INTRODUCTION Have you ever tried to have the best of both worlds only to discover that you lost both? Sometimes as Christians we want the heavenly and the worldly at the same time. Sometimes as Christians we want the heavenly and the worldly at the same time. We want to be in the Kingdom of God yet be so close to the border to the Kingdom of the world. Because we still want to taste the worldly allure. We want to live in the thin border between both worlds. Living on the borderline is a rather dangerous spot to be. Because we can easily tip over to the wrong side. Further, it can end up being a rather uncomfortable place to be. Ever tried to sit on a thin wooden fence? In this series of 3 articles, I will share on 3 key areas that we can live in the grey, on the border. Areas that we need to watch our hearts and be alert about. In this series, we will examine the story of Joshua 13:8-33. CHOOSING GOOD BUT NOT GOD When we look at the story of how the Israelites divided up the Promised Land, we can see some of these attitudes. God had promised the Israelites land basically on the western side of the Jordan River. Yet we find in Joshua 13:8 (NIV84) The other half of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites had received the inheritance that Moses had given them east of the Jordan, as he, the servant of the Lord, had assigned it to them. The Reubenites and Gadites had seen that the land was suitable for their livestock and requested Moses to let them have it. Num 32:1, 4-5 (NIV84) 1The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock… 4the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel—are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5If we have found favor in your eyes,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.” Notice the last sentence where they pleaded with Moses. Basically, they did not want to enter into the Promised Land which was on the western side. Instead, they wanted the eastern side of the Jordan River. In the end Moses gave in to their requests. Sometimes, the "good" can be the enemy of the "best". Sometimes what we define as good is actually "second best". Or worse, it conflicts with God's choice! On the surface it might seem like a reasonable choice and request. Yet what may seem good is not always so. Sometimes, the "good" can be the enemy of the "best". Sometimes what we define as good is actually "second best". Or worse, it conflicts with God's choice! Was the choice of these 2.5 tribes good? When we examine their motivations for the decision, it begins to look very similar to Lot's choice (Gen 13:10-13). Let me point out the characteristics of their choices. SENSE-DRIVEN RATHER THAN SPIRITUALLY-DISCERNED. In Num 32:1, they "saw that the lands…were suitable for livestock". Similarly, in Gen 13:10, "Lot looked up and saw…" Lot feasted his eyes on the well-watered plains of Jordan. And he thought to himself. “This is it! It looks beautiful! Everything that I need for my flocks! It feels right, it must be right!” And so he made his choice. Similarly, the 2.5 tribes made their decision. Hollywood keeps telling us, “If it feels right, it must be right! Don’t think, let your heart guide you!” How many of us do exactly just that? We let our hearts guide us! But at the expense of our heads! If we were only deciding which flavour of ice-cream – that would be fine! But too often major decisions of our life are driven by our hearts. It is absolutely unbiblical to let significant decisions be driven by our hearts. The Scriptures never teaches us to make decisions that way. Prov 19:2 (NIV84) "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." The wise will stop and analyse the situation and its consequences, before deciding. I am not saying we ignore our heart. It has a place, but a secondary role. The wisest will think things through and more. They will seek God. Prov 3:6 (NIV84) "in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Lot failed in his choice because he was driven by his senses. The 2.5 tribes made the same mistake. On the other hand, Abraham was blessed because his choices were spiritually discerning. He sought not earthly attractions but heavenly promises. In Gen 13:15-16, it showed Abraham’s focus was on the promise of God. The writer of Hebrews explained Abraham’s perspective. Heb 11:10 (NIV84) "For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." When we make spiritually discerning choices, it lifts us to a higher level. We can begin to live for a higher purpose. When we make spiritually discerning choices, it lifts us to a higher level. We can begin to live for a higher purpose. Instead of living for the moment, we begin to live for the eternal. I know Ps Mark Edwards who leads CityHope Church, a significant church in Ipswich, a town adjacent to Brisbane on the west. His father was Sir Llewellyn Edwards (deceased), a famous and influential Queenslander. Sir Llew was once Deputy Premier of Queensland, Chancellor of the University of Queensland and was director on many public listed companies. Mark was a successful lawyer and could have followed his father’s footsteps or worked in their large family business RT Edwards. Instead, he gave it all up and chose God's business. Because he saw its greater value. Will you be guided by your good senses or God-sense? Will you be guided by your feelings or spiritual discernment? Is there more excitement in your senses than in the Spirit? SELF-CENTRED RATHER THAN GOD-CENTRED. In Num 32:4-5 the concern was for their livestock. Their greater concern was to feed their own flocks than to take the Promised Land. It was more self-centred than God-centred. They sacrificed God's allocation for their own choice! Similarly, when Lot made his choice, he did not put in any consideration for his uncle Abraham. Out of respect for his uncle, he could have given the better option to his uncle. Instead, he chose it all for himself. Lot was greedy. Grabbed what he wanted first. The irony is he thought he got the best. But in the end he got nothing, and even worse, lost almost everything in the process. It iswhen we trust God enough to make Him central in our decisions, that we can be in the centre of His will. It is then that we are at the centre of His blessings. On the other hand, Abraham was so generous in his graciousness. He did not get excited about the lovely plains but trusted God. His attitude was, “Whatever Lot chooses, I will trust God for the His best.” It was only after God revealed His choice of land, that Abraham made his choice. For Abraham was more concerned about choices that pleased God. It iswhen we trust God enough to make Him central in our decisions, that we can be in the centre of His will. It is then that we are at the centre of His blessings. What are some characteristics of self-centred choices? Haste more than prayer. There are much more "I" concerns than "God" concerns. "I" tend to benefit quite a bit more than "God's Kingdom". Not saying that we will never benefit, we could. But not significantly, at least not obviously to ourselves. How do we know that the decision of the 2.5 tribes was not so good? These tribes were the first to be conquered and carried off into exile because of their unfaithfulness, as recorded in 1 Chr 5:25-26 (NIV84)25But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile... They were in the wrong place that exposed them to greater influences of idolatry. You may ask, then why did Moses or God allow them to occupy those land? Because they wanted it so bad! When Israel wanted their own king so bad - God finally let them have their own king but warned them of the dangers. At times, God allows it because He knows they will force their own way anyway. Better that He at least set some parameters rather than them rebelliously making their own, even worst choices. Sometimes God allows us to get what we want, not because it is best for us. But because we throw a tantrum about it! So He lets us get it in order that we may learn our lesson. CONCLUSION Are we choosing what we view as good? Above God? In our haste we may fail to discern what God’s preference is. In our self-centredness we may run towards what seems good and ignore what is of God, which may not look as good initially. Let’s determine to look to God like Abraham did and trust Him for the best. Let’s live squarely in God’s will. Don't live on the borderline! Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

What pressures are assailing you? Has wear and tear due to trials been causing distinct emotional fatigue and cracks? Difficulties due to your finances, marital issues, kids, covid19, ministry dead ends, etc...? We must learn to walk crack-free by applying our authority in the new man in Christ. Maybe you have been wondering, ‘How can this be happening to me?’ Why me? More sleep, exercise, right diet do profit. However, things maybe outside our immediate control. We must understand God allows pressure tests. They bring us to a higher place. Importantly, we must learn to walk crack-free by applying our authority in the new man in Christ. A crack-free life is a witness for Christ. We take note that the disciples were astonished by Jesus’ witness. He was undaunted by storm-pressures in Mark chapter 4. In 2 Kings chapters 6 & 7 we read about Israel under siege. A severe famine resulted. The situation became so dire some people even resorted to cannibalism to survive. But Elisha saw possibility despite pressure. No cracks appeared due to any fatigue unlike others. Importantly, what pressures appear to be wearing you down now? God’s divine blueprint for advancing crack-free God was testing his king and cracks were appearing everywhere. What’s the lesson? The king saw the dire situation, watching helplessly as women ate each other’s sons! He hid his sack cloth under his robe. He didn’t cry out to God publicly. He wasn’t sincere. He bottled things up. He blamed Elisha the prophet for everything and wanted to kill him. He became full of evil suspicions and mistrust. He felt abandoned by God and became fatalistic. The king said in 2 Kings, chapter 6, verse 33, “The disaster is from the Lord, why wait for the Lord any longer.” This says a lot about his heart. Cracks appeared. Extreme pressures revealed his extreme self-reliance. He was blind to the fact he needed God more than ever. The purpose of the test was God-reliance to showcase God’s glory. Practically, how can we apply God’s divine blueprint to pass our pressure test? 1. Stop feeding our emotional dump master. Break the downward spiral by finding hope in God afresh. No matter how you feel, he’s on your side! We need to air out ‘garbage feelings’ wisely. This is so we don’t lose all our friends or overwhelm our spouse! Talk to God sincerely about what is going on to find grace. Seek him about what he wants us to learn. Break the downward spiral by finding hope in God afresh. No matter how you feel, he’s on your side! 2. Careful not to blame shift. No matter how hard, and despite others being at fault, don’t blame shift! What is our contribution? By blaming others, we negate our own repentance. If we turn to God, his superior peace can arrest the storm. We are tested like the disciples of Jesus. The disciples blamed Jesus as their boat began to sink, saying “Don’t you care?” He said, “You calm the storm!” 3. God never sees a dead end, only a highway leading forward. The kingdom of God is not limited. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” One meaning of shalom or peace is wholeness. God’s healing and divine order helps us go from the cracks to crack free. I have seen people delivered from extreme panic attacks and mental torment. They took practical steps forward as they warred according to the prophetic words on their life. (See 1 Timothy chapter 1 verse 18). When they minister in God’s presence today, freedom and deliverance break out powerfully! We can learn from Elisha who releases the superior authority from heaven. Pressures? Press into God’s secret counsel The word of the Lord came to Elisha, “By this time tomorrow, the famine will lift.” Wow, no more famine, the economy can get better by the morning. Elisha tapped into kingdom authority. The faithless king’s hand would “see it but not partake in it.”Elisha’s prophecy was bang on. What was his secret? Elisha knew God’s heart is not for our defeat and devastation. He sought God and knew the father’s secret counsel. He prophesied it and the famine lifted! Similarly, Jesus knew the father’s will to ‘cross over the lake.’ He was authorised to trump the storm with heaven’s peace. A legion of demons was no match. What is your special assignment today? “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. The glory of kings is to search it out.” Where does God want you, what is his assignment? The secret things of the kingdom of God belong to his children. Every child loves playing hide and seek! As we declare God’s words of the kingdom his peace will carry us forward. And it opens the door to God’s unexpected intervention. Interestingly, in this story in 2 Kings chapter 7, the lepers arise as a game-changer. They realised that if they stayed where they are they would die. They took a risk and went to enemy camp. Pressures give way to prospects The lepers discovered God had won the battle for them all. This is a type of the new covenant. God has already won our battle too. We too must learn to take back what the enemy has taken. The lepers gathered the plunder and determined to spread the good news of God’s victory! Align to the great commission (Matthew Chapter 28) to share the gospel of the kingdom to have authority. And as we ‘wait’ on God we will receive fresh power for our assignment. Doors will open up despite Covid hindrances or anything else. And be blessed. Where has the pressure test has revealed the deepest cracks in your life? That is where in the new man we are going to minister the greatest victories in other’s lives to calm their storm. (First published by Mark Rusic in Christian Today Australia) Copyright©️2021 by Mark Rusic. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION Unlocking the connection between the Old Testament and New Testament connection can be likened to piecing a jigsaw puzzle together. In the previous article in this series “How The Old Connects With The New” we showed Jesus is the key to unlocking the connection between the Old and the New Testaments. The correct explanation must be consistent in its applicability throughout all of Scripture. In this article, we apply the Jesus-key to demonstrate its consistency. The critical matter to grasp is that it is all about the eternal principles. When Jesus functions as a filter, what eternal principle was upheld when Jesus fulfilled aspects of the Law? When Jesus functioned as a lens, what eternal principle is the focus behind specific requirements or practices? When Jesus functioned as an elevator, what is the more fundamental or higher eternal principle that is operative? With the above in mind, let us consider what changed between the Old and New. Here are some changes in key areas. Weekly Sabbath to Sabbath-rest in God The 4th commandment is stated in Exodus 20:8–10 (NIV84) 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates..” The Hebrew word Sabbath means rest and it was intended to mean to rest in God. The Jews zealously followed the form to take the Saturday rest in every week as a rule. When Jesus came, Jesus filtered out the form of observing a day. Jesus served as the lens to refocus sabbath to its true intent. Mark 2:27–28 (NIV84) 27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Sabbath was made for man, to find rest. In whom? In the Lord of the Sabbath. Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV84) 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. How do we enter that rest? Hebrews 4:2-3 (NIV84) 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest. Jesus served as a lens to refocus the weekly sabbath on its eternal principle: True Sabbath is resting by faith in Christ. Through believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are now saved by God’s grace alone and not through human effort. Jesus served as a lens to refocus the weekly sabbath on its eternal principle: True Sabbath is resting by faith in Christ. As Christians we are to continue in this Sabbath rest by living in continual trust in God’s provision. 24/7 and 365 days in the year. So we no longer need a weekly rest? The external form still useful guide. Having a day to rest from hard work and to spend about God’s business is always good for our body, soul and spirit. 10 Commandments: From Rules to Principles Many are confused about the 10 commandments. Some say, “Since the Mosaic Laws no longer apply, neither do the 10 commandments”. Others say, “Jesus has fulfilled the Mosaic Law but not the 10 commandments since it is moral laws”. Does that mean we have to obey the Sabbath day commandment? Others claim that Jesus affirmed 9 of the commandments and therefore should be retained. But did He really? And there are many other ideas. Principles contained within the Old Testament pass through Jesus as filter/lens/elevator into the New Testament. Consequently, the eternal principle is retained but the outer form can be changed. The key is to understand that principles contained within the Old Testament pass through Jesus as filter/lens/elevator into the New Testament. Consequently, the eternal principle is retained but the outer form can be changed. The 10 commandments in itself is a form of regulations. The form is often close to the principle, sometimes the same. Let’s now consider the first 5 commandments in the Table. The first 3 commandments are very close to the principle, as shown in the Table. With the 3rd commandment, Jesus expands upon it in Matthew 5:33–37 (NIV84) 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. In effect Jesus was saying that if we were to swear an oath by something on earth, or heaven, it is still in effect swearing upon something which belongs to God rather than us. We are therefore misappropriating God’s name. We are using God’s integrity, God’s honour to buttress our own. Jesus here acted as the lens, re-focussing on God’s honour. Hence, we not to misuse God’s name by using it for our own purposes. In fact, we should have the integrity not to need to swear an oath upon anything. We cannot treat the 10 commandments as one complete set, to be moved in the same fashion across to the New Testament. Rather each should be processed uniquely through Jesus. The 4th commandment is treated differently from the first 3 commandments, as was explained in detail earlier. The most obvious reason is because the 4th commandment was given in a form of an external religious practice, rather than an eternal principle. Thus, we cannot treat the 10 commandments as one complete set, to be moved in the same fashion across to the New Testament. Rather each should be processed uniquely through Jesus. The 5th commandment is virtually the same principle. Jesus explicitly affirmed the 5th to 9th commandment in the narrative about the rich young ruler who wanted to gain eternal life. Matthew 19:17–19 (NIV84) 17 …If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” So Jesus affirmed the commandments are important to obey. He sums up with “love the neighbour as yourself” which generally includes all the 5th to 10th commandments as these all relate to how we treat our neighbour. The 6th and 7th commandments, Jesus elevated it to a higher standard, as shown in the Table below. It is obvious that Jesus moved the focus from specific behaviours to the condition of the heart. The 8th and 9th commandment apostle Paul brought out the principle more clearly. Again, like Jesus, Apostle Paul refocussed them from specific behaviours to the condition of the heart. The 10th commandment Jesus brought a clearer focus on the principle behind it. It is fantastic if we can work from eternal principles to determine what is acceptable to God or not. Otherwise, we can fall back on the commandments itself. Because for the most part, the form is a good indicator of the principle. Except the 4th commandment on the sabbath day rest. Indeed, we find a similar approach amongst the New Testament writers. At times, the New Testament writers used the form and at other times revealing the eternal principles behind them. It appears to depend on the context. It is like driving on the road. For simplicity we could say, “Just follow the road rules.” Or for more advanced and safer driving we could teach the driver principles of safe driving and ask them to apply the most appropriate principles to safe driving. Circumcision of flesh to circumcision of heart Circumcision of the flesh is an outward form, given in the Abrahamic covenant where the male foreskin is cut off. But the eternal principle is circumcision of the heart. Romans 2:28-29 (NIV84) 28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God. Physical circumcision conveys the principle of removing the flesh of our hearts graphically and symbolically. Our fleshly self-reliance is to be removed so we are left totally relying upon God. Just as circumcision is physically done by someone else, the circumcision of the heart is done by someone else, the Holy Spirit. Different expression, same eternal principle. God did hint at this back in Leviticus 26:41–42 (NIV84) 41…then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, 42 I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham.... Levitical priesthood to believers’ priesthood In Old Testament times only the Levite tribe can be priests. When Jesus died on the cross, He changed the priesthood. Jesus became the High Priest in Heaven while all believers became priests unto God. 1 Peter 2:5 (NIV84) you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The eternal principle: All God’s people are to serve His Kingdom and personally approach His throne as priests. In the Old Testament priesthood was limited to a minority but now it has been broadened to all. The eternal principle: All God’s people are to serve His Kingdom and personally approach His throne as priests. That is why we don’t call our pastors priests. That is why we encourage every believer to serve God, because it is our priestly duty. There is no special hierarchy of leaders who stands as intermediary to Christ. Ceremonial sacrifices to living sacrifices In the Old Testament, all manner of sacrifices were given to God, both animal and grain by the Levitical priests. In the New Testament we give spiritual sacrifices through living for God. Romans 12:1 (NIV84) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Animal sacrifices has been elevated to sacrifices of the heart in the New Testament. The eternal principle: God seeks sacrificial living that is holy and pleasing to God, a sacrifice from the heart. Animal sacrifices has been elevated to sacrifices of the heart in the New Testament. The eternal principle: God seeks sacrificial living that is holy and pleasing to God, a sacrifice from the heart. Central Pattana is by far the biggest and most sophisticated developer and operator of shopping centres in Thailand. They operate 45 premium shopping centres, hotels and office buildings. Kobchai Chirathivat ran and grew the family business for many years. He was President and CEO as well as Director. Despite being a very busy businessman, he served God with great passion and dedication. He and his wife started ACTS church in Bangkok, one of our HIM churches. It is a large church today with many business people. Even though he is now in his mid-60s he is still as passionate about building God’s church! That is living a sacrificial life! Conclusion God is the God of covenants. God is the author of both the Two Covenants: The Old and new Testaments. Within these Testaments are conveyed God’s heart and purposes. Although the way it is conveyed can seem quite different, yet they all contain the same eternal principles that we can live by, be inspired and find life. Through it all we discover that God is seeking our hearts to be in the right place before Him, far more than our outward behaviours. Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION The subject of covenant in the Bible is fascinating. It reveals so much about God’s approach to relationship with His people and about His purposes for His Church. Starting from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden and how God planned progressively to redeem man from his fallen state. We covered briefly these aspects in the first 4 parts of this 6-part series. In this article we begin to explore one of the most fascinating and controversial aspect of God’s covenants. How the Old Testament connects with the New Testament. Now the English word testament is derived from a Greek word meaning covenant. Hence the words testament is synonymous with covenant. But we should not confuse the Old Testament to mean the sum collection of all the covenants before Christ. For the Old Testament is more than that. Similarly, the New Testament is more than just the New Covenant. In this article, we will use the term Old Testament to mean all the biblical writings, which encompass all the covenants before Christ. Similarly, the New Testament in all its writings, which encapsulates the New Covenant. It will be obvious at various points in this article when we are zooming in to focus on the covenants specifically. When we look at both Testaments, they seem so different. God even seems different, especially in the way He dealt with the people. Most people have difficulties reconciling both Testaments. Some believe the New Testament is more important. Some believe the Old Testament is more important. Some try to integrate the Old with the New Testament in some scheme. Some choose which parts of the Old and New that they like. Most simply don’t know what to believe! Some just believe whatever their pastor believes! Some of you may think, “Does it matter what we understand of the Old and New Testament?” It doesn’t if you are not serious about following God. It does if you are serious! Here we will explore some of the key issues and its solution. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT So how are both these testaments related, connected? The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament. Have you ever tried to seriously understand through parts of the Old Testament? It is almost like the Old Testament is playing a game of charade with us. It is like it is trying to communicate something more, something hidden through a thick veil. We get impressions, see shadows, glimpses of something far more. It is only because we have the New Testament that it occurs to us that there were actions, ideas, symbols and prophecies that seem to have connections to the New Testament. Much of the Old Testament were preparatory for the New Testament. It lays the foundations for the New Testament to be built upon. Much of the Old Testament were preparatory for the New Testament. It lays the foundations for the New Testament to be built upon. It provides a context for the main story of the New Testament to be played out. It is the prequel to the climatic story. It is the entrée before the main meal. The New Testament was already partially there in the Old Testament, just hidden in different ways. Without the Old Testament, the New Testament would have less impact! The Old Testament is unveiled in the New Testament. “The Old Testament is in the New revealed and the New is in the Old concealed” St. Augustine Through the New Testament, the Old Testament makes far more sense. It is like some cryptic codes have finally been unlocked. Like the thick veil has been pushed apart. Light is shining through a heavy fog. Some think, “Since we now have clear revelation in the New Testament, we no longer need the Old Testament.” “The New Covenant is far superior to the Old therefore the Old is now obsolete. Abolished by Jesus on the cross!” Yet that is very flawed thinking and a great misunderstanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testament. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:17–18 (NIV84) 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Jesus did not come to get rid of the Old Testament. He came to fulfil it! He reinforced it by declaring that not a single letter in God’s Law will disappear, until it is fully fulfilled. Jesus did not come to get rid of the Old Testament. He came to fulfil it! He reinforced it by declaring that not a single letter in God’s Law will disappear, until it is fully fulfilled. The Old Testament is so important that it will outlast our earth. God will make sure everything in it will be fulfilled. By the way, not everything prophesied in the Old Testament has been fulfilled yet. There are many other things hinted at in the Old Testament about the Kingdom of God which we don’t adequately understand about yet, let alone understand whether it has been accomplished. Apostle Paul reinforced the importance of every Scripture in both the Old and New. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV84) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Every part of Scripture is important. The stories, narratives, historical portions are no less important than the epistles, the teaching portions. The Old Testament did not fail to be relevant, but the man failed to appreciate its relevance. The Old Testament is just as important as the New. The Old Testament did not fail to be relevant, but the man failed to appreciate its relevance. The Old Testament is just as important as the New. Because both are 2 parts of God’s Word. Jesus is the transforming connection between the Old and New Testaments The have been many attempts, many theories to understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments. I believe the most consistent understanding is this. God is consistent in His eternal principles though the manner of expression changed. The form must be distinguished from the content. The form is temporal while the content, the principle is eternal. In the Old Testament, much of the eternal truths and principles were clothed in certain forms of practices and ceremonies while in the New Testament the eternal principles are mostly unveiled. In the Old Testament, much of the eternal truths and principles were clothed in certain forms of practices and ceremonies while in the New Testament the eternal principles are mostly unveiled. This is not to say that all of the Old Testament is form. Principles were also at times clearly expressed. It is crucial to appreciate the relationship between form and principle. Because sometimes the form is very close to the principle. Traffic rules are a form to express some key principles. The main principle is basically drive safely by driving in an appropriate manner for the context. The rules constrain and guide us on what manner of driving is appropriate for any specific section of the road. Jesus is the key to unlock the connection from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus is the key to unlock the connection from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In 3 key ways: Jesus as a filter. A filter allows certain things to pass through and no other. Jesus crucified meant that He fulfilled certain parts of the Law. All Old Testament animal sacrifices are no longer necessary because Jesus fulfilled it once and for all. Note that Jesus did not abolish them but fulfilled them. Jesus fulfilled the eternal principle of a holy sacrifice, the atonement, as a kinsman-redeemer. Jesus as a lens. A camera lens focusses on an object. Jesus brought certain aspects into a clearer focus. To bring a greater clarity of understanding of its purposes. For example, Jesus brought the 10 commandments into greater clarity when He pointed out the heart of the commandments as simply having an all-consuming love for God and a love for our neighbours equal to our self-love. Jesus refocussed on the eternal principles behind the commandments or rules. Jesus as an elevator. An elevator brings to a higher level. Jesus elevated our understanding to a higher level, setting a higher standard of righteousness. For example, in Matthew 5:28 (NIV84) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. The epistles build upon these same approaches. By having a clear understanding of how this key is used, and why, will provide us the criteria to unlock further Old Testament practices and its connection to the New Testament The New interprets the Old Testament While the New Testament can better interpret the Old Testament, the Old can inform the New in many areas. The New Testament is intended to interpret the Old Testament, not the other way round. For the New is a clearer revelation of God’s on-going and progressive plan for mankind. While the New Testament can better interpret the Old Testament, the Old can inform the New in many areas. For the elaborate details of the ceremonies or the narratives can give deeper insight into God’s thinking and outworking compared to the New Testament which tends to focus more on the concepts. For example, Isa 7 prophesies of a virgin giving birth to the Messiah, Emmanuel. The Hebrew word could mean either virgin or young woman. Some scholars have hotly debated over this. But the New Testament is very clear that Mary had never lain with anyone before Jesus’ birth. So theologically when we use the New Testament to interpret the Old, we are very clear. If we do it the other way, it can lead to fanciful and wrong interpretations. CONCLUSIONS We showed that both the Testaments are essential together for a complete understanding of God’s purposes. We argued that the key to unlocking how the Old is brought across to the New is through Jesus, as the transforming connection. Jesus is the filter, lens and elevator connecting the Old to the New Testament. In the last article of this series, we will examine specific examples of how the Old practices were transformed into the New. Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION God has high ideals in His relationships, and this is evidenced by His covenants made with man. In part 3, we began unpacking 4 out of 8 of God’s covenants. Through the Adamic Covenant, God began His redemption purposes and continued building upon it with successive covenants. In Part 3, we concluded on the Abrahamic Covenant. God continues in his meta-narrative to unfold his redemption plan with the remaining covenants. The Book of Exodus opens with Abraham’s descendants, the 12 tribes of Israel were in Egypt. The Israelites were multiplying rapidly, which threatened the new Pharaoh’s ego. So he forced God’s people into slavery. Consequently, the people of Israel cried out to God. God heard them and raised up a deliverer, Moses to be His instrument to deliver them out of slavery in Egypt and to lead them towards the promised land. When they reached the foot of Mt Sinai, God shows up in a big way and entered into a covenant with the nation of Israel. 5. MOSAIC COVENANT The Mosaic Covenant is made specifically with Israel (the Jews). It contains the most number of words and instructions (Exodus 20-40 and Leviticus). Most scholars consider it to contain 3 groupings: The Moral Law – Ten Commandments were written on 2 tablets of stone. The Civil Law – which governs every area of life civically, socially, economically, personally and legally. The Ceremonial Law – which are detailed and explicit set of laws governing sacrifices, priesthood, and providing atonement for sins. Dietary and hygiene laws are generally considered to be part of this. WORDS PROMISES: Similar to Abrahamic Covenant TERMS: Obedience to the Law and all its commandments. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (NLT) “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! (27) You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. (28) But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before. Love. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 (NIV) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (6) These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Here, God reveals that He is more interested in loving obedience from our hearts. There is an invitation to an intimate relationship with Him, not just obeying the rules and regulations in the Law. BLOOD Elaborate system of continual animal sacrifices to atone for sin and purify from uncleanness, so that the people are acceptable to a righteous and holy God. SEAL Sabbath. Exodus 31:13 (ESV) ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you. What is the Sabbath? The Hebrew “shabbath” means to rest from labour/work. So sabbath means a day of rest which is to be on the 7th day, which is Saturday. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOSAIC COVENANT God established laws for the people of Israel as a standard of righteousness. Revealing what it means to be “a holy nation, a people who are Set Apart to God”. Inadvertently, the Law also more comprehensively revealed man’s sin. It showed that no one can be justified by the Law and the Law cannot give life. Years ago, I (May) visited a Jewish Synagogue and the Rabbi explained that there are 613 Jewish commandments in the Law (mitzvot) they must fully obey. The Mosaic Covenant is a temporary covenant; intended to be a school master, pointing towards the need for a Messiah (a perfect Saviour). This Covenant finds its perfect fulfilment in Jesus Christ. He was the only Man who ever perfectly kept the law in all its requirements, and thus was considered sinless. Ceremonial Laws and system of animal sacrifices point to the coming Messiah, Christ Who is the perfect, sinless, one-for-all sacrifice that can purify and take away man’s sinfulness (Heb 9,10). Sabbath points to righteousness attained by resting, by trusting in the finished work of Christ. See also article “Sabbath and the Christian” for a fuller discussion. Further, only way we can truly love God with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength is in Christ. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NLT) And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. (27) And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. The only conclusion is that our Saviour has to be Jesus Christ! 6. PALESTINIAN COVENANT This covenant was made with the second generation of Israelites out of Egypt, right before Moses died and Israel entering the Promised Land (Deut 29, 30:1-10). This covenant has many similarities with the Mosaic Covenant with the addition of commandments relating to Israel’s possession of the land. Such as every 7th year is to be a year of rest for the land. Thus, it is also called the Land Covenant. In addition, we find Deuteronomy 30:6 (ESV) And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul… Once again, the emphasis on a love relationship with God! But better still, God again gives a glimpse of what is to come in the New Covenant. That it will be God, the Holy Spirit, who will circumcise/change our hearts to love Him. Will we allow the Holy Spirit to circumcise our hearts? To remove the sinful, fleshly, worldly parts, so that we can be awakened more and more to love God more and more? 7. DAVIDIC COVENANT Now we fast forward from Book of Joshua to Samuel. After Israel took possession of the Promised Land and 500 years of judges administering God’s law, God appointed a king after His own heart, named David. David loved the Lord with all of his heart. It is recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 that God made a covenant with David. