Everyone is a theologian

Every theology is incomplete

“Worldviews are not things you look at but things you look through.”

“In order for news to be good – it has to occupy bad territory”

“We read scripture, not merely for information – but transformation”

1. God 2. Others 3. Self 4. Creation

“There is no right understanding of yourself until you understand yourself in light of who God is. “

“Sin is culpable disturbance of shalom” – Cornelius Platinga

“The story is far more than merely the removal of sin – it’s the restoration of shalom.”

WHAT IS COVENANT?

Covenant = berith

WHAT IS COVENANT? Covenant = berith "May I be torn apart like these animals if I fail to uphold my part of this covenant.”

WHAT IS COVENANT? Covenant = berith "May I be torn apart like these animals if I fail to uphold my part of this covenant.”

“A covenant is a solemn commitment, guaranteeing promises or obligations undertaken by one or both parties, sealed with an oath.” – Paul R Williamson, Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God’s Unfolding Purpose

WHY DOES GOD COVENANT?

Hesed

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant “But like Adam they transgressed the covenant” - Hosea 6:7

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant 2. The Noahic Covenant

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant 2. The Noahic Covenant “As part of this covenant, I promise you I will never again wipe out all living flesh by means of flooding waters. Never again will a flood destroy the earth.” -Genesis 9:11

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant 2. The Noahic Covenant 3. The Abrahamic Covenant

The L ORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:1-3

1. He will be made into a great Nation (v. 2)

1. He will be made into a great Nation (v. 2) 2. This nation will be led into the Promised Land (v. 1)

1. He will be made into a great Nation (v. 2) 2. This nation will be led into the Promised Land (v. 1) 3. Through him (Abraham) all people of the earth will be blessed (v. 3)

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant 2. The Noahic Covenant 3. The Abrahamic Covenant 4. The Mosaic Covenant

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” - Exodus 19:5-6

OLD TESTAMENT COVENANTS 1. The Adamic Covenant 2. The Noahic Covenant 3. The Abrahamic Covenant 4. The Mosaic Covenant 5. The Davidic Covenant

‘The L ORD declares to you that the L ORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.

15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’

17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation. - 2 Samuel 7:12-17

WHAT IS THE NEW COVENANT?

HOW DO WE LIVE IN COVENANT?

A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one person is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other

God is a covenant-making and covenant- keeping God. If you have never thought of Him in these terms, then you have not yet begun to think about Him in the way he wants you to. God’s Word describes those covenants, proclaiming Him to be a covenanting God.

In a sense, the Bible is the book of His covenant. We even call it that – the Old and the New Covenants (Testaments)! - Sinclair Ferguson

He does not love us if we love him. He loves us with an unconditional love; therefore, we should love him. The message of the covenant is one of God’s totally free grace to his people. Of course, it calls for a response of total commitment.

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”- Matthew 26:26-29

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. – Revelation 5:9