Upon reviewing the first and second steps in the ceremonial process of Old Testament blood covenants, David describes the third step as being "The Covenant Exchange of Clothing and Weapons". As it applies to our new covenant relationship with God in Christ today, we have been given the identity and resources of Christ Himself. Jesus took our torn robes of sin and weakness, put them on Himself in His suffering, and in exchange, gave us His own strength and righteousness. Our covenant with God reveals that God has bound Himself by His Word to freely give us every resource that heaven offers -- an inheritance -- to protect us, empower us, prosper us, and encourage us...not because we deserve it, but because Jesus earned it.

In this fourth episode in a series on the Blood Covenant in scripture, David changes the focus by drawing special attention to the self-sacrifice that's required in order to experience the covenant-rooted relationship with God that we were created to have. In order for God to trust us with His power and blessing, we must demonstrate our faithfulness to His cause, and our willingness to sacrifice anything for His sake. As Jesus taught, "To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48).

For every high calling there's a cost, and that cost is self-denial. The price you're willing to pay to serve the Lord shows the value that you hold Him in.

And by use of Abraham's test of faith in Genesis 22, we learn about the process of tests and trials that we all must go through in order for our faith to be refined and our life to be empowered.

In this third episode of a series on the Blood Covenant, David describes the first step to a covenant-relationship with God as counting the cost of discipleship and demonstrating the willingness to deny yourself to follow Christ. In anything worth pursuing, there's always sacrifice required. We are exhorted in this episode to acknowledge the Presence of God as ones chief reward, and to lay down your own desires to fulfill His calling in your life. We are in a covenant of blessing with God, for the sole purpose that we can be a reciprocal blessing to everyone around us.

In this second episode of a new series on the Blood Covenant, David deepens his explanation of the covenant through addressing the exemplary faith of Abraham. If Abraham is called "the father of our faith" and if his example set the precedent for all who would believe, then we should make the foundation of our faith that which was the foundation of his faith. The Blood Covenant was to Abraham the root and confirmation of everything he believed. It should be the same for us.

When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment for our transgression of the covenant terms. Even now, God does not punish anyone for their sins in this world, otherwise He would be breaking His promise.

In this present time, through our faith in Jesus' work, we can receive every blessing promised to us in God's Word. God swore by His own name that He would keep His promises, even to laying down His own life to assure us of His trustworthiness.

In the face of fear and doubt, always be reminded: God made a covenant with you, and He will never break it!

In this first episode of a new series on the Blood Covenant, as described in scripture, David begins his explanation of biblical covenants as the source of all faith in the Christian life. The covenant that we have with God in Christ is the foundation of our confidence and boldness.

As an introduction to the coming series, David summarizes the significance of covenants in the time of the Old Testament, as well as in ancient cultures around the world.

The promises of God to mankind have been sealed in the Blood of Jesus. And God, who cannot lie, has provided us with an indomitable hope, which is rooted in His solemn oath to us through the death of His Son that He will keep His promises.

The story of Jephthah, in Judges 11, is a powerful testimony of a man who was born into a broken home and rejected by his family, leading to a life of rebellion, but who was later redeemed from his past and molded into a mighty man of valor. Redemption brought about devotion to the call of God. Jephthah's story, along with brief comparisons to the life stories of other men in the Bible, is what is discussed in this episode.

The blood of Jesus is more than enough to redeem us from every recollection and pain from our past, but are we willing to believe that? No sin can separate us from the love and calling of God; God wants to restore us to our rightful place as sons in His kingdom.

The stories of these men from the Bible show you the power of God's grace, and the reality of redemption that is in Jesus' blood.

As a continuation of the previous episode, "The Fear of the Lord", David explains the godly fear that should be present in a man's heart as a result of understanding eternal accountability. We are here for a purpose! When we all get to heaven, the Bible says we will give an account of the life we lived on earth. Not everyone will hear, "Well done, My good and faithful servant." This accountability of purpose should also be what motivates us to wake up every morning with a living passion.

There will be great rewards in heaven for our faithfulness on earth. But chief above all else, we are to be driven by the desire to stand before our Lord on judgment day knowing that we did what we were called to do with a clear conscience. To hear the loving affirmation of the King of kings is the greatest reward of all.

Additional Scripture to note: 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Romans 14:11-12

In this episode, David explains the truth about what the fear of the Lord, so often mentioned in Scripture, is really about. It's not to be afraid of God, but to regard Him with reverential love. The fear of the Lord is the key to intimacy with God and the way to freedom from sin. Come to fear God, and you will have laid the foundation for a strong, secure, and powerful life of closeness to the presence of God.

What kind of courage is that which will lead to a life of giant-slaying? What's the kind of courage that inspires multitudes? In episode, through examination of David's battle with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, key characteristics of influential courage are revealed and explained. Cultivate this kind of giant-slaying courage in your life, and you too will be prepared for victory over every obstacle in your life.

In this first episode in a new series on David and his mighty men of valor, as written in the book of 2 Samuel, the contagious nature of the courage that was first pioneered by King David in his battle with Goliath is explained. Because of one man who knew God and was willing to act upon His Word, thousands of other men were emboldened and empowered to become giant-slayers themselves.

We all have something to give to the mission of the gospel. Even if it seems insignificant, God can take the little that we have, and through our surrender, multiply its impact and influence multitudes.

Cultivate the kind of courage that David had when he faced Goliath, and you too will be used by God to inspire the world around you. You can walk in victory over every force of the enemy!