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV) …I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. (13) He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. WORDS: PROMISES of blessings: God promises David that He will raise up a Davidic descendant(s) who would: (1) build a House for God (Temple), (2) his Throne and (3) his Kingdom will last forever. This was not just naturally, but pointed ultimately to the everlasting House, Throne and Kingdom of Jesus Christ. This covenant reveals clearly that the Messiah who will come from David’s royal line, is not only a sacrificial lamb seen in the Mosaic Covenant, but He is THE King who rules forever! He will build His House i.e. the Church. And His Kingdom lasts forever! How wonderful it is to be under Jesus’ Kingship! As we submit to His authority, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. We become people of authority under Christ and anointed to rule the earth. So now we have several clues about God’s Redemption plan for mankind: Adamic Covenant: God will bring forth a Saviour who will crush Satan’s head. Noahic Covenant: God will save and preserve. Abrahamic Covenant: God formed a chosen group of people Israel, through whom will be a blessing to the whole world. Mosaic & Palestinian Covenants: God showed what it means to live set apart for God. However, we cannot do it by our own works. We need a sinless Saviour/Messiah who can truly save us. Also, God desires a love relationship, not religion. Davidic Covenant: The Messiah will be a forever King of His Kingdom. This leads us to the final but best one yet… 8. NEW COVENANT The New Covenant is the culmination of God’s saving work in His people. Jeremiah prophesied about this New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-33 (ESV) “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, (32) not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. (33) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.” Hence, no longer is the Law and ways of God something we have to follow externally, but our hearts will be changed, or circumcised and there will be a genuine desire to love and follow God from our hearts! Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV) And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (34) And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” We shall be the people of God and all who follow God can know God personally. An intermediary is no longer required. The word “know” is a translation of the Hebrew word “yadah” which means an intimate relationship, not an intellectual one. God also declares that our sins and wickedness will be completely forgiven once and for all! That is a huge step because in the Old Testament every sin had to be atoned for, every time, through the burnt offerings. The New Testament declares that all of God’s new covenantal promises are realised in and through Jesus! Luke 22:19-20 (ESV) And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (20) And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. That’s why the Old Testament is also called the Old Covenant; New Testament is also called the New Covenant. All the previous covenants from Adam to David, all the promises and more is fulfilled in the New Covenant. And it abolishes the temporal elements of the previous covenants. Thus some elements such as animal sacrifices are no longer needed, instead revealing their eternal elements. WORDS PROMISES OF BLESSING The promise of salvation includes all of the following: We receive forgiveness of sin We are justified (considered righteous before a holy and perfect God) We are a new creation, the old is gone. We have a new heart and a new spirit to love God and walk in His ways. We are adopted as sons and daughters of God. We have eternal life. We have a heavenly inheritance. We have victory over sin. We are anointed. We are blessed to be a blessing. We enter into a personal relationship with God. CURSES: Those who reject the gift of salvation are left in slavery to sin, will face spiritual death, eternal separation from God (i.e. Hell). TERMS: It requires repentance, faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, as well as to obey Him. What is repentance? It is turning away from our old ways, our sinful, self-focussed ways. What is Faith in Jesus Christ? It is trusting our whole life in Jesus Christ to save us, and to follow, obey and love Him whole-heartedly. BLOOD The once for all sacrifice of Jesus at the cross of Calvary. SEAL The indwelling Holy Spirit in every believer. Ephesians 1:13 (ESV) …when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Unless the Holy Spirit indwells us, we cannot be saved. Because without the seal, the New Covenant cannot be operative. Rejoice that God lives in us! All the seals of the previous Old Covenants were objects, impersonal. But the seal of the New Covenant is God’s Spirit! SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NEW COVENANT When we repent and have faith in Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we enter into this New Covenant with God. This covenant is about a personal and eternal relationship with God. This invitation is for all! Doesn’t it blow your mind? That the awesome, holy and perfect God, would love us (though imperfect and weak humans) so much to desire to have a relationship with us for eternity. HOW ALL THE COVENANTS TIE TOGETHER The Edenic Covenant revealed God’s great purpose for mankind, His people. That is to bear God’s image (character), be fruitful, and rule the earth in a relationship with God. The Fall resulted in a broken covenantal relationship and sin enter the world. God put in place an incredible plan, spanning over 2000 years, to redeem man back to the original purpose. This involved 7 key covenantal steps. Climaxing in the New Covenant with Jesus Christ, who is the Bridge to restore man’s covenantal relationship back with God and His original purpose. In conclusion, the Covenants are the greatest manifestations of God’s love, grace and mercy to a fallen humankind. Copyright©️2022 by May Burrell & Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION We live in a world of diluted commitments. Yet we worship a God with high ideals of commitment. We live in a world of diluted commitments. Yet we worship a God with high ideals of commitment. Through God’s covenants we discover what is the ideal manner that God desires to relate with His people and us with Him. Also between us with one another in His Church. Further, understanding God’s Covenant is the key to understanding the entire meta-narrative of God’s purposes and ultimate will for His people. To help us on that journey, we will unpack some key aspects of 8 key covenants God made with man in the Bible. This 2-part article is parts 3 and 4 of a 6-part series of articles on Covenants In The Bible. Part 1 addresses Its Purposes while Part 2 examines Why God Covenants With Us. It is crucial for us to understand that God requires 3 elements/components for a covenant to be fully established: Words of the Covenant – These are promises of blessings and/or curses (what God does), and the terms of agreement (what man needs to do to remain in covenant) Blood/sacrifice of the Covenant – this rectifies the covenant as valid. It is like the payment we make to buy a house. The payment to make God’s covenant valid has to involve the shedding of blood, a sacrifice. This is because of the sacredness of the covenant vows. For example, Jesus had to sacrifice Himself to make the New Covenant valid. Seal of the Covenant – this is the ongoing tangible sign to the authenticity of the covenant. It serves as a constant reminder that the covenant is in operation. In modern day terms it is like the wedding ring that married couple’s wear. It is also described as the sign or token of the covenant. Without all the 3 requirements, a covenant is not seen to be established or maintained. This is particularly relevant in covenants where man had to fulfil God’s terms or had to have the sign of the covenant upon the person (such as circumcision as required by the Mosaic Covenant). These requirements are quite common even today. For example, if you were to sign up for a 24-month plan to a new smartphone and service, a contract is required (Words), payments including downpayment and on-going payments are required (Blood/Sacrifice) as your signature to the contract (Seal). 1. EDENIC COVENANT The first covenant God made with man is the Edenic Covenant. Genesis 1 and 2 not only record the creation of the heavens and earth but also some of the reasons why God made them. Genesis 1 described God, the wise master-builder, creating over 5 days the sky, sea, land; the sun, moon, stars; the vegetation and animals. On Day 6, God created man who is the focal point of His 6 days of creation. All of God’s purposes were to centre on him. God then initiated the first covenant with man in the Garden of Eden. This shows God’s desire and purpose for man to be in covenantal relationship with Himself. For there could be no relationship with God apart from covenant. Genesis 1:27-29 (ESV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (28) And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (29) And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. WORD PROMISES OF BLESSINGS: God promised that man would have fruitfulness, authority over all living creatures and provision for food. TERMS: Obedience. God put 2 trees in the Garden of Eden. The “tree of life” and “tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Gen 2:9). God put one condition for man, to not eat from the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Gen 2:16-17). If he does, there will be the curse of death. From the very beginning God created man with free will, he has the choice to obey. BLOOD God cut open Adam’s side and took his rib (a part of his body) from which God built Adam’s bride, Eve (Gen 2:21-22). Thus, Eve was to be Adam’s co-worker, sharing in the covenant. SEAL The seal is the Tree of Life. So, when Adam and Eve broke the terms of the covenant, God’s judgment was to withhold this tree from man (Gen 3:22-24). The final witness to man’s full redemption and being restored back to full covenantal relationship was access back to the Tree of Life as revealed in the Book of Revelations (Rev 22:2)! SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EDENIC COVENANT God’s original plan and purpose for mankind was to bear God’s image, to be fruitful and multiply across the earth and to rule/govern the earth wisely on God’s behalf. It reveals God’s original plan and purpose for mankind was to bear God’s image, to be fruitful and multiply across the earth and to rule/govern the earth wisely on God’s behalf. Aren’t this essentially what God desires His Church to do today? To bear God’s image, to shine His glory, for the world to see God’s love, kindness, goodness etc character through us? To be fruitful and extend God’s good Kingdom across the world? To influence every sphere of society in God’s ways? This covenant is the only covenant made with man before the entrance of sin. It declared God’s purpose for man (i.e. us) which includes covenantal relationship, character, fruitfulness, dominion and eternal life upon continued obedience and faith. But man’s commitment to the terms of this covenant was tested. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to break the covenantal relationship. They ate from the “tree of knowledge of good and evil”, resulting in sin entering the world. Man’s character was corrupted, his dominion lost, and he and his offspring came under the dominion of sin and death. This sets the stage for the next covenant, the Adamic Covenant, where God came in grace to fallen man, seeking to restore him back to covenantal relationship. 2. ADAMIC COVENANT This Adamic covenant is the beginning of the covenants for the redemption of man. This Adamic covenant is the beginning of the covenants for the redemption of man. Genesis 3:15 (ESV) The LORD God said to the serpent, “… (15) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” The woman’s offspring refers to Jesus. It means that Satan will inflict minor damage on Jesus, but Jesus will crush Satan’s head. WORD PROMISE OF VICTORY: God promised victory over Satan, symbolised by man’s offspring “crushing” (NIV) the serpent’s head (Gen 3:15). BLOOD After Adam & Eve fell from covenantal relationship, they used man-made fig-leaf coverings to cover their sin and shame (Gen 3:7). However, in Genesis 3:21 God then made garments from animal skin and clothed them. This would have necessitated killing/sacrificing an innocent animal to provide the skin garment. Can you see the parallel here of how God was intending to redeem mankind back to the covenantal relationship with Him? By covering (which symbolises righteousness) that was God-made rather than Man-made. The sacrifice involved an innocent for the guilty. This foreshadowed what Christ would later do. SEAL These were the garments of skin as Adam & Eve would have to accept and wear the clothing as an act of faith in God. