DOCSLIB.ORG

Gospel Truth 18: the Two Covenants

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Gospel Truth 18: the Two Covenants Issue 18 BBIBLICALIBLICAL INSTRUCTION INSTRUCTION AND AND ENCOURAGEMENT ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FOR THE THE MISSIONMISSION FIELD FIELD WORLDWIDE WORLDWIDE. ALLEGORY OF THE TWO COVENANTS (The following account is from system, was after the flesh just as represented the new covenant that Galatians 4:21-31 KJV). Ishmael was born after the flesh. God made with mankind through His Abraham, a patriarch of the Old Hagar was not free and could only Son Jesus Christ. Isaac’s position Testament, had two sons. God had deliver her children into conditions of superseded that of his brother promised Abraham and his barren wife slavery. Likewise, those born under Ishmael. Isaac was a type of Christ, Sarah that He would bless them with a who was offered on the altar of son in their old age. Due to a lack of sacrifice in obedience to the will of the faith, Sarah gave Abraham her Father. God’s covenant with Abraham maidservant, Hagar, to whom Ishmael was fulfilled through Isaac from which was born. The son, promised by God, came a mighty nation, God’s chosen was later born to Sarah when she was people. ninety years old and Abraham was one A parallel is drawn between Sinai and hundred. Ishmael was born after the Jerusalem. Jerusalem, while under the flesh to a bondswoman who was not bondage of the Mosaic law and the free while Isaac was born to a free political governance of the Roman woman by the promise of God. Empire, was also the location of the This is a beautiful allegory of the two temple where God was worshiped. It covenants by which God has governed was the center of the new Christian His people throughout the faith. Spiritual Jerusalem, in contrast to dispensation of time—the law system Sinai, represents a place where all her and the gospel. Hagar and Ishmael citizens are born under the new were as Mount Sinai where God covenant and are free. the Mosaic law were in bondage to a instituted the first covenant and gave “Jerusalem which is above is free, system in which they were never able the law to Moses. The children of which is the mother of us all” (26). to fully measure to its obligations. Israel were slaves to the rites, True Christians, living under the ceremonies, and commandments of Isaac, born of faith, a child of promise covenant of the gospel, are free from the law. This first covenant, the law by the divine intervention of God, (Continued on page 2) Editorial Bible Study: Companion Article: Old vs. New Did You Know? The Two Covenants The Two Covenants A Word in Season 3 4 5-6 7 8 (Continued from page 1) the bondage of the law with all its rites and customs. They are free from sin and condemnation. They are born not of the slave but of the free BIBLE woman. As Hagar and her son were cast out, so the apostle Paul instructed the Teaches About... church to cast out the old covenant. “The son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman” (30). Isaac was the son of promise, he was of faith, he was the fulfillment of God’s plan for the Word of God Jewish nation, and he was the heir. The Mosaic law is to be cast out in 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matt. 24:35 Relationship of Love favor of the new covenant. Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, are the Matt. 22:37-40; John 14:21-23; 1 John 4:7-11 children of promise. Repentance Some people cleave to the letter of the Mosaic law or possess an old Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2 Cor. 7:10 covenant mentality while living under the gospel. This yields itself to New Birth bondage. Cast out the old covenant and enjoy the liberty and freedom of John 3:3-7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:1-4; Eph. 2:1, 5-6 the gospel covenant, for “we are not children of the bondwoman, but of Freedom From Sin the free” (31). —mws 1 John 5:18; Matt. 1:21; John 8:11 Infilling of the Holy Spirit Acts 19:2; Acts 15:8-9; Acts 1:8 Visit our new website! Blog featured with all past issues. Holiness Luke 1:73-75; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; www.thegospeltruth.org Titus 2:11-12; Rom. 6:22 Kingdom of God Luke 17:20-21; Romans 14:17; John 18:36 The Church THE GOSPEL TRUTH Acts 2:47; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Col 1:18 Unity The Gospel Truth periodical is published in the name of the Lord for all people of all lands in the John 17:20-23; Gal 3:28; Rev. 18:2-4 interest of establishing and encouraging them in the truth of God’s Word. This publication teach- Ordinances es and promotes the truths of the Bible that have been established since the time of Christ and the apostles. Matt. 28:19-20; Matt. 