation: God helped me to understand this prophetic dream. As we cease from our works and enter into the rest (the lawn chairs), the power of man (power line) comes to an end, and the power of God (tornado or whirlwind) takes over. God only gives this power to those who cease from their own works, even religious works, to follow His Spirit because they believe the promises. In scene two, I found myself in front of a large church. I walked through the front door and standing in the foyer was an “old man” in a suit. I avoided this old man as if he were a rattlesnake and went into the sanctuary, so-called. I saw there a large double sink, full of water. In the water were babies; they were faced down and most were dead. I quickly went to the sink, picked up a baby, and held him in the air. He spoke to me saying, “Thank God, I knew he was going to send someone”. Interpretation: I was made to know that there are many carnal ministers (old man - Eph.4:22; Col.3:9,10) who are trying to wash up the people of God (babies in the sink) by using the word as the letter of the Law (which is the water in Eph.5:26) and they're killing them instead. (2Co.3:6) who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. The letter of the Law that is taught by the Pharisees of today only gets our eyes on our own earthly ability or inability, like being face down in the water, which kills. Many are they that sit under the condemnation of the Law, which is a powerless false gospel, only to give up in their failure to please God and go back into the world or die on a church pew. We cannot pick ourselves up by our bootstraps or be saved by our own self-will. This is an understanding that is from the earth, and is face down. Seeking this is to be “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Ti.3:7) that sets free. Jesus purposely spoke in parables so that only those who have eyes and ears for heavenly things would understand (Mat.13:10-14). These seek a knowledge that is born from above, I.e., face up. (Mat.16:17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. As always, those whose understanding is “face up” will be fought by those whose understanding is “face down”. The good news of the promises is the power of God given freely to save the one who believes (Rom.1:16). These promises get our eyes on God's ability and provision or face up. These promises give faith (Rom.10:17) to get grace (Eph.2:8) in order to have the power to live the Christian life and cease from our works. The Jews complained that Jesus' disciples were breaking the Sabbath by harvesting grain to eat (Mat.12:1,2), which was true according to the Law (Exo.31:14-17). Jesus replied to them; (Mat.12:5) Or have ye not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? Notice that He was proclaiming that His disciples were guiltless for profaning the old Sabbath. The priests, in order to fulfill the Sabbath, had to work in the temple. They did the work of God as we should also. Jesus was rebuked for healing on the Sabbath. Those outside the temple had to cease from their own works. (6) But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here. Jesus is our New Testament temple. We who abide in Him must work His works in order to fulfill the Sabbath. We must work the works of our Father, for we are the priests of God. (Rev.1:6) and he made us [to be] a kingdom, [to be] priests unto his God and Father .... Those who do not abide in Him have not ceased from their own works and are breaking the real Sabbath. Those who follow Christ as Lord are keeping the Sabbath, for He is Lord of the Sabbath. (Mat.12:8) For the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath. If we follow the Lord, then we have rested from our works to do His works. (Joh.14:12) ... he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. If we follow the Law, we are cut off from Christ and grace and cannot be keeping the real Sabbath (Gal.5:4). Those seeking to keep the Law of the Sabbath are instead breaking it because they are not resting from the works of the Law. Those under the Law, who condemn us for following Christ on Saturday or Sunday, condemn the guiltless. (Mat.12:7) But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; ye would not have condemned the guiltless. We are to work and do good on our Sabbath. All good is legal on our Sabbath, every day, but our old works are not. (12) ...Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day. Good, of course, is God's works. (Joh.5:16) And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath. (17) But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work. Notice that Jesus worked His Father's works even on their shadow Sabbath. Then Jesus specified what works are legal on our Sabbath. (19) ...The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. We see here that works that come from self are illegal on our Sabbath, but works that our Father does through us are not. (30) I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. As sons seeking the will of God, we also may work the works of God on our spiritual Sabbath but not the works of self. Even the Old Covenant gives us clues to this principle. (Isa.58:13) If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, [and] the holy of Jehovah honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: (14) then shalt thou delight thyself in Jehovah; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it. Jesus said that He always did the will of His Father. Therefore He always rested from His own works, and those who follow Him do also. God gives the same Spirit that Jesus had to those who wish to be empowered to follow Him and so keep the real Sabbath. (Isa.28:11) Nay, but by [men of] strange lips and with another tongue will he speak to this people; (12) to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Paul declared this verse to be a promise to those who are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues in the New Covenant (1 Cor.14:21). Jews and Christians who refuse this Spirit to rest from the works of the Law, including the old Sabbath, are said to be those who “would not hear”. If we receive and follow the Spirit, we are not under the Sabbath or any of the Law. (Gal.5:18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Those who receive the Spirit are empowered to live in Christ, which is the rest from the works and curse of the old Law. (Rom.8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. We are under the Law of the Spirit. Except for prophets and kings, Israel did not have this Spirit to guide and empower them, and therefore needed rules and regulations on their external conduct. Those who live by the Spirit of life in Christ naturally fulfill the Law, which has been written in their hearts. Those who live in Christ by the Spirit cease from their own works every day. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Jesus said that those who received the Spirit would be witnesses of Him to the world (Acts 1:8). Jesus and His apostles never commanded to cease from work on a day. (Mat.11:28) Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden (with the Law [Mat.23:4]), and I will give you rest. The problem is that we are in and out of the rest like we are in and out of Christ. Abiding in Christ is resting in our promised benefits. Some say God gave us the gift of eternal life so he can't take it back. In Gal.3:16 we are told “to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ”. You see, the promises were given to Christ, not to you. The only way the promises are yours is if you abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is: bearing His fruit (Joh.15:1-6), walking as he walked (1Jn.2:3-6), believing the same teachings given by Jesus and the apostles without adding or subtracting (1Jn.2:24 / Jude 3 / Mat.28:20 / Rev.22,18,19), not walking in willful sin (1Jn.3:5,6), keeping his commandments (1Jn.3:24). 1Jn.5:11 says that “God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” and that is the only place we can claim this gift. God doesn't have to take it back, his people walk out of it. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body (1Co.6:18). If we walk in willful sin, we are not abiding in his body, for there is “no sin in him” (1Jn.3:5,6). Sins of ignorance or failure are covered by the blood (Rom.7:15-8:2) but willful sin is always judged. (Heb.10:26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. The Spirit of life in Christ empowers us to walk in Him by faith in His promises. (Heb.4:9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. This constant “keeping of rest” is every day, not one day a week. Paul, comparing the weak in faith with those who are mature, said, (Rom.14:5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. In our Covenant, every day is the Sabbath rest. As he said in Gal.4:9,10, “how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? Ye observe days”. Our Sabbath is freedom from bondage to the works of the Law. Since Jesus took away our sins, it is freedom from fleshly works too. (Psa.118:24) This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Old Jerusalem ruled over God's physical Old Testament people just as New Jerusalem rules over God's spiritual New Testament people. Paul declared that we have come to this spiritual city. He showed us that it is not a physical city that can be touched. (Heb.12:18) For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched ... (22) but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem ... (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.... Jesus' called-out ones come to this mountain. This is the place of God's continual rest. (Psa.132:13) For Jehovah hath chosen Zion... (14) This is my resting-place for ever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Unlike those under the Law, we are not to dwell outside the temple and go there occasionally, nor are we to dwell outside the rest six days and only dwell in it one. Those who dwell in this spiritual Jerusalem remain in God's resting place. There is only one day in the New Testament Jerusalem, the spiritual city of God. That day is the real Sabbath. (Rev.21:25) And the gates thereof shall in no wise be shut by day (for there shall be no night there). Notice that there is one day and no night in the city of God where the Lamb is the light (23). There is no darkness to break up the one day of God's work for those who abide in Christ. (1Jn.1:5) And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Those who abide in God continue in the light of day doing His works. