Re-new in 2021
Thesis: We need to be renewed by connecting or re-connecting with the Lord this year in 2021. To do this requires a renewed mind, a renewed soul and a renewed passion for Jesus.
Key theme Scriptures Verse for the year:
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:30-31
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16
2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Introduction:
Our theme for 2021 is Re-new.
Definition of renew from Miriam Webster dictionary
transitive verb
1: to make like new: restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection as we renew our strength
2: to make new spiritually: REGENERATE
3a: to restore to existence: REVIVE b: to make extensive changes in: REBUILD
4: to do again: REPEAT
5: to begin again: RESUME
6: REPLACE, REPLENISH renew water in a tank
7a: to grant or obtain an extension of or on renew a license b: to grant or obtain an extension on the loan of renew a library book
intransitive verb
1: to become new or as new
2: to begin again: RESUME
3: to make a renewal (as of a lease)
RENEW, RESTORE, REFRESH, RENOVATE, REJUVENATE mean to make like new. RENEW implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new. efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle RESTORE implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. restored a fine piece of furniture REFRESH implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. a refreshing drink RENOVATE suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. the apartment has been entirely renovated REJUVENATE suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits
When I think of renew – my mind goes to one of my favorite shows – Fixer Upper - they have been known to take the worst house in the best neighborhood and remodel it – renew it into a beautiful rejuvenated home.
Illustration - Fixer upper show with the Gains.
Show the before and after pictures of their remodel business and the houses they have fixed up.
Their goal or mission is to remodel something old and make it new again. It’s the process of “Re-newal” it’s a real big deal these days – people are into restoring that which is old and making it look like new again. It takes work – hard work – it requires a lot of demo – it’s dirty work – messy work – there is a lot of unknown costs while in the middle of these types of remodels. Things come to the surface that were hidden in the process but must be repaired on the house if it is to become new again. No short cuts in the process – when the Gains discover a problem the Gains fix it! In the end the houses are amazing – they are works of art!
Sermon 1: Renew pt. 1
Thesis: The Body of Christ in America needs to be renewed in 2021. They need to follow the example of King Hezekiah and do two crucial steps common to all revivals or renewal movements which will in turn impact a whole nation.
Charles Finney’s Quote: “If the presence of God is in the church, the church will draw the world in. If the presence of God is not in the church, the world will draw the church out.”
Today we get to face a New Year! Listen to this poem about the New Year!
Illustration about the New Year:
I am the New Year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity
to practice what you have learned during
the last twelve months about life.
All that you sought the past year
and failed to find is hidden in me;
I am waiting for you to search it out
again and with more determination.
All the good that you tried to do
for others and didn't achieve last year
is mine to grant-- providing you have
fewer selfish and conflicting desires.
In me lies the potential
of all that you dreamed but didn't
dare to do, all that you hoped
but did not perform.
All you prayed for
but did not yet experience -
these dreams slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened by the touch
of an enduring purpose -
I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
"behold, I make all things new."
I am the new year.
Author Unknown:
"Behold, I make all things new." Rev 21:5 Jesus
We are entering into a New Year a chance at a new start, yes a new beginning with our lives and journey’s. It’s a new chapter in your book of life. So, what are you going to write about in this new chapter? BY the way, You hold the pen to this chapter in your life it is yours to write. Will it be a chapter filled with fear, hopelessness and despair? Will it be a chapter filled with repentance and revival of your heart? Will it be a chapter filled with the same ho hum life of the previous chapter of life?
No adventure – reminds me of the movie I watched a while back “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” a man who never did anything adventurous – he had lived a safe life working for Life Magazine but the day came where he had do something to save his job. So he set out on an adventure!
Back to your new chapter of life. Will it be an exciting chapter in your life or a sleeper chapter? Will people get excited when they read this chapter about your life or will they think this is boring? Will it be a chapter filled with the awe of miracles and revival like the ones written about by Charles Finney the father of American revival? Will it include faith and risk taking?
I had read Christian History Issue 20 about Revival and Renewal movements in America. They noted that, “Charles Grandison Finney is considered America’s greatest past revivalist. Church roles swelled in the wake of Finney’s revivals. Though it is hard to gather accurate statistics, he is often directly, or indirectly credited with conversions of around 500,000.” The time frame was in the 1830’s. It is said that his revival meetings transformed entire towns. It is said that in some towns after the meetings the bars would close down because there was no business for them, and churches would spring up in their place. He stated in his message and mission of life that he was to show people what revival is and is not.
