The New Covenant Journey

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

God has a will for your life. When Jesus died, God's will took effect. All the provisions are contained within what the Bible calls the New Covenant. The New Covenant provides everything you need for your journey as a believer in Christ. God desires that you embrace all that is yours and experience to the full the New Covenant life. There is nothing that can compare to it. Join us each Friday as we take an in-depth look at God's will and what this wonderful covenant has in store for you.

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Lesson 2 of the New Covenant Journey. Jesus was born under the Old Covenant and, on his death, ushered in the New Covenant. Jesus fulfilled the Law by living in perfect dependence on His Father. In His death, the Law was fulfilled. In this New Covenant, we have life!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In this session, we explore the first two promises of God. The first is "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts." What laws is God referring to? 1 John 3:23 holds the key: "And this is His command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us." Promise two is "...I will be their God, and they will be my people." We can be encouraged because we can KNOW that nothing can separate us from the love of God because of this promise. Rest in these amazing promises, and know that you truly are a child of God. Nothing can ever change that status. We belong to Him, because of the work of Jesus Christ. Next week we will look at promises 3 and 4.

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Today we take a look at Promises 3 and 4 of the New Covenant. Promise 3 is "they will all know Me" (Hebrews 8:11). The New Covenant opens the way for us to know Him personally and intimately. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." It is so powerful in its simplicity. Eternal life is defined in terms of relationship, not longevity. Promise 4 is "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). Forgiveness is the foundation stone that holds everything else. In the New Covenant, your sins are totally forgiven - past, present, and future. God chooses to remember them no more. Rather than looking forward to, or begging for, forgiveness, you can rest knowing that Jesus Christ' sacrifice removed your sins as far as the east is from the west. That's some good news!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In this session, we begin Chapter 3: Our New High Priest - the Guarantee of the Will. We explore evidence that gives us assurance that the New Covenant is guaranteed by Christ himself. Many have tried to debunk the story of Jesus; however, the Word of God makes sure that we know He existed. We see historical evidence in the eyewitness accounts of Joseph and Mary, when He was born (based on Roman history), the fact that he had brothers and sisters, and when He died based on evidence of Pontius Pilate's reign. All the key places, events and people in the Jesus 'story' have historical support. Therefore, His humanity is not in question. We also take a look at the incredible claims Jesus made about Himself. For each claim that He made about Himself, you can find benefit in your life - sustenance, light, peace, safety, assurance of salvation, eternal life, and rest. Be assured as never before that Jesus is real and that He is exactly who He claimed to be!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Richard Peifer

This week we look at claims others made about Jesus. John the Baptist made the bold claim that Jesus is God. The disciples fully believed he was God; even though they didn't fully understand why that was so important. Jesus asked them "Who do you say I am?" and He asks the same question of us. We also learn about the superiority of Jesus and that He was both fully God and fully man. In every way, Jesus is superior. He is our high priest forever. Because He lives forever, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him. Talk about some good news and an unshakable guarantee! Rest in the truth of who Jesus is and join us next time for more New Covenant study!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The guarantee of the will. We live in a new covenant with 4 promises and live in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Starting with Hebrews 7:23-25 Jesus is alive and has a permanent priesthood. What is the difference between Jesus and the Leviticus priests? Know that the work is finished because of what Jesus has done. What is the good news of this new covenant? You can never make it through human effort. Put your confidence in Christ alone and draw near to God.

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Today we look at the validity of the Bible - can we trust it? The Bible is the most important source of truth you have. It is the book that introduces you to Jesus, tells you about the New Covenant, and reveals all you've been given for life and godliness. Jesus said that the Bible is true (John 17:17), the Word of God has an eternal quality (Matthew 24:35), and that relying on the Word is crucial to know the truth (John 8:31, 32). Jesus showed a reliance and dependence on the Word and set the example for us. The reason we believe the Word of God is based on who Jesus is. Because he is God we can count on the fact that these words are valid and true and they have authority in our lives. We can trust the Word of God.