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Those who walk in the light of our day are always in the presence of the sun (Son). Night is to have the earth between you and the sun (Son). Our flesh came from the earth (Gen.2:7) and symbolizes the earth. When the works of our flesh come between us and the Son, we are living in the darkness of night. If we are in this idolatry with the world, whether this means our flesh or the things of the world (1Jn.2:15,16), we live in the night. Walking in the light of our one Sabbath day, the works of man are destroyed. I want to remind you that the Law is a shadow, and if you are under a shadow you are not in the light. The saints live in the lighted day of ceasing from their own works, especially the works of the Law, while the wicked live in the dark night of their own works. (1Th.5:5) For ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day (the Sabbath): we are not of the night, nor of darkness; (6) so then let us not sleep (Having their eyes closed to the light of the Son), as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. (8) But let us, since we are of the day (the Sabbath), be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. As long as Jesus has been in this world, either in His first body or His second corporate body, it has been day. (Joh.9:5) When I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (Mat.5:14) Ye are the light of the world. That only makes one day as long as the saints are here. (Joh.9:4) We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day (When we are ceasing from our works to do His, it is the Sabbath day.): the night cometh, when no man can work. Our works in Christ for this world are over when the Lord comes for us and then night comes for the judgment of the world. (1Th.5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them... After the tribulation, the light of the world will be gone! (Mat.24:29) But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven (This is the falling away and reprobation of 1/3 of the stars, representing the spiritual seed of Abraham [Rev.6:12-14; Gen.22:17]). The darkening of the light of this world here is physical as well as spiritual. Joseph shared a dream that clearly showed that the people of God spiritually are the sun, moon, and stars, “the light of this world”. (Gen.37:9) ...behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me. (10) And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? Starting as a star glory, Joseph went to his cross in Egypt and was promoted in glory above his brethren, the children of Israel. We grow from star glory to moon glory and then to sun glory as we continue to walk in the light that God gives us (2Co.3:18). Paul agreed that the saints manifest these three glories in 1Co.15:41,42. Now we can see that when the Lord comes and takes His sun, moon, and star glory saints, the world will be left in the darkness of night. (Mat.24:29) But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven. (30) ...and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (31) And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect...Glory to God! Jesus taught that the whole Christian New Covenant era on earth is only one day. (Joh.11:9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. (10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. Those who walk in this continual Sabbath day walk in the light. This spiritual day lasts until the judgment. (Mat.20:1) For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. Jesus started hiring laborers for His vineyard first thing in the morning, which was almost 2000 years ago. Then He gives examples of going out to hire all during the day, the third hour (verse 6), the sixth and ninth hour (verse 5), and the eleventh hour (verses 6-9). Of the eleventh hour people it was said, “These last have spent [but] one hour” (12). Then at the twelfth hour He called in all of His servants to give them their reward. (8) And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. Jesus calls in all of His servants to face Him and receive their reward at His coming. (Rev.22:12) Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. Midnight is the twelfth hour when the Lord comes for the virgins (Mat.25:6) and also the time when the saints leave the Egypt of this world (Exo.29:12-31). At this time, even though it is midnight for the world, the saints are walking with lamps full of Holy Spirit light (Mat.25:4). From Jesus' first coming to His second coming is one day. This one day incorporates the whole Christian New Covenant era on earth. It should not surprise us that God could change something as important as the Sabbath from many carnal days to one spiritual day. He changed something much more important, our sacrifice, from many carnal sacrifices to one spiritual sacrifice, our Lord Jesus. The Lord again defines our rest as a corporate day that covers every day. (Heb.4:6) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings (the promises) were before preached failed to enter in (Even though they kept the Saturday Sabbath) because of disobedience (Greek: “apeitheia” also means unbelief), (7) he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice (the promises), Harden not your hearts. (Today is any day that you are presently in. Since this verse was written to all saints throughout the New Covenant, then “today” is every day that they live in. God was telling us that when you hear His promises, do not harden your heart as Israel did, but believe to enter the rest in the day that you live in.) (8) For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. Today is that day saints, not Saturday or Sunday. Five times in this text, God uses the term “To-day” to define the rest. (3:13) but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. “Day by day” it has been “called To-day” for almost 2000 years. (4:9) There remaineth therefore a Sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. God has been merciful to our ignorance of this true Sabbath, but judgment will now be seen the world over because we have come to a second spiritual type of the Sabbath. (2Pe.3:8) But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Having read the writings of the early church fathers, I can tell you that they commonly believed in the one thousand-year prophetic day and that after six of these days from the beginning, the end time judgment would come. The Hindus, Muslims, and the Jews also believed this. Gibbon in The Rise And Fall of The Roman Empire said that the early Christians believed this. The Bible is laid out in seven prophetic one-thousand-year days. These days are numbered from the creation of Adam. There were four thousand years or four days between Adam and Jesus. Since the days of Jesus, the calendar has been tampered with extensively, but most researchers believe we are close to traversing two more days and coming to the beginning of the seventh, thousand-year period from Adam. Besides the regular spiritual Sabbath that we have already spoken of, this seventh, thousand-year day is a second spiritual Sabbath. When the body of Christ was crucified, it was a high Sabbath (Joh.19:31). That means it was a regular Sabbath and a second Passover Sabbath. This second spiritual Sabbath will also be a Passover Sabbath for those who have eaten the Lamb and are about to leave the Egypt of this world. This will also be a crucifixion to the fleshly works of the body of Christ. According to the shadow, when this end-time second spiritual Sabbath begins, God will judge those who go on in their own works. (Exo.31:12) And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily ye shall keep my sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you. Christians who try to keep the Sabbath in the “letter” don't understand this because they don't see that this is a “sign”. (15) Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. This is also the time when He finishes His creative work. (Gen.2:2) And on the seventh day God finished his work, which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work, which he had made. According to this type, God is about to finish His new creation work during this morning of the seventh day and rest. Every man's work will be proven by the fiery trial on the one day Sabbath. (1Co.3:12) But if any man buildeth on the foundation (of Christ) gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day (one Sabbath) shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. The wood, hay, and stubble of man's works will burn up on God's Sabbath day because, according to the shadow, there is judgment against man's work on the Sabbath. (Exo.31:14) Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Since there is only one Sabbath day, we have to rest every day from our own works, as the rest of the New Testament also teaches. (Rev.2:23) ... I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. (25) And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations. (Exo.31:15) Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Let's look again at this verse about the refreshing in Isa 28:11 Nay, but by men of strange lips and with another tongue will he speak to this people; 12 to whom he said, This is the rest, give ye rest to him that is weary; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. This refreshing is coming again on the morning of the 3rd day (which is the Sabbath). There's going to be a change in the way God will deal with man when this millennium begins. There must be a ceasing from a Christian's own works and enter into the rest. Man's works have been going on in the church for six days (six thousand years). The church has been falling away from keeping the true Sabbath and we're coming to a time where if you don't cease from your own works, you will be cut off from the Body of Christ. There are many Sabbaths. There's the 7th day Sabbath, the 49th year Sabbath, there's the 50th year Sabbath, and there's the 7th millennium Sabbath. There's a Sabbath called the Jubilee. A Jubilee is a year. There are 120 Jubilees every 50 years. 120 Jubilees till Noah and another 120 till the next Noah. Noah means rest. So, 120 Jubilee years until the beginning of the Sabbath. 120 Jubilee Sabbaths bring us to the actual year 6000. We are entering into the prophetic Sabbath or the millennial Sabbath.   Reconciled to God Php 4:19  And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  (“Every need”, not greed. “Every” would include Spiritual, physical, emotional needs.)   What is faith? Heb 11:1  Now faith is assurance [substance?] of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. When you believe for something that is not yet seen, that is faith. How do we have God's faith to receive every need? Mar 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have God's faith. (This is according to the numeric pattern proof.)  23  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24  Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Numeric) them, and ye shall have them. (This is exactly what Quantum Physics, or Quantum Mechanics has proven, Jesus said it first. And here is an important condition to receiving. 25  And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  Col 1:19  For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; 20  and through him to reconcile (The Greek: kattallasso means “exchange” of Jesus' life for ours) all things(not Numeric) unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things those (Numeric) in the heavens. (Notice: He is not speaking of things but His people) 21  And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, 22  yet now hath he reconciled (exchanged) in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: 23  if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.  First the sons and daughters of God are exchanged and then Christ in them can deliver the creation. Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20  For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope 21  that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. The Lord told me that he bore the symbol of the cursed creation upon the cross. It was the crown of thorns. As we manifest our sonship we have authority over the cursed creation. We can pray for our grass, dogs, cows, bugs, trees, neighbors, etc.  Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:.. 2Co 5:14  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15  and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again. 16  Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. 17  Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things (not Numeric) are passed away; behold, they are become new. 18  But all things (not Numeric) are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (We reconcile others by showing them the exchange.) 20  We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God. 21  Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.    Believe You Received and Rest Suani Guzman - 01/09/2010 I want to share a quick dream that helped me a lot. We all know that we must abide in the Sabbath Rest and boldly speak the good confession, but we don't always do it. So the Lord has to remind us sometimes. I have been going through some hard trials with caring for my elderly parents. I don't want to impose my faith on them but at the same time I'm trying to stand for their spiritual and physical salvation. The Lord impressed upon me that I must abide in the rest or the enormity of the problem will overwhelm me. In the dream, my husband and I had a truck in which we went sightseeing. We parked it and left for a walk. When we came back, the truck was a wreck -- another car had hit it really badly, and it was ruined. My husband, Raul, and another man tried to fix it. I went to help. I stood there and said something like, “Jesus had fixed it”. When those words left my mouth, the truck was immediately transformed into being whole again. I was so on fire and praised God and started to witness boldly to everyone about what Jesus had just done. We then left and, as we went, the truck started to stall and I said, “Oh no, it's healed”, and immediately it got power again. That happened twice. Then we got on a freeway full of cars. We were on the outer lane and struggling up a very, very steep hill. We were driving with two tires on the road and two in a ditch. The car couldn't go up like that, so it flipped over about two times and landed away from the road. So we stopped to consider the hill. By sight, it looked almost impossible to climb. We tried to figure out another way, but could see no other way. I thought that it was going to take all my strength to do it, and still it would not be enough. End of dream. (What is impossible with men is possible with God. We must trust His promises not our works.) Mar.11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Greek) them, and ye shall have them. Heb.4:2 For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. (3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (9) There remaineth therefore a sabbath (Greek: Sabatismos -- a continual rest) rest for the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. (11) Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. Building the “Resting” Church  Eve Brast - 08/11/2012 (David's notes in red) | (Deb Horton's notes in green)  I dreamed I was driving east (faceing toward the coming of the Son) toward Dallas on a large highway with very sparse traffic on it. (The highway of holiness going to Dallas, which means “meadow dwelling”.) (A place of feeding with the flock.) It was dark but I could see a little light on the horizon in the east. (Near to the coming of the Lord in the Man-child on the morning of the seventh thousand year-day.) I was going to an eight-story hospital building that was under construction (the true Church of the called-out ones is being built), where my husband (representing Jesus) had instructed me to meet him. The building was oval-shaped and not square. (The building was eternal without beginning or end because of its shape and eight floors. (An “8” lying down is the sign for infinity or eternity and “8” is the number of Jesus. Since it's lying down, it could mean resting in Jesus. A hospital is a place for healing the sick, spiritually and physically, which the Church is supposed to be.)  I pulled into the parking garage and parked my old, gray (indicating mixture of good and evil, white and black), five-speed (grace received to get to this point) manual (not automatic, works by self), 1980 Toyota Corolla that had been my first car when I learned to drive. (Our first car represents our first ways of rest in the Lord. To park is a sign of coming into maturity through rest.) I went inside the building with my son's blue backpack containing surgical instruments and food my husband had asked me to bring to him. (Man's burdens and works we bear until we reach the seventh floor of rest and give them over to Jesus. Mat.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.) I went into the ground floor lobby with a recently laid, highly polished wood floor (the human nature is under our feet to serve the spiritual man).   I waited at the only elevator (there's only one Way to God) to go up to the seventh floor (entering into the rest) (The first six floors represent the first six days of the different levels of man's works we do until we rest on the seventh spiritual day). I had to wait a bit because it was the only elevator. I was the only one waiting to go up. (The Bride will be the first to fully enter into the seventh-day rest.)  When the door opened, A black sister from UBM was the elevator attendant, but she was white and looked like me. (The white represents holiness.) She greeted me and began telling me how old the elevator was. (2000 years) She was an expert on this elevator. It was her assigned job in the building, and she knew everything about it. She told me that currently, the elevator only reaches the seventh floor, but when the construction is complete, it will go all the way up to the top, which is the eighth floor. (The eighth floor is Jesus and Heaven and new beginnings. When the building representing the Church is finished, we will go to the top, the eighth, heavenly floor.)  When I got off the elevator on the seventh floor, my husband passed by me wearing metal leg braces supported by a blue, padded waistband that girded his waist and metal crutches that braced around his forearms. (Our husband Jesus was strengthened by the Father to finish His pilgrimage as a type of the body.) (This reminds me of the command in Deuteronomy to bind the phylacteries, which are Scripture verses, on the forehead and hand, because the phylacteries are bound on the hand and are laced on from the forearm.) (David had a similar revelation where he was wearing leg braces. They strengthened his walk and helped him to stand.) (God's power is made perfect in our weakness.) He looked at me as he passed by with a knowing look (seeing eye to eye) and a smile, as if we shared a common understanding of something. (A common understanding of faith in the same promises brings people to the seventh floor of rest.) (Amo.3:3) Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?  Suddenly, I realized that I left my backpack on the elevator, or I thought I had, but it wasn't over my shoulder anymore. (We can't take our own provision or burdens to the seventh floor of the rest but we can give it all to Jesus there.) I became concerned (we will lose the rest if we think on our burdens) and turned around to push the button to go back down (A warning not to fall away from the rest).   While waiting for the elevator doors to open, I overheard an accountant from the hospital discussing a debt of $20 that they said I owed with another employee. (A warning that If we leave the rest of faith, we begin to bear the debt of sin again. The first mention of 20 in the Bible is Gen.6:3 And Jehovah said, My spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.) They said they had tried to call my cell phone to give me this report, but I wouldn't answer because I knew it was not really my debt and that I wasn't required to pay it. (The accuser will always try to convince you that you still owe the debt that Christ already paid for you.) (If one leaves the rest, they will be tempted even more so.)  When the elevator doors finally opened, a horde of people out of nowhere rushed into the elevator, as if desperate to get out of the building. (They were in their flesh and leaving the rest.) I calmly walked in but there was barely enough room. When the doors shut, we were warned that the ride down was much scarier than the ride up because the elevator went down really fast, and it did (Because this represents the falling away. We have seen people lose all the gain of years in moments.). But it slowed down midway for safety precautions (this could represent those who are neither hot nor cold -- the fence-sitters in the middle) (also, God makes a way for His people to change their mind and Return unto thy rest, O my soul Psa.116:7) and then it sped back up until it reached the ground floor.  As I got off the elevator, the morning sunshine streamed through the lobby windows (Jesus in the Man-child is manifesting). A surgeon from the hospital who was going up said, “Isn't it exciting that the building construction will be completed in a week?!” (After the seven years of the 70th week of the tribulation, the Church will be complete, and I believe this week will start very soon.) I turned around and said, “Yeah”. But the importance of what he had just announced didn't register with me. I was concerned about finding the backpack because my husband needed me to bring it to the hospital (to give that burden to him).  I hoped I would find the backpack in my car in the parking garage, since it had not been left in the elevator. I ran out to the car and found it (the burden was in the car, representing immaturity) and brought it back into the lobby and pushed the elevator button again.   When the doors opened, my sons Noah and Elijah came out of the elevator and passed me as I went in. They were eight-foot-tall, grown men! (Their “8” size indicates they have grown up in Jesus.) They gave me the same knowing look of common understanding and smile that my husband had given me. (The faith that brings relief from our burdens and works.) They said, “Don't worry, Mom. We have everything under control”. (Jesus in the Man-child ministry beginning to reign [having given their burdens to God].) Then I woke up.  Why would we bear the burdens of the curse if we believe what Jesus said? Mar.11:23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mat.18:18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.  When we pray and believe, we rest from all the curse. Gal.3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Abraham was blessed in all things. Not entering the rest or keeping the spiritual Sabbath is because of unbelief. Heb.3:11 As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. 12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: 14 for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:...  18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? 19 And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.