Many people have a misconception to what is a revival or spiritual renewal movement – Finney noted.
Finney paved the way for later revivalists like Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Billy Graham. He constructed a theology that harmonized with the ideals of the Jacksonian era; if President Andrew Jackson was the political folk-hero of early l9th-century America, Charles Grandison Finney was its religious folk-hero. Just as the American frontier was being widened and common folk were getting the vote, Finney gave the public an opportunity to cast their votes on the matter of salvation. Charles Grandison Finney 19th Century Giant of American Revivalism: Christian History, Issue 20, (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, Inc.) 1997.
Finney stated the following about revival and spiritual renewal - The following is taken and adapted from Christian History page 31, 32:
1. A revival always includes the conviction of sin on the part of the church. (Key word always!)
2. Backslidden Christians who have drifted away from the Lord are brought to repentance before God (They see the need to get their lives right with God again through rededication of their lives to Jesus.)
3. A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God. Just as in the case of a converted sinner, the first step is a deeper repentance, a breaking down of the heart (and soul), a getting down into the dust before God, with deep humility, and a forsaking of sin and (reigniting a passion for Jesus.)
4. Christians will have their faith renewed in a revival (if) they will see things in His strong light which ignites a renewed love of God in their hearts. This will lead them to labor zealously to bring others to Jesus. (A renewed heart has a love for those who are lost, and they have a deep desire to share hope-love and truth with those lost in darkness)
5. A revival breaks the power of the world and of sin over Christians. (The point here is we do not want to sin anymore because we know how it grieves the heart of God and we see how it just causes us more pain).
6. When the churches are thus awakened and reformed, the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow… (When these things come into alignment in the church a great harvest of lives takes place – people come to Jesus in record numbers).
Charles Finney, brought revival and the presence and the life transforming power of God to America in the early 1800’s and it forever changed the hearts of about a million people.
I see three keys in my study of revival or spiritual renewal – Keys which if applied to our lives in 2021 will create a spiritual renewal within our life:
1. We need to renew our minds – stop believing the lies, we need to change our perspectives about sin, re-connect our minds with God’s Word, and regain a Biblical World view! (Romans 12:2)
a. How is your mind?
2. We need to renew our souls from within by connecting with the Holy Spirit – by being honest with where we are at spiritually! (2 Corinthians 4:16)
a. How is your soul?
3. We need to re-ignite our passion for Jesus! We need to fall in love with Jesus and re-connect with Jesus daily and weekly through prayer, worship and meditation (2 Chronicles 7:14)
a. How would you rate your passion for Jesus?
These three keys to spiritual renewal and revival are essential ingredients if we want to be renewed - Finney was right that we must go after Jesus with our whole heart, mind and soul – As I studied the life of Finney – He reminds me of another revivalist. This man’s name and story is found in the Old Testament – His name was King Hezekiah!
Scripture Texts: 2 Chronicles 29-31
2 Chronicles 29:1-11; 20-30; 35, 36:
1Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 2He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.
3In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them. 4He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembled them in the square on the east side 5and said: “Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary. 6Our fathers were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the LORD our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the LORD’S dwelling place and turned their backs on him. 7They also shut the doors of the portico and put out the lamps. They did not burn incense or present any burnt offerings at the sanctuary to the God of Israel. 8Therefore, the anger of the LORD has fallen on Judah and Jerusalem; he has made them an object of dread and horror and scorn, as you can see with your own eyes. 9This is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and why our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity. 10Now I intend to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. 11My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense.” …
20Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials together and went up to the temple of the LORD. 21They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven male lambs and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary and for Judah. The king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer these on the altar of the LORD. 22So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar; next they slaughtered the rams and sprinkled their blood on the altar; then they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled their blood on the altar. 23The goats for the sin offering were brought before the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them. 24The priests then slaughtered the goats and presented their blood on the altar for a sin offering to atone for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.
25He stationed the Levites in the temple of the LORD with cymbals, harps and lyres in the way prescribed by David and Gad the king’s seer and Nathan the prophet; this was commanded by the LORD through his prophets. 26So the Levites stood ready with David’s instruments, and the priests with their trumpets.
27Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar. As the offering began, singing to the LORD began also, accompanied by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel. 28The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed. 29When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. 30King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped. 31Then Hezekiah said, “You have now dedicated yourselves to the LORD. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the temple of the LORD.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings…So the service of the temple of the LORD was reestablished. 36Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly.
2 Chronicles 30:6-9 (Hezekiah sent this out to all the Jewish nation challenging them to come home to celebrate Passover to the Lord. He and the leadership had experienced a personal revival now he invited the entire people of Israel to come home to the Temple to experience revival themselves.) 6At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read:
“People of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7Do not be like your fathers and brothers, who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. 8Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. 9If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”
2 Chronicles 31: 1, 2; 20, 21:
1When all this had ended, the Israelites who were there went out to the towns of Judah, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. They destroyed the high places and the altars throughout Judah and Benjamin and in Ephraim and Manasseh. After they had destroyed all of them, the Israelites returned to their own towns and to their own property…20This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. 21In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so, he prospered.
T.S. - We must do right in the eyes of the Lord for a revival or spiritual renewal to sweep across America today and in this new year of 2021. We need to learn how to be spiritually renewed like King Hezekiah was in the OT era of Israel. How do we do right like King Hezekiah did and receive a personal revival which leads to a national revival?
Here are keys to spiritual renewal I see through the example of Hezekiah.
I. We must commit to repair and cleanse the Temple of the Lord from all of the previous years of neglect and abuse.
a. We must re-dedicate ourselves to the Lord and choose to make the necessary repairs to our hearts, souls and minds.
i. Hezekiah faced reality and said our temple is a mess-look at it! Listen to what he observed about His nation and the condition of The Temple of the Lord.
1. We and our fathers were unfaithful to the Lord! They walked away from God and His Temple – it lies in ruins – windows broke out, floors collapsing, doors broken off the hinges – the place is ram-sacked – filthy and broken down.
a. Just as the temple was a literal place they had let deteriorate - their souls, minds and hearts had also abandoned God and closed God out – they did this by allowing idols to take over their focus in life – their minds – therefore the temple of the heart was also left in ruins.
i. Warning: Idols will cause you to abandon your relationship with the Jesus: Idols - like sexual immorality will warp your minds and cause you to abandon God and the worship of Him – these idols are homosexuality, transgenderism, orgies, porn, adultery, fornication, sodomy, but so will the idols of greed, child sacrifice, self-centeredness, materialism, lying, deceit cause your minds to walk away from God and His presence.
2. Hezekiah states, “They did evil in the sight of God by forsaking God and serving other god’s.”
a. People are doing the same thing today – no really they are - Here are some idols I see causing people to walk away from God today:
i. Greed - materialism
ii. Pornography – sexual immorality – sexual perversion
iii. Selfishness
iv. Lies – living under and promoting deception
v. Party mindset – recreation always supersedes God
vi. Sports supersedes God – the get rich job
vii. Alcoholism, drug addiction, media addiction, tech device addiction.
viii. Fear over faith
ix. Any idols you would add that you see?
3. Warning - Idols – false gods will cause you to walk away from God and shun Him. The Israelites turned their backs on God – they left the house of worship abandoned it to be overrun and neglected!
a. The idols they embraced in their heart and minds resulted in them shunning – shutting God out of their lives. How you say?
i. First by not connecting with Him, no praying, being to busy for God.
ii. Second they left the job of tending to God’s Temple - as a result the temple was overrun with neglect, and left to waste away and deteriorate.
4. The leaders and religious leaders shut the door to the presence of God in Israel’s life by closing down the Temple services – the inevitable happened the family, and nation collapsed.
a. People quit going to church because of their idols!
i. Sound familiar?
5. The leaders and religious leaders even turned the lights out on God in the Temple. They no longer wanted His presence in the Temple and in their hearts, souls and minds. God – Jesus was not welcomed!
a. The result of this abandoning of the Lord was - Sin overran their lives, their families lives, their nations lives and they lost their country – they lost the Promised Land – they ended up slaves to other nations. Why they rejected the Lord!
b. God forsook them and He allowed them to destroy themselves from within and from without.
i. America Is no different in the eyes of God and in light of Gods ways.
ii. He became angry with them and pulled away His protection and blessings!
ii. Hezekiah faced the reality of his nation’s spiritual condition: they were apathetic toward the Lord, some just did down right evil! But the new leaders of Israel were shocked at the spiritual condition of the nation and decided to take action.
