Covenant Relationship
Covenant Relationship12
The Chosen People: Chosen for What?
By Art Katz0EXO 19:3DEU 30:1PSA 9:10ISA 53:5ISA 55:8MAT 5:17JHN 5:39JHN 14:9ROM 1:16ROM 10:11Art Katz addresses the Jewish predicament in a hostile world, questioning the meaning of being 'chosen' and the historical troubles that accompany this identity. He explores the disconnect between the Jewish people and God, suggesting that their suffering may stem from a failure to acknowledge their covenant with Him. Katz emphasizes the need for a return to God and the importance of understanding the prophetic significance of Jesus as the Messiah, urging the Jewish community to confront their beliefs and consider the implications of their rejection of Him. He calls for introspection and repentance, highlighting that true safety and peace can only be found in a restored relationship with God.
The Sign of the Covenant
By F.B. Meyer0GEN 17:22CH 20:7ISA 41:8MAT 5:8JHN 15:152CO 6:17GAL 5:2PHP 3:3COL 2:11JAS 2:23F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, highlighting Abraham's status as 'the friend of God' and the significance of the covenant established through circumcision. Meyer illustrates that this friendship is not unique to Abraham but is available to all believers through Jesus Christ, who calls us friends. He outlines three essential conditions for enjoying this divine friendship: separation from sin, purity of heart, and obedience to God's commands. The sermon encourages believers to engage in open communication with God, sharing their burdens and joys, and to recognize the spiritual significance of their relationship with Him. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper appreciation of the privileges of being friends with God and the transformative power of His grace.
Judaism and the Resurrected Life
By Art Katz0ISA 53:5MAT 11:28JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 3:10HEB 4:9Art Katz emphasizes the importance of living a resurrected life in Christ, which serves as a testament to both Jews and Gentiles of the future restoration of Israel. He highlights the struggle of present-day Israel, which is caught in a cycle of self-reliance and moral confusion, failing to recognize the true righteousness that comes from God. Katz critiques the current state of Judaism for its reliance on self-forgiveness and ethical monotheism, which ultimately cannot save, and contrasts it with the life exemplified by the Apostle Paul. He calls for a deeper understanding of the covenant relationship with God that leads to true rest and fulfillment, rather than the false piety that has emerged. The sermon challenges believers to embody the resurrection life that Paul lived, which is essential for the mission of Israel to the nations.
Righteousness in the Old Testament
By Art Katz11SA 24:17PSA 15:2PSA 51:14PSA 82:3PRO 14:34ISA 9:7ISA 33:15ISA 54:14JER 22:3ROM 5:8Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and the community. He argues that righteousness is not merely about legalistic adherence to laws but is rooted in grace and the covenant relationship established by Yahweh. Katz highlights that the righteous are those who maintain communal peace and care for the marginalized, while God's righteousness is demonstrated through His faithfulness to His covenant despite Israel's unfaithfulness. He concludes that true righteousness is found in faith and dependence on God, who justifies and restores His people.
Permanency of the Covenant
By Bill Stafford1.3K54:54HEB 6:13Bill Stafford emphasizes the permanency of God's covenant, explaining that it is everlasting because it is rooted in God's unchanging nature and His promises. He illustrates how God swore by Himself to Abraham, highlighting the importance of endurance in the covenant relationship. Stafford encourages believers to recognize the fullness of life in Christ, asserting that true fulfillment comes from understanding our covenant with God rather than seeking external validation. He stresses that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out this covenant, making us responsible for our commitment to God. Ultimately, Stafford calls for a deeper awareness of our identity in Christ and the transformative power of living in covenant relationship with Him.
Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy
By John Nelson Darby0DEU 6:5DEU 10:12DEU 11:26DEU 12:5DEU 14:22DEU 26:1DEU 27:26DEU 29:4DEU 30:19John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Canaan. He outlines the book's structure, highlighting the historical context, the necessity of maintaining a relationship with God, and the consequences of disobedience. Darby notes that the first eleven chapters focus on obedience, while the latter sections detail commandments and the blessings or curses tied to their adherence. He stresses that true worship involves acknowledging God's grace and the need for a new heart to truly perceive and obey His laws. Ultimately, the sermon reflects on the conditional nature of Israel's covenant with God and the prophetic insights regarding their future.