Send us a textWhat happens when God seals something? Like a king's signet ring pressed into wax, making law permanent and unchangeable, divine sealing represents security, authority, and completion. This profound theological concept unlocks our understanding of Daniel 9:24, which speaks of "sealing up vision and prophecy" as one of six elements fulfilled through Christ's first coming.Throughout Israel's history, God spoke through prophets who received visions about the coming Messiah. These messages served as guideposts, keeping Israel connected to their covenant-making God despite cycles of rebellion. But something transformative happened when Jesus arrived—the nature of divine revelation fundamentally changed.As Hebrews 1:1-2 beautifully articulates, "God, who at various times spoke through the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son." Christ became the ultimate revelation, the living Word, fulfilling what all previous prophets had foreseen. His coming didn't merely add to prophetic revelation; it completed and secured it, like a seal making a document official and unalterable.This understanding helps us navigate an important theological reality: while God continues speaking to His people today, He does so primarily through His completed Word and the Holy Spirit's illumination of that Word—not through new prophetic revelations that add to Scripture. As emphasized in this discussion, "The Holy Spirit will never teach us anything not contained within the pages of God's written word."The difference between Old Covenant prophecy and New Covenant revelation is stark: Israel received "types and shadows" pointing forward to redemption, while believers today possess the substance—Christ himself and his accomplished work. We don't anticipate new divine revelation; we look back on the completed revelation and forward to its ultimate fulfillment when Christ returns.The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Psalm 132 (The Message)Andrew and Edwin discuss Zion from the Old Covenant and also the new. In one sense, where we worship doesn't matter. In another sense, it matters very much.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21223The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Paul makes some closing arguments about the pointlessness of legalism: The story of Abraham revisited Ishmael represents the Old Covenant, and Isaac represents the New Covenant Why legalism makes people like Ishmael Why grace makes Christians like Isaac   Hey! Don't leave before looking at other P40 stuff:   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Hey everybody, thanks for tuning in to this week's message from Everyday Church! We're picking up where we left off, walking through the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant — and why it matters way more than you might think. Today we're talking about what happens when we try to mix the two, and why Jesus' New Covenant is so much better. It's not just head knowledge — it's about living free, living full, and living the way God intended.   From Sunday 04.27.25

