Covenant

 If a person uses the word “covenant,” in your presence, likely the first thought is what background does the person come from and what does he want? If the person were a businessman or a lawyer, he would likely be referring to something we would better understand as a contract, a written document that outlines what two parties or people will, and will not, do for some reason. If the person is from a religious background, he is likely referring to the agreement God made with His people at some point in time. There was a first covenant, contract, or agreement about how to view and serve God that we know as the Old Testament. Humans were not able to keep this covenant. Because of His love for us, God made a different covenant, based on the death of Jesus. Regarding this dilemma, Paul writes an explanation to the Corinthians. He said, “He made us able to be servants of a new agreement from himself to his people. This new agreement is not a written law, but it is of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.” - 2 Cor. 3:6 (NCV) Based on Jesus’ death, God created a new agreement with us, his creation, sealed it with the blood of his Son Jesus, and sent the Holy Spirit to live within us and provide the power to keep this new covenant. live the life of this new covenant. Based on His grace, God has made a new covenant for a life lived with love for others. This covenant provides continual grace to keep us clean when we make mistakes. He has made us worthy and competent to share that covenant with others. By sharing the news of this new covenant with others, it brings life to others and expands His kingdom, through our lives!