Family Month 2024

Commandment: Be Amazed

September 1, 2024 • Steve Deane • Matthew 8:5–13

In this powerful message, we explore the story of Jesus marveling at a Roman centurion's faith (Matthew 8:5-13). This encounter reveals three key insights about faith that can transform our spiritual lives. First, true faith is mixed with love - the centurion's concern for his servant demonstrates this beautifully. Second, faith and commandment are intricately linked, like a zipper joining two sides of a garment. Finally, the centurion recognized Jesus' authority as coming from God, seeing the Father's heart in Jesus' actions. This story challenges us to develop a faith that amazes Jesus - one that combines love, obedience, and a deep understanding of God's benevolent nature. As we grow in this kind of faith, we too can marvel at the goodness of our Father and live out His love in our daily lives.

Commandment: In New Light

August 25, 2024 • Steve Deane • 1 John 2:7–8, 2 John 5, John 10:18

This sermon explores the concept of God's commandments as empowering keys rather than restrictive chains. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus saw commandment as a source of power, particularly in His obedience to the Father's commandment to die and rise again. This perspective transforms our understanding of commandments from limitations to opportunities for participating in God's restoration of creation. The sermon highlights how Jesus' resurrection defeats sin and death, offering a new paradigm for viewing commandment and our role in renewing the world through love and obedience. Key Points: - Commandments should be seen as keys that unlock potential, not chains that restrict - Jesus' obedience to the commandment to die and rise again demonstrates the power of commandments - The resurrection of Jesus defeats sin and death, dethroning their power over creation - Believers are called to participate in the ongoing renewal of creation through obedience to God's commandments - Love, as commanded by Jesus, is a powerful force for restoring creation - Even the smallest acts of love are stronger than death and contribute to the restoration of creation Stories used: - The illustration of "Bill" being dissolved in acetone and needing to be restored, representing the fall and restoration of creation - The analogy of superheroes (Superman, Iron Man, Thanos) getting their powers from various sources, compared to believers getting power from God's commandments - The metaphor of Jesus defeating death and sin in the underworld, described with playful imagery of martial arts - The example of new growth emerging from a burnt forest, illustrating ongoing renewal in creation Chapter 1: Introduction and Setting the Stage 0:00 - 4:00 The sermon begins with interactive elements and sets up the theme of commandments as empowerment. Chapter 2: Commandments as Keys, Not Chains 4:00 - 10:00 We explore the shift from viewing commandment as restrictive chains to empowering keys. Chapter 3: Jesus and the Power of Commandment 10:00 - 16:00 We delve into how Jesus viewed and used commandments as a source of power, particularly in His death and resurrection. Chapter 4: Living in a New Reality 16:00 - 22:00 We discuss the implications of living in a world where sin and death have been defeated through and resurrection life and immortality have been brought to light through Christ's obedience. Living now in the New Heavens and Earth. Chapter 5: Embracing Commandments for Restoration 22:00 - 27:00 We are called to embrace commandment to “Love one Another” as empowerment to participate in God's restoration of creation.

Commandment: Jesus Empowered

August 18, 2024 • Steve Deane • John 10:18

This sermon explores the nature of God's commandments, emphasizing that they are not mere tests or restrictions, but provisions designed to empower humanity. We learned that God’s commandment has specific goals, is a non-negotiable expectation, and serve as the bond that holds creation together. Jesus is the living commandment! We also learn Jesus received a commandment that empowered him to vanquish death on creation’s behalf. Takeaways: - Jesus’ faith viewed commandment as a source of empowerment. -Jesus' death was unlike Adam's. Jesus’ death was an act of keeping God's commandment rather than breaking it. John 10:18 - Jesus entered death victoriously and with the power as a result, unlike Adam! - Jesus did not see decay because of this power. He was never under sin’s reign. - Jesus vanquished death releasing its captives because of this power. -Jesus’ faith was that The Father has commanded Resurrection with its defeat of death and dethroning of sin! This commandment was His power! -Jesus believed and kept God’s commandment and its goal of eternal life. It cost his life’s blood, that we might know God’s commandment and God’s heart for creation and you

Commandment: Humanity's Glorious Empowerment

August 11, 2024 • Steve Deane • Colossians 1:16–17

We explore the profound concept of God's commandments as empowerment rather than restriction. The central theme revolves around the Garden of Eden story, reimagining it not as a test of free will, but as God's provision of power to humanity. We're challenged to see commandments not as choices, but as the very substance that holds creation together. This perspective invites us to embrace God's commandments as a means to 'reign in life' and fulfill our purpose as image-bearers of God. By understanding commandments this way, we can see how breaking them leads to decay and loss of our ability to steward creation as intended. This fresh interpretation encourages us to view obedience as a path to empowerment and fullness of life, rather than a burden or limitation. Key Points: - God's commandments are not choices but provisions for humanity to reign. - The commandment given to Adam was not a test but empowerment to rule over creation. - All creation is held together by God's commandment, which is embodied in Jesus Christ. - Breaking God's commandment leads to dissolution and loss of authority in one's life; enslavement to base desires. - Jesus is the living commandment that restores and holds all things together. - Obeying God's commandments is the path to true freedom and authority in life. - The Holy Spirit empowers believers to keep God's commandments and experience restoration and participate in creation's restoration.

Keep Pedaling

August 4, 2024 • Steve Deane • Mark 2:27, John 14:15

In this inspiring message, we explore the profound connection between loving Jesus and keeping His commandments. Using the analogy of learning to ride a bike, we discover that God's commandments are not burdensome rules, but loving instructions designed to help us grow and experience true freedom. Just as a parent's commands to 'keep pedaling' when teaching a child to ride a bike have a greater purpose, God's commandment has a creative goal greater than failed obedience. We're encouraged to not only obey but to remember the target of each commandment - our growth, freedom, and abundant life in Christ. This perspective shift helps us see God's love behind His instructions and motivates us to persevere in our faith journey, even when we stumble.

New Covenant Church - VA