The Glory Of The New Covenant

The speaker emphasizes that the Old Covenant was incomplete because it could not perfect humanity, a role fulfilled by Jesus Christ. He stresses the profound privilege of the New Covenant, where believers can call God 'Father,' a status unavailable to Old Covenant figures. True understanding of this privilege comes not from mere knowledge, but from being filled with the Holy Spirit, which confirms that the devil has no authority over the believer because Christ defeated him on the cross.

The central message is that true Christian hope is twofold: not just seeing Christ at the second coming, but being transformed by the Holy Spirit to become like Him. The speaker contrasts the fading glory of the Old Covenant with the upward, progressive glory of the New Covenant, which is seen by looking into the mirror of God's Word. This transformation requires constant self-purification until one reaches Christ's standard of purity.

The sermon emphasizes that believers must move beyond the Old Covenant understanding of sin and atonement to grasp the reality of the New Covenant through the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ not only forgives sins but also declares the believer righteous, making Christ's righteousness the basis upon which we stand before God. Understanding this truth is essential for living in the fullness of the New Covenant.

The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires a clear conscience before God, aiming for a daily testimony of being conscious of nothing against oneself. He distinguishes between mere 'praise' and true 'worship,' asserting that genuine worship must occur in the Spirit and in Truth. This means worshiping God according to His reality, recognizing that the Spirit is the most vital part of man, and that this understanding transcends mere intellectual knowledge.

The speaker emphasizes that all aspects of Christian life, including marriage and parenting, must be done to the glory of God, not for human recognition. He warns that God judges not outward appearance or public behavior, but the hidden motives and actions within the home. He then redirects focus to Ephesians 5:21, teaching that both husbands and wives are to be mutually subject to one another in the fear of Christ, mirroring Christ's voluntary submission to the Father.

The central message emphasizes that raising children should be done for the glory of God, not for earthly reputation. The speaker stresses the importance of teaching children to obey and respect their parents, citing the promise attached to honoring one's parents. Parents must also be careful not to provoke their children to anger, and when anger occurs, immediate repentance before God is crucial to maintain one's testimony before the devil.

The sermon contrasts the Old Covenant understanding of the Sabbath with the New Covenant understanding, emphasizing that the Sabbath is a picture of rest. The speaker argues that the New Covenant principle is to prioritize worship and fellowship with God first, rather than working for Him. He stresses that understanding scripture requires careful attention to the distinction between 'created' and 'made' and warns against legalistic adherence to tradition.

The central message is that true spiritual understanding and entering the New Covenant require humility, acknowledging that one knows nothing, much like a child. Jesus taught that one must learn from Him—specifically His humility and gentleness—rather than relying on personal cleverness or intelligence. This rest from self-effort means responding immediately to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on one's own works or bright ideas.

The central message is that the New Covenant, established through Christ's death, has broken down all distinctions—including those of race, intellect, and social standing—creating one unified body in Christ. Paul emphasizes that this unity is a mystery known only through divine revelation, not mere intellectual understanding. The speaker urges believers to live out this reality by embracing the 'new self' renewed in Christ, rejecting all forms of internal and external enmity.

The central message is that entering the New Covenant requires more than intellectual knowledge or cleverness; it demands a childlike humility. The speaker emphasizes that pride in one's intelligence or knowledge hinders the reception of divine revelation, which is instead given to those who are humble, like babies. True understanding and participation in the New Covenant come through genuine discipleship, not academic prowess.

The speaker reviews key differences between the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing that in the New Covenant, believers are transformed from glory to glory and are justified by Christ's blood. Crucially, he distinguishes between earthly enemies and spiritual ones, teaching that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Therefore, believers must resolve to never fight with any human being, no matter the disagreement.

The speaker contrasts the 'health and wealth' gospel of the Old Covenant, which promises blessings for obedience, with the true message of the New Covenant. He emphasizes that the New Covenant message, centered on Jesus, is about being saved from sin, not from physical ailments or poverty. The speaker urges listeners to examine what Jesus has truly saved them from, suggesting that many misunderstand the meaning of Jesus' name and the scope of salvation.

The central message is that the New Covenant emphasizes internal righteousness and quality over the Old Covenant's focus on external actions and quantity. Jesus taught that true righteousness comes from the heart—addressing root issues like anger and lust—rather than merely following external rules. This principle applies to all areas, including prayer, fasting, and giving, where the motive and quality of action are paramount.

The speaker contrasts the individualistic fellowship of the Old Covenant with the corporate life of the New Covenant, emphasizing that true Christian fellowship requires more than just good relationships or psychology. He stresses that both individuals must accept the cleansing of Christ's blood for sin and crucify their old, sinful nature. This shared acceptance of the cross is what breaks down the inherent enmity in the flesh, allowing for genuine, barrier-free fellowship.