Sunday Morning Message - "Saying Yes to God: The Covenant Confirmed"

In this message from May 25, Family Pastor, Brad Randall, explores Exodus 24:1-11, focusing on the covenant God made with the Israelites. We will look into the nature of God's covenant relationships, contrasting them with mere contracts. The message emphasizes God's pursuit of us, His proposal for a relationship, and our response of surrender. God initiates this covenant knowing our imperfections, highlighting His unconditional love and the need for sacrifice to bridge the gap between us and Him.

Key Takeaways:

God pursues us, even in our lowest moments.

A covenant with God is relational, not just contractual.

Saying "yes" to God requires our surrender and faithfulness.

The New Covenant, established through Jesus' blood, allows us direct access to God's presence.

Discussion Questions:

The sermon mentions that "God is the one who pursues." How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life?

What's the difference between a contract and a covenant? How does this distinction change our understanding of our relationship with God?

The Israelites promised, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey." What challenges do we face in keeping our promises to God?

How does the imagery of blood sacrifice in the Old Covenant help us appreciate Jesus' sacrifice in the New Covenant?

The sermon states, "To enter into the Covenant of God is to promise that He will be your only God." What are some modern-day "gods" that compete for our allegiance?

Reflect on Jeremiah 31:31-33. How does the New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What does it mean to have God's instructions "written on our hearts"?

Practical Applications:

Covenant Reflection: Take time this week to write down the promises you've made to God. Pray over them, asking for strength to keep your commitments.

Pursuit of God: Set aside 10 minutes each day to actively pursue God through prayer, worship, or Bible reading. Journal about how this impacts your relationship with Him.

Identifying Idols: List potential "idols" in your life that compete with God for your attention and devotion. Share with a trusted friend or accountability partner for prayer and support.

New Covenant Gratitude: Write a thank-you letter to Jesus, expressing your gratitude for His sacrifice that established the New Covenant.