A New Covenant

February 19, 2016

Opening Hymns:
405 Seek Ye First http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh405.sht

Scripture Reading:
Genesis 12:1-4a
12:1 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.

12:2 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.

12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

12:4a So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.

Message:
There was a lot of weight being put on Abram’s shoulders. He was the one God chose to start a new nation. Abram would have a lot of faith in God on his journey, but he would go through a lot of challenges too. Much of his story involves wandering, and his faith being put to the test. Abram makes a covenant with God, and is given a new name, Abraham which means “father of many.”

Through all the challenges he holds fast to the covenant he makes with God. He believes in the promises that God has given him, even when they don’t seem realistic. He trusts that God will provide, even when God asks him to sacrifice his son. Indeed God does provide by giving Abraham a Ram to kill instead. Throughout the bible we see God fulfilling His promises.

God has made a promise with us as well. He has brought us into His family, forgiven us all our sins, and has offered us eternal life. God calls us to have faith in Him as well. Through His only Son’s death, we have been given new life and a new name. We are called Children of God.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the people’s whose faith inspires us. Help us to put our trust in You during every day of our lives. Though the road ahead may be challenging, lead us with Your steady hand, and let us never stumble. May we always remember that we are now children of God. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
114 Many Gifts, One Spirit http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh114.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God