Week Seven Homework | Covenant 7-4 and 7-5 | Kay Arthur


He Takes Away the First to Establish the Second

The mediator of the new covenant from Heb 10.

In Hebrews 10 we read about offering and sin..The sacrifices of the old covenant reminded them of their past and their conscience were never completely cleansed- The new covenant take care of all sins for everyone. That we might relieve our conscience forever, knowing without a doubt our lives are made new and all is forgiven. vs.9 talks about the second covenant that God takes away the burnt offering sacrifices and replaces it with the blood of Jesus. His only son, sent to us because He cares for us.

About forgiveness...each of us personally that has received Jesus Christ has our personal savior and has given ourselves completely to him, the old is gone and the new is made, however, vs. 26 makes it clear that we are to leave our life of sin and sin no more. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. If there is unforgiveness in our hearts we must give it to the Lord and forgive..vs. 30 says that Vengeance is mine! Not ours girls but His! It is our job to forgive as He has forgave us so that we will have eternal life through the blood of Jesus.


Read how the Message bible puts it....

Hebrews 10:22-31 (The Message)
So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: "Vengeance is mine, and I won't overlook a thing" and "God will judge his people." Nobody's getting by with anything, believe me.


Note Card Verses:

The Message sums these verses up quite nicely...maybe choose this for your note card and only have one....

Hebrews 10:22-25 The Message

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Separate NIV verses...

Hebrews 10:22
Draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Forgiven by One Sacrifice for All Time
A little review in todays homework, Sins are forgiven, the benefit is eternal life and our consciences are cleansed. Shouldn't these truths make a difference in the way we live? He washes us white as snow! Do you understand the urgency? Heb 10:25 The second coming, His day is drawing near! ((Persevere-Live Accordingly))

Recaping Hebrews 8-10 and the references to the 1st covenant and 2nd covenant.

Girls, If I missed one please leave a comment so we can all get a complete list. :)

Heb 8
1st
God took them by the hand and lead them out of Egypt, they didn't continue the covenant.
2nd
Jesus, the mediator of a better covenant enacted on better promises. God will put laws in minds and hearts. We will be Gods people and He will be our God. God will be merciful and remember their sins no more. A new covenant.

Heb 9
1st
Divine worship, earthy sanctuary. Holy of Holies. Incense, Ark of Covenant, Golden jar of manna, Aaron's rod and the ten commandments. These are all the old things that God had given them to show Him to them so that they might believe.
2nd
Through the second covenant Jesus entered the holy place having obtained eternal redemption, through the ripping of the veil that was the entry to the Holy of Holies. Cleanses our conscience from dead works so that we may serve the Lord with integrity and enter the ultimate Holy of Holies through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Heb 10
1st
The law was not made perfect. If it was made perfect there would have not been a need for a second. It was impossible for the blood of animals to take away sins and cleanse the conscience. So God takes away the first to make way for the ultimate, new, perfect gift to us.
2nd
He takes away the first to establish the second. We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. he having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time. By one offering He has perfected for all. He has placed laws upon our hearts and minds. Sins and lawless deeds, He will remember no more. We have the confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus. The veil is torn and removed, which is Jesus' flesh! The final sacrifice.

Note Card Verse:
Hebrews 13:20-21
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

There is so much to life and all that is required of a person. Life is hard, clinging to the Word and constant renewing our minds(the Word is power of the enemy) through reading our bibles and daily searching Him will help guide us through our days. I tell ya, I firmly believe that speaking scripture out of our mouths puts the enemy's tail between his legs and he will flee from you...because girls, to the enemy scripture sounds just like the Lord. Amen! ~Melanie

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Week Seven Homework | Covenant 7-2 and 7-3 | Kay Arthur

A High Priest Entering the More Perfect Tabernacle

In Hebrews 9 we learn Christ appeared as High Priest, made a greater more perfect tabernacle.

vs.12 states ..Through the shedding of His own blood He entered the Holy place once and for all having obtained eternal redemption. vs. 9,14 refers to your conscience being cleansed to dead works. In other words the old sin you let go of and are cleansed from so you can move into a future with Jesus Christ as a new person made whole through the blood He shed for you.

Note Card Verse:
Hebrews 9:14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!


