The New Covenant

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 7:18-8:13

A covenant is a working agreement between two parties. The author of Hebrews attempts to persuade his audience to set aside the Old Covenant and to follow the New Covenant instead. These covenants are too different to follow both at the same time. For example, the Old Covenant is based on law and the New Covenant is based on grace. The covenants are contrasted throughout and a table at the end summarizes the differences.

A Change of Priesthood

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 14:18-20

In the Old Testament, humans could only approach God through a high priest, a role that had to be fulfilled by a man descended from the tribe of Levi. God, however, prophesied through David that one day there would be a priest from the line of Melchizedek whose priesthood would be eternal, and Jesus is that high priest. Since Jesus is the perfect and eternal high priest whose priesthood replaced the old one, humans are no longer under the Old Testament law and can be rescued forever from their sin.

A Better Deal

Scott Risley

Hebrews 8:1-13

We learn about four covenants God made with His people: Abrahamic, Davidic, Mosaic (the Old Covenant), and lastly, the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was only a shadow of the covenant to come?the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, we were bound to the law. But when God established the New Covenant, He also initiated a new way of relating to His people?through a relationship. Unfortunately, many people today still place themselves under the Old Covenant; they are stuck in ritualism, even though the New Covenant makes the Old Covenant obsolete. The New Covenant established a new way to be reconciled with God through grace.

Two Birth Announcements

Jim Leffel

Psalms 110:1

God uses a barren woman to bring forth John the Baptist and a young virgin to give birth to Jesus Christ. Both of these births fulfill Old Testament prophecy and God's promise to send the Messiah. Mary responds in faith to God's plan and His goodness. She is a picture of courage, faith, and humility.

Meeting Up With God

Dennis McCallum

Psalms 86:1-17

Any relationship has two persons involved and involves interaction to some extent. Our relationship with God is one that we may be neglecting because we don't see him face to face, but it is by far the most intimate and complex one because He is our creator and we are made in His image. Some questions we can ask during our time spent talking and learning with God are: who are you talking to?; what is He like?; what has He done for you currently or in the past?; and what the answers mean for your life.

Spiritual Complacency

Ryan Lowery

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Many Christians have chosen to go through the process of sanctification, but still encounter bumps along the way. They recognize that God has shown them incredible grace, yet still are susceptible to distractions that can turn a spiritual life into something mediocre. It is common to enter into these states of spiritual complacency. The story of Nehemiah contains seven steps toward spiritual renewal: 1) face the reality of our complacency; 2) rely on the promises and grace of God; 3) spiritual dedication; 4) repentance; 5) depend on God's Word; 6) ask God to move in big ways; and 7) be willing to take big steps of faith.

Introduction

Ryan Lowery

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Throughout the history of Israel, the nation experienced incredible peaks where they had intimacy with God and incredible lows where they completely lost their faith. Often, we can relate with the despair of the Israelites as they go through a period of suffering. By looking at God's plan in human history, it is apparent that God has an overarching plan that includes both refreshing periods of spiritual highs and difficult periods of spiritual lows. Ultimately, God's most impactful work for his people often comes after years of difficult preparation.

Solomon Sliding

Dennis McCallum

Ecclesiastes 2:1

Solomon fails in following God and keeping the covenant established with David. Solomon: 1) collected great wealth for himself, 2) built up a large army, and 3) married many foreign women and built altars to their gods. God tells Solomon he has failed and God will tear the kingdom from him. Solomon most likely wrote the book of Ecclesiastes during this time of failure and depression.

Solomon Rising

Dennis McCallum

1 Kings 1:1-4:34

The author records the succession of kingship following David's reign. David's son Adonijah declares himself king, ignoring the Davidic covenant which was established by God. David, with the support of God and Nathan the prophet, anoints Solomon as king. David advises Solomon that if he follows God then his line will be established as the rulers of Israel. God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers to grant him what he asks for. Solomon requests wisdom to lead the people. Solomon is granted wisdom and also blessed with wealth and becomes renown in neighboring regions.