Our New Covenant in Christ: Why God Put Everything On The Line (Genesis Part 11)

Show Notes

In our eleventh episode of our Genesis series, Matt Edmundson explores the profound concept of covenant through Abraham's story in Genesis 15. This isn't just an ancient ritual – it's the foundation for understanding our relationship with God today and transforms how we view marriage, identity, and commitment.

Episode Highlights:

00:02:04 - What is a covenant vs. a contract?

Matt explains that unlike modern contracts that can be broken with minimal consequences, covenant is a solemn, binding agreement where the only exit is death. The phrase "till death do us part" in marriage vows echoes this ancient understanding.

00:05:40 - Abraham's covenant with God

In Genesis 15, God does something utterly radical – He walks alone between the sacrificed animals, taking full responsibility for the covenant's fulfillment. This unprecedented act foreshadows Christ's sacrifice thousands of years later.

00:13:48 - Marriage as covenant reflection

Marriage isn't meant to be a 50/50 arrangement or a contract with escape clauses. It's a covenant relationship that mirrors Christ's sacrificial love for the church – unconditional, unwavering, and until death.

00:21:00 - Our identity in Christ's covenant

Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive a new covenant identity that transcends our past, failures, and circumstances. As Paul writes, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" The answer is absolutely nothing.

00:29:33 - Communion as covenant participation

When we take communion, we're not just performing a ritual – we're participating in the covenant ceremony Jesus established, remembering our place in God's covenant family.

00:31:33 - Conversation Street: Practical applications

Dave and Sharon discuss how covenant thinking transforms marriages, addresses the balance of submission and sacrificial love, and changes our response to sin and difficulty in relationships.

Key Quotes:

"In this story in Genesis, Abraham's not in that mess, it's God that is in it... Abraham and God make a covenant, but what this means is God takes all the responsibility for that covenant upon himself."

"Nothing can separate me from his love. Your body might be broken. Depression might be ravaging your mind. You may be hungry and or lonely or destitute and broke. War may be just destroying your nation. But does any of that separate you from the love of God? Absolutely not."

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood." - Jesus' words at the Last Supper, connecting His sacrifice to the ancient covenant tradition.

Connect With Us:

Join us next Sunday as Sharon continues our Genesis series, exploring Abraham's story further and addressing the challenging question: "Is God cruel?"

In person: Frontline Centre, Liverpool at 6:30pm

Online: Live stream starts at 7:00pm UK time

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