What is a Covenant

Last week we explored the topic of the church.  This week we get into exactly how God works with us, and how we as a church are to interact with each other.

We can look to scripture to see God's relationship with the church, what characterizes it, what defines it.  And in turn we get a picture of what should define our relationship with each other in a church.

God's relationship with the church is defined by a covenant.  This is different from a contract. Contracts involve reciprocation.  Exchange of money or goods for services.  But a covenant says "I will be this for you, no matter what"

Romans 8 gives a beautiful description of this.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:28-31

A great way to see practically the way we are to act towards each other in covenant is the one-another's found in scripture.  There are over 50 in the New Testament.  (love one another, serve one another, etc)