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

This week we continue looking at the validity of the Word of God and also explore how to study the Bible. How can we understand the Bible? By relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal the things of God. The Spirit removes the veil of self-righteousness, removes the veil of human reasoning, removes the veil of Satan's lies and it is the Spirit who searches all thing, even the deep things of God. The Spirit is always taking the things of the Lord and making them known to people. As you read the Word of God, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the things God wants you to know. Because we have been given the mind of Christ, we can truly understand the Word. We can then begin to ask "What is the mind of Christ in this particular situation?" We read the Word to grow in our knowledge of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal the truth about God - you will be amazed at the result!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We are beginning a new section this week as we look at Christ's finished work on the cross. We know that we have sinned and it causes us to ask the questions "does God hate me because of my sin?" and "can He forgive me?". Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve asked the same questions. But God did not leave them without hope, without a plan for salvation. The sin problem began in the Garden when they ate of the only tree they were told to avoid - the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The result of their disobedience was spiritual death, separation from God. Through them, spiritual death came to the world - we are all born spiritually dead and someone must destroy this wedge that separates us from God. That someone is Jesus Christ.

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

What did Christ's death accomplish for us? He bore our sins and poured out his life for us. Jesus' blood was of such value that He was able to take away sins, once for all. Hebrews 10:11-14 is an important passage to mark - Jesus' sacrifice was complete and He sat down at the right hand of God. Jesus willingly laid down his life, of his own accord. We know it all to be true because of Jesus' own words - "It is finished". Sin has been dealt with, never to be dealt with again. Are you in Christ? Have you gone from death to life? If yes, you HAVE forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7 proclaims this - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." Jesus took on the greatest rescue of all time. Jesus lived a sinless life and died a perfect death, and by doing so he solved the sin problem once for all. In Him, you are a forgiven person. Rejoice in that truth - it will change your life! Chapter 5, page 56

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We have come to the subject of the resurrection of Christ Jesus in our study. Jesus' victory over sin provided reconciliation and forgiveness. This was absolutely essential to bridging the gulf that existed between God and us, but it was only the first half of God's total solution. God wasn't done with his miracle of grace. He had something more for you! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in human history and His resurrection has significance for you today. The essence of eternal life is that we can know God the Father and Jesus the Son. It is the resurrection that makes this life possible. That's good news! (Chapter 6, page 61)

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In Chapter 7 we look at law and grace. What is law and what is its purpose? What is grace and why is it better than law? When you answer these questions, you will know how to live - by faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament is clear. Just as you were saved by grace through faith, you are live by grace through faith. Galatians 3:25 tell us, "Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." This is a pivotal issue in Christianity -and one that every believer must understand. Let's dive in! (Chapter 7, page 71)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In our last session we looked at the purpose of the Law - to show us our spiritual condition (death) apart from Christ. Once we come to Christ, the Law is fulfilled in our lives. Rather than following a set of rules and regulations, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us, teaching us to say "no" to ungodliness and encouraging us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this world. We are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but are free to live, fully alive in Christ. Grace is not a "what". Grace is a "who" - God Himself living in you via the Holy Spirit. To live by grace is to be led by the Spirit of God. In short, grace is the opposite of law. Grace provides everything law cannot. Grace overpowers the law. Why? Because grace is Jesus himself, living in you by his Holy Spirit. Step out from under the shadow of the Law, into the light of Jesus - your life will never be the same! (Chapter 7, page 75)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We continue in Lesson 15 exploring Law and Grace. People have a mixed message about Christianity - they believe they are saved by grace but then think they have to keep themselves saved by obedience to the Law. That formula will never work. It is by grace, through faith from start to finish. The reason why is contained in the four promises of the New Covenant - a spirit-led life, assurance of salvation, a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus, and forgiveness of sins. Our responsibility is to walk by faith in the finished work of Christ. Grace defined is the Greek word charis which means the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God - in other words, God's favor directed toward us through Jesus Christ. Grace is not a what - it's a who. God Himself, living in you via the Holy Spirit. This is critical understanding in order to live in freedom, contentment and joy. We pray this study will help this message real in your heart. (Chapter 7, page 77)