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ADAMIC COVENANT The first promise in the redemption of man is that we will have ultimate victory over Satan, the enemy who seeks to break our covenantal relationship with God. Just as Jesus defeated Satan, we too have victory over Satan when we are in covenantal relationship with God. Satan may try to strike our heels, but remember, God will crush him under our feet! It states in Romans 16:20 (ESV) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. So don’t be fearful. Have courage! Stand firm in Christ! God has given us the power to be victorious and to overcome. Unfortunately, even though God made such a wonderful promise, man did not walk in faith with God. In fact, Adam and his descendants continued walking in sin, further and further away from God, until Genesis 6:5 (ESV) The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God was grieved by the extent of wickedness and sends a destroying flood upon the earth as judgment. But by the grace of God, God rescued a remnant. A righteous man Noah, his family and the animals and birds. For God told Noah to build an Ark of safety to preserve them. After the Flood, when Noah exited the Ark, God made a covenant with him, known as the Noahic Covenant. 3. NOAHIC COVENANT Genesis 9:8–17 (ESV) 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” WORDS PROMISES OF BLESSINGS: The promises of the Noahic covenant reiterated God’s purpose for mankind to be fruitful, multiply and rule over the earth as declared in the Edenic covenant. God also promised preservation, whereby the earth will never again be destroyed by Flood, not matter how wicked the human race becomes. God also promised preservation, whereby the earth will never again be destroyed by Flood, not matter how wicked the human race becomes. Though the Book of Revelations reveal there will be a judgement by Fire. BLOOD Burnt offerings were made by Noah (Gen 8:20-21). SEAL Rainbow as a sign forever (Gen 9:12-17). But it’s not much longer that man would soon turn back to sin. This downward spiral of rebellion peaked at the building of Tower of Babel to reach unto heaven. There humans tried to overthrow God’s authority and establish a new world order to exalt themselves above God. So God confused their languages and scattered them over the earth into various nations. We are left to wonder: how in the world will humanity be saved? Then, in a stunning act of grace, God chose one man, and called him and his descendants into a covenantal relationship, through whom to begin a new chosen nation for God. This man was Abraham. 4. ABRAHAMIC COVENANT Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV) Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. (2) And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (3) I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonours you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” God’s covenant with Abraham was made over a period of time. It is further expanded upon and more details given in Genesis 15 and 17. WORDS PROMISES OF BLESSINGS: God promised 3 things: Firstly, possession of land (v1). Secondly, multitudes of descendants (v2). There will “as many as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore”. Thirdly, blessings to Abraham and to others through him (v2-3). And in it, the most significant promise is the Messianic Blessing that through Abraham, “all peoples on earth will be blessed”. TERMS: There are a number of terms involved. Firstly obedience, such as to leave his native country. Secondly, exercise of faith to trust God. Thirdly, circumcision of all males. Genesis 17:10 (ESV) This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. BLOOD There were 5 animal sacrificial offerings prepared by Abraham (Gen 15:9) as part of the process of enacting the covenant. Again, in Gen 22 when God instructed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. By faith, Abraham obeyed, but God intervened by providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice (Gen 22). Does this remind you of Someone? SEAL Circumcision of all male. In other words, circumcision was both a covenantal term and sign. Genesis 17:11 (ESV) You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional and everlasting covenant. The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional and everlasting covenant. It is the most comprehensive covenant in the sense that it includes within itself all the previous and subsequent covenants. Its ultimate fulfilment is in the New Covenant through Christ and His Church. Its ultimate fulfilment is in the New Covenant through Christ and His Church. It contains the joint blessing of the Messiah and being blessed to be a blessing. As Christ-followers, we are called children of Abraham by faith. Thus, in the same way, we are blessed to be a blessing to others, to our world. The rest of the covenants will be discussed in Part 4. Copyright©️2022 by May Burrell & Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION Why does God invest so much into making covenants with us? Why should we take the time to understand then? In Part 1, I mentioned that God chose to covenant with men to provide assurance, certainty and security in our relationship with Him. Particularly since God is superior in every way, it is incredible that He graciously chose to give us certainty by making such promises. There are also other major reasons why God made covenants with us. Reasons which make it crucial that we understand the purposes of His covenants. In the following are unpacked some of these. TO DEMONSTRATE GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESS. Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV84) Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. God always keep His part of the covenant. He keeps His promises to all the generations. God always keep His part of the covenant. He keeps His promises to all the generations. God is not capricious. God does not change the relationship according to His mood. God does not change the terms from one generation to another. Leviticus 26:45 (NIV84) But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the Lord. Making and keeping covenants with His people proves to us that God is faithful and trustworthy. TO REVEAL GOD’S MIND AND PURPOSES TO MAN Every God-covenant encapsulates some powerful truths. It applies some crucial eternal principles. Every God-covenant encapsulates some powerful truths. It applies some crucial eternal principles. But its expression can change in different time periods. Like between the Old Testament and New Testament. For example, circumcision in Old Testament is removing the flesh from males. But in New Testament it is about the heart. Romans 2:28–29 (NIV84) 28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Physical circumcision conveys the principle of removing the flesh of our hearts graphically and symbolically. Our fleshly self-reliance is to be removed so we are left totally relying upon God. Just as circumcision of the flesh is physically done by someone else, the circumcision of the heart is done by someone else, the Holy Spirit. Different expression, same eternal principle. The failure to realise that God’s eternal principle remains unchanged leads to theological mistakes. The failure to realise that God’s eternal principle remains unchanged leads to theological mistakes. For some teach that dispensations, or administrations of God changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament as if they were unrelated. Without recognising the connection through principles. For example, some teach that God saves the Jews through one covenant and the church through another covenant. That the Jews are only saved through observing the Mosaic Laws and Gentiles are saved through Jesus Christ. The eternal principle is that all are saved through God’s grace But the eternal principle is that all are saved through God’s grace. God provided the means of salvation requiring our faith response, trusting only in God’s provision. Whether it be through observing the Mosaic Laws in Old Testament but now only through Jesus Christ. So the covenants are different but the eternal principle is the same. Let me throw a theological dynamite to the thinkers in our midst. Salvation through Jesus Christ is not the eternal principle. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the means. God could have chosen any means. Could be an angel, God the Father or even Holy Spirit. For the principle is always that salvation is by God’s grace for no person could ever earn salvation. But I do believe that Jesus is the ultimate means because it requires the ultimate sacrifice of God’s Son. If you carefully study each covenant, you will discover the eternal truths behind it. Because God also used it to reveal His thinking and His purposes. TO FULFIL GOD'S OVER-ARCHING PURPOSE FOR MAN God has an over-arching aim for man. To have a holy love relationship with man. God has an over-arching aim for man. To have a holy love relationship with man. Matthew 22:37–38 (NIV84) 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. It is a two-way love relationship that God seeks. A relationship that climaxes with the marriage of Christ and the Church made holy. It is a two-way love relationship that God seeks. A relationship that climaxes with the marriage of Christ and the Church made holy. Ephesians 5:25–27 (NIV84) 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Rev 21 reveals the Church, arriving as a Bride prepared for her husband, Christ. What a beautiful imagery! But to have such a wonderful loving relationship requires man to have the ability to choose to freely love. True love absolutely requires free will to make such choices. Love that is enforced, coerced, manipulated, programmed or ordained by God – is not true love. That is one of the reasons why I believe God gave men freewill. It also makes best sense of all the Scriptures. However, we all know that man fell in sin back in the Garden of Eden. Because the ability to freely choose can also mean making bad choices, sinful choices. Every one of us have experienced that. Hence, man’s relationship with God was broken by sin. Yet God is determined to restore that loving holy relationship and even bring to its ultimate level of heavenly marriage. Every covenant God has made is intended as another step to reach this fulfilment of a committed, holy loving relationship. Every covenant has key relational components. Firstly, faith, is about trusting God. Secondly, obedience. This is why every covenant has key relational components. Firstly, faith, is about trusting God. Secondly, obedience. These are foundational for us to walk with God. Such that we allow God to transform our hearts experientially from sinfulness into holy maturity. To be more Christ-like. That the Church may be prepared for its ultimate relationship of marriage. TO ENABLE MAN TO FULFIL HIS ROLE IN GOD'S PLANS God covenants with man to increase his faith, enlarge his vision and increase motivation to walk in God’s purposes. God wants to bring us along His great redemptive plan to reach His great ultimate purposes for us. God covenants with man to increase his faith, enlarge his vision and increase motivation to walk in God’s purposes. For example, God enlarged Abraham’s vision for his descendants and inspired his faith at the same time. Genesis 15:4–5 (NIV84) 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” God challenged Abraham to leave his household and follow God’s leading. Genesis 12:1–3 (NIV84) 1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Today, God still wants to increase our faith, enlarge our vision and increase our motivation to walk in God’s purposes. This will happen when we seek to understand His covenant with us. We can understand God’s covenants and its implication for ourselves from God’s Word. Part of the New Covenant is the Great Commission. Go and make disciples of every nation of the world! God will fulfil it! We are to go! To win souls! To make disciples! To build churches, to plant churches in every nation! When I was a young Christian, I used to think that the Great Commission was only for the pastor, evangelist, apostle, and so forth. But eventually I realised that it is for every Christ-follower! Because it is part of the covenantal promise of God. CONCLUSIONS God is a covenant making God. Through God’s covenants, we experience His faithfulness and trustworthiness. It also provides us insights into God’s perspectives and purposes for His people. God’s covenants are a key instrument through which God will fulfil His purposes for man as well as enable His people to walk in it. For that reason, we must understand and value His covenants with us. Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION Why does the Bible talk about covenants so much? Why did it seem like such an important matter? To God and to the apostles? Should it be important to me today since most of it seems to be related to the Old Testament? Covenant is a critical concept in the Bible yet not many have understood nor appreciated its importance to God. Understanding God’s covenants helps us understand how God wants to relate with us and how we ought to relate with Him. It also helps us understand how we should relate with one another in the Church. God has special plans for His Church. But for that to come to pass, we need to relate with God and His people in God’s way. In this 6-part Covenant series we will seek to unfold key concepts about God’s covenant between Him and man. In this article we will examine its significance and briefly look at the different categories of covenants. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOD’S COVENANT What it means to covenant with God Covenant describes formal types of relationship. How various parties relate to one another. Covenant describes formal types of relationship. How various parties relate to one another. In the secular world, the term covenant is used to describe a legal agreement between parties. But what does it mean in the Bible? The New Testament Greek words used brings out some of the nuance. The Greek Suntithemi means to put together, to make arrangements. It refers to covenants between man, but never with God. While the Greek Diatheke is used for legal testaments, wills. It is a formal expression of one person's will. It does not refer to a negotiated agreement reached between 2 parties. Like a person’s last will and testament. You cannot change it. It is often applied to a contract made by a superior to another. Such as between God and men. A contract that cannot change. It is either accepted or rejected. Sometimes it is one party only as God obligates Himself, not requiring man's response. A Bible covenant refers to a relationship contract where God sets out the terms and conditions on how the relationship will function. God offers it to man. We either accept or reject it. Hence, a Bible covenant refers to a relationship contract where God sets out the terms and conditions on how the relationship will function. God offers it to man. We either accept or reject it. For example, if we want to become a citizen or permanent resident in Australia, we must agree to its laws, its terms. We cannot negotiate with the government the terms for us to become a citizen or permanent resident, saying “I like to negotiate a better tax rate. I like to negotiate better voting rights for myself. On condition you give me a seat in the senate.” It is non-negotiable. What it means to relate covenantally with God There can be no relationship with God outside of covenant. No covenant, no relationship. God’s covenant provides certainty, assurances and security in the relationship. It is crucial to understand this. There can be no relationship with God outside of covenant. No covenant, no relationship. God’s covenant provides certainty, assurances and security in the relationship. Consider this. Because God is the superior in every way, it would be easy for God to make the relationship advantageous to Him. He could change the terms of relationship in an ad hoc manner to suit His whims. In the 1980 Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back, the evil and powerful Darth Vader forced a deal with Lando Calrissian to capture and use Han Solo and friends to get to Luke Skywalker. But Darth Vader kept changing the terms to his own advantage. After the second change, Lando was very upset: “You said they'd be left at the city under my supervision!” Darth Vader threatened: “I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.” God does not do that to us, ever. A covenant is brought into effect once the terms, sacrifice and seal are in place. Every time God chooses to have a relationship with man, it is always within the context of a covenant. It started with Adam and Eve in Eden. And it continued through Noah, Abraham, Moses until us today. Every time, the terms of covenant is given by God and offered with a sacrificial act, usually the cost of a life. Man then has to accept and the covenant marked with a seal or a sign is given. A covenant is brought into effect once the terms, sacrifice and seal are in place. Those who are not offered God’s covenant, or reject His covenant are effectively not in formal relationship with God. That is why God commanded Abraham in Genesis 17:14 (NIV84) “Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Those who accept Christ as Saviour, effectively also accept God’s covenant. That is why those who accept Christ as Saviour, effectively also accept God’s covenant. This covenant requires us to put our trust in Christ to be our Saviour and Lord. To follow Him for the rest of our lives. Again, here we have the 3 elements. The terms of the covenant, the sacrifice which is Jesus crucified at the cross, and finally the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts. He is the seal. Once all 3 are in place, the covenant is operative. God’s covenantal promises and blessings is now applied to us. The amazing thing is this! God who is Almighty had no obligation to bind Himself to us. But He did with covenants! It is a demonstration of His faithfulness and love. What covenantal relationships mean within the church We are to covenant with God vertically and covenant with His Body horizontally. Just as God relates to us through the lenses of covenant, He expects us to relate to the rest of the Church, through covenant. In other words, we are to covenant with God vertically and covenant with His Body horizontally. Unfortunately, the Church has largely failed to understand God’s expectations of covenant. Consequently, failed to live in covenant relationship with one another and the local church. So when people have differences, conflicts or offense, they leave the church. Instead of responding covenantally. Instead of working through the issue because we are committed to each other. Our inadequate appreciation of covenant weakens the Church. Our inadequate appreciation of covenant weakens the Church. The bond, the connection of relationship that were meant to be unbreakable, breaks all too easily. The church is meant to be a family, special because of the covenantal bond. That is why we use the words brethren, or brothers and sisters. It is not some old tradition. It is meant to convey something special about our relationship with one another. Weaken the covenant and weaken the family. Many Christians treat the church more like a club than a family. Because they don’t understand covenant. They think that a club no longer meet their needs, so time to change club. A husband may express a decision to his wife. “Honey, the church is no longer doing the music we like, let’s change church.” “Honey, I was so offended by Johnny today at church. Let’s leave!” “Honey, I have changed my taste on the type of sermons I want to hear. I realise that the pastor doesn’t preach the way I prefer. Let’s leave!” But you don’t do that to family. If we are to build the Church God's way. We need to understand about covenant and live it out with God’s grace. If a church is to be biblical, it must teach about covenant and be committed to living it out. TYPES OF COVENANTS There are differences in the nature of God’s covenants. Conditional and unconditional covenants In real estate, there are conditional and unconditional contracts. When you buy a property, you could sign an unconditional contract which means you are buying no matter what happens. Conditional contract could have conditions such as success in getting a bank loan, the property passes professional house inspection, etc. God’s covenants may be categorised as conditional or unconditional depending on whether the fulfilment of the covenant require certain conditions. The New Covenant is conditional on man’s response. It requires man to repent, have faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and obey Him. Christ is Saviour to all who continue to obey Him Conditional covenants require man to fulfill certain conditions. Usually, faith and obedience in certain ways. These covenants can be broken by man’s disobedience. The Mosaic covenant is conditional. The New Covenant is conditional on man’s response. It requires man to repent, have faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and obey Him. Christ is Saviour to all who continue to obey Him, in Hebrews 5:9 (NIV84) once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. As Man can accept the New Covenant. Man can break the covenant. Just as it is possible for man to accept the New Covenant, it is possible for some to reject God, fall away from Him because they intentionally break the covenant terms. This is also known as apostasy. As Man can accept the New Covenant. Man can break the covenant. God is always consistent. If God gives man choice to accept the New Covenant, then God also allows man to break the terms of the covenant. For God will not force anyone to enter into the New Covenant with God. Neither will God force anyone to remain in the covenant with Him. Just like a marriage covenant. “Honey, I chose to marry you. Now I choose to unmarry you!” Unconditional covenants where God obligates Himself to fulfil regardless of man’s response. There are also unconditional covenants where God obligates Himself to fulfil regardless of man’s response. There is no “if”. Instead, there is “I will” without any conditions attached. The Abrahamic covenant and Davidic covenants are examples of these. Genesis 22:17–18 (NIV84) 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” 2 Samuel 7:12–16 (NIV84) 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, 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… 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’ ” Of course, this is a Messianic promise. Temporal and everlasting covenants An everlasting covenant means it will apply for all time, forever. An everlasting covenant means it will apply for all time, forever. However, some elements within these covenants do not last forever because of their temporal nature. Whether it be in the promise, sacrifice or seal. For example, the Abrahamic covenant is spoken as an “everlasting covenant”. But the seal of physical circumcision was not the everlasting component. Only the internal and spiritual reality involving the circumcision of the heart remains forever. The temporal element was fulfilled and abolished at the cross. Temporal covenants are only meant to apply for a limited time. These are not permanent. For example, the Mosaic covenant. The writer of Hebrew contrasted the New Covenant with the Mosaic covenant in Hebrews 8:13 (NIV84) By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. We will elaborate more on these in later articles in this series. CONCLUSIONS God relates through covenants with His people. By doing so, God gives us certainty about the nature and scope of the relationships. By understanding the principles in it gives us appreciation on how we should relate to God and also with one another in a more biblical fashion. Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION Often people do not experience the power of God because they lack true faith. God is looking for faith in people’s hearts. When there is faith, God responds. At times, in greater ways than we expected. Consider the story of the paralysed man and his friends that took unusual steps to bring him to Jesus in Mark 2:1–3 (NIV84) 1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. These men came to Jesus with faith, and it unlocked an unexpected response from Jesus. From this narrative, we discover 3 things that occur when we have faith. 1. RECEIVES GOD’S FAVOUR Mark 2:4-5 (NIV84) 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” When Jesus saw them, what was His response? He called the paralytic “son”. A term that indicated warmth and favour. If some men broke through the roof of my house, I might call them a few things, but definitely not “son”. I would not view them favourably. This emphasised how deeply Jesus was impressed by their actions. What was it about them that Jesus viewed favourably? Jesus saw their humility. They were humble enough to admit that they needed help and sought for help. They knew that they could not solve their problem by their own efforts. Only Jesus could help their friend. So, they acted in the only way they knew to get to Jesus. Even if meant breaking through roofs. It takes humility to ask for help. How many of us avoid asking for help, because it was too embarrassing to ask for it! We may not be physically handicapped like the man, but we may be emotionally, mentally, socially or spiritually handicapped in some way. Yet often we may be too proud to admit it. We might be having a dull pain of loneliness or insecurity, but we hide it and appear cool. We might even try drowning ourselves with alcohol or drugs. Only to wake up in the morning with a big hangover and still the same hole in our hearts. I know of those who look like they have it all together. They have the looks, the brains, the personality. But inside they are a mess! Will we humble ourselves enough to recognize we need help, just like the paralysed man? And turn to God? God favours those who are willing to humble themselves. Isa 66:2 (NIV84) … "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, ..." God favours those who are willing to humble themselves. Jesus saw their determination. When the 4 men saw the huge crowd around the house, they knew there was little hope of their friend getting the attention he needed from Jesus. How in world would they even get close to Jesus? That was when they got a brilliant idea to jump the queue. Doing so meant getting through every obstacle. So they lifted their friend on a mat up to the roof. Then they dug through the roof itself. Most likely the roof was made of a thick layer of compacted earth over a rough wooden ceiling. This wooden ceiling probably was framed by trimmed tree trunk beams upon which close fitting smaller branches were laid. Strong enough for men to walk upon. These men dug through the earth layer, pulled out the branches to open an area large enough to fit their friend lying on a mat through it. A considerable effort! The queue jumpers got an F for courtesy but an A+ for determination. They would not take a “No” for an answer! Jesus was impressed with their determination, their doggedness. They needed help and they were going to get it. True faith is characterized by its determination to obtain an answer from God. True faith is characterized by its determination to obtain an answer from God. Jesus saw their faith for healing. So certain was their faith in Jesus’ ability to heal their friend, they literally broke through every barrier to get to Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that faith is a critical ingredient that pleases God. Heb 11:6 (NIV84) "And without faith it is impossible to please God…" It was not just an intellectual faith but a faith that truly trusts by taking action. 