Embracing the New Covenant: Transformation Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It's a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord. Today, we began by expressing our gratitude for God's great love and His desire to be in relationship with us. We acknowledged our sins and shortcomings, laying them before God and pleading for His mercy and grace. We were reminded of God's faithfulness and His acceptance of us despite our failures.
Our worship focused on the theme of opening up the gates for the King of Kings, who comes to save and set the captives free. This powerful imagery underscores the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings to those who believe.
We delved into the concept of the new covenant, which God promised through the prophet Jeremiah. This new covenant is not just a set of laws but a relationship where God's law is written on our hearts. This was God's intention from the beginning, even with the old covenant. The Israelites' observance of festivals like Passover was a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.
Communion, which we observe weekly, is rooted in the Passover meal but signifies something new. The bread and juice symbolize the body and blood of Christ, and as we partake, we invite God's law and heart to dwell within us. This act of communion is a reminder of the new covenant and the transformation it brings.
As we come to the table, we do so with humility, gratitude, and a desire for God's continual transformation in our lives. We remember Jesus' sacrifice, His defeat of sin, and His resurrection, which gives us hope and life both now and in eternity. As we leave, we are sent out with God's grace, faithfulness, and presence to be a light in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Desire for Relationship: God’s great love for us is evident in His desire to be in a relationship with us. He invites us into His presence, despite our sins and failures, and offers us His mercy and grace. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and worship. [18:35]
2. The Transformative Power of Jesus: Jesus, the King of Kings, comes to save and set the captives free. His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection bring us freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life. This transformative power is available to all who believe and accept Him. [27:46]
3. The New Covenant: The new covenant, as promised in Jeremiah, is about God’s law being written on our hearts. This covenant is rooted in the old covenant but signifies a deeper, more personal relationship with God. It’s a call to internalize God’s teachings and live them out daily. [55:41]
4. Communion as a Symbol of the New Covenant: Communion is more than a ritual; it’s a profound act of remembering and internalizing the new covenant. The bread and juice symbolize Christ’s body and blood, and as we partake, we invite God’s law and heart to dwell within us, signifying our ongoing transformation. [57:21]
5. Living Out Our Faith: As we gather, hear the word, and partake in communion, we are reminded of our mission to be a light in the world. We are sent out with God’s grace, faithfulness, and presence to impact those around us, living out the hope and life that Jesus provides. [01:13:30]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [18:35] - Confession and Plea for Mercy
3. [27:46] - Worship: King of Kings
4. [33:03] - The New Covenant
5. [55:41] - Communion and Its Significance
6. [57:21] - Internalizing God's Law
7. [01:13:08] - Jesus' Defeat of Sin
8. [01:13:30] - Sending Out with God's Grace
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 31:31-34: "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jeremiah 31:31-34 say about the new covenant that God will make with His people?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the bread and juice in communion? [57:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice? [27:46]
4. What is the relationship between the old covenant and the new covenant as explained in the sermon? [55:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the new covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34 differ from the old covenant?
2. In what ways does the act of communion symbolize the new covenant and our relationship with God? [57:21]
3. What does it mean for God's law to be written on our hearts, and how does this affect our daily lives? [55:41]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "set free" by Jesus, and what implications does this have for believers? [27:46]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. How do you experience His mercy and grace despite your shortcomings? [18:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have experienced transformation through your faith in Jesus? [27:46]
3. How can you internalize God's law in your heart and live it out daily? What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with God's teachings? [55:41]
4. During communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and invite God's law into our hearts. How can you approach communion with a deeper sense of humility and gratitude? [57:21]
5. The sermon calls us to be a light in the world. What are some specific ways you can share God's grace and faithfulness with those around you this week? [01:13:30]
6. Think about the concept of the new covenant. How does understanding this covenant change your perspective on your relationship with God and your role in His kingdom? [55:41]
7. As you leave church each week, how can you carry the message of hope and life that Jesus provides into your daily interactions and responsibilities? [01:13:30]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unwavering Desire for Relationship
God’s great love for us is evident in His desire to be in a relationship with us. He invites us into His presence, despite our sins and failures, and offers us His mercy and grace. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and worship. God’s acceptance of us, despite our shortcomings, is a testament to His boundless love and faithfulness. We are called to respond to this love by drawing closer to Him, acknowledging our sins, and seeking His mercy. This relationship is not based on our perfection but on God’s grace and our willingness to come before Him with humility and gratitude.
In our daily lives, this means continually turning to God, not just in moments of need but in every aspect of our existence. It’s about recognizing that our worth and identity are found in Him, and that His love is the anchor that holds us steady. As we embrace this relationship, we are transformed by His love and empowered to live out our faith with authenticity and joy. [18:35]
Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV): "The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt distant from God. How can you intentionally draw closer to Him today, acknowledging His unwavering desire for a relationship with you?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Jesus
Jesus, the King of Kings, comes to save and set the captives free. His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection bring us freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life. This transformative power is available to all who believe and accept Him. Jesus’ victory over sin and death is not just a historical event but a present reality that impacts our daily lives. His power transforms us from the inside out, breaking the chains of sin and setting us free to live in the fullness of His grace and truth.