A Man of Blood
Still in Hebrews 9 today.
The shedding of blood represents the old self dying and becoming new- death to life-never to return to old self.
Remember what the old covenant was....sacrifices, with blood- a veil to cover holy place- cleansing- perfect instructions from God how everything was to be done.
And how was sin put away..in the old covenant there had to be shedding of blood as well as the new- Jesus shed His blood as the ultimate-final sacrifice.
vs.28 Jesus Christ will appear again for salvation without reference to sin to those who eagerly wait for Him.

Bottom line girls is that there had to be a death in the covenant by the one who makes it.

The old covenant, animals were the sacrifice therefore Jesus had to die in order to complete the covenant with all. vs.16-17

Note Card Verse:
Hebrews 9:28
Jesus Christ will appear again for salvaton without reference to sin to those who eagerly wait for Him.

What a powerful day of study girls, ~Melanie

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Week Seven Homework | Covenant 7-1 | Kay Arthur


Our Great High Priest and Mediator

Good Morning dear readers,
I am so happy to be in the word with you. I'm going to start todays homework review with a few passages that does a fabulous job to sum up what we have learned.

Hebrews 13:10-15 (The Message)
10-12
The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It's the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God's altar to cleanse his people.

13-15
So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This "insider world" is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let's take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus' name.

If you remember back when we looked at Gen 49 and talked about how the Messiah will come from the tribe of Judah?

In Hebrews 1 we read For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"?
Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."
 But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

There you have it, the scepter as mentioned in Gen. And the name of the High Priest....

Heb 7:23-24
tells us that very name is the Lord Jesus Christ.....Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.

Give Him the praise and thanks for through Him we are made new, the old is no more.
Amen, ~Melanie

Note Card Verses:
Hebrews 10:35
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Six Homework | Covenant 6-5 | Kay Arthur


A New Covenant

What an amazing week of homework we have had, I just love how this all falls together as it literally jumps off the page to us ... girls, your hard work that you have given to this study will show in your expression as you fall in love with the Word of God even more. I know this is true for me, remember I am right beside you learning too, discovering God's truth with you, we are in this together.

Let's read what God has to say through the prophet Jeremiah. What covenant was it that Gods people had broken? The laws, they chose idols. Their consequences .. God will bring disaster on all...He told them that the days are coming when ....read Jer 31:27-28. This is the promise of hope and deliverance. In Jer 31:31 God calls this a new covenant, He will establish a new covenant not the one they broke before. And who is making this new covenant? Jesus Christ.

And what will the new covenant do?

It puts the law within us, writes it on our hearts

It makes God our God, and us His people.

We will know the Lord- small or great in the eyes of others- we will know Him!

Our iniquities will be forgiven: our sin remembered no more!

Note Card Verse:
Jeremiah 31:33
I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it: and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Jeremiah 31:34
I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more.

Luke 22:19-20
This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.


2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

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Week Six Homework | Covenant 6-3 and 6-4 | Kay Arthur


Worshiping Under the Law

Tabernacle Diagram- This is the tabernacle diagram from Beth Moore- A Womans Heart. I wanted to find a diagram just in case you didn't have the covenant workbook and was just following along. If you do have the covenant workbook, a great diagram is on pg.152 then on pg 153 & 154 Kay gives us awesome descriptions of each item and passages to refer to.

Ex 25 tells us His instructions for the sanctuary. vs. 9 says 'make this tabernacle and all it's furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. Moses makes not only the tabernacle but the Ark of the Covenant, exactly to God's instructions. Including in vs.22 What would happen at the mercy seat- God will meet with you and give you all my commands.

All 66 books of the bible are put together perfectly according to God's plan. This was a short lesson so if you can look at the diagram of the tabernacle and the descriptions of each and look up those passages and soak up the information on how detailed of a God you serve. ~Melanie

The Davidic Covenant
The major role in salvation is just ahead as we study the Davidic Covenant and what it all means.
Were going to go to 2 Sam 7 , read it entirely then look at vs. 13 and 16.

13"He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

16"Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever."'

David wanted to build a house for the Lord, The Lord reminds David that He never asked for a House to dwell in, but made it clear He will have a house build for Him. Davids was told by God that his son would build it.

God calls this promise, this agreement...let's look at the following verses to find out.

2 Chronicles 13:5 Don't you know that the Lord, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever.

2 Chronicles 21:7 Because of the covenant the Lord made with David He was not willing to destroy the House of David. he had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his decendants forever.