1. Hezekiah simply said to Israel: We must re-commit (renew) ourselves to God We must re-focus what is to be our priority in life! We must come to the realization of the actual condition of the Lord’s temple! We must come back out of the darkness of denial and face the reality of our sin of forsaking God and His ways.
a. In essence he said, “The Temple is a mess and we are a mess as a nation!”
i. How would you access the spiritual condition of the USA today?
1. No seriously?
ii. With the rejection of the ways of God and the walking away from Church by many people, denying the worship of Jesus, no Prayer, the embracing of sinful lifestyles has resulted in a messed up nation.
1. Would you agree?
b. The birth of revival or renewal starts when we admit that we are a mess because we have turned our backs on God. It starts with you and I!
i. Are you willing to admit that today?
1. Seriously!
ii. I have seen the drift away from God - What have I seen change in my 40 years of ministry?
1. Services – we use to go three times a week to church.
2. Sunday school was big in the early years of my ministry – it’s gone in most churches today. The kids are not learning the Bible!
3. Church attendance at all time low in the USA.
4. People not wanting to serve anymore in church with their gifts and talents.
5. I see less Bible studies that people will attend on a regular basis.
6. No one wants to really study the Word of God or even read it for themselves anymore. I see biblical illiteracy at an all time high!
7. No one comes to prayer meetings anymore.
8. We want 1 hour services and no conviction of the Holy Spirit.
9. Should I go on?
iii. The temples of the Lord are abandoned all across America and wasting away - We are told by the apostle Paul that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit! Yet many of the temples are left empty - abandoned, forsaken, they are a mess.
1. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17: 16Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”
a. When we accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives God entered into our hearts, souls, minds and set up residence.
i. In the O.T. era the Temple was where God’s presence dwelled and resided.
ii. The temples we have is where God dwells – in you - If they are opened and maintained as holy – we are healthy – if not we are a mess.
b. Paul tells us that Jesus sanctified our lives and made all things new and our bodies became His residing place upon our conversion.
i. In the O.T. era the temple was the only sanctified place were God resided.
ii. It was sanctified because of the offerings that were done on a daily basis to atone for sins and trespasses against God.
iii. Today Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice of sin, but we still have the responsibility to maintain the temple and keep it holy - uncontaminated by the world.
c. So, what does your temple look like today is God still reigning in it? Is your mind centered on God or self and sin? What do you focus on all day?
i. Lust
ii. Greed
iii. Sin
d. Are the doors in need of repair to your temple? Does, your mind need to be repaired and renewed? What’s coming in your door - your eyes and ears?
i. Are the doors so damaged that they are left wide open for sin to enter in and take shelter – even in your soul, mind and heart?
ii. What do you look at on the computer - tv - phone - iPad?
e. Is your temple a mess and the Spirit of God departed?!
i. Is your temple filled with unholy debris and the filth from the world?
1. Has your temple been ram sacked by sin and neglect?
2. Is there unholy graffiti on the walls of your temple?
3. Do you even care what condition your temple is in?
f. Has your temple become abandoned? Your heart, soul and mind void of the voice of the Lord?
i. Are there cob webs in the altar area of your life?
1. Has no one been in there to pray for years?
2. Has no one worshipped God in your temple for years?
3. No worship and praises to God?
g. Is the altar of sacrifice barren and void in your temple?
i. Has your sacrificial altar for the Lord been barren because you have not offered up to the Lord any sacrifices?
1. You don’t volunteer at church anymore because it’s a burden or inconvenient?
2. You don’t give to the Kingdom because you have better use for your money?
3. You don’t use your gifts and talents for Jesus or His church anymore?
4. You don’t help honor God with your presence, time or talents.
h. Is your temple void of God’s presence because He left due to neglect and apathy from you the temple keeper?
i. Has the spirit of God left your spirit, soul and body?
1. And you have not even noticed or cared?
iv. An awakening or renewal movement like what Hezekiah brought to the nation of Israel (A revival) happens when a heart experiences and chooses deep repentance toward the Lord and His ways.