As believers, we are called to embrace this transformation and allow Jesus to work in every area of our lives. This means surrendering our fears, doubts, and struggles to Him, trusting that His power is sufficient to bring about change. It’s about living in the freedom that He offers, knowing that we are no longer bound by our past but are new creations in Christ. [27:46]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience the transformative power of Jesus? How can you invite Him into that area today?
Day 3: The New Covenant Written on Our Hearts
The new covenant, as promised in Jeremiah, is about God’s law being written on our hearts. This covenant is rooted in the old covenant but signifies a deeper, more personal relationship with God. It’s a call to internalize God’s teachings and live them out daily. Unlike the old covenant, which was based on external adherence to laws, the new covenant is about an internal transformation where God’s principles are inscribed on our hearts, guiding our thoughts, actions, and decisions.
This internalization of God’s law means that our relationship with Him is not just about following rules but about a heart that is aligned with His will. It’s about allowing His Spirit to lead us and shape our character, making us more like Christ. This deeper relationship calls us to live out our faith authentically, reflecting God’s love and truth in every aspect of our lives. [55:41]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: How can you allow God’s law to be more deeply written on your heart today? What practical steps can you take to internalize His teachings and live them out?
Day 4: Communion as a Symbol of the New Covenant
Communion is more than a ritual; it’s a profound act of remembering and internalizing the new covenant. The bread and juice symbolize Christ’s body and blood, and as we partake, we invite God’s law and heart to dwell within us, signifying our ongoing transformation. This sacred act is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new life we have in Him. It’s a moment to reflect on the depth of His love and the significance of His death and resurrection.
As we come to the table, we do so with humility, gratitude, and a desire for God’s continual transformation in our lives. Communion is a time to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and renew our commitment to live according to God’s will. It’s a powerful reminder that we are part of a new covenant community, called to embody the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives. [57:21]
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God? How can you allow the significance of this act to bring about transformation in those areas?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith as a Light in the World
As we gather, hear the word, and partake in communion, we are reminded of our mission to be a light in the world. We are sent out with God’s grace, faithfulness, and presence to impact those around us, living out the hope and life that Jesus provides. Our faith is not meant to be confined to the walls of the church but to be lived out in our daily interactions, reflecting the love and truth of Christ to a world in need.
Being a light in the world means embodying the values of the kingdom of God in our actions, words, and attitudes. It’s about being agents of change, bringing hope, justice, and compassion to those around us. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to be witnesses of God’s grace, sharing the good news of Jesus through our lives and testimonies. [01:13:30]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can be a light in your community today? How can you intentionally reflect the love and truth of Christ in your interactions with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God defeated sin. He died on the cross. He defeated sin. He rose from the grave so that you and I could have hope, that you and I could have life. This life and the next life ever after. We've gathered together. We've heard the word. We've come to the table. And now we are sent. And so may God's grace, may his faithfulness go with you. May his presence, may his spirit fill you as you go, as you take this light into the world around us. Go in peace. Amen." [01:13:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Dear God, Heavenly Father, we thank you and we praise you so much for your great love for us. And I thank you that you want to be with us, that you want to commune with us and be in relationship with us. And so we just acknowledge that this is your house, your presence that you've invited us into. And we praise you. We worship you. We thank you for that. Be lifted up, be glorified today and through our service. Amen." [18:35] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's heart, God's desire is to create a new covenant. It was really his desire from the beginning too with the old covenant. We read in Deuteronomy that God's intention was for the law to be written on their hearts and it didn't quite work. When you look at the Old Testament, there was something that was missing. And so as Israelites would practice, would observe these festivals, as they would come to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Passover, they're remembering what God did, but they're also looking forward to ultimately Jesus and what Jesus did on the cross and the fulfillment, that redemption that has come, that made new. We can be made new through Jesus." [55:41] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so as we come to the table each week, may we, may we symbolically take the bread and the juice and, and say, God, I want your law. I want your heart to be in me, to be in my heart. this is rooted, again, in a relationship. It's the new covenant that Jesus invites us into. So as we, as we come to the table this morning, as we respond to the word, I want you to respond to it, to God Almighty, saying, I want my law. I want my heart to be in your heart. And come, come with humility and say, here I am, Thank you for your grace. And I remember these things, and I also look forward to the transformation, to the newness that you want to bring in my life." [57:21] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Heavenly Father, I thank you, and I praise you so much for your great love, for your great mercy. I thank you for your faithfulness, for not abandoning us. God, as we come to the table, as we respond to your word, your Holy Spirit guide us. May your Holy Spirit begin to just transform us and change us continually into that new person, to that new creation, into the redemption, Amen." [01:13:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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