Psalm 89:3,4,29

The Lord has made a covenant with the chosen one, establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations. Lord will establish his line forever, as long as the heavens endure.

After reading in Acts per your homework....How important was the covenant with David? How did it help to define who the true Messiah, the Christ, the Annointed one would be? The fullfillment of the covenant through Abraham (seed), Judah (tribe), David (house). Matt 1:1

What thoughts must be going through your heads, I know my head is spinning and enjoying the ride. Grab ahold tight, one more ride ahead for this week. :) ~Melanie

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Faith Love Obedience

The advantage of faith, love, and obedience.

What knowledge of Christ can that be,
which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience?
And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor.
The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments.
God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's regeneration;
though never absolutely perfect here.
Yet this observing Christ's commands, has holiness and
excellency which, if universal,
would make the earth resemble heaven itself.
The command to love one another had been in force from the beginning of the world;
 but it might be called a new command as given to Christians.
It was new in them, as their situation was new in respect of its motives, rules, and obligations.
And those who walk in hatred and enmity to believers,
remain in a dark state.
Christian love teaches us to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing hurtful to his purity
and peace.
Where spiritual darkness dwells, in mind, the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and will mistake the way to heavenly life.
These things demand serious self-examination;
and earnest prayer,
that God would show us what we are,
and whither we are going. (1Jn 2:12-14)

Week Six Homework | Covenant 6-1 and 6-2 | Kay Arthur


The Abrahamic Covenant

Gen 12:2 we read that God is going to make Abraham a great nation, He will bless him, He will make his name great and he will be a blessing.

Gen 13:14-18 we read about the land and how it was given to Abraham and his decendants.

But then in Gen 15 Abraham wonders what God means by his decendants since he had no heir. God promises a son in vs.4. Then God proceeds to tell him that his decendants will be enslaved for 400 years. Ok, let's keep going through this....Gen 17:7 God says He will establish a covenant between Him and Abraham and his decendants after him for all generations. vs.18-19 Abraham asked God if Ishmael might live before God, be his heir. God responded No, Issac would be his heir and Issac's mother will be Sarah. Continue to read vs.20 God said He has heard Abrahams cry for Ishmael and He will be a great nation. However Ishmael is not included in the covenant.

Move into Gen 21 and absorb how the rest of the story unfolds.

Now look at Gen 26..It's in your homework, We are now discussing Issac. Whom God made the same covenant with. Issac and Rebekah twin sons...Jacob and Esau. Let's jump to Gen 35 vs.10 Jacob's name is changed to Israel. Move to Gen 49 and we find vs.8-12 in Judahs blessing, refers to a prophecy about the Messiah. The tribe He will come from is Judah.

Much review to it and that was a lot of jumping through the scriptures..I do realize that. A lot to consume. Now just rest in the Lord for a moment. My youngest just told me...I'm thinking in my head so I'm not saying nothing. I said O really who taught you how to do that? He said "God". :) ~Melanie

The Covenant fo the Law
Let's get going in Ex 20.

What was happening at Mt Sinai and what was the peoples reaction?

They saw thunder, lightning, heard a trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke they trembled with fear. They thought if God spoke to them they would die. Moses approached the darkness where God was.

In Ex 23 we read that God's instruction regarding the people of the land was to drive them out or they will cause you to sin against me. How can we modern day speaking apply this to our lives? One thing pops right in my head, boundaries, watch relationships.

In Ex 24 there are many references to covenant and words. These all tie together, Words of the Lord, All these Words, All that the Lord has spoken. Words=Covenant with His people. Girls, God keeps His words (promises). They are forever. Every Word out of His mouth will last forever, everlasting, power in words.

Galatians 3...
Covenant-Abrahams covenant was only a mans covenant but will lead to Christ.
Christ- Abrahams seed, decendant would lead to Christ.
Law- The law was given so the people would know how to live and to be holy to show Gods people to the world.
God's plan is perfectly laid out throughout scripture.

What does this tell us about God? The people called out to the Lord because of their slavery and He remembered His covenant. It was time for Him to raise up a leader that would lead them out of bondage. Hence: The burning bush, God appears to Moses.