1. Hezekiah chose to take responsibility for the spiritual condition of his Temple and of his nation’s spiritual condition.
a. He took responsibility for their sinful actions and their lack of righteous action in life.
i. He took responsibility and made it known that doing evil drives God away.
ii. He did not blame God - he blamed the former leaders and the people - they choose to abandon God.
iii. He took responsibility for the condition of the spirit, soul and body of Israel. He was the leader this was his problem to fix!
1. The state of your temple is your responsibility to fix!
b. He chose to look at his life and the life of his nation through the eyes of the Lord - no denial - no excuses.
i. They and he were doing wrong not right!
ii. Are you doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord?
iii. Do you have a Biblical World view anymore? – according to recent statistic only 10% of Americans have a Biblical World view.
c. He wanted revival – a renewal so his desire focused first on repairing the door to the Temple.
i. The gates-the doors were the gateway to the Holy of Holies and He knew he had to fix the gate first!
ii. Are you willing to fix the gate that allows you to connect with God and His presence?
d. He no longer wanted to be apathetic toward God’s way of life.
i. He wanted to restore himself and his nation back to the sacrificial lifestyle required by God for His blessings and His presence.
ii. Are you willing to renew the way you do life?
iii. Are you willing to rebuild – remodel your spirit, soul and body? The temple!
2. How about you? Will you take responsibility - or live in denial - Do you believe in Romans 12:1, 2 “1Therefore, 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. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
a. Do you want revival to come to you today - to your family - just like Hezekiah did in his day?
i. Then break out the spiritual tools and begin repairing the Temple. It’s time for a remodel – a rebuilding – repair work and restoration work to begin – demo needs to happen to make way for the new to be built.
1. Fix the doors to your mind! They are the barriers that keep out the dirt and filth of the world!
2. Then clean house!
3. Then rebuild – restore – renew the old with the new!
b. We must also remove everything that is defiled out of the Temple of the Lord like Hezekiah instructed the Levites and Priests to do.
i. We have to clean the house of the Lord – what needs removed from your mind, soul and heart?
1. We need to clean off the altar of sacrifice.
a. We need to put it back into action and sacrifice for the Lord.
2. We need to clean the holy of holies and invite God to come back and live.
a. This means it must be purified and made holy again.
3. We need to remove anything that is not holy from the temple.
a. Things that are contaminated with sin and self.
b. No more porn – no more evil thoughts – no more embracing horror and fear!
4. We need to clean off the instrument of praise and worship and start playing them to the Lord again.
a. We need to institute praise and worship times in our temple again.
i. This will encourage and revive our hearts.
b. Some of you need to use the instruments God blessed you with for His service!
c. It took 16 days to clean out the temple because of all the filth and years of neglect. But they did it and God showed up again.
i. They worked hard at it, but they accomplished the task.
1. They purified the temple and restarted the worship of the Lord with sacrifices, offerings and praise.
2. We can do this too – but you have to be willing to do the repairs – the remodeling of your spirit – soul and body! It’s your temple.
T.S. – Once the temple is repaired and cleaned then we must make a new covenant between us and the Lord like Hezekiah did.
II. We must make a new covenant with the Lord for 2021 between God and us.
a. Hezekiah upon the repair and cleansing of the temple held a worship and altar service and made a new covenant with the Lord.
i. You might ask ‘What is a Covenant?”
1. A covenant is a formal, solemn and binding agreement between two individuals or parties. It is usually a written agreement. It is a promise between the two parties of a performance of some type of action.
ii. The historical view of Biblical Covenant making.
1. Two distinctions between Biblical Covenants and legal contracts:
a. A Biblical Covenant has no termination date whereas contracts do.
b. A Biblical Covenant applies to the whole being of a person not just a part of a person’s being.
2. According to Jewish tradition there are 10 steps to cutting a covenant.
a. The first three steps are focused on the preparations that need to be done before the covenant can even be made.
i. The two parties involved in the making of the covenant must sit down and count the cost.
ii. They must arrange for there to be witnesses present during the cutting of the covenant.
iii. They must choose a place where the covenant will be made.