Bible Discussion: We carefully examine what the Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage. We address common misunderstandings, showing that while adultery is a serious sin that can prevent someone from inheriting the kingdom of God, the Bible does not teach that all divorce and remarriage result in adultery. In the Old Covenant, divorce and remarriage were allowed, and Jesus' teachings correct the misuse of divorce by exposing the sinful motives behind wrongful divorces motivated by lust and selfishness. We explore Paul's writings, which emphasize that while God's desire is for marriages to remain intact, there are circumstances, including abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, where divorce and remarriage is permissible. This discussion encourages us to develop a biblically sound conviction on the heart of marriage, not seek a list of rules for breaking a marriage. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com                   

Well-known founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, tours the country engaging with students on university campuses. In this episode, we look at and analyze an exchange with a student who challenges Charlie on Christian Nationalism. We also look at the claims of the Old Covenant not being valid anymore, and it's just the New Covenant we need to follow. For more from Dr. Piper: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/46eunw69 Web: https//dreverettpiper.com Books: Not a Daycare: https://a.co/d/5Z9aVdC Grow Up: https://a.co/d/6qOV971 #charliekirk #turningpointusa #christianauthor #christianity #podcasts #apologetics #biblicalworldview

Main Point: The Old Covenant was good, but the New Covenant is far better.1. Recognize the goodness of the Old Covenant.2. Recognize the intended limits of the Old Covenant.3. Recognize the superiority of the New Covenant.4. Realize the benefits of the New Covenant through faith in Christ.

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Rick Welch speaks at Eric and Karen Ogea's home fellowship in Azle, Texas last Palm Sunday. He brings a view to the Sermon on the Mount, typically seen as a lesson on moral ethics, and breaks down what is actually going on. It is a covenant indictment on Old Covenant Israel, and the injection of the New Covenant explaining what it looks like. All of this was done on what Rick states is "the edge of an eschatological knife". This is a fresh look at The Sermon on the Mount through the lens of eschatology. If you'd like to hear our extra series, All-American Cults that does a deep dive into Jonestown, The Branch-Davidians in Waco, Texas, Heaven's Gate, or hear our upcoming series titled, Of Sashes and Slaves about the corporate cult, NXIVM, please become a patron at: www.patreon.com/theburrosofbereaIf you'd like to learn more about us, please visit our website at: www.burrosofberea.comThanks for listening!

Discover how the Old Testament shapes the Easter story we know and love.Morning Offering, April 22, 2025For the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Today's episode will help us understand how to activate the priesthood of all believers and empower everyday people to step into their God-given calling.   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7   In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts dive into the seventh principle of disciple making – the equipping and releasing of the priesthood of all believers. Drawing from studies by Bobby Harrington and insights from Ephesians 4, they emphasize the importance of lowering the bar for entry into ministry while increasing support and accountability. The discussion highlights the need to break down the professional laity divide, allowing everyone to participate fully in God's work. Personal anecdotes illustrate how ordinary individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or roles, can be used powerfully by God. The episode closes with a call to action for both church leaders and individual believers to embrace their roles in the Kingdom and equip others to do the same.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Welcome Back to The Disciple Maker's Podcast 00:36 Introduction to Disciple Making Principles 01:12 Principle #7: Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 01:51 The Shift from Old Covenant to New 02:46 Breaking Down Professional Ministry 04:35 Practical Steps for Church Leaders 06:12 Encouraging and Empowering Believers 06:37 Personal Testimonies and Experiences 11:32 The Importance of Speaking Life into Others 12:20 Early Preaching Experiences 13:58 The Rat Trap Illustration 14:25 Early Preaching Experiences 14:57 Mentorship and Opportunities 15:49 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 18:11 Lowering the Bar of Entry 18:21 Personal Responsibility in Ministry 19:31 Empowering Individuals for Ministry 24:33 The Power of God in Everyone 26:41 Encouraging Initiative in Ministry 29:34 Conclusion and Resources   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: The episode kicks off with Josh and Jason having some fun, channeling their inner newscasters as they introduce The Disciple Maker's Podcast. Right away, they hit on the heart of the conversation: the Church isn't just for professionals — every believer is called and equipped to take part in the mission. This episode dives into one of the ten core disciple-making principles: activating the priesthood of all believers, a concept drawn from Bobby Harrington and Discipleship.org. Josh and Jason unpack how the Church often sidelines most people, treating ministry like a spectator sport — a few “professionals” on the court, while the rest just watch from the stands. But Jesus calls everyone to get in the game, and the Holy Spirit gives us all what we need to play. They explore the shift from the Old Covenant, where only priests (Levites) had access to God, to the New Covenant — where all believers are invited to serve and represent Him directly. It's a powerful reminder that ministry isn't reserved for a select few. Josh also highlights the common “professional vs. laity” gap in churches and argues for lowering the barriers so anyone can step into ministry, with the right support and accountability along the way. He shares his own story — starting as a nervous, underprepared teenager giving his first sermon with a makeshift object lesson — and how mentors spotted potential and gave him room to grow. That experience shaped his path and reinforced the power of empowering others before they feel “ready.” Josh and Jason also push church leaders to create meaningful opportunities beyond simple Sunday roles like handing out bulletins. The goal? Equip people to share the gospel and make disciples, not just fill a slot. One story really drives this home: Josh tells of a woman in his church who felt called to serve in nursing homes. When she asked if she needed permission, Josh simply told her to go for it — God had already called her. They wrap up by encouraging leaders to remove obstacles, invest in people, and hold them accountable as they step into ministry — because when the Church unleashes the priesthood of all believers, lives change. Josh closes with a reminder: the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in every believer, so there's no need to wait for permission. He invites listeners to check out resources at Discipleship.org and teases the next episode, where the conversation will continue  

God draws people to himself and makes them his own. The Catechism shows us what makes God's people different from everyone else, and what it is that unites them. Fr. Mike hones in on what exactly it is that the People of God do, and exhorts us to start doing that right here, today. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 781-786. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