Both of these days of homework were jammed packed with review! Girls don't be overwhelmed, you will be enlighted by what we find out the next three days...this is only day two. Just hang tight it will all tie in beautifully! I'm so excited. God's Word is Awesome! ~Melanie

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Week Five Homework | Covenant 5-5 | Kay Arthur


A Covenant Meal Between FriendsNow that we have studied the marriage covenant and the oneness it creates. The feast after the ceremony (covenant) tradition is a reception that involves food and the cutting on the cake. Let's look at the word to show some insight on this subject.
In Gen 26:28-30 Issac and Abimelech -Issac made a feast for them after they established a covenant.

In Exodus 24:7-11 Moses and the people -They saw God and ate and drank.
Now let's ponder on Rev 19:7-9 ..Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God." What a glorious day this will be!

John 15:11-16 The Message
"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.
This is my command:
Love one another the way I loved you.

This is the very best way to love.
Put your life on the line for your friends.
You are my friends when you do the things I command you.

I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning.
No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
"You didn't choose me, remember;

I chose you,

and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil.
As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

This was an amazing day of truth as we discover what it means to be in covenant with the Lord, the One and Only, Our Friend!

Here are some verses to jot down and carry with you today, stick on the fridge, bathroom mirror, anywhere else you will see them throughout your day. Right now I them on post its on my computer screen, bathroom mirror and even hanging from my nightstand by my bed. Yes I am serious! :)

Note Card Verses:
John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."

John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

2 Chronicles 20:6
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

2 Cor 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Five Homework | Covenant 5-3 and 5-4 | Kay Arthur


The Blessings of Covenant

Joy is complete when you commit completely to the Lord. Let's read more in our homework how so. The best scripture reference to this statement is from 2 Cor.
Jesus didn't need me; everything belongs to him.
But I needed Him and still do, so because of that Jesus made a covenant with me.
And what did I become in addition to becoming a child of God?
The answer is in Romans 8. Jesus tells us in Luke 14 "any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
Acts 2 says They heard the message of Peter and they were filled with awe and wonders.
They sold possessions and gave to the ones in need.
Also Acts 4 shows the oneness of the covenant...
All the believers were ONE in heart & mind.
With great power the apostles continued to testify.

O, I do love a fabulous note card day! And this day, this day of homework dear girls is one indeed! Let these verses sink in to the very deepest parts of your heart. ~Melanie

Note Card Verses:
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Jer. 32:17
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

1 Timothy 6:17&19
Put your hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. This way you will lay up treasure for yourself a firm foundation for the coming age, so that you may take hold of the life that is truly life.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

A New Name
The context today refers to the name changing in Gen 17.
Abram = Abraham
Sarai = Sarah

Let's read the context of Rev 2:12-16

The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
'So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
'Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'

This is an old gospel song I thought of....The church I grew up in had the old hymnals and I remember this song like it was yesterday....The only thing I had no idea what it really meant until many years later.

A New Name in Glory
Music & Lyrics by C. Austin Miles

I was once a sinner, but I came
Pardon to receive from my Lord:
This was freely given, and I found
That He always kept His word.
I was humbly kneeling at the cross,
Fearing naught but God's angry frown;
When the heavens opened and I saw
That my name was written down!
In the Book 'tis written,
"Saved by Grace,"
O the joy that came to my soul!
Now I am forgiven, and I know
By the blood I am made whole!
Chorus:
There's a new name written down in glory,
And it's mine,
O yes, it's mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story,
"A sinner has come home."
For there's a new name written down in glory,
And it's mine,
O yes, it's mine!
With my sins forgiven
I am bound for Heaven,
Never more to roam.

Yes girls we do recieve a new name if we are in covenant with the Lord.
Jump for joy and shout some praise!
~Melanie

Revelation 2:17 proves it. I absolutely love how the amplified bible puts it.
To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it.

Girls, being a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you ARE an overcomer. Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.

Below are the note card verses for this section of homework, remember I will sometimes give a couple of versions of scripture that stands out to me, simply choose the one you find easier to memorize.

Note Card Verses:
Isaiah 62:2
You will be called by a new name; Which the mouth of the LORD will designate.
a little more straight to the point in the message bible...
You'll get a brand-new name, straight from the mouth of God.

