This week we will be studying the Highest Almighty Covenant God. We learn to trust Him to much more than we can ever even imagine. We will learn that He is predictable in His faithfulness, goodness, loving kindness and as a promise and covenant keeper. He acts on perfect values and never disappoints His followers.
The Old Testament is full of stories that exhibit God's supernatural ability to keep His promises to men. In Genesis 17 we see a promise made to Abraham to become the father of nations. God identifies Himself as El Shaddai (The Almighty). Abraham was weak and God was Almighty. This is how the glory of God is revealed to man, in our weaknesses.
With Covenants Come Blessings:
When God makes a covenant with His people, He gives them a new name, (Abram to Abraham; Children of Darkeness to Children of Light), a new spirit, inheritance, mission, purpose, home, and new hope. God's covenant relationship with Christians empowers us to live a new life, with enlightened eyes, strengthened by His Spirit (Eph 1 chapter), and given new hope, wisdom, righteousness, new Kingdom and new body, the church.
With Covenant Comes Responsibilities:
When God calls us through His son, He changes our descriptions of ourselves. Eph 5:8 tells us that we were once in darkness but now are children of light. Galatians 4:7 says we were once servants of sin and now sons and heirs of the Father. 1 Peter 2:10 explains that we are now a nation of God's own people. But God requires something from us in order for us to participate in the covenant. Colossians 2:11-12 says that we must die to self and be buried as Christ as buried with faith in the working of God in that baptism (burial). We have the responsibility to BELIEVE in God's operation on our eternal being during our death, burial and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus.
What work does God do in baptism? God provides everything in baptism. Just as in the baptism of His son, He claims us as His child, imparts His Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22), and gives us a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Moses, Abraham, Noah, Adam, and Christians all have had covenants with God. In a covenant relationship man does not have to be perfect. Thanks be to God that we have been given grace and it abundantly! However, our responsibilites are to stay in a close, loving, trusting relationship with our convenant maker. We accomplish this by trusting and relying daily on Him to provide. He is the Almighty God and He is able.
REFLECTION: How do we demonstrate a convenant relationship with the Almighty God?
This week our lesson is about El Shaddai….the Highest Almighty Sovereign who is known to Abraham as the Covenant Maker and Keeper. If we believe in the power of the Almighty God then we should be able to overcome all fear of rejection and know that God works through our weaknesses for His glory.
ASSIGNMENT
Your assignment is to take one of the following challenges and be ready to share it next Wednesday evening.
Choose to share with someone one of the following:
(1) The deeper meaning of being in a covenant relationship with the Almighty
(2) Help someone understand the meaning of submitting to the washing of regeneration through faith in the Covenant God
(3) The spiritual blessings (Eph 1) we receive through faith in the power of God working in our baptism into Christ (Col 2:12)
If we are in covenant relationship, just as in a marriage, we don’t keep that relationship a secret. In fact, we might want to meditate and re-read – 1 Timothy 6:12 (click here)
RESOURCES:
(1) Join this Community and download FREE inspirational books from great Christian Authors. http://www.ccel.org/ Example: Search for Andrew Murray and download his books in PDF format for free.
(2) Read Ephesians Chapter 1 and describe the spiritual blessings we recieve as we walk in convenant relationship with God through Christ.
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