The function of a king is to rule or to govern. This requires that the father rule his household on behalf of God. Paul presents the responsibility of fatherhood in 1 Timothy, where he describes the qualifications of an elder.

The father’s second main responsibility, as prophet for his family, is to represent God to his family. Inevitably a father represents God to his family, whether he intends to or not. He may do it well. He may do it badly. But, almost inevitably, he does it.

Three main ministries of Christ are to be associated with fatherhood: those of priest, prophet and king. As a priest, the father represents his family to God—who is representing his family to God in intercession and prayer.

The fatherhood of God is the great fact behind the universe. There is a Father who is our God, a Father who created the universe as a Father—as such He has left the imprint of His fatherhood on every aspect of the entire universe.

Today’s topic is such a solemn and serious subject, that Derek brings to you a special word of warning regarding conduct that undermines covenant. God’s demands for covenant commitment as the basis for relationship are clearly set forth in Scripture, as Derek will bring to light.

In today’s message Derek speaks about the distinctive New Testament ordinance or sacrament that symbolizes and perpetuates a special lifestyle. God’s people over the centuries have adopted various names for this: the Eucharist, Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Breaking of Bread.

Entering into covenant with others brings us into a distinctive new lifestyle. In New Testament Greek, the the word koinonia is used to describe this lifestyle. In most English Bibles, this word is translated “fellowship” or “sharing in a common life.”

There never was a valid covenant without a sacrifice and a sacrifice represents the death of the one who makes the covenant. A person enters into covenant through his own death. This is not merely established in the Old Testament, but carried on into the New.

The same covenant that brings us into relationship with God also brings us into relationship with God’s people. Thus relationship with God’s people also is based on covenant.

Using examples from the Old Testament in how God dealt with Israel in the Old Testament, Derek explains that when God redeemed Israel out of Egypt and made a covenant with them, He became their husband. This covenant relationship was as binding as that of a husband and wife, so their subsequent disobedience was referred to by their prophets as adultery.