The Planting

New Covenant Church - VA

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The Planting

Chapter 12

October 29, 2023 • Steve Deane • Genesis 2:8, Matthew 13:33

The Kingdom of God is a planting that grows over time and will fill the earth with fruit and heal the nations.

The Priest

November 12, 2023 • Steve Deane • Matthew 13:33, 1 Peter 2:5–9, Luke 10:30–37

Since human community is the temple in which God desires to dwell, priests' work is to tend and to cultivate human community for God's presence. To be a priest unto God is to be a good neighbor. That which was high and lofty only for the elite, is now within reach of all from the simplest to the greatest. Christ has raised all up with Him! Be a good neighbor! Be a priest!

The Temple

November 5, 2023 • Steve Deane • Exodus 15:17, 1 Peter 2:5, Matthew 13:33

The Kingdom of Heaven is about the TRUE temple of God. The Garden was a living temple; the holy of holies of Creation. Therefore all of Creation was a temple. Israel had a temple made of dead stones that included an holy of holies. Israel's temple was a model of Creation so all Creation is a temple. The church is described as being made of living stone and is the true holy of holies of human community. Therefore all of human community is the true temple of God.

Civic Responsibility

September 24, 2023 • Steve Deane, Gary Porter • Jeremiah 29:7

Whether for our own sake or for the sake of Christ, we are to take care of human communities and seek their prosperity.