1. Jewish people always prepared the place for the cutting of the covenant by cleaning it thoroughly and doing the necessary repairs.
a. For example: Before Passover the Jews would wash and white wash their entire homes before celebrating the Passover Meal in their house.
b. This always happened in spring time. Many believe our spring cleaning comes from this custom.
b. There are 7 steps to the actual cutting of the Covenant. (Making the deal!)
i. The first step is the two parties exchange their robes.
1. This always signified a symbol of trust between the two parties.
2. You cannot make a covenant with someone you cannot trust.
ii. The second step is they would exchange belts.
1. This belt was used to carry the sword and also a person’s money.
a. So in essence they were saying: “Your battles are my battles and your resources are my resources.”
iii. The next step was they would take an animal sacrifice and cut it in ½.
1. They did this from nose to tail.
2. Once the animal is in two parts the two making the covenant with each other would step between the two parts and state, “These two halves have become one because as this one animal was one and has now become two, we are making vows to one another.”
3. They would also say to each other, “If either one of us break this covenant, may the birds of the air do to us what they will do these two halves.”
iv. The next step is they would actually cut their wrists.
1. In a sense they became blood brothers. This then would become a physical sign to their covenant.
2. Some historian say that people would actually rub dirt into their cut to make it scar worse so others would notice their covenant scar.
v. The fifth step is they would exchange vows, or oaths to one another.
1. Like what we do at weddings!
2. It’s the verbal, “I promise to keep this covenant until death separates us.”
vi. The sixth step is they would exchange names- they would take on God’s name if Biblical or if traditional, each others name.
1. On the taking of each other’s name they would pledge to not disgrace the other’s name by breaking the covenant agreement.
vii. The seventh step is the ceremonial meal.
1. Two elements involved and exchanged between the two parties.
a. The Bread- represents God’s Word.
b. The wine or juice-represents the Holy Spirit.
i. Upon the completion of consuming the two elements this would sign –seal and secure the Covenant.
iii. Covenant making was taken very seriously in the Bible and in the Jewish community. Upon the signing and sealing and securing of the covenant two parties would be joined over this covenant for the rest of their lives.
b. There is an Eternal Covenant spoken about in the New Testament between the Lord Jesus and His bride - the church – that is for us who claim to be Christians.
i. Matthew 26:17-30 - The historical setting of the cutting of The Covenant (The Last Supper):
1. 17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.” 26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
a. It took place at the Passover Meal in Jerusalem with the 12 disciples and Jesus.
b. Passover was celebrated annually to remember when God delivered Israel out of Egypt as the death angel passed over and took Egypt’s first born. The next day Pharaoh let God’s people go!
ii. Jesus took the necessary steps in the cutting of this N.T. Covenant with His church.
1. He sat down and counted the cost.
a. Jesus did this in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-45).
b. Have you sat down and counted the cost? It will cost you your life!
i. You will have to say, “Not my will Lord but yours be done in my life!”
2. He had witnesses to the Covenant.
a. All who watched Jesus die and then all who saw Him resurrected testify to the N.T. Covenant (Matthew 27:45-28:20).
b. This is why Jesus wants us to be Baptized to have witnesses to the Covenant between us and Him.
i. We want to do a baptism service this month - is the Lord speaking to you to get baptized?
3. He chose the place to cut the Covenant
a. He chose the cross (Matthew 26, 27).
b. He wants us to choose the place and then open up our hearts – the temple - our temple and let Him in.
4. He exchanged his robe with us.
a. Remember it’s the symbol of trust!
i. He clothes us with the robe of righteousness when we choose him.
b. Jesus trusted the will of God and said yes to God’s will.
i. This showed his trust of the Father.
c. We should do the same and exchange our robe with him.
i. Do you trust Him enough to do this?
5. Jesus exchanged his belt with us.
a. He said, “Your fight Mike is my fight step aside!”
i. Then Jesus defeated my enemy Satan with the sword of the Spirit at the cross.
b. Jesus said, “My resources are your resources Mike!”
i. I will supply all your needs according to my riches in glory!
ii. I will take care of you and pay your bills and intervene with miracles as is needed.
c. So How about you?
i. Is His fight your fight?
1. Do you accept the Great Commission to go win the lost and spread the Good News!
2. Are you willing to pick up the Sword of the Spirit and go to war for Jesus?
ii. Are your resources His resources?
