This sermon introduces covenant theology as a crucial framework for understanding the Bible as a unified redemptive narrative centered on Jesus Christ. Many believers neglect this foundational concept, leading to confusion about the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, the purpose of God's law, and the nature of salvation. Without a covenantal understanding, the Bible can appear as a collection of disconnected stories rather than a cohesive plan of God's redemptive work. Covenant theology reveals how God progressively unveils His plan of salvation through various covenants—with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—all finding their ultimate fulfillment in the new covenant in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation has always been by faith in Christ alone; Old Testament saints looked forward to His promise, while New Testament believers look back at its fulfillment. This perspective helps unify Scripture, showing how "the new is in the old concealed, and the old is in the new revealed," with the New Testament providing the normative lens for understanding the Old. A covenant is defined as a declaration of God's sovereign pleasure, initiated and owned by Him, bestowing benefits, fostering communion, and outlining the means to enjoy Him. God always deals with humanity through a representative or "federal head," from Adam to the ultimate representative, Jesus Christ. This concept is vital for understanding doctrines like original sin and justification by faith. The lecture contrasts this Reformed Baptist covenant theology with other interpretive frameworks, particularly dispensationalism, which often disconnects the testaments and misinterprets the church's

Are you living under the weight of performance, constantly trying to earn God's love? Many of us unknowingly linger at the foot of Mount Sinai, burdened by the law and fear. But what if there's a different mountain calling your name?In this powerful sermon on Hebrews 12:18-29, we uncover the profound contrast between the temporal, terrifying Mount Sinai and the eternal, glorious Mount Zion. Discover why the Old Covenant was never meant to bring us close to God, and how the New Covenant in Christ offers a present, spiritual reality of freedom, grace, and an unshakeable kingdom.Stop striving and start resting in the finished work of Christ. Learn how your Judge has become your Father, and why His smile is unchanging because of Jesus. This message will transform your understanding of God's love and your place in His eternal plan.

The sermon concludes with a call to recognize that God's grace is living and active right now, visible in the very fact that believers are gathered, understanding and trusting in the gospel. This should lead to honor, praise, and thanksgiving to God. Discover the profound meaning behind Paul's final words to the Corinthians: "My love be with you all in Christ Jesus." Despite a church riddled with factions and immorality, Paul's closing message is one of unwavering grace and love. Learn how God's unmerited favor enables Christ-centered love, fosters unity among believers, and guides both spiritual and earthly leadership. Unpack the powerful truth that grace isn't just for salvation, but for every aspect of our daily lives and church community.

The pastor concluded with four key observations for reflection and application. 1. Remember Our Love for God is Monotheistic. We worship one true and living God who purposed His saving grace for sinners. We must never forget how dead we were in our sins and how great His grace is to us. Forgetting this diminishes our perspective and love for Him. • Remember Our Love for God is Trinitarian. This one God works out His grace through three glorious persons: The Father planned our redemption, the Son accomplished it on the cross, and the Holy Spirit applies it to our hearts. Understanding the depth of this coordinated, loving work should cause us to love God more profoundly—not just with a base "liking," but with a deep, abiding love. • Remember Our Love for God is Prime. The effect of God's grace should produce both a rudimentary love (phileo) and a profound love (agape). Our love for God must be the primary, foundational reality that informs and impacts everything we do and say. When we fail, this primary love should turn us back to Christ again and again. • Remember Our Love for God is Consequential. The stakes are eternal. One who has no love for Christ is eternally accursed. This truth should produce two things in us: A holy fear and humility, recognizing we did nothing to deserve God's grace. A genuine concern and urgency to pray for and share the gospel with those who do not know Christ, because the gospel brings real hope and has the power to take dead sinners and make them alive. We must not lose heart in praying for and encouraging one another in the faith.

Key Points 1. The foundations (repentance, faith, washings, laying on of hands, resurrection, judgment) are already laid—build on them rather than restart. 2. Resurrection and eternal judgment are rooted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ (see Daniel 12:2). 3. The old covenant rituals were typological shadows; treating them as ends in themselves is "dead works." 4. Some tasted spiritual realities without true saving faith; falling away exposes a lack of genuine belief. 5. Tangible, comforting practices can lure believers away from heart holiness and dependence on Christ. 6. Growth and perseverance are possible only "if God permits"—depend on Him daily.

Practical Applications for Today • Cultivate relationships with other faithful churches; pray for them and receive their encouragement. • Prioritize church order: recognize, appoint, and submit to qualified leadership (elders/deacons). • Reject isolationist tendencies; pursue covenantal commitment for accountability, discipline, and growth. • Celebrate God's work beyond your local setting; let it strengthen your resolve and joy.

• Application: o A proper view of eternal judgment is critical. It must be seen as just as real and eternal as the promise of eternal life. o The pastor warns against modern-day versions of "elementary" or incorrect teaching, such as annihilationism (the belief that the wicked are simply destroyed and cease to exist after judgment). o This view diminishes the gravity of God's justice and the eternal consequences of sin. To move toward maturity is to hold a proper, biblical view of both eternal life for the believer and eternal judgment for the unrepentant.

o The church must lead with alertness, firm faith, manly courage, and strength, always expressed in love. o Resist cultural pressures that erase distinctions; uphold biblical categories and virtues without apology. 1. Be on the alert: recognize real spiritual enemies and reject carelessness, indifference, and sloth. 2. Stand firm in the faith: anchor your stability in God's unchanging promises and Christ's commands. 3. Act like men: embrace courageous, mature, unflinching spiritual resolve—applicable to all believers. 4. Be strong: put spiritual strength into visible, obedient action against sin and for the gospel. 5. Do everything in love: practice truth-filled, restorative love that urges believers toward holiness.

• The Hebrew listeners were tempted to fall back on the Old Testament system as an end in itself. The pastor emphasized this is a misunderstanding of the Old Testament's purpose. • The Old Testament was never meant to be the final revelation; it was always pointing forward to the Messiah. As referenced in Hebrews 1:1-2, God spoke in many ways through the prophets, but has now spoken finally and fully in His Son. • The Apostles' Preaching: When the apostles like Peter and Paul preached, their primary text was the Old Testament. They showed how it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. On the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus Himself took the disciples through the Old Testament Scriptures to show how they all pointed to Him. • The Veiled Glory: The Old Testament was like a bride with a veil. The beauty and truth were always there, but veiled. In Christ, the veil is lifted, and we see the full glory of God's plan of redemption. • Application: To press on to maturity means we must not abandon the Old Testament, but read it through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. To do away with the Old Testament is to lose the full picture of God's redemptive glory. Conclusion and Prayer The pastor concluded by emphasizing the danger highlighted in Hebrews 6: some in the audience may not have truly believed in the first place. Their unwillingness to grow and mature in Christ was a sign that their hearts had not been changed. The ability and desire to "press on" is itself a gift of God's grace, as stated in Hebrews 6:3 ("And this we will do, if God permits.").