The Bible teaches us to empty ourselves of the thoughts and concerns of this world for a very important reason. We are to be filled with God’s spirit—the Holy Spirit—instead. Greg discussed what the Bible means when it speaks of a “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

Covenants always have people who bear witness to them. These witnesses hold the people involved accountable and support the covenant. As Christians we are both participants in our own covenant with God and witnesses to the covenants of other believers as well. Greg continued his teaching on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

In the Old Testament, an animal was sacrificed as a sign of the seriousness of a covenant. In the New Testament, God’s own Son is sacrificed instead of us even though we are the ones who have been unfaithful in our relationship with God. Greg continued his teaching on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

One of the very few remaining covenants that we honor today is marriage. In this covenant we make promises to each other and mesh our identity with that of our spouse. The relationship God wants with you is of the same sort. God has made promises to you and offers us the opportunity to be identified with him in Christ. Greg continued this teaching on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

Many of our relationships with others seem to lack understanding, integrity and a sense of common vision. This sermon offered some insight into why this is the case. Greg continued this teaching on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

A contract is a legal agreement: “I’ll give you this if you give me that.” A covenant is very different. It is about the relationship. People in covenant identify deeply with each other. Greg continued this teaching on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

The word “covenant” is rarely used today, but in ancient times it was a common social structure that all respected. Most people understand what a contract is, but few today understand the word “covenant.” The Bible assumes that we know about covenants and intend to keep them. Greg taught on understanding and living in biblical covenant.

At the beginning of each year, Greg reviews the vision of Woodland Hills Church. Though he spoke directly to WHC, all churches can benefit from a clear presentation of what the Bible says the church is supposed to be doing.

Today’s message was given around Christmas time, but the point is important every day. Jesus Christ is a very different kind of king than the world expected. Greg discussed the message of Christmas that is good news every day of the year.

As Christians, we want to understand the anxieties and fears of the world, but we must be careful not to be taken captive by them. As children of God, there is good reason to have hope in the face of adversity. Greg encouraged people to remember their allegiance to the Kingdom of God at all times, especially times of trial.