Ezekiel 16:14
By Chuck Smith02CH 15:2PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 61:3EZK 16:14MAT 5:16ROM 12:22CO 3:18GAL 5:221PE 3:3Chuck Smith emphasizes the beauty of the Lord as reflected in the nation of Israel, which was transformed from nothing into a strong and beautiful nation through God's grace. However, as Israel became prosperous, she turned away from God to pursue other idols, mirroring the current state of America, which has also strayed from its covenant with God. The sermon highlights that true beauty comes from a relationship with God, who desires to mold us into His image, and warns against the dangers of trusting in our own beauty rather than in Him. Smith calls for a return to God, reminding us that righteousness exalts a nation while sin brings reproach. Ultimately, he encourages believers to allow the beauty of Jesus to shine through their lives.
Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually.
By F.B. Meyer01SA 20:142SA 9:7PSA 23:5LUK 14:15JHN 1:12ROM 5:1GAL 3:26EPH 2:8HEB 9:151PE 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David's table. This invitation is not based on Mephibosheth's merit but on the covenant between David and Jonathan, illustrating how believers are welcomed into God's presence through their faith in Jesus Christ. Meyer encourages listeners to recognize their own spiritual lameness and to rely on the covenant established by Christ, which grants them a place at God's table as heirs of His kingdom. The sermon highlights the importance of faith and the grace that allows us to partake in God's blessings.
Faithfulness of God - Part 1
By Derek Melton1.2K55:46PSA 46:1ISA 25:1JER 1:12HOS 14:4MAT 11:28ROM 8:161CO 1:82TI 3:101JN 1:7REV 19:11Derek Melton emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God, reminding believers that despite the uncertainties and challenges of life, God remains immutable and true to His covenant promises. He reassures the congregation that God's faithfulness is evident in His oversight of His Word, His ability to cleanse and forgive sins, and His commitment to complete the work He has begun in each believer. Melton encourages the faithful to trust in God's promises, especially during times of adversity, and to recognize that God's grace is available to all who seek Him. He concludes by urging those outside of the covenant to turn to Christ for salvation, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in experiencing God's faithfulness.
Covenant Interest in God, and a View of What Is in Him
By John Gill01SA 30:6PSA 31:13John Gill emphasizes the significance of having a covenant interest in God, using David's experience in 1 Samuel 30:6 as a backdrop. Despite facing immense distress and betrayal, David found strength by encouraging himself in the Lord, illustrating that God's covenant promises provide unwavering support during the darkest times. Gill outlines that God's unchanging nature, faithfulness, and the richness of His grace serve as sources of comfort and encouragement for believers. He reassures that even in trials, God's love and mercy remain constant, allowing His people to trust in Him fully. Ultimately, Gill encourages the faithful to rely on their covenant relationship with God as a source of hope and strength.
A Husbandly Covenant
By G.W. North0HOS 2:19G.W. North emphasizes the profound covenant relationship between God and Israel, likening it to a husband and wife. Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the misuse of altars for sin, God remains committed to His people, promising corrective love rather than destruction. He highlights the significance of the covenant established at Sinai, where God sought a faithful relationship with His people, urging them to understand their role as His chosen ones. North points out that the essence of the covenant is not merely about sacrifices but about the people themselves being the living sacrifices to God. Ultimately, God's jealousy and love for His people drive His desire for their repentance and restoration.
Back, Then Forward
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 89:34ISA 54:10LAM 3:22EZK 16:60JHN 10:28ROM 8:381CO 1:92TI 2:13HEB 13:201PE 5:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness in His covenant with us, reminding us that despite our sins, He looks back fondly on the early days of our relationship with Him. The Lord does not hold our insincerities against us but rather cherishes the sacred bond established through His love. He reassures us that His promises are everlasting and will not fail, as He remains steadfast in His commitment to us. Spurgeon encourages believers to find comfort in the assurance that God remembers the blood of the everlasting covenant through Jesus Christ, who secures our relationship with Him. This message calls us to reflect on God's grace and faithfulness in our lives.