2 Cor 3:18
We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Heb. 9:26
Christ has appeared to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Five Homework | Covenant 5-2 | Kay Arthur

A Reminder of Covenant

God says He will comfort and have compassion on His people. vs.13

Zions response: The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. vs.1

God confronted their disbelief and said: "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."

What wonderful truth to know that He has each one of us inscribed on the palms of His hands by none other than the nail marks on His hands that He recieved for us. The ultimate mark of the covenant.


Now moving on: read Zechariah 12:1-10

-The Lord will protect Jerusalem and the house of David.
-What happened: "Me whom they have pierced"? They will mourn as one who mourns for an only child. Why will they respond this way? They deny Christ they will mourn since they did not believe and at that time He will destroy.

Compared to Rev1:7.....Now back up to vs4 and read in The Message.
I, John, am writing this to the seven churches in Asia province: All the best to you from The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive, and from the Seven Spirits assembled before his throne, and from Jesus Christ—Loyal Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of all earthly kings. Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us, who blood-washed our sins from our lives, Who made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father, forever—and yes, he's on his way! Riding the clouds, he'll be seen by every eye, those who mocked and killed him will see him, People from all nations and all times will tear their clothes in lament. Oh, Yes.

Yes, yet again I will refer to the message bible. As I parallel in this study it just seems to get my attention: straight to the point, so yes, I choose to refer to it so that nothing might be misunderstood. :) Now in Galatians 1:10-12 The Message we find Paul speaking ....

Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn't bother being Christ's slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn't receive it through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.

This is a verse to get excited about! I just LOVE how The Message bible paraphrases it. Indeed an awesome note card verse to memorize!

Note Card Verses:
Isaiah 49:13 & 16 The Message
Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead! Mountains, send up cheers! God has comforted his people. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight.Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Revelation 5:6
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Revelation 1:7
Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

1 Cor 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Five Homework | Covenant 5-1 | Kay Arthur


The Covenant of Marriage

Girls, this may be a touchy subject for some, it is not my desire to upset anyone as we dive into todays homework on this covenant. Please do know that everything I refer to in our homework is straight out of the lesson plan or from scripture itself. I would never intentionally post anything on this blog aimed to hurt anyone. I posted a commentary regarding our main passage in Malachi 2. I hope this will explain in better detail. :)


In these passages we learn that The Lord is the witness in the covenant between man and woman in marriage.

vs.16 Why does God hate divorce? It is the same as covering oneself with a garment of wrong, heed to the spirit so you won't deal treacherously.

When you understand the principles of covenant and the oneness of covenant you can understand why marriage is so important to the Lord.

Insights from todays lesson on the marriage covenant...
-putting on one another's robe
-two becoming on
-covenant before God
-protecting and aiding your covenant
-taking care of your children
-friend

Let's see if John Wesley's Commentary can help us understand clearly.

Verse 13
[13] And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.
And this — Beside that first fault, you have committed another, you misuse, and afflict your Jewish wives, whom alone you should have cherished.
With tears — Your despised wives fly to the temple, weep and cry to God for redress.
With weeping — This is added to shew the abundance of their tears.
He — The Lord.

Verse 14
[14] Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
The wife of thy covenant — To whom thou art so firmly bound, that while she continues faithful, thou canst not be loosed.

Verse 15
[15] And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
One — But one man, and one woman.
Yet — Yet he could have made more.
Wherefore one — One couple, and no more.
A godly seed — A holy seed born to God in chaste wedlock, and bred as they were born, in the fear of God.
Take heed — Keep your heart from wandering after strange wives.

Verse 16
[16] For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Putting away — Divorce, such as these petulant Jews used to make way for some new wives, which God hates as much as putting away.

What a great day of hard study today girls, pat yourself on the back and I'll see you next time.
~Melanie

Note Card Verses:
Gen 2:24
The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

1 Cor 6:15-17
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? It is said, two become one flesh. But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Four Homework | Covenant 4-5 | Kay Arthur

Life through Death

The New Covenant in His blood doesn't leave you the same. But see for yourself what Jesus said about following Him, and being His disciple. Luke 14.

What does it mean to take up my cross and follow Jesus?
The cross represents death, not a burden you bear for the rest of your life.
It is a call to come and die to self and your personal life, you wants; no protecting yourself from harm.
This is a calling to a complete life change.