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 11:23-27; John 13:14-17 The Word of God is the singular, acceptable rule of faith. It teaches salvation and deliverance Divine Healing from sin through the atonement of Jesus Christ; a subsequent infilling of the Holy Spirit to lead, Luke 4:18; Isaiah 53:4-5; James 5:13-16 direct and empower; practical holiness in every area of life; and the unity and oneness of God’s Sanctity of Marriage people. Acceptable service to God is through a personal relationship of love founded in truth. Matt. 19:5-6; Luke 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3; Editors: Michael & René Smith 1 Cor. 7:10-11 Outward Appearance SUBSCRIPTION 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Cor. 11:14-15; Deut. 22:5 End of Time The Gospel Truth is an electronic publication that is published quarterly as the Lord leads. Visit us online at www.thegospeltruth.org to subscribe to the email notification list and receive current 2 Peter 3:7-12; John 5:28-29; 2 Cor. 5:10; publications. Feel free to send lists of names and email addresses of others who might be Matt 25:31-46 interested in receiving this publication to the editor. Pacifism Luke 6:27-29; Luke 18:20 CONTACT Worship John 4:23-24; Eph. 5:19; 2 Cor. 3:17 Great Commission The Gospel Truth is printed in various countries for local distribution. This and other missionary efforts from this office are supported by free-will offerings in the name of the Church of God. Mark 16:15 ————————— The Gospel Truth, P.O. Box 2042, Nixa, MO 65714 USA [email protected] 2 Editorial But now hath he [Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. —Hebrews 8:6 It is a wonderful privilege to live in this dispensation of grace and truth. Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Testament, established with mankind a better covenant with better promises. The old covenant had promises of secular good and earthly, national security. The new covenant promised both spiritual and eternal blessings. My burden this quarter is on the two covenants that God established with mankind. It is an important subject and lays a foundation upon which we will build in future issues dealing more with the subjects of tithing vs. giving, Sabbath-keeping, and fleshly worship vs. spiritual online worship. People often wonder if there is relevancy to the Old Testament since we live under a new covenant. The answer is a resounding yes. The Old Testament is the story of God and His Visit us at relationship with man. We learn in the Old Testament about the holy nature of God and the sinful nature of man. It is a book rich in spiritual lessons, encouragement, history, and www.thegospeltruth.org prophecy of the coming Messiah. The apostles and Christ Himself quoted from the Old Testament. to subscribe and access The old covenant is now passed away and we do not follow the Law of Moses nor are we bound to it. We do observe that many of the truths contained therein as the moral code from newsletter archives. God did not change and were restated in the New Testament. While Old Testament scriptures are still very relevant for our understanding, one must not use the Old Testament in a standalone capacity upon which to build a doctrine in this day of grace. Some people pick and choose what they will practice from the Old Testament. They keep the Sabbath and use musical instruments, and yet they do not burn incense during prayer nor do they offer sacrifices. It is imperative that people understand the entire old covenant was replaced with another, better covenant. Many of the patriarchs were examples of courage, faith, and devotion. We must keep perspective that they were under the law without the grace of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Hence, it is improper to model everything they did in worship or behavior as an example today. Outward observances of righteousness do not justify the heart. It is never compromise to enjoy the freedom from the law; but, living under grace truly brings us into a closer relationship with God. The standard of holiness now starts with the inward man. Michael W. Smith October 2016 3 BIBLE STUDY GUIDE SUBJECT: THE TWO COVENANTS Scripture Reading: For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Explore the Bible Hebrews Chapters 8-13
    6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY HEBREWS Chapters 8-13 EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Hebrews, Chapters 8-13 © 2014 LifeWay Press® ISBN: 978-1-4300-3656-2 Item: 005693875 Let the Word dwell in you. Dewey Decimal Classification Number: 227.87 Subject Heading: BIBLE. N.T. HEBREWS-STUDY\ CHRISTIAN LIFE ERIC GEIGER Vice President, Church Resources DAVID JEREMIAH General Editor TOBY JENNINGS Managing Editor JEREMY MAXFIELD With Explore the Bible, groups can expect to engage Content Editor FAITH WHATLEY Scripture in its proper context and be better prepared Director, Adult Ministry to live it out in their own context. These book-by-book PHILIP NATION studies will help participants… Director, Adult Ministry Publishing Send questions/comments to: Content Editor, Explore › grow in their love for Scripture. the Bible: Adult Small Group Study, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0152 › gain new knowledge about what the Bible teaches. Printed in the United States of America For ordering or inquiries visit www.lifeway.com, or write › develop biblical disciplines. LifeWay Small Groups, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0152; or call toll free 800.458.2772. › internalize the Word in a way that transforms their lives. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers®.
