Week 16: April 20
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CORE 52 - Chapter 16: "Atonement"
In Chapter 16 of CORE 52, titled "New Covenant," Mark Moore explores the significant transition from the Old Covenant, established through Moses and the law, to the New Covenant, brought by Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, based on the law, was temporary and designed to point toward the need for a more permanent solution—salvation through Jesus. Moore explains that the New Covenant, foretold by the prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 31:31-34), is a promise of a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law.
Moore highlights the key elements of the New Covenant, emphasizing that it is based on grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He becomes the mediator of this New Covenant, offering forgiveness of sins and a direct relationship with God. The New Covenant is not just about following rules, but about being transformed by the love and power of God, allowing believers to live in obedience and faithfulness to Him.
This chapter also contrasts the Old and New Covenants, explaining that while the Old Covenant required sacrifices and rituals, the New Covenant is sealed through the sacrifice of Jesus once and for all. The New Covenant promises an eternal relationship with God, where His laws are written on our hearts, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will.
The chapter challenges readers to embrace the full implications of the New Covenant, understanding that it offers not only forgiveness but also transformation and eternal hope.
Application:
Reflect on the profound difference between the Old and New Covenants. How does understanding the New Covenant change the way you approach your relationship with God and your faith journey?
Embrace the New Covenant by cultivating a deeper relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Live out the implications of grace, forgiveness, and transformation in your daily life.
Five Daily Spiritual Challenges:
Day 1: Understand the New Covenant Spend time today reflecting on the difference between the Old and New Covenants. Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13 to understand God’s promise of a new relationship through Jesus. Thank God for the grace and forgiveness offered through the New Covenant.
Day 2: Embrace the Forgiveness of the New Covenant Jesus’ death sealed the New Covenant with forgiveness of sins. Reflect on the forgiveness you’ve received through Jesus. Today, take time to confess any sins and embrace the forgiveness that is freely given through Christ’s sacrifice.
Day 3: Live Out the New Covenant in Your Life The New Covenant is about transformation through the Holy Spirit. Reflect on areas of your life where God’s love and grace have transformed you. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live out God’s will in these areas today.
Day 4: Rejoice in Your Eternal Relationship with God The New Covenant promises an eternal relationship with God. Spend time today reflecting on the security and hope you have in Christ. Praise God for the eternal covenant that guarantees His presence with you now and forever.
Day 5: Share the New Covenant with Others The New Covenant is not only for you but for all people. Reflect on how you can share the message of God’s grace and salvation with others. Look for opportunities to talk about the New Covenant and invite others into a relationship with Jesus.
Daily Thought-Provoking Questions:
Day 1: What does the New Covenant mean to you personally? How does it deepen your understanding of God’s love and grace?
Day 2: How does the forgiveness of sins through the New Covenant impact your relationship with God? Are there areas where you still struggle to fully accept God’s forgiveness?
Day 3: In what ways have you experienced transformation through the New Covenant? How can you continue to grow in living out God’s will through the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: How does the promise of an eternal relationship with God shape the way you live today? In what ways does this eternal hope give you strength and perspective in difficult circumstances?
Day 5: How can you share the hope of the New Covenant with someone today? What is one practical step you can take to point others to the grace and salvation found in Jesus?
Chapter 16 of CORE 52 invites readers to reflect deeply on the gift of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to embrace the forgiveness, transformation, and eternal hope offered through Christ, and to live in a way that reflects the profound implications of God’s grace. This chapter calls readers to fully appreciate the New Covenant and live out its truths in their daily lives, sharing the message of salvation with others.