1. Is your time His time?
2. Is your money His money?
a. Notice in the story of Hezekiah the people upon the rededication of the temple brought their tithes into the house of the Lord and there were plenty to spare.
b. See 2 Chronicles 31:4-10
3. Are your gifts His gifts?
4. Is your life His life?
6. Jesus offered the living sacrifice for this Covenant.
a. Christ gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice.
b. So we ourselves need to offer a living sacrifice which is our lives for Jesus and His cause.
i. We can choose to step into His sacrifice and then surrender our life!
ii. But it’s our choice!
7. Jesus was willing to have his wrists cut and scarred for this Covenant.
a. Note: Isa. 49:16 - “The servant of the Lord has engraved Israel on the palms of His hands.”
b. Note: John 20:24-29 – Jesus and Thomas
i. 24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
c. So what are you willing to cut for the Lord --spiritually speaking!
i. What scars in your life reflect this covenant relationship?
ii. Have you become a blood relative to Jesus?
iii. What price are you willing to pay – physically?
8. He exchanged vows with us for this Covenant.
a. Jesus said, “Not my will but yours Lord!”
i. “Father forgive them they know not what they do!”
ii. “Into your hands Lord I commit my Spirit!”
iii. “It is finished!”
1. Also, John 3:16 is a vow from God to us!
b. What is your vow to the Lord? Have pledged your life to Jesus- it’s what you do at Baptism by the way!
9. Jesus exchanged His name with us.
a. Jesus gave us the opportunity to become God’s children and be called Christians.
i. How are you doing in honoring the name of the Lord in your life?
ii. Truth is one day we will receive a new name if we remain faithful to the Lord.
b. Have you given your name to the Lord yet?
i. Charles Finney did!
ii. Apostle Paul did!
iii. Martin Luther did!
iv. Billy Graham did!
10. He participated in the Covenant meal and commanded us to do the same to remember this Covenant relationship.
a. Christ is ready again to participate in the meal of communion with us today.
i. He is here!
b. Are you ready to do this and renew your relationship with Jesus and be spiritually revived in 2021?
c. Remember when we eat the bread and drink the juice we sign –seal and secure the Covenant between us and the Lord.
Conclusion:
When we look at the last book in the Bible we discover a section in Revelation that addresses the churches of Asia Minor and the church of today. Listen to what the Lord says to His people today.
Rev. 3:1-6:
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis (Orland Hills) write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4Yet you have a few people in Sardis (Orland Hills) who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
I believe this message from Revelation is for Christian Hills Church and the church of America today. I believe we need to be revived in 2021. I believe we need to hear the word of the Lord today and obey it. We also need to repent for our own personal apathy, pride and sin. I do not even want you to think about how your neighbor or your spouse needs to do this. You need to do this! It’s about you and the Lord! So, I have a specific plan that I believe God wants us to do today to start this year off right in His eyes. Here it is:
Altar Service:
Inform the church that any one is free to leave during the handing out of the Covenant Contracts if they do not want to participate in this altar service. Inform the church that we are going to write a letter of repentance to the Lord and offer him a living sacrifice for the upcoming year of 2021.
A Covenant Contract is on the communion tables – if you are willing please fill it out – then place in the sealed envelope – stick it in the basket to be burned, then partake of communion and post your pray to be renewed on the prayer board!
1. 1st step is to repent of sins and then pledge to walk away from them in the New Year of 2021.
a. They are to write a brief repentance letter to the Lord. They are to name the sin’s they are vowing to walk away from and have no part of.
i. They must be willing to commit to laying them down and to practice them no more.
2. Then 2nd action is they need to give a burnt offering to the Lord.
a. They are to write down a sacrifice that they are going to do for the Lord this year.
b. A burnt offering is a sacrifice that will cost you something in your life. I believe that it needs to be significant!
i. It can be financially orientated!
ii. It can be time orientated!
iii. It can be gift/talents orientated!
The papers are to be placed in this bin and then they will be taken outside to be burned. This will be Christian Hills Church Burnt Offering to the Lord.
Once you have made your written Covenant with the Lord come and place your paper in this bin (remember count the cost 1st) and then go over to the communion table and partake of the Covenant meal communion. This act will sign –seal and secure the Covenant between you and the Lord.
If you desire prayer first our prayer team members will be here to pray for you before Communion or afterwards.
NOTE: Have them put post-it with their names on it on the prayer board to be “Re-newed 2021.”