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Hebrews
    The Book of Hebrews Introduction to Study: Who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews? A. T. Robertson, in his Greek NT study, quotes Eusebius as saying, “who wrote the Epistle God only 1 knows.” Though there is an impressive list of early Bible students that attributed the epistle to the apostle Paul (i.e., Pantaenus [AD 180], Clement of Alexander [AD 187], Origen [AD 185], The Council of Antioch [AD 264], Jerome [AD 392], and Augustine of Hippo in North Africa), there is equally an impressive list of those who disagree. Tertullian [AD 190] ascribed the epistle of Hebrews to Barnabas. Those who support a Pauline epistle claim that the apostle wrote the book in the Hebrew language for the Hebrews and that Luke translated it into Greek. Still others claim that another author wrote the epistle and Paul translated it into Greek. Lastly, some claim that Paul provided the ideas for the epistle by inspiration and that one of his contemporaries (Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Aquila, Mark, or Clement of Rome) actually composed the epistle. The fact of the matter is that we just do not have enough clear textual proof to make a precise unequivocal judgment one way or the other. The following notes will refer to the author as ‘the author of Hebrews,’ whether that be Paul or some other. Is the Book of Hebrews an Inspired Work? Bible skeptics have questioned the authenticity (canonicity) of Hebrews simply because of its unknown author. There are three proofs that should suffice the reader of the inspiration of Hebrews as it takes its rightful place in the NT.
    [Show full text]
  • Hebrews 8:1-13
    Hebrews 8:1-13 DAILY READINGS Monday: Hebrews 8:1-13 Tuesday: Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:11-12 Wednesday: Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40 Thursday: Hebrews 8:6; Exodus 24:7-8; Matthew 26:27-28 Friday: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27 MAIN POINT Jesus now ministers in the very presence of God on our behalf. SUMMARY Some commentators consider Hebrews to be more like a sermon than a letter. If we think of it that way, Hebrews 8:1-2 is where the preacher says something like, “Here’s the main point I want you to get, so listen…” The “point” he wants to make here isn’t so much what Jesus is doing but where he’s doing it. Jesus is carrying out his high priestly duties “at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven”, “in the holy places”, and “in the true tent”, that is, the very presence of God himself.1 Why does this matter? The cost of following Jesus was taking its toll on these Jewish Christians, and they were starting to glance over their shoulders at their former life in Judaism. They probably missed having high priests that they could see. How much help can a non-visible high priest really provide? But Jesus’ “absence” isn’t a liability; rather, it’s a huge advantage. For one, if Jesus were still on earth, he wouldn’t be qualified to do any priestly work for us since he wasn’t from the tribe of Levi (8:3-4; 7:13-14).
    [Show full text]
  • Epistle to the Messianic Hebrews 8Th Revision August 2011 Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology
    GBNT – 642 Epistle to the Messianic Hebrews 8th Revision August 2011 Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology Epistle to the Messianic Hebrews GBNT - 642 Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology This material is not to be copied for any purpose without written permission from American Mission Teams © Copyright by American Mission Teams, Inc., All rights reserved, printed in the United States of America 1 GBNT – 642 Epistle to the Messianic Hebrews 8th Revision August 2011 Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? Knowing in your heart that you are born-again, and followed by a statement of faith are the two prerequisites to studying and getting the most out of your MSBT materials. We at MSBT have developed this material to educate each Believer in the principles of God. Our goal is to provide each Believer with an avenue to enrich their personal lives and bring them closer to God. Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? If you have not accepted Him as such, you must be aware of what Romans 3:23 tell you. 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God: How do you go about it? You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I John 5:13 gives an example in which to base your faith. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. What if you are just not sure? Romans 10:9-10 gives you the Scriptural mandate for becoming born-again.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesson Eight ~
    ad anȶ Who You Are... Because of Who He Is. ~ Lesson Eight ~ Hebrews Chapter Eight ʁet the word of ɲhrŗst dwell in you richlɣ ...Small Group Fellowship... God’s Word is our standard. We’ll use the Bible - not personal opinion, popular teachers, or church tradition - as our guide for everything. We are using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible for this study. We come from varying faith backgrounds, so please be thoughtful of denominational and religious differences. Avoid commentaries or study notes in your Bible. Trust God, pray, ask for wisdom then read and answer on your own. We’re all learning. Be gracious and patient with yourself and with others. No one has it all figured out. ✓ This isn’t a personal opinion study. This is a Bible study. So, there are going to be “right” and “wrong” answers. Try your best and have a humble and teachable spirit. You don’t have to share, but if you did the reading and the study this week, why not chime in? We all benefit from one another’s thoughts and questions. I bet you have something great to share! ☺ Didn’t finish the study this week? That’s ok. Life gets busy. You’re here! Yay you! This will be a good week for you to listen and perhaps jot down answers as others share. Be considerate of your “slice of the pie” and how much time you are taking to talk. Share your thoughts, and allow time for others to do the same. Watch the time. Please return to our teaching session on time.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020-Hebrews #8
    Hebrews Lesson 8: Bigger, better, brighter, bolder The Mysterious Melchizedek The Priesthood of Melchizedek ▲The majestic ministry of Melchizedek 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. ▲The meaning of Melchizedek 7:2 First, his name means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” ▲The meeting with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-21) 7:1 He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, ▲The money and Melchizedek 7:2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. –––– 4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, their brothers—even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. 1. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek and was blessed by Melchizedek, establishing Melchizedek as greater than Abraham. 2. Abraham is greater than Levi and greater than the Levitical priesthood, because he is their ancestor.