2. RECEIVES SOLUTIONS TO REAL NEEDS Since Jesus had favour upon these men and the paralysed man, what did Jesus do? Mark 2: 5 (NIV84) When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Imagine the poor paralysed man and his friends who went through the huge effort to get to Jesus, expecting to receive miraculous healing. He came to be healed physically, but Jesus dealt with his spiritual problem. Perhaps the man must be thinking, “Excuse me? I can’t walk! Nice to be forgiven my sins, but I still can’t walk!” We often seek for solutions to our perceived needs. But those needs may not be our real or greatest needs. It could be imagined needs. “If only I had more money or more time. If only I was more beautiful, had a better body shape. If only I can speak better. If only I had more friends.” It is like taking Panadol for brain tumour. Or it could be secondary problems. Dealing with our flu when we have cancer. We live in a society that seeks the quick fix. If we have problem in our relationships, just read Relationship for Dummies or check on YouTube for latest advice. If we have depression, just pop this pill or read “5 easy steps to overcome depression”. But Jesus is more interested in dealing with the deeper, main problem first. Which is sin. Sin is shown by our selfishness, self-centeredness. Isa 53:6 (NIV84) "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; ..." Sin is the root of most problems in our lives and in this world today. It can only be dealt with properly when people repent and turn to God, and to follow Him. Then God will forgive us. The paralysed man had true faith in God and because Jesus saw it in his heart, He had mercy on him and forgave his sins. Those with true faith will often receive more than they asked for. God may answer by dealing with our greater needs first. Those with true faith will often receive more than they asked for. God may answer by dealing with our greater needs first. 3. RECEIVES THE TOUCH OF GOD Some teachers of the law, religious scholars, were upset with Jesus forgiving the man’s sins. “How can Jesus forgive anyone their sins? Only God can! It goes against all our theology.” Mark 2:6-7 (NIV84) 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” An incorrect worldview can be a great hindrance to receiving what God has to say or do! Ever noticed that there were no Pharisees or teachers of the law who were healed by Jesus? Jesus immediately knew what was going on in their hearts. And He challenged their thinking. An incorrect worldview can be a great hindrance to receiving what God has to say or do! Mark 2:8-12 (NIV84) 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Jesus demonstrated that He had the power to forgive sins by healing the paralysed man miraculously. Jesus sought true faith and he saw it in those men. God is delighted to find true faith and moves in response to it. Ps. Jerry Stott, a friend of mine, recalled an incident when he was called to a hospital because a church member’s brother was on life-support. This young man, a husband and father, was unconscious, barely alive. The doctors were quite certain he would not make it. Ps. Jerry started to make a simple prayer for his soul when suddenly he heard God say, “I will raise him on the third day.” Shocked, he asked God to confirm with a sign, that the man’s eyes would open. Right at the moment, the man opened his eyes! Ps. Jerry decided he had to rise up in faith to trust God. So he informed the man’s family not to take the man off the life support and that God will heal him on the third day. Ps. Jerry then went off on a planned family vacation. When he returned a few weeks later, he discovered that the dying man sat up and was completely healed on the third day. The man and his family even came to join Ps. Jerry’s church. God intervenes, when there is true faith. God intervenes, when there is true faith CONCLUSION True faith is when we are willing to trust in God fully. God delights in such faith. He will respond to us favourably. He will even provide us more than we ask. God will touch us, even miraculously. Shall we rise up and be found with true faith? Copyright©️2022 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

(Extract from chapter 7; Your Faith Determines Your Future: Lifting The Limits Off Your Life) Dr Brendan Kirby Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. —2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV You can do great things. Your potential may be unrealized at the moment, but a latent seed can still grow and produce much fruit! Your potential may be unrealized at the moment, but a latent seed can still grow and produce much fruit! In August 1989 I started work as a Research Scientist for the CSIRO Division of Wool Technology in Geelong. After 12 months instead of making my position permanent (as previously promised two times by my boss) I was placed on extended probation in order to assess my work further. Being under probation was a great shock to my system - especially when I had been assured, I’d be made a permanent staff member. This was a very stressful time - and I worked as hard as I could to redeem myself in my superiors’ eyes - struggling to make a research discovery ASAP. One of the experimental scientists I was working with noted that my recent experimental results were of a good quality. I began to believe I could make it back. After another three months my superiors unofficially sacked me. (The official letter had not yet been signed off). It was a devastating blow. After ten years at university it was now all to no avail. I wondered if my life would ever recover. My reputation would be shattered. I had three months employment remaining – my research leader did not care if I came to work or stayed at home for that duration. After praying to God for my work that night with David Bernard who was the leader of the Bible study fellowship that I was attending, and with other church friends in Williamstown I received fresh courage. I arrived the next morning to work at 8am much to the chagrin of my boss, determined to overturn this decision. For the next three months I worked as if my life depended upon it – and I prayed like I had never prayed before, drawing upon all the trust and faith in God that I could. During this time the assistant chief of division invited me into his office and recommended that I resign because it would smooth things out – they would not have to sack me and I would not have that “blot” on my record – but I would have to admit that I could not cope with textile research. I felt like I was in the middle of the plot of a Hollywood drama – except my life really was at stake! I rejected the “kind” offer of the assistant chief and he reconciled himself with having at least tried to help me. I was even more determined to show that I could succeed in this work – not knowing what lay ahead. But I prayed and worked – knowing in my heart that somehow God would work things out. Towards the end of those three months my determination to “save my future” eventually paid off into my being given a three year research fellowship. This was one of the biggest miracles of my life. Subsequent to this God-given deliverance my three line managers still conspired against me by assigning public staff presentations to me they were confident I would do badly in. Those next three years were some of the most intense in my life! But I held on to the belief that God would give myself and Nick Sokolov (the eccentric but brilliant engineer from Footscray) excellent results in our worsted rectilinear combing research project (Dan. 2:21,22). After another two years or so we were actually leading the world in combing production rate research. This remarkable turnaround of events stunned our division, and our research presentations solicited huge interest. Some of the mathematics that was derived during this work was later published in one of the world’s leading textile research journals (J.T.I. 95 (2004) 261). This publication established the results on credible international grounds. God came through and changed my future because I chose to believe and fought for my job, my self-esteem and my faith. It was very difficult, it was extremely stressful, but with God all things were possible. No matter how defeated you may feel today, despite the rejection and negative words you may have experienced, you can still arise out of your ashes and achieve victory in your life with God’s help. You can still arise out of your ashes and achieve victory in your life with God’s help. Don’t give up. Fight for your future. Fight for your faith. Keep wrestling against your common enemies of fear, anxiety, confusion, doubt, unbelief, sin and self-centredness! Fight for your future. Fight for your faith. Keep wrestling against your common enemies of fear, anxiety, confusion, doubt, unbelief, sin and self-centredness! Copyright©️2021 by Brendan Kirby. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

What a strange remark-a woman will be saved through childbearing! What was on Paul’s mind when he said that? Salvation is one of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind. Apostle Paul made it clear that one can be saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not through their works (Eph 2:8-9). However, in one of his letters to Timothy, his beloved mentee, the apostle stated that a woman would be saved through childbearing. This statement baffles many believers, old and new alike. 1 Tim 2:15 - Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. Paul wrote this letter to a young Timothy, his protégé who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. He was faced with difficult issues in the congregation, many of which were shaped by the socio-cultural environment of the city. In order to get a good grasp of these verses, we therefore need to understand the context of the Ephesian church. Located at a prime spot on the West coast of the modern-day Turkey, Ephesus became one of the prominent commercial centres of the region and one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman Empire. The city was dominated by the great Temple of Artemis which housed the statue of the goddess Artemis, a powerful female deity who was a symbol of women’s liberation and matriarchy. She is said to have elevated the female status. As a consequence, certain women enjoyed honours and privileges, as well as religious functions under the oversight of the municipal authorities and within the Roman sets of rules. Set in this socio-religious climate, the Christian community in Ephesus was plagued by false doctrine, some aspects of which were related to the status given to women in this city. And that was one main reason why Paul urged Timothy to remain there, to resolve the issue (1 Tim 1:3). In fact, a substantial portion of this letter is devoted to tackling this issue in the congregation (1 Tim 1:3-7; 4:1-5; 6:3-5, 20-21). Some other parts might also be alluding to this problem. For example, Paul encouraged Timothy to hold fast to the true faith and not to depart from the right doctrine as what had happened to Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:18-20). One possible cause of their shipwreck of faith was their decision to follow false teaching. One of the qualifications of a deacon is to be confident in the faith that is in Jesus (1 Tim 3:13). It is in this context that 1 Tim 2:11-15 is set. Not permitted to teach or to exercise authority over a man 1 Tim 2:11-12 - Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. At first glance, it may appear that Paul did not allow any woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. Did he always forbid a woman to teach? No. He encouraged older women to teach what was excellent (Tit 2:3). How about teaching a man? Did he always keep a woman from teaching a man? No. When Priscilla and her husband, Aquilla, met Apollos and saw great potential in this man, they took him along and trained him (Ac 18:24-26). Then why did Paul forbid some women to teach? One possible reason was that they espoused some false doctrine. What was it? Did he always keep a woman from teaching a man? No. When Priscilla and her husband, Aquilla, met