Sermon for October 5, 2008: “A Bargain with God”
Scripture Lessons: Exodus 20:1-20; Matthew 21:33-46
In this sermon Pastor Steve Quinlan helped us to explore the concept of “covenant” as an agreement with God. We considered that there are many covenants between God and God’s people in the Bible. In each of these covenants or “bargains,” God makes a commitment to God’s people and asks for a commitment from them in response. These mutual commitments are spelled out in the stipulations or terms of the covenant. God’s commitment is always given by “grace” and our commitment is the response of “faith.” In the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, God promises unconditional love and forgiveness and asks us to receive these gifts. The evidence that we are responding in faith is that we are acting in love toward one another.