    [Show full text]
  • Hebrews 8-14, James 1
    Hebrews 8-14, James 1 The last verse of chapter 7 says, the law appoints as high priests, men who have weakness, but the ​ … ​ word of the oath, which came a;er the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Chapter ​ ​ ​ 8:1-6 continues, “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying ..What are these main points? … Match the following 1. We have such a High Priest___________ 2. Jesus is a minister of the sanctuary (Holies) and of________________ 3. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gi;s and sacrifices, therefore it is necessary___________ 4. If He (Jesus) were on the earth, He would not be a priest, since______________ 5. Moses was divinely instructed about making the tabernacle_____________ a. “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain.” b. that this One also have something to offer. c. true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man d. who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. e. since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law 6. But now ___________ has obtained a more _____________________________ministry, inasmuch as _________, is also ______________________________ of a ____________________ covenant, which was established on ______________________ __________________________________. 7. In MH notes for Hebrews, pg 464, what word occurs 13 times in the King James version of this epistle? a. perfect b. blessing c. promises d. better 8. In beholding Jesus, MH notes, the picture of Jesus of course is that? a.
    [Show full text]
  • Better Than the Blood of Abel? Some Remarks on Abel in Hebrews 12:24
    Tyndale Bulletin 67.1 (2016) 127-136 BETTER THAN THE BLOOD OF ABEL? SOME REMARKS ON ABEL IN HEBREWS 12:24 Kyu Seop Kim ([email protected]) Summary The sudden mention of Abel in Hebrews 12:24 has elicited a multiplicity of interpretations, but despite its significance, the meaning of ‘Abel’ (τὸν Ἅβελ) has not attracted the careful attention that it deserves. This study argues that τὸν Ἅβελ in Hebrews 12:24 refers to Abel as an example who speaks to us through his right observation of the cult. Accordingly, Hebrews 12:24b means that Christ’s cult is superior to the Jewish ritual. This interpretation fits exactly with the adjacent context contrasting Sinai and Zion symbols. 1. Introduction The sudden mention of Abel in Hebrews 12:24 has elicited a multiplicity of interpretations, but despite its significance, this topic has not attracted the careful attention that it deserves. Traditionally, scholars assert that ‘Abel’ (τὸν Ἅβελ) in Hebrews 12:24 refers to ‘the blood of Abel’.1 Most Bible translators also read ‘than Abel’ (παρὰ τὸν 1 E.g. Ceslas Spicq, L’Épître aux Hébreux, (Paris: Libraire Lecoffee, 1952–53), 2:409-10; Jonathan I. Griffiths, Hebrews and Divine Speech, LNTS (London: T & T Clark, 2014), 143-44; B. F. Westcott, The Epistle to the Hebrews (London: Macmillan, 1892), 417; Harold W. Attridge, Hebrews, Hermeneia (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1989), 377; James Moffatt, The Epistle to the Hebrews, ICC (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1924); Hugh Montefiore, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, BNTC (London: A & C Black, 1964), 233; R.
    [Show full text]
  • Does Hebrews Have a Covenant Theology?