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Who are you? The answer to this question can be life-changing! Are you a parent, a student, a doctor? Are you an alcoholic, a drug abuser, a sex addict? There is nothing more sinister about the world's system than what it says regarding your identity. In every advertisement, every television show, every movie, every song, every political appeal there is at least one lie concerning identity, at least one appeal to a need that should be fulfilled if you're "normal". This week we explain your true identity as a child of God. Are you going to let the world dictate your behavior, or will you hold on to the truth explained in God's word? God has given you a new identity, you have a new name, and therefore you can be free from the world's labels. This chapter is an important, foundational truth - listen more than once until you know, for sure, who you are! (Chapter 8, page 83)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Are you a child of God? Do you know all the benefits that you receive when you become a child of God? We explore those benefits today. You have been delivered from darkness - now you are light. Because you are a child of God, you have become an heir, together with Christ, and you share in his glory. Let that sink in a minute - you are a co-heir with Christ himself! Your citizenship is now in Heaven - you are living in the world, but your home is in Heaven with Him. You are clothed with Christ - your identification is with him. You are secure and safe in your salvation. Your life is now hidden with Christ from now through eternity. That's some good news!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Satan, the accuser, wants nothing more than to undermine your identity in Christ. It's important to remember that you were (past tense): Washed - you have been cleansed once and for all; sanctified - you have been set apart and made holy for God's use; justified - you have been made righteous. All this was accomplished in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit. You can overcome attacks on your identity by trusting that the Spirit is at work on your behalf, relying on God's promises, standing on the truth that God is for you, realizing that you are a conqueror through him who loves you, and becoming convinced that nothing can separate you from the love of God. Let the hope you have in Christ anchor your soul in truth. Remember who you are - a child of God, perfectly loved! Thanks for joining us for this week's teaching edition - please contact us if you have any questions at bob@basicgospel.net. (Chapter 8, page 89)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

What is the New Covenant life? Faith, Hope and Love! In these final sessions, we will put all the pieces together. Your life is to be rooted in faith, hope and love. These great themes bring you back to the God who started it all. Today we look at faith. We are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. We often think of faith just in terms of the doctrines of Christianity. But the "how to", the practical application of faith seems to elude us and we tend to fall back to rules and regulations. Faith is based on reality, not fantasy. As children of God, the reality of Jesus is the foundation of faith. Apart from Him, there is no faith. We need to be convinced that Jesus is truly God in the flesh, that He came to take away sins, that He died to take away our sins, that He was buried and rose again on the third day that we might have life. When we hear that message, then faith can become a reality to us. Thanks for joining us today! (Chapter 9, page 95)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The qualities of the New Covenant are exhibited by three things: faith, hope, and love. This life of faith springs from hope. We are helpless and hopeless before coming to know Christ. Hope is a marvelous word. In the Bible the word hope is defined in a marvelous way. The Greek word means "desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it". This "expectation" is the difference between hope as experienced by a lost person and hope as experienced by a child of God. Hope gives us assurance and confidence and a firm foundation for faith. The writer of Hebrews calls it an anchor for our soul. Your future is guaranteed by Jesus. He is God Almighty. He is coming again. He is going to recreate the universe. And he gave you the Holy Spirit to prove that his promise is a guarantee, a statement of fact. That is hope!

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Love. What is it? Scripture says "Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7b-8). Love is defined as "God's willful direction toward man. It involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires." (Zodhiates) The characteristics of God's love is patience, kindness, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, isn't proud. It is not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. Love doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Replace the word "love" in this passage with the word "God" and really take in the powerful message of God's love. We can rejoice in His love and trust that He is loving us right now .... this minute, the next minute, and so on. Because of His love toward us, we can show love to others. Remember the great truth in 1 Corinthians 13:13, "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." (Chapter 9, page 102)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The slogan at Basic Gospel is "Hear It, Believe It, Live It". Through this study, we pray that you have heard the story about Jesus and been challenged to believe that Christ took away your sins, made you alive together with Him, actually raised you up to walk in the newness of life. Now in this final chapter we are going to look at the "Live It" piece of the puzzle. The gospel isn't just a set of doctrines, it really is the life of Christ that is to be lived out in and through us. That life is distinctly different from the world. When you accept Christ, he will make sure that faith, hope, and love is worked through you until you overflow to others. This is your assurance and your guarantee. For us to bear fruit—to share the love that God has put into us—we must abide in the vine of Jesus Christ. By abiding in him, we will see the fruit of love, patience, kindness, etc. begin to overflow from us to others. That is the life God has for you! Thank you for joining with us on this New Covenant Journey! (Chapter 10, page 107)

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We talk a lot about doctrine but when we get down to it, this is all about Christ's life in us. Last week we looked at Jesus as the vine and us as the branch. As we abide in the vine we bear the fruit of the vine. Paul tells us in Galatians that the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. So what does love look like? Forgiveness. Love takes the initiative in forgiving others. That's what melts the heart of others. In John we hear Jesus' words to "love one another as I have loved you". If we are to forgive as we've been forgiven that's a clear instruction to keep our eyes on Christ... to abide in the vine. We also see that we are to rejoice in the midst of our circumstance. And we can do this because we know that God cares for us. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." God is bigger than our circumstances. We need to find our footing on this solid promise of God. And this is what Paul prays for all the saints: "... I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19 The Christ life is characterized by love. (Chapter 10, page 109)

Categories: New Covenant