Three times in Matthew 10
Jesus said..Not worthy of me.
The cost of our salvation is free to all who believe but it cost Jesus His life.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, to be His disciple.
He must have first place in your life!

vs. 24-25 A student is not above his teacher, it is enough for the student to be like his teacher.

vs. 39 He who has found his life will lose it and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. What did Jesus mean by these words? Live for your life without God...it will not last. Give up your life to live for God...you'll have eternal life.

How would this parallel the statement ...A walk into death that leads to life?

vs. 39 and Phil 1:29 ....I believe that the suffering refers to living in the world, among crime, disease and attacks of the enemy. Giving up self means not making decisions without prayer and God being in the center of your life in order that we may renew our minds and overcome the attacks of the enemy.

Take a rest girls, it's been a great day of study! ~Melanie

Note Card Verses:
Phil 1:29
For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Heb 11:40
God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Phil 2:13
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Four Homework | Covenant 4-3 and 4-4 | Kay Arthur


A Walk into Death
Jeremiah 34 confirms what we learned in Gen 15.

Prophecy of Israelites being freed as slaves, never to be enslaved again...then in vs. 13 and vs.18 we learn about the violation of the covenant and how God judges them and lets their enemies destroy Judah in vs.22.

Amazing how it all fits together!
Joshua 10 gives us an example of how the commitment of the covenant is expressed.
God was right there for Joshua, it was the day the sun stood still..vs.12-13.

Now let's move on to how this walk into death ends in life! Exciting isn't it?

A Walk Through the Veil
In Mark 15 and Matthew 27 we learn that when Jesus died on the cross, the thick veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. That God had torn it, it was removed so you and I could experience true closeness and friendship with God through His one and only son. What does the veil represent? Hebrews 10 Christ, His Flesh.

Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message)
So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Notice the parallel between Heb 10 and John 14:6.....Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and that without believing in him we have no access to the Father or the Holy Spirit.

I love the message bible's translation of 2 Cor 3:16-18 that really drives this thought deep into our minds. Read it, and re-read it girls, let it sink in completely. I know I did.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (The Message)
Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

The walk into death for us girls means giving up ourselves completely so we can live a new full joyful complete life with Him! Eternal Life!

Sometimes all we can do is take baby steps to get there, but when we truly release all we are to Him and let Him have the reins like the bridle in a horses mouth, James 3, He has control!

I'm so thrilled to be along side you in this study!
~Melanie

Note Card Verse:
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Four Homework | Covenant 4-1 and 4-2 | Kay Arthur


O Lord God, What? How?

A deeper look into...Gen 15.
The account of the calling of Abraham is amazing-amazing because the God of the universe chooses us despite or frailities and then exalts Himself through those weaknesses. As a result, people wonder not at us but at the awesome greatness of our God.

Moving on to..Day 2

Walking through the Pieces
Galatians 3:6-9 Consider Abraham, he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.

Gen 15
a bit more detail about the walking through the pieces.....the covenant was made between God and Abram. What happened to the animals? Abram cut them into (standing up from head to tail in half and laid them opposite one another.)
 Abram fell into a deep sleep, God told him 'Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated 400 yrs.
But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves and they will come out with great possessions. a smoking oven and a flaming torch passing through the pieces ... perhaps in a figure 8 motion, to show everlasting.....this bound the covenant.
You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age.
In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram.

What a eye opening study today girls.
~Melanie

Note card verse:
Galatians 3:9
Those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Three Homework | Covenant 3-4 and 3-5 | Kay Arthur


Sovereign Administrator

The goal this week is to help us understand just how secure we are when we are in covenant with God, the gravity of the covenants, and how God is the sovereign administrator over all covenants. We will discover what Mizpah really means!

Reading in 2 Sam 21 and Joshua 9.
What happened when the covenant was broken?
Famine in the land. 7 of Sauls sons were handed over to the Gibeonites, they were hanged and exposed their bodies before the Lord.
 The Lord refers to Saul and his bloody house.
 Because of the blood covenant that they were responsible for as Israelites.
 Saul broke the oath, the covenant.
 2 Sam 21 comes to a close with David honoring the covenant made by Joshua and the Gibeonites and dealing with Sauls transgressions of it, vs. 14 says that David buried the bones of Saul, Jonathan and the hanged, Then the Lord was moved by prayer for the land.
 And what does this tell us about God? His covenants are bound forever and God revenges those that are broken!

