Honoring the New Covenant

From Deception to Devotion: The Legacy of King Saul

Introduction:

The concept of a covenant, a sacred agreement between God and humanity, has deep roots in the Bible. One of the most profound developments in this divine relationship is the establishment of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is not just a continuation of the old but a transformation of it, offering a deeper and more intimate connection with God. In this article, we'll explore the journey from King Saul's misstep to the institution of the New Covenant by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the call to honor and participate in this remarkable covenant.

1. King Saul's Covenant and the Consequence (Joshua 9 and 2 Samuel 21):

Our story begins in the book of Joshua (Joshua 9), where we encounter an intriguing event. The Gibeonites, a neighboring people, employed a clever ruse to secure their safety by entering into a covenant with the Israelites. Despite the deception, the Israelite leaders, including Joshua, made a solemn agreement in the name of the Lord to protect the Gibeonites. The commitment was binding and underscored the importance of upholding one's word in the name of God.

However, the story takes a dark turn in later biblical accounts, particularly in 2 Samuel 21. King Saul, the first king of Israel, violated the covenant with the Gibeonites. In his attempt to harm these people, Saul not only broke a solemn oath but also transgressed against the Lord. His actions had severe consequences, leading to the need for retribution and a need for justice to be served.

In response, King David, who succeeded Saul, had to take significant actions to reconcile with the Gibeonites. This included handing over seven descendants of Saul to them (2 Samuel 21:1-9), as the Gibeonites sought justice for the wrongs committed against them.

2. The Promise of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-27):

While the Old Testament recounts the instances of human failure and disobedience, it also prophesies the coming of a New Covenant. The book of Jeremiah (31:31-34) foretells a covenant that will be different from the old one. It is a covenant where God will write His law on the hearts of His people, offering forgiveness, direct knowledge of God, and an eternal relationship. Ezekiel (36:26-27) reinforces this idea, promising a new heart and a new spirit, enabling obedience to God's commands.

3. The Fulfillment in Luke 22:20:

The fulfillment of this New Covenant occurs in the New Testament when we hear the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during the Last Supper. In Luke 22:20, Jesus takes the cup and declares, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." This profound moment marked the inauguration of the New Covenant. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for all who believe in Him to enter into this new and transformative covenant with God.

4. Invocation:

Today, as believers in Christ, we are invited to honor and participate in the New Covenant. It's not just a historical event but a living reality that shapes our relationship with God. This covenant offers the forgiveness of sins, a new heart, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

5. Embrace the New Covenant:

The call to action is clear: embrace the New Covenant. Accept the forgiveness offered through Christ, let Him write His law on your heart, and allow the transformation of your relationship with God. By honoring this covenant, we not only experience personal transformation but also contribute to a world shaped by love, grace, and God's eternal promises.

Closing:

As we explore the journey from King Saul's transgressions to the establishment of the New Covenant by Jesus Christ, it's a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace. King David's actions, though challenging, ultimately led to reconciliation and the restoration of a broken covenant.

The fulfillment of the New Covenant, marked by Jesus' words during the Last Supper, should resonate deeply with believers in Christ. It's a call to embrace this remarkable covenant, to experience the forgiveness of sins, and to allow Christ to write His law on our hearts. This New Covenant is a promise of renewed hope, eternal love, and a transformed relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Let us heed this call and walk in the freedom, grace, and purpose offered through the New Covenant, knowing that God's eternal promises are ever true.

In His Service and Grace,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

May God's wisdom and blessings guide your path as you continue your journey in faith and leadership.

Turning Life's Disappointments into Divine Appointments

Rivers of Hope

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I trust this message finds you well and that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is abounding in your lives. Today, I want to reiterate the profound truth that Jesus is our unwavering ROCK, the eternal source of living water that not only quenches our spiritual thirst but rejuvenates our souls, even in the face of negative connotations surrounding water.

In our spiritual journey, we may have come across Bible passages where water symbolizes both challenges and blessings within our faith. Just as in the Bible, we've witnessed how water embodies both the trials and triumphs of our spiritual sojourn:

1. Flood Waters (Genesis 7:17-24):

   The great flood in Noah's time was a cataclysmic event, bringing destruction and judgment. However, Christ serves as our refuge, akin to the ark, offering salvation, protection, and a shelter from life's fiercest storms.

2. Bitter Waters at Marah (Exodus 15:22-25):

   The bitter waters at Marah, reminiscent of life's disappointments and disillusionments, are transformed into sweetness through God's intervention. In the same way, Jesus has the power to turn our bitterness into joy and satisfaction.

3. Waters of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31):

   The parting of the Red Sea brought salvation to the Israelites while signifying judgment for their oppressors. In Christ, we experience deliverance from the bondage of sin and death, as He guides us through the waters of baptism into a new life of freedom.

