Embracing Our Covenant: Faith, Security, and Generosity
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound significance of the covenant we entered into when we gave our lives to Jesus. This covenant is beautifully symbolized through the act of communion, where we remember the exchange of our sins for His forgiveness and eternal life. Each time we partake in communion, we are reminded of the healing and redemption that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross provides. This is not merely a tradition but a powerful declaration of our faith and the covenant we have with Christ.
We also explored the theme of eternal security, delving into the question of whether a person can lose their salvation. The assurance of salvation is depicted as being held securely in the hands of both Jesus and the Father, emphasizing the believer's security in Christ. However, we also acknowledged the complexity of this topic, recognizing the tension between the assurance of salvation and the warnings against apostasy found in Scripture.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of genuine saving faith, which is evidenced by a transformed life and the fruit of the Spirit. True faith is not just a momentary decision or a family tradition but a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that results in a life that reflects His character. We are encouraged to examine our lives to ensure that our faith is genuine and that we are growing in our relationship with Christ.
In addition, we highlighted the importance of supporting ministries and projects that align with God's heart, such as those aiding Israel and helping vulnerable populations. Our generosity is a reflection of God's blessings in our lives, and as we give, we are reminded that God continues to supply and multiply our resources for His purposes.
Finally, we were reminded of the incredible grace and love of God, which surpasses our understanding. This grace is not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom and security of being His children. As we navigate the complexities of faith, we are encouraged to rest in the assurance of God's love and to live out our faith with confidence and joy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Covenant and Communion: Communion is a powerful reminder of the covenant we have with Jesus, where our sins are exchanged for His forgiveness and eternal life. It is a declaration of our faith and a reminder of the healing and redemption available through Christ's sacrifice. [10:09]
2. Eternal Security: The security of the believer is depicted as being held in the hands of both Jesus and the Father, emphasizing that no outside force can snatch us away. This assurance should lead us to live confidently in our faith, knowing we are secure in Christ. [01:00:31]
3. Genuine Saving Faith: True saving faith is evidenced by a transformed life and the fruit of the Spirit. It is not just a momentary decision but a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that results in a life that reflects His character. [01:16:33]
4. Generosity and Blessing: Our generosity reflects God's blessings in our lives. As we give to support ministries and projects that align with God's heart, we are reminded that God continues to supply and multiply our resources for His purposes. [45:22]
5. Grace and Love of God: The grace and love of God surpass our understanding and are not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom and security of being His children. We are encouraged to rest in the assurance of God's love and to live out our faith with confidence and joy. [01:41:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:09] - Covenant and Communion
[11:14] - The Bread and Healing
[12:39] - The Cup and Forgiveness
[43:24] - Generosity and Blessing
[45:22] - Supporting Israel
[46:43] - Crisis Pregnancy Center
[51:00] - Prayer for Israel
[52:47] - Hearing God's Voice
[53:31] - Jesus' Works and Identity
[54:14] - Jesus' Claim to Divinity
[55:32] - The Security of the Believer
[01:00:31] - Eternal Life and Salvation
[01:01:57] - Temporary Places After Death
[01:04:42] - The Final Judgment
[01:09:47] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:16:33] - Evidence of True Faith
[01:41:15] - The Grace and Love of God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:27-30
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
3. Hebrews 6:4-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise to His followers in John 10:27-30 regarding eternal life and security? How does this relate to the concept of being held in the hands of both Jesus and the Father? [53:31]
2. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the key elements of communion, and how do they symbolize the covenant with Jesus? [12:39]
3. According to Hebrews 6:4-6, what are the characteristics of those who have "fallen away," and how does this passage describe their spiritual state? [36:46]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between generosity and God's blessings, particularly in the context of supporting ministries? [45:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of eternal security in John 10:27-30 impact a believer's confidence in their faith? What does it mean to be "secure in Christ"? [59:51]
2. In what ways does the act of communion serve as a reminder of the covenant with Jesus, and how should this influence a believer's daily life? [10:09]
3. How does the sermon address the tension between the assurance of salvation and the warnings against apostasy found in Scripture? What insights are provided about maintaining genuine faith? [01:10:52]
4. What role does generosity play in reflecting God's blessings, and how does the sermon suggest believers should approach giving to ministries and projects? [43:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience with communion. How does it serve as a reminder of your covenant with Jesus, and how can you make this practice more meaningful in your spiritual life? [12:39]
2. Consider the concept of eternal security. How does this assurance affect your daily walk with Christ, and what steps can you take to deepen your confidence in your salvation? [01:00:31]
3. Examine your life for evidence of genuine saving faith. What areas of your life reflect the fruit of the Spirit, and where do you see room for growth? How can you actively pursue this growth? [01:16:33]
