This episode is the second in a series we are calling God of Our Fathers. Find all of our episodes here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/how-to-study-the-bible/

1. WHAT DOES IT SAY?

Notice how God is personal and relational. “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”


2. WHAT IS THE BACKSTORY?

Abram is childless but knows God’s promise to make a nation from his.
In Genesis 14, he’s just been tempted to gain power by making a treaty with another king and resists that temptation. His faithfulness has been tested.

Covenant ceremony: You cut the animal and walk between in as a sign. “Let me be like these dead animals if I don’t keep my promise.”

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Covenant is an incredibly important part of our faith.

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. – This is incredibly important! It is his faith, not his work, that God counts his righteousness.

Faith is belief in action.

This idea carries us into our relationship with a Christ, who made a new covenant--he cut a new deal, or more importantly, a “fulfilled” deal, Hebrews 7:22 “Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant…”

No longer under the law as a sign of our citizenship and acceptance as God’s people--we are under the covenant, an inward reality.

Old Covenant required a series of laws and birthright to be God’s chosen people.
Old Covenant required sacrifices made over and over.
Old Covenant required a priest to mediate between the people and God, not direct access.

New Covenant calls all people by faith.
New Covenant means Christ is the ultimate sacrifice made for all our sins.
New Covenant means Jesus is our great high priest, mediating on our behalf so we have access, full communion with God through him.


4. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

Because of our acceptance, our worth comes from what’s been done for us, not what we do for God.

Our response, our obedience to God comes from love and worship, not obligation and duty

This is what love looks like.
WANT MORE?

Check out Nicole’s book Help! My Bible Is Alive: 30 Days of Learning to Love and Understand God’s Word - https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Bible-Alive-Understand/dp/1641580216

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