April 17, 2025

What's the real history behind the Inquisitions, what do they reveal about the Christian faith, and could history be repeating itself? A few weeks ago, we unpacked the truth about the history of the Crusades. This week, the great Bill Federer returns to shed light on the rise of the first inquisitions, their lasting impact on both the Church and American history, and how these events connect to the biblical narrative. Join Frank and Bill as they tackle questions like:What are some of the key events surrounding the Spanish, Islamic, and Portuguese Inquisitions?What does Islam teach about those who leave the faith?What is the "Divine Right of Kings" and why is it so dangerous?Why was translating the Bible into English considered a serious crime?How did Christian disengagement from politics open the door to more persecution?Is religion really the root cause of most wars—and which worldview has the most violent history?Who did Thomas Jefferson give credit to as the inspiration for his views on freedom of religion?What is Jesus' new way forward now that the Old Covenant law is obsolete?Who in our culture wants to do an inquisition against Christians?In this thought-provoking episode, Frank and Bill explore how political powers throughout history have exploited religion to gain control—often with tragic consequences. From assassinations to coerced conversions, you'll get a gripping look at the real story behind the inquisitions—while also debunking myths and setting the record straight by looking at the facts! Want to dig deeper? Visit AmericanMinute.com to check out some of Bill's books mentioned in the resource list below!Resources mentioned during the episode:Bill's website: https://americanminute.com/What REALLY Happened During the Crusades? - https://bit.ly/3RiWMYxBackfired - https://bit.ly/4jvVBRoThree Secular Reasons Why America Should Be Under God - https://bit.ly/3RUluywEndangered Speeches - https://bit.ly/42w49knBullies and Saints - https://bit.ly/42xTupo

In this powerful Palm Sunday message, Pastor Randy unpacks the foundational shift from the Old Covenant to the New. Building on the Abrahamic promise and Mosaic law, this week's teaching explores how Jesus didn't come to abolish the law—but to fulfill it. From Genesis 15 to the Last Supper to Hebrews 8, we trace the thread of God's covenantal faithfulness and how it culminates in the blood of Jesus.   This is more than theology—it's a call to live from promise, not pressure… from grace, not guilt. And it reshapes how we understand generosity, obedience, and our relationship with God.   Key Scripture: Luke 22, Genesis 15, Jeremiah 31, Matthew 5, Hebrews 8   From Sunday 04.13.25

The Cross is more than a moment in history – it changed its course, recalibrated time, and redeemed our future. Once a symbol of curse, it now stands as the ultimate symbol of God's love through Jesus Christ. His all-sufficient sacrifice fulfilled the Old Covenant and ushered in the New. His work is complete, but our response is one of continual transformation. What was once a distant hope is now a living reality – this is the Cross that carries me.

By Greg Thomas - Have we ever considered that in the Old Covenant observance leaven wasn't likened to sin and Pharaoh to Satan? Now in the New Covenant we have the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with other scriptures, to learn the spiritual meaning of putting out leaven and putting in

In this powerful message, Pastor Jon dives deep into the significance of the Last Supper and what it means for us today through the lens of the old and new covenants. At the heart of communion lies a powerful invitation—a call to community, to nourishment, to covenant, and to choice.Under the Old Covenant, God instituted animal sacrifices as a temporary covering for sin. But in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ becomes the ultimate and final sacrifice, offering complete forgiveness and reconciling us to God.The communion table represents so much more than a symbolic act—it's a place of community, where we come together as the body of Christ. It's a place of consumption and nourishment, reminding us that Jesus is the bread of life who sustains us. It's a place of covenant, where Jesus doesn't abolish the law but fulfills it, establishing a new and better promise. And ultimately, it's a place of choice—where each of us must decide whether we will sit at the table with Christ or remain outside of His blessing and saving grace.There is room for everyone at Christ's table. The question is: Will you choose to sit with Him?

On Palm Sunday 2025 Pastor BJ Sullivan brings a message about 7 major differences between the Old Covenant based on law & the New Covenant of grace that Jesus established. Spoiler alert: The New Covenant is WAY better!

Friday, 11 April 2025   When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:12   “And Jesus, having heard, He said to them, ‘Not they have need, the “being strong,” of a physician. But the ‘having evil'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees why He ate with taxmen and sinners. Now, Matthew records, “And Jesus, having heard, He said to them.”   The question would seem logical to the people. They were to be separate from sin and to be a holy nation, but the fact is that people sinned and lived sinful lives. To this point in the history of Israel, there had not been a time that the law had done what it was set forth to do.   With the turning of the kingdom from a bad king to a good one, there would be temporary relief from idolatry and wickedness, but within the turn of a page, a new king would arise who would plunge the land back into evildoing. Rather than the law, it was the heart of the king towards the Lord that would turn the people to the right path.   But kings come and go. The Messiah had arrived to fix this ongoing dilemma. Jesus, the great and final King of Israel (though they did not yet know it) was to be the cure for the sin problem. His response to the Pharisees begins to reveal this, saying, “Not they have need, the ‘being strong,' of a physician. But the ‘having evil.'”   In these words, the iatros, physician, is introduced. It will be seen seven times, all in the synoptic gospels, with the exception of the last use which will be in Colossians 4:14 when referring to Luke the physician. The word is derived from iaomai, to heal. Thus, it refers to a physician who is there to heal the people.   Jesus equates these sinners to sick people. By implication then, He is claiming to be the Physician who is there to heal them. There is a bit of irony here. The Pharisees were just as sick as the taxmen and sinners they stood accusing Jesus of attending to. However, without acknowledging their state that was sickened with sin, there was no remedy for their ills.   Life application: In the way Jesus is presented in the gospels, there are several overall types that He has come to fulfill. As noted, it is the king who directs the people as they bend to his will. The people followed good kings and bad kings. The law didn't change, but the heart of the people did.   Jesus is thus the greater King being presented who has come to direct the heart of the people under the law and yet apart from it. In other words, it is not their obedience to the law that makes them right. It is Christ's.   Likewise, there is the prophetic aspect of how Jesus is presented. The prophets spoke to the people concerning their need for being right with the Lord. Jesus, claiming to be the fulfillment of the words of the prophets, is thus the greater Prophet who directs the people to God through Himself.   He sums up everything that the words of Scripture point to. Thus, He is the embodiment of the written word, even to its finest details. It is “Christ in the contents” being fully fleshed out in Him.   A third aspect of Jesus' major roles is the priestly line which was designated to administer the law on behalf of the people. Jesus, in fulfillment of the law, and through the shedding of His blood, instituted a New Covenant. This is fully explained in Hebrews, but in the initiation of a New Covenant, there must be a new Priest to minister to the people.   The line of Aaron was not appointed to minister except under the Old Covenant. Therefore, Jesus, in fulfillment of the law and in the introduction of the New Covenant, is the greater High Priest.   As you continue through the gospels, pay heed to these three roles. Consider how He is leading the people to understand His position as the One who embodied or would embody them as His work was completed.   What Israel was anticipating is fully realized in the coming of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and bring about an eternal restoration for His people.   O God, You have done it! You sent Jesus Christ our Lord to accomplish all Your word spoke about the coming One, the Messiah of Israel. In Jesus, it is all accomplished. Praise You, O God, for what You have done! Hallelujah and Amen.  