Kay closes this day of homework with .....Don't you just absolutely stand in awe at the incredible way God weaves truth through His word!
Ok, Let's see what our homework has in store for us in day 5.

At the Table
Matthew 26
vs. 31-32 Cutting Covenant....Be struck down...Strike down the Shepard the flock will scatter.

A person should examine himself before taking communion. 1 Cor 11:28

If you partake in an unworthy manner, you are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Reason girls is to proclaim the Lords death, until He returns.

Note Card Verse:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Bottom line girls: To keep on, keeping on, until Faith becomes Sight, keep on, keeping on!
Hang tight were going to walk into death that brings forgiveness next week!
Keep pressing on girls, ~Melanie

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Three Homework | Covenant 3-2 and 3-3 | Kay Arthur


Mizpah (The Lord Watch Between You and Me.)

Refresh your memory if you need to and read 1 Sam 20 again.

Covenants were not to be entered into lightly. The Lord is between you and me forever! vs.23

The gravity of this chapter is that the binding two become one, covenant involves the Lord, where the Lord is Power is also. If we refer to Gen 31:48-50 there is a similar covenant to relate to....May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent from one another. The word 'witness' in vs.49 means God is the judge between the two members of the covenant. He will watch over each of them, that they keep covenant.

It is calling in God as the judge, and executor of judgement-if one doesn't keep her side of the bargain, if she fails to do what she is supposed to do!

Come and Dine
This day of homework is full of overwhelming information. All that Kay talks about is pretty much from 1 Sam 20 all through to 2 Sam 9. Let me try and outline it as brief as possible. This is important to the context of our homework today.

1 Sam 20 - Jonathan and David made another covenant one that extends to one another descendants.

1 Sam 21-31 - Sauls pursuit of David to put him to death. In 24:26 David had the opportunity to kill Saul but didn't do so. In 31 Saul and his sons died. Saul took his own life after he was wounded critically.

2 Sam 1-3 - War between house of David and house of Saul

2 Sam 4 - Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth was five when he became crippled in both feet. Ish-Bosheth murdered, David had the murders put to death.

2Sam5- David anointed King over Israel.

2 Sam 6 - David moves the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David.

2 Sam 7 - Covenant God/David "Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever , you throne shall be established forever."

2 Sam 8 - David defeats the Philistines

This is the point Kay hits home for today's homework.....2Sam9- Redeeming love of the covenant. David asked if there was anyone left from the house of Saul that he may show him kindness for the sake of Jonathan. This was the result of the binding (forever) covenant that takes Mephibosheth from a barren life to the life at the table of the King.

Revelation 19:6-9 (New International Version)
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
Then the angel said to me,
"Write:
'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'
"And he added, "These are the true words of God."

Remember God dictates the content of the Word of God!

Note Card Verses:
2 Peter 1:20-21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

What marvelous truth girls. To know that God has our backs! :)
~Melanie

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Three Homework | Covenant 3-1 | Kay Arthur


A Solemn, Binding Agreement

God's words are diving; they are spirit and life. They bring knowledge, understanding and healing.

Read 1 Sam 20, this will be all our homework for today, just try and mark all the references per Kay instructions and grab ahold to what God speaks to you as you read it.

Tomorrow we will dig into this chapter more.
~Melanie

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.

Week Two Homework | Covenant 2-5 | Kay Arthur


When the World Hates You

If you are stunned by what you learned yesterday, todays homework will enlighten your mind!
We pick up in 1 Sam 18, 19 & 20.
What does God do for His covenant people?
 Lets take a look at Psalm 105:8-15...now that you have read it let me outline it for us.
-God remembers His covenant forever!
-Everlasting covenant!
-Noone will harm a member of the covenant.
-God protects His covenant people!

Acts 8 and 9 we learn about Saul, who is later referred to as the apostle Paul.
What was he doing before he encountered Jesus?
Saul began to destroy the church. He went from house to house, taking men and women as prisoners to Jerusalem.
But as he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
This is when Jesus spoke to Saul and said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
When Saul was renewed his sight he was baptized and began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

God uses His Word to cleanse, renew, restore and to even stun us!
Have an amazing day girls, ~Melanie

Note Card Verses:
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What know more about Kay Arthur? Go HERE.