Message Takeaway - Forging a Covenant

Ephesians 2:17-22

This past Sunday well looked at the nature of God's covenant love and how it empowers us to face difficult times. Pastor Stu emphasized that recent events, the Evergreen High School shooting and the loss of Christian apologist Charlie Kirk, are not senseless but rather manifestations of evil in a fallen world. He reminded us that as Christians, we are called to respond with love, even in the face of tragedy, because we are in a covenant relationship with God and each other.

Takeaways:

• God's relationship with us is covenantal, not contractual. This means He loves us unconditionally, not based on our performance.
• As a church, we are called to practice the "one anothers" of Scripture, especially during tough times. This includes loving, serving, and encouraging one another.
• Our covenant relationship with God and each other is what transforms culture and stands out in a world often driven by selfishness and revenge.

Let us remember that even in our darkest moments, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. As we navigate these challenging times, may we draw strength from our covenant relationship with God and support one another in love.

1. God's Unconditional Love
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: God's covenant with me is not based on my performance, but on His unwavering love and grace. I am secure in knowing that nothing can separate me from His love, no matter how I fall short.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me trust in Your everlasting covenant, knowing that my worth is not defined by my performance but by Your grace.

2. Living the "One Anothers"
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Reflection: Practicing the "one anothers" in my church community allows us to love, serve, and encourage each other in Christ. By prioritizing others, I participate in God's covenant community, reflecting His love and freedom.

Prayer Prompt: Father, guide me in serving others with humility and love. May Your Spirit empower me to prioritize the needs of my church community, faithfully living out the "one anothers" as a testimony of Your love.

3. Transforming Culture Through Covenant
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: My covenant relationship with God and fellow believers allows us to transform culture by standing out in love and unity. Together, we shine as a beacon of hope and reflect God's light in a world often focused on selfishness and revenge.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, use me to be a light in this world. Teach me to hold fast to Your covenant and love others fiercely.