Death, judgment, the end—these terrifying visions marked by chaos, the Mark of the Beast, and a looming Antichrist often haunt believers' imaginations. For many, eschatology stirs a mix of fear and fascination, shaped by teachings of a coming tribulation or a rapture to escape it all. But what if the story of Revelation isn't a distant prophecy to dread, rather a historical and spiritual reality that shifts how we live today? The Bible offers clarity, not confusion, and understanding its context can replace anxiety with purpose.Jenny Mire returns to discuss the mysteries of eschatology in this episode of The Revelations Podcast. Host Reagan Kramer welcomes back this beloved guest from The Rooted Truth, continuing their conversation from “Freedom from Fear: Understanding the End Times.” Jenny dives deeper into the Mark of the Beast, the fall of the Second Temple, and the transition from the Old to New Covenant. With historical insight and scriptural grounding, she challenges modern assumptions about Revelation, Daniel's 70th Week, and the Olivet Discourse—pointing to a Kingdom already at work. This episode is for anyone wrestling with fear of the end times. Fear not the end. Revelation is less about destruction and more about embracing God's plan. Walk away with a fresh perspective, free from speculation and feel empowered to embrace your role in the Kingdom of God today. Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:Uncover the historical truth behind the Mark of the Beast and its first-century fulfillment under Nero's Rome.Understand how the fall of the Second Temple marked the end of the Old Covenant, reshaping eschatology's meaning today.Gain freedom from end-times fear by embracing the Kingdom of God as a present, growing reality.Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community!ResourcesMore from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubeThe Rooted Truth Podcast hosted by Jenny MireThe Rooted Truth: Join the community | Get the app | Instagram | WebsiteRaptureless by Dr. Jonathan WeltonAntiquities of the Jews by JosephusWars of the Jews by Josephus Bible VersesJeremiah 31:31-34Daniel 9:26-27Daniel 12:11Matthew 26Matthew 13Mark 1:14-15Luke 17:20-21Luke 21:20-21Acts 2 1 John 2:181 John 2:22-23Revelation 13:16-18Connect with Jenny: Instagram | WebsiteThis Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/Episode Highlights[2:46] Eschatology and DispensationalismEschatology is the study of end times, a topic often cloaked in mystery and fear about the world's final days. A familiar futuristic lens paints Revelation, the Olivet Discourse, and Daniel's 70th Week as events yet to unfold—think seven-year tribulations, a rebuilt temple, and a dramatic rapture.Different perspectives like Preterism shift the focus to the first century, sparking curiosity from their prior episode, “Freedom from Fear,” It sets the stage for a deeper dive into what “end times” truly means.[5:18] Historical Context and HermeneuticsDecoding Scripture begins with asking who, what, when, where, and why.[5:34] Jenny: “We have to use the right hermeneutics when studying the Bible…that's asking ourselves the who, what, when, where, why?... And when we do that, I think things make more sense.”The Bible wasn't written to us directly, yet its living truth shines through when viewed through the lens of its original audience. Between Christ's death in 30 AD and the Second Temple's fall in 70 AD, a 40-year window unfolds, rich with meaning for understanding prophecy. This period marks a covenantal shift, urging listeners to rethink timelines and contexts often overlooked in modern teachings.[7:09] The Overlapping CovenantsJenny delves into the overlapping covenants during the 40 years between Christ's death and the fall of the Second Temple.Hebrews 8 reveals the New Covenant's superiority, with Jenny reading how the old system grew obsolete yet lingered until the temple's destruction. The temple stood as symbolism for  "heaven and earth," a concept rooted in Jewish thought and detailed by historian Josephus. Christ's blood at the Last Supper seals the New Covenant, coexisting with the fading old until 70 AD, when its end reshapes everything.[23:16] The Kingdom of God and the Early ChurchJesus' words in Mark 1:14 and Luke 17:20-21 declare the Kingdom of God as a present reality within us. [25:39] Jenny: “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, look, here it is. There it is, for behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Quoting Luke 17:20-21Parables like the mustard seed and leaven illustrate its gradual, unstoppable growth, a vision the early church embraced amid shifting covenants. Daniel's prophecy of a stone crushing empire aligns with this first-century arrival, as believers saw Christ's reign begin. Living in the "last days" of the Old Covenant, they focused on spreading the gospel, not awaiting a far-off end.[34:13] The Mark of the Beast and Historical ContextJenny explains the different views on the Mark of the Beast, including the spiritual mark and the literal mark.[36:03] Jenny: “He causes all those small and great, rich and poor, free and slave to receive a mark on their right hand and on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except those who have the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Quoting Revelation 13:16-17Revelation 13's imagery of a mark on hand or forehead ties to first-century Rome.Nero's rule demanded allegiance for marketplace access—ashes marked those who bowed to Caesar. Persecution surged as Christians refused, facing exclusion or worse, a reality Josephus records with chilling detail. The number 666 (or 616 in some texts) links to Nero's name in ancient numerology, grounding this symbol in history, not future dread.[45:59] The Antichrist and the Abomination of DesolationConfusion swirls around the Antichrist, a term absent from Revelation but vivid in John's letters as a first-century Gnostic heresy denying Christ's flesh. History unfolds with the "abomination of desolation" in 70 AD, when Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' warning in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. Christians fled as God provided an escape, leaving no record of their deaths amid the temple's ruin. This event, as explained in Daniel, dismantles futurist expectations of a third temple, rooting prophecy in the past.[57:25] The Mission of the Church and Spiritual Gifts[58:27] Reagan: “Lord, what do you want to teach me? You know, through this, and I find… when I don't go to all the resources I have, like, I get so excited because I think he is teaching me through the power of the Holy Spirit.”Jenny emphasizes the mission of the church to share the gospel and make disciples.Spiritual gifts ignite this calling, edifying the body of Christ to fill the earth, as Jenny envisions a mature church triggering Jesus' return. Humbling ourselves before the Holy Spirit unlocks this purpose, shifting focus from fear to action. Attacking the enemy's vulnerabilities, not just observing his moves, defines the church's offensive role in this Kingdom age.[1:08:01] Eschatology and Our CallingClarity replaces chaos when eschatology aligns with history. Again, Revelation is less about destruction and more about Christ's triumph. Freedom flows from shedding futuristic fears—no Antichrist looms, no temple awaits rebuilding—leaving us to live boldly now. Jenny's journey with The Rooted Truth (therootedtruth.com) offers tools like Bible studies on Revelation, Daniel. Let us embrace our identity as Kingdom ambassadors, rooted in peace and purpose for today.About JennyJenny Mire is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and co-founder of The Rooted Truth, where she equips believers to dig deep into Scripture and live out their faith with boldness. Known for her insightful studies on eschatology, she challenges conventional end-times narratives with historical and biblical clarity, as showcased on The Revelations Podcast. Alongside Lori Brazier, Jenny co-hosts The Rooted Truth Podcast and leads a vibrant community through retreats, virtual Bible studies and an app fostering connection and growth.Once a reluctant student of history and writing, Jenny's journey with the Holy Spirit transformed her into a dedicated scholar of God's Word, authoring comprehensive Bible studies on Revelation and Daniel. She channels her energy into empowering women to embrace their identity in Christ and the mission of His Kingdom. With a heart for truth and a call to humility, Jenny's work inspires listeners to shed fear, seek the Spirit's guidance, and step into their role as ambassadors of a present, thriving Kingdom.Connect with Jenny on her website and Instagram.Enjoyed this Episode?If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in about generational curses and how to break them, leave us a review. You can also share this with your friends and family. Explore how the Mark of the Beast and end-times prophecies find their roots in first-century history. Discover a fresh perspective on Revelation that frees you to live boldly in the Kingdom of God today.Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.Thank you for tuning in! For more updates, tune in on Apple Podcasts. 

