Christ preciously redeemed the church. It is “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). We are to be connected to the "local" church, Hebrews 10:24-26 "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

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Covenants are the backbone of the biblical story. The Rainbow Covenant, covenant partners obligate themselves to one another with promises and call curses upon themselves if they disobey. The covenant with Noah seems to be unconditional.The covenant with Noah is a covenant of preservation, signifying a new beginning for human beings and the continuance of life on earth until the time of the end. The new covenant is the climax of all of God’s covenants. The new covenant represents the culmination of God’s saving work among his people. God regenerates his people by his Spirit and renews their hearts so that they obey him.

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Covenants Between Persons have 5 elements. A Relationship can have two different levels. 1. Superficial Friendship; 2. Covenantal Friendship. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

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Psalm 91:14-16

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD , "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will Isatisfy him and I will show him my salvation."

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Webster defines the word covenant as an agreement between two parties; a binding contract. The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament is “berith” which comes from the root word meaning “to cut”. In our day we may sign a contract or make a verbal agreement with someone. There are 7 Covenants in the Old Testament. The old covenants could never be fulfilled because of man’s disobedience. God never breaks a covenant agreement, man does.

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God seeks someone to intercede with him on behalf of his sinful people today. There are many biblical passages in which God seeks out and appoints prophets, priests, kings, apostles, gospel heralds. In the context of Ezekiel 22, however, God is looking for an intercessor

"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land that I might not destroy itbut I found no one" Ezekiel 22:30

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People tend to judge the character and worth of others by looking at outward appearances. If a person is tall, good-looking, well-built, and tastefully dressed, then he or she possesses physical qualities that humans generally admire and respect. But God has the unique ability to see inside a person. God knows our true character because he “looks at the heart.”

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the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked Jeremiah 17:9

How Can I Control My Heart?

First, turn to Jesus and by faith ask Him to come into your life—and He will

Second, ask Him to help you begin to see other people through His eyes—eyes of love and compassion

Third, if evil thoughts do come, turn immediately to Christ and ask Him to take them away and fill your mind with Himself.

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“A substance is called pure when it is without admixture, when it is one thing and not two or more. Pure gold is gold without alloy.” We are made to be holy, set apart, "other" from the rest of humankind. Separated for God. Without a pure heart you cannot pursue this goal.

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Jesus said, blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8). “Heart”. it is the heart on which the Lord concentrates this teaching. “heart” is the inner man, I Pet 3:3,4 “that part of man that comprehends — his mind, will, and emotions”. Jesus concerns Himself more with what we ARE than what we do. (Prov. 4:23; Mt 15:18-19) What is the condition of your heart — right now? Are you giving God “lip” service or “heart” service? (Mt 15:7-8)

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