4. Think about the ministries and projects you support. How do they align with God's heart, and what changes can you make to ensure your generosity reflects God's blessings in your life? [45:22]
5. The sermon discusses the grace and love of God as surpassing our understanding. How can you rest in this assurance and live out your faith with confidence and joy? What practical steps can you take to embrace this grace in your daily life? [01:41:15]
6. Reflect on the warning against apostasy. How can you safeguard your faith against falling away, and what practices can you implement to ensure your relationship with Christ remains strong and vibrant? [01:36:46]
7. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate the love of Christ to someone in your life this week. How can you be intentional about showing grace and love in your interactions? [01:46:59]
Devotional
Day 1: The Covenant of Communion
Communion is a profound act that symbolizes the covenant believers have with Jesus. It is a reminder of the exchange of our sins for His forgiveness and eternal life. Each time believers partake in communion, they are reminded of the healing and redemption that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross provides. This act is not merely a tradition but a powerful declaration of faith and the covenant with Christ. It serves as a moment to reflect on the grace and mercy extended to us and to renew our commitment to live in accordance with His teachings. [10:09]
"For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:28, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, what specific sins or burdens do you need to exchange for Jesus' forgiveness and healing today?
Day 2: Assurance in Eternal Security
The assurance of salvation is depicted as being held securely in the hands of both Jesus and the Father, emphasizing the believer's security in Christ. This assurance should lead believers to live confidently in their faith, knowing they are secure in Christ. However, there is a tension between this assurance and the warnings against apostasy found in Scripture. It is important to understand that while salvation is secure, believers are called to remain vigilant in their faith and relationship with God. [01:00:31]
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of security in your relationship with Christ, especially when faced with doubts or challenges?
Day 3: Evidence of Genuine Faith
True saving faith is evidenced by a transformed life and the fruit of the Spirit. It is not just a momentary decision or a family tradition but a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that results in a life that reflects His character. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives to ensure that their faith is genuine and that they are growing in their relationship with Christ. This involves a continuous process of self-reflection and spiritual growth, seeking to align one's life with the teachings and character of Jesus. [01:16:33]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific areas of your life reflect the fruit of the Spirit, and where do you see room for growth in your relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Generosity Reflects God's Blessings
Generosity is a reflection of God's blessings in our lives. As believers give to support ministries and projects that align with God's heart, they are reminded that God continues to supply and multiply their resources for His purposes. This act of giving is not just about financial support but also about sharing time, talents, and love with those in need. It is a tangible expression of faith and trust in God's provision and a way to participate in His work in the world. [45:22]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally practice generosity this week, not just with your resources but also with your time and talents, to reflect God's blessings in your life?
Day 5: Living in God's Grace and Love
The grace and love of God surpass our understanding and are not a license to sin but a call to live in the freedom and security of being His children. Believers are encouraged to rest in the assurance of God's love and to live out their faith with confidence and joy. This involves embracing the transformative power of grace, which calls for a life of holiness and dedication to God's purposes. It is a journey of growing deeper in love with God and allowing His love to shape every aspect of life. [01:41:15]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace God's grace more fully in your daily life, allowing it to transform your actions and attitudes?
Quotes
We entered into a covenant when we gave our life to Jesus. We say, Lord, all of the junk in my life, my life, my sin, I give it to you. And in exchange, he says, I give you my life. I give you everlasting life. I give you forgiveness of sins. I make some of you the better of the deal here. [00:09:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Every time we take it, we're saying, Lord, by your stripes on your back, you are healed. So, Lord, I take it. I take this and I remember my healing. It's a part of the covenant. [00:10:25] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [00:53:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Two hands are on the believer. It says, Jesus says, I got my hand on the believer. No one can snatch and the Father has His hand on the believer. No one can snatch. What a beautiful picture of the security of the believer. [01:00:18] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We should have such confidence and joy in the grace of God. It's not my performance or my works that bring salvation. It's the grace and the love of Jesus Christ. Everybody say amen. And many people will fall. Many people will stumble. [01:33:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We should walk in confidence and joy in the security of our salvation we have in Christ. Some people are fearful a lot of times. They think, man, I didn't confess all the sins that I had last night. Am I going to hell? Look, how could you even know all the sins you did yesterday? [01:31:24] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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