4. Stagnant Waters: A Tale of Contrasts:

   Consider the contrasting nature of waters in the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee, with its inflow and outflow via the Jordan River, teems with life—both in its waters and around its shores. In contrast, the Dead Sea is lifeless, devoid of outflow, with nothing growing in or around it. Stagnant waters, like the Dead Sea, can serve as a metaphor for spiritual stagnation and the risks of a faith that does not flow or grow. Christ, as the living water, continuously renews our spirits, ensuring that our faith remains vibrant and life-giving.

5. Plague of Blood (Exodus 7:14-25):

   The plague of blood in Egypt reminded us of the dire consequences of disobedience. Jesus, in stark contrast, offers His own blood as the atonement for our sins, bringing redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.

Remember, our Lord is the ultimate source of living water. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul astoundingly connects the rock in the wilderness, from which water miraculously flowed, with Christ Himself:

1 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV):

"...for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."

Just as the water from the rock provided physical sustenance to the Israelites, Jesus, as the spiritual Rock, offers us the living water that satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst and sustains us for eternal life.

Today, I humbly invite you to draw near to Jesus, our ROCK, and drink deeply from the well of living water that never runs dry. Embrace His grace, love, forgiveness, and the assurance of eternal life. Allow Him to quench your soul's thirst and cleanse any remnants of negative connotations associated with water in your spiritual journey. He is the source of true and abundant life, and in Him, you will find rest for your weary heart.

May the living water of Christ flow within you, revitalizing and renewing your spirit. Share this invitation with others so that they too may come and drink from the ROCK that gives LIFE.

In His boundless love and grace,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

www.revival-centers.org 

Welcome to Your New Month of November 2023!

Welcome to Your New Month of November 2023.

Dear Believers,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Almighty. As we enter the month of November 2023, I want to share with you a reflection on the significance of the number eleven in the Bible and how it can inspire us in our faith journey.

In the Bible, the number eleven is associated with both disorder, chaos, and judgment, as well as a rise to power. The story of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, exemplifies this duality. His life was marked by trials and tribulations, including betrayal by his own brothers, enslavement, and unjust imprisonment. Yet, in the end, Joseph's faith, integrity, and God's providence led him to rise to power as the second-in-command in Egypt.

Joseph's journey reminds us that even in times of disorder and chaos, when we face trials and judgment from the world, we must hold onto our faith and trust in the Lord Almighty. Just as Joseph's rise to power was ordained by God, we too may experience moments of elevation, where we are called to serve with wisdom and grace.

This November, let us reflect on Joseph's ability to pass judgment wisely and with compassion as the second-in-command in Egypt. In our own lives, as we rise into positions of influence and authority, let us remember that our true power comes from God. We are called not only to make sound judgments but also to extend mercy and compassion to those in need, just as Joseph did when he forgave his brothers who had wronged him.

As believers, we carry a message of hope and redemption. We are called to be beacons of light in a world that can sometimes seem dark and chaotic. Let us rise to our positions with humility and with the understanding that our ultimate judgment rests with the Lord Almighty.

May this month of November be a period of introspection and rejuvenation for each of us. Let us be steadfast in our faith, drawing inspiration from the life of Joseph, and remain prepared to embrace positions of influence, all the while recognizing that ultimate judgment rests in the hands of the Lord.

In HIS Service,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

#SpiritualGrowth #Forgiveness #Salvation #GodsPlan #Encouragement #God #peace #JesusChrist #Grace

The Cross: Our Ark of Salvation

 The Cross as Our Ark: Symbols of Redemption and Deliverance

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

May the grace of our Lord be with you. Today, I want to share a message that highlights the divine plan of salvation, as seen in the stories of Genesis, Exodus, and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

In the book of Genesis, we witness the beginning of God's saving work. The story of Noah's ark (Genesis 6:14-18) reveals how God provided an ark to protect Noah, his family, and the creatures from the impending flood. This mirrors the safety and shelter we find in the Cross of Christ.

Fast-forward to the time of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. Pharaoh was chosen by the Osiris god to issue a decree to harm the Israelites, specifically through the scarification of their male babies. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, God's divine plan emerged. Pharaoh's daughter, while performing her morning ritual at the Nile, became the instrument of God's grace (Exodus 2:5-6).

Just as Pharaoh decreed the destruction of the Israelite infants, we are reminded that God can use the will of faltering rulers to fulfill His ultimate purpose. God chose Pharaoh's daughter to save Moses, who would become the Savior of the Israelites. The basket in which Moses was placed by his parents and set afloat on the Nile symbolizes the safety we find in the Cross, where Christ's sacrifice offers salvation and deliverance.

Let us draw inspiration from these verses:

1. Genesis 6:14-18: "So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out... But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you."

2. Exodus 2:5-6: "And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river; and her maidens walked along by the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it."

3. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

4. 1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Through these passages, we are reminded that God can use even the faltering will of rulers to accomplish His divine purpose. In the Cross of Christ, we find our refuge and our path to salvation.

May we share this message of hope with others and live our lives as a testament to God's redeeming love.

In Christ's love and grace,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Servant of the Most High

#jkwoodallministries #SpiritualGrowth #faith #jesus #prayerispower