Apollos and saw great potential in this man, they took him along and trained him (Ac 18:24-26). Deception of Eve One of the major Greek philosophies that found its way into the church and fused with Christian faith was Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a collection of ancient Greek philosophies with central teaching that the material world is evil but the spiritual world is to be sought. Salvation can be gained through hidden knowledge, or gnosis in Greek, obtainable through certain practices, including asceticism and self-denial. There are many varieties of Gnosticism, most of which present an explanation of the beginning of the world which features a supreme being far higher than Yahweh of the Hebrew Bible. Sometimes the supreme figure is female rather than male. There is also a Gnostic account of Eve as the creator of Adam, which is part of the secret knowledge only made known to the adherents. That might explain why Paul asserted that Adam was created before Eve. 1 Tim 2:13-14 - For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Gnosticism relates that the God of Gen 1-3 was one of the lower powers. He made a tragic mistake by creating the physical universe, as matter is associated with evil. God was so blind that He was not even aware of the existence of the supreme power. Satan came to reveal this knowledge to Eve by telling her to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. As Eve shared the fruit with Adam, they both could now seek the supreme being who was far above the material reality. Therefore Eve was often seen as the principle of spiritual awakening who brought enlightenment to the soul. Some Gnostic teachers possibly held that Eve was not deceived by the serpent. She rather possessed the full truth from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge (gnosis in Greek). However, Paul held the opposite view that Eve was completely deceived whereas Adam clearly knew the truth. He was not deceived but wilfully chose to disobey God. Paul then laid the full responsibility on Adam and not Eve. Within this context, it seems almost certain that Paul’s intention was not to make any statement regarding hierarchy of men and women, but to refute the doctrine of certain Gnostic teachers. Salvation through childbearing Then comes a peculiar notion of Paul about woman being saved by childbearing. 1 Tim 2:15 - Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. Paul made it clear in his other epistles that salvation is by God’s grace and not by our deeds. How come he says that woman will be saved through childbearing? Gnostics held that material is evil but spirit is good. Gnostics held that material is evil but spirit is good. One must therefore deny any physical pleasures, including sexual activities. However, for Paul, marriage neither qualifies or disqualifies anyone from salvation. In order to refute their teaching, he affirmed that a woman could be saved even if she was married and bore a child. Childbearing is neither a condition for nor a hindrance of salvation. In order to refute their teaching, he affirmed that a woman could be saved even if she was married and bore a child. Childbearing is neither a condition for nor a hindrance of salvation. CONCLUSION Due to the prominent city goddess Artemis, women in Ephesus received certain status of privilege. Some women in the church might take this as a licence to do what seemed right to them, including teaching or dominating men or their husbands, which caused distraction and also offence to the congregation as this was against the culture. Some of these women also espoused certain false doctrine, especially Gnosticism. Certain Gnostic followers held that Eve was not deceived to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Instead by eating the fruit, she acquired the hidden knowledge. Certain Gnostics taught that the supreme being of the universe was female. Hence Adam was created by a female being, i.e., Eve. Therefore Paul argued that Adam was created before Eve. Gnostics taught that materials were evil but spirit was good. Humans could gain hidden knowledge through denying physical desires including sexual activities. Paul argued that salvation had nothing to do with marriage. One could be saved even if they were married and had children. Paul therefore stopped these women from spreading these false teaching and not every woman from the ministry of teaching. He also stopped them from dominating men, thinking that they had a higher status. He did not forbid women to teach or exercise authority over men as a general principle. Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version References Kroeger, Richard Clark et al; I Suffer Not a Woman: Rethinking I Timothy 2:11-15 in Light of Ancient Evidence; Grand Rapid: Baker Books; 1998 Bristow, John T.; What Paul Really Said About Women: The Apostle's Liberating Views on Equality in Marriage, Leadership, and Love; New York: Harper One; 1991 Copyright©️2021 by Prakich Treetasayuth. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

INTRODUCTION Ever sat in a worship service but not engaging in worship? Perhaps we lost some motivation or inspiration to worship God? Let me share why we should choose, even will ourselves to worship God. Why we need to break past those obstacles to worship in our hearts. CALLED TO WORSHIP Psa 98:4-6 (NIV84) 4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; 5 make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the LORD, the King. The Psalmist called upon all the earth to worship God. This reflects God’s call to all the earth to worship Him. Not only has God created us to worship Him, by putting in us an inherent inbuilt desire to worship God (see my article ‘Even Stone Will Worship”), but He also calls us to worship Him. Just like a conductor who desires to draw out the best from his musicians, God is drawing out worship from all the earth. But why does God call us to worship? Does God even have to do that? After all, don’t we have that innate desire in our hearts to worship God? One big difference between us and inanimate objects and even animals is that we have understanding and choice. We worship only when we choose to, because we desire to. Yet how many of us know the reality that so many Christians find worship difficult? Why is that? Because so many have had their innate desire for worship of God damaged, tainted by sin. There is this ache for worship but so deep in us that many of us don’t even realise it. So, we reach out to worship something else. So many have had their innate desire for worship of God damaged, tainted by sin. Rom 1:25 (NIV) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator… As a result, mankind ends up worshipping all kinds of things. Whether it be worshipping other spirits or idols, sex, entertainment, money, music, celebrities and so forth. All of these further buries our desire to worship God even deeper. But all of these are never truly satisfying. They are never truly lasting. It is like giving toddlers soft drinks instead of milk. They may go hyper active, but it is not deeply satisfying. Not nutritious. Many still have all those years of misdirected worship suppressing our true worship of God. Now when a Christian comes to God, many still have all those years of misdirected worship suppressing our true worship of God. We have to get past the distractions, the wrong perspectives, our garbled spiritual senses. We need retuning. Tuning away from distractions. Tuning into biblical perspectives. We need God’s help to retune our spiritual sense to God’ Presence. So that when our spiritual senses have been adequately restored – we will resonate with God when God turns up. When He manifests His Presence – we sense it. When we worship God – it is like heaven’s doors open! We then sense the joy, peace, strength, power and so on. We need God’s help to retune our spiritual sense to God’ Presence. Once, I was with a bunch of young Australians and they were discussing what it was like to enter God’s Presence in worship. One of them used to be a drug user and he said worshipping God is like having a drug high, but without the hangover or addiction. An interesting comparison. So why does God call us to worship? It challenges us to rise up to worship. To awaken the innate desire in our hearts for worship. Let us look at some of the means that God challenges us to worship. Why does God call us to worship? It challenges us to rise up to worship. To awaken the innate desire in our hearts for worship. WORSHIP FROM THE OVERFLOW OF OUR HEARTS Psa 98:4 (NIV84) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; Our worship is never meant to be quiet, private. Rather we are to shout for joy and to burst forth into jubilant song. When you want to wake up somebody who is sleeping soundly, you do not tiptoe quietly and whisper to them, “Wake up”. You shout, “Wake Up, Jeff!” just like the famous Wiggles. In the same way, when you want to awaken worship in our hearts, you do not tiptoe and whisper. You stir it, you stimulate it, you revive it. You give it a shot in the arm! You wake up your soul and spirit to worship! Psa 57:8 (NIV) Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. So when you come to worship God, it does not help if you are quiet, subdued, reticent in your worship. You ought to worship with gusto. We cannot be subtle. Shake off the cobwebs over your worshipper’s heart! Pull away the layers of misplaced worship! When our eldest son Paul the toddler, he did not learn to crawl because he was all wrapped up in layers of clothes during winter. We had to take away the layers of cloth! Only then could he move enough to learn to crawl. Dust away the sin that covers over our innate desire for worship. Let the worshipper shine forth! Most importantly it must come from our hearts. Scriptures declare “shout for joy”. It is not just a worship shout but a shout that overflows from our joyful heart. Worship can only truly happen when we discover the joy in God. God is challenging us to come to that place in our hearts. Because true worship is not about being compelled by external forces. Rather, it is being compelled by inner desire. True worship is not about being compelled by external forces. Rather, it is being compelled by inner desire. John 4:23 (NIV) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks… It must come from our heart, our spirit. True worship should not be defined by how great our worship band is. It is defined by how desirous you are to worship God. When I was a young Christian, worship was an obligation, something expected of Christians. Now worship is about meeting with God, about expressing my heart to Him and allowing Him to touch my body, soul and spirit. WORSHIP WITH ALL POSSIBLE WAYS Psa 98:5-6 (NIV84) 5 make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the LORD, the King. We are called to worship God with all of our creativity! God gave us creativity so that we may worship Him creatively. With every instrument that we can create. We are to make a joyful noise with them all. God gave us creativity so that we may worship Him creatively. When you worship God in song, in dance, in music, in painting, in poems, in graphics and so forth - you begin to awaken different parts of your soul to worship God. It is like stimulating all the different parts of your brain to re-discover how to worship God. It is like stretching worship muscles you never even knew you had. All of who you are were created to worship God. Your body, soul and spirit. Every part. So worship God with all that you are. May I encourage you to discover all the different ways to express your worship of God. God gave us our creativity. Use it to the fullest to worship God! All of who you are were created to worship God. Your body, soul and spirit. OUR CAUSE FOR WORSHIP Psa 98:1-3 (NIV84) “1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. 3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” The psalmist sang about experiences of God that stirred a desire to sing praises to God, to worship Him. In the psalmist’s context it was God demonstrating His saving grace to the house of Israel. God showed He was faithful to Israel. Possibly God had protected Israel from some terrible situation. We do not have any details of that in the Bible. Yet this portion reminds us that there can be reasons or causes that stir us to worship God. One is having an awe of God that moves us into worship. Another is when we experience God’s blessings, it can motivate us to worship. So there are things happening around us that can be a cause for us to worship God, if you recognise God’s hand in it. You will have a cause to worship when you recognise God’s hand working around us. You will have a cause to worship when you recognise God’s hand working around us. CONCLUSION God created you and I, in fact all of creation, with the capacity and the innate inclination to worship God! Let us throw aside all the hindrances of distractions, of wrong perspectives and retune ourselves. So that we reach the purity of response to God. Let us respond to God’s call by choosing to worship and allowing ourselves to connect with God through worship! Copyright©️2021 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.