God’s New Way of Grace!|Friday
Week 3 | Divorce, Revenge & Vows…Oh My!
Listen instead of reading
Take a Moment
Ask God what He wants to show you before reading today
Read The Daily
But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. (Hebrews 10:12)
I started walking over to a little country Baptist church beside my house at the age of 12. Maybe I was dumb (some would argue the word “was” in that statement like I’ve changed), but I don’t think I ever heard one pastor preach or teach about the different covenants in the Bible. How about you? Hear much discussion on a Sunday about the old and new covenants? If you’ve ever wondered why things seem so different in the Old Testament, this is why – same God, different covenant. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come and go, falling on people for divine acts of service. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, found himself begging God not to withdraw his Spirit (Ps. 51:11). But none of the New Testament writers wrestled with maintaining God’s presence. Why not? Think about it.
First, what is the only thing that caused the Spirit of God to depart from Adam and Eve? Sin.
Second, what is the only thing that caused Jesus to say, “My God, why have you forsaken me”? Sin, as Jesus was bearing the sin of the world.
Third, what is the only thing that would cause the Spirit of God to depart from you today? Sin.
But what did Jesus do with our sins? He took them away forever (John 1:29; Heb. 10:14). That’s why the Spirit of God will never leave us. Bam! That’s the simple, logical, and liberating difference of God’s new way of grace – permanent relationship, permanent indwelling by God’s Spirit, no matter what. Yes, even when we commit sins, he remembers them no more (Heb. 8:12). Even when we are utterly disobedient, he remains faithful. The Holy Spirit is sealed within us, forever, and he will never leave us nor forsake us (Eph. 1:13–14; Heb. 13:5). So what is the result of all of this supposed to be? “Ahhhh.” We breathe a big sigh of relief. We take in the splendor of the new covenant and celebrate with amazement. We relax in the grand beauty of God’s perfect promises.
Prayer for the Day
God what are you showing me? What am I going to do about it?
God help me to see one person that I can serve through a kind word, random act of kindness, or simple gift today?
Make sure you complete the reading or comment today.
Read The New Testament In A Year
4 x 6 Plan | Read: Acts 8:9-25 & 1 John 4:1-6