Pastor Jim taught the 31st message in his series on Romans: “Unveiling Grace.” The Bible is clear, under the New Covenant, there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Yet many believers are walking around under the weight of condemnation. Pastor Jim explains these believers are trying to absolve themselves of their sins through their own self-effort, which is another way of saying “through their flesh.” What they're trying to do is live under Old Covenant laws. There's a word for Christians like that—miserable!Our Links–• Join The Prayer Movement!: https://theprayermovement.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwordmn• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingwordmn• Stay up to date with all things LWCC at https://www.LWCC.org• Join our Online Church community here: https://www.lwcc.org/onlinechurch• Give online: https://www.lwcc.org/give/• If you recently committed your life to God, we'd like to give you a free eBook to help you in your spiritual journey. Click here to download: https://www.lwcc.org/nextsteps/#LivingWord #ChurchSermon #Worship

Topics: Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, Beatitudes, Jesus Preaching to Israel not the Church, Sermons focused on the Law and Prophets, Sermon on the Mount Preached Before the Cross, The Sermon Delivered Under the Old Covenant, No Mention of the Cross in the Sermon, The Cross Activated the New Covenant, Hebrews 8-9, Jesus' Blood Not Mentioned in Matthew 5–7, The Resurrection Not Mentioned in the Sermon, Law-Based Sermon, Don't Pray Like the Gentiles, Sermon Lacks Concept of Eternal Security, No Mention of Redemption Through His Blood, No Message of Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Law-Observance Futility Exposed by Jesus' Teachings, You Have Heard but I Say to You, Be Perfect Like God, Matthew 5:48, Impossible Righteousness Required by the Law, No Mention of the Church or the Body of Christ, The Sermon's Audience Did Not Have the New Covenant Yet, Mixing Covenants Causes Confusion, The Sermon Calls Israel to Repentance toward Faith in Christ Alone, The Sermon Exposes the Need for a Savior, The Sermon on the Mount Is not Christian DoctrineSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Pastor Seth Troutt explores Hebrews Chapter 8, focusing on the concept of the New Covenant and the power of a new heart through Jesus Christ.Using personal experiences and scripture, this sermon examines the shift from the Old Covenant to the New, highlighting the direct access believers have to God. As part of our series in Hebrews, Seth explains how the New Covenant, with its promises, grants us a closer relationship with God, free from past practices.Join us to understand the implications of having Jesus as our high priest and how this change impacts our walk with God.00:00 - Introduction09:46 - Copy and Shadow13:06 - The Better Promises28:18 - Obsolete31:30 - From Obsolete to Complete**HOW TO FIND US*** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodChurchAZFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodchurchaz/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwood.church/WEBSITE https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/

Pastoral Chat: In the New Covenant, giving is meant to be a heartfelt, Spirit-led act—not something done under pressure or compulsion. While the Old Covenant required a 10% tithe to support the Levitical priesthood, the New Testament emphasizes generosity based on personal conviction and need. Believers are encouraged to support one another and ministers of the gospel, but nowhere in Scripture is a pastor authorized to demand a specific amount of money. True biblical giving is cheerful, voluntary, and directed by God—not commanded by man. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com                  

Topics: Jesus Flipped Tables, Flipping Tables Explained, The Gentile Prayer Space, Why Jesus Defended Gentiles, Anger of Christ in Temple Courts, Jesus and the New Covenant, Righteous Anger vs. Human Anger, Jesus and the Abrahamic Promise, House of Prayer for All Nations, Legalism vs. Relationship With Christ, Why Jesus Rebuked the Jews, Jesus' Passion for Gentiles, Mark 11:17 - House of Prayer for All Nations, Jeremiah 7:11 - Den of Robbers, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant, Misrepresenting Jesus' Actions of Anger, Did Jesus Punish People, Isaiah 56:7, My House Will Be Called a House of Prayer, Gentiles in God's Promise, Jesus and Religious Corruption, Romans 1:17, The Righteous Will Live by Faith, Galatians 3:11, No One Is Justified by the Law, Jesus' Mission Beyond Israel, Why Jesus Didn't Rebuke Gentiles, Jesus' Love for All People, Hebrews 10:38, The Righteous Will Live by Faith, Jesus and Temple Desecration, Why Jesus Opposed Religious Elitism, Genesis 22:15-18, Abraham's Promise to Many Nations, God's Plan for All Nations, Grace Over Law, Why Jesus Opposed Money Changers, The Gentiles Included Prophecy, Galatians 3:29, Christ Is Abraham's Seed, What Jesus' Anger Reveals, Why Jesus Was Passionate About Gentiles, Temple Corruption in Jesus' Time, Jesus' Love for Outsiders, Jesus' Response to Injustice, Hebrews 10:4, 10-14 - Jesus Replaces the Need for Sacrifices, Was Jesus Violence, The Purpose of the Temple Courts, The Abrahamic Promise and Gentiles, How Legalism Distorts Faith, Lessons From Jesus' Anger, Why Jesus Wasn't a Pushover, Faith Not Race Saves, Jesus' Warning to Religious Leaders Send Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Questions about why it was necessary for Jesus to come if people could already be justified by faith apart from works, and what the point of the Old Covenant was if God was going to make the New Covenant.   Since Old Testament Jews and Gentiles could be justified by faith apart from works, it seems there was already a path for salvation in place, so why was it necessary for Jesus to come? What was the point of the Old Covenant if God was going to make the New Covenant?