    MSJ 21/1 (Spring 2010) 31-54 DOES HEBREWS HAVE A COVENANT THEOLOGY? Elliott Johnson* The federal covenant theology posits a heavenly pre-existent covenant of grace which differs from the biblical New Covenant as stated in Jer 31:31-34. To answer the question, “Does Hebrews have a Covenant Theology?,” four themes for evaluating the federal theological covenant of grace are (1) the use of Scripture and the one people of God, (2) the unity between the Old and New Covenants, (3) the discontinuity between the Old and New Covenants, and (4) the warning passages and the doctrine of predestination. The epistle does not support the replacement of the houses of Israel and Judah by another people. Nor does Hebrews equate the New Covenant with one theological covenant existing from eternity past. It does support a discontinuity in moving from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The federal theology model fails to allow for contingency found in the warning passages of the book. The federal covenant theology neglects Hebrews’ omission of any mention of a federal covenant established in eternity past, but the biblical covenant model does find textual support in four areas: (1) Scripture and the application of the New Covenant, being based on Hebrew’s extensive use of relevant OT texts; (2) covenant ratification and the coherent relationship between the first and the New Covenant, since the epistle bases the two covenants on different priesthoods; (3) discontinuity between the New Covenant and the last will and testament, since the last will and testament (9:16-17) is based on the death of Christ; (4) warning passages and the doctrine of inheritance, since there is contingency as well as predestination involved in receiving the promised blessings.
    [Show full text]
  • From Moses to Messiah – Hebrews 8:1-13 May 25, 2008 Promises
    From Moses to Messiah – Hebrews 8:1-13 May 25, 2008 Promises, Promises We all like to be able to keep our promises. We also like to see people keep their promises to us. And we hate it when promises are broken. When I was younger, I thought that someone breaking their promise to me was a major problem; as I’ve gotten older, I am more bothered by the promises I find myself unable to keep. That’s why I try to be careful about what promises I make and to whom I make them. God makes promises to us, and he never breaks his promises. The Bible calls some of these promises “covenants,” since they involve responsibilities both by God and by us. This week we will study two of those covenants, as well as God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises and how he works in us to cause us to carry out our part. Let’s take a look at promises kept. Monday – Our High Priest Covenant: an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return. Dictionary.com 1. Please read Hebrews 8:1-13. According to verses 1-6, why does Jesus serve as our high priest? Where? 2. What characteristics of the new covenant can you find in verses 7-13? What do they tell you about God and his people? 3. Now look at Philippians 2:13. How will we be able to fulfill our part of this covenant with God? Making it Personal: Does having God’s laws in your heart and mind sound attractive to you? Why or why not? Tuesday – Our New Prophet “Where are your forefathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your forefathers?” Zechariah 1:5-6 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Hebrews 8:3-5
    Hebrews 8:3-5 in Hebrews, we will attempt to find the answers to those questions, which are very important in our contemporary society today in every According to the Law area – from the academic arena in higher education, as well as the secondary education level; to the written, visual, and audio media; to “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; every expression of entertainment; to every avenue of business and hence it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. investment; and finally to all the religious components of our society. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there In addition, the comparison between the Law Code given by God to are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy Moses with reference to the Levitical Priesthood and their and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God responsibilities, and the ministry of Christ while on this earth and when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, ‘See,’ He says, ‘that beyond is central to all of this. For when we look at the ancient you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on cultures of the Middle East, the reason for the similarities is that they the mountain.’” are all corruptions of what God intended as far as human accountability to Him and the promise of an eternal home; moral Introduction guidelines and direction for our well-being; societal relationships; and the ultimate blessing of following His truth in faith and obedience, When we look at the Old Testament Law and its purpose as stated which leads to His life-giving holiness in our lives.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Agreement and the Temple in Heaven
    Easy Reading Edition 11 June 5–11 The New Agreement and the Temple in Heaven SABBATH—JUNE 5 READ FOR THIS WEEK’S LESSON: Exodus 25:8; Isaiah 53:4–12; Hebrews 10:4; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 8:1–6; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6. MEMORY VERSE: “So Christ [Jesus] brings a new agreement from God to his people. He brings this agree- ment so that those [people] who are chosen by God can have the blessings God promised, blessings that last [continue] forever” (Hebrews 9:15, ERV). NO MOON FILLED THE EVENING SKY with light above Frank. The sky looked as black as ink. Frank was covered in shadows as he walked the empty streets of the city. After a while, Frank heard footsteps behind him. Someone was following Frank in the dark. Then the person caught up with Someone was following Frank and asked, “Are you Frank the book maker?” Frank in the darkness. Frank did not know the man. He answered, “Yes, I am. How did you know?” “Well,” said the stranger, “I do not know you. But I know your brother well. Even in the dark, I can see that you walk and move the same way your brother does. You both are the same size too. So, when I saw you, I knew you had to be his brother, because he told me he had one.” This story helps us better understand the plan of God for the Holy Tent where He was worshiped in Old Testament times. The Bible tells us this tent was a copy of the real tem- ple in heaven.
    [Show full text]