1. Communion A Celebration of Covenant

2. Rituals of a Covenant 1) 1-3 large animals slain, laid end to end, to make the “way (walk) of blood”1) 1-3 large animals slain, laid end to end, to make the “way (walk) of blood” 2) Reps walk to middle and exchange coats.2) Reps walk to middle and exchange coats. –Usually the “head” of the family is the rep –A mutual exchange of authority. “All I have & do is now yours”

3. Rituals of Covenant cont’d 3) Reps walk again & exchange weapons3) Reps walk again & exchange weapons –“My strength is now your strength. Your enemies are now my enemies” 4) Walk of blood 2x –to speak “the blessing” of covenant and the “curse” of the covenant4) Walk of blood 2x –to speak “the blessing” of covenant and the “curse” of the covenant –Blessing was a pledge of loyalty –Curse was the penalty for breaking cov/sworn by God as the third party

4. Rituals of Covenant cont’d 5) Cut of Covenant – hands & wrists cut and bound together – exchanging of blood and joining of names – a sign of oneness 6) Celebration of Covenant – meal of bread and wine – commitment of flesh & blood **The whole idea of covenant was NOT to take advantage of the other BUT to GIVE advantage to the other – each bringing something of significance to offer the other

5. A new & better covenant Heb 7:22; 8:6 “…Jesus has become the guarantee of a new and better covenant…He is also th mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises…”Heb 7:22; 8:6 “…Jesus has become the guarantee of a new and better covenant…He is also th mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises…” New– The Lamb that was slain was the perfect, flawless Son of God – His blood need only to be shed ONCE for all. (Rom 6:10)New– The Lamb that was slain was the perfect, flawless Son of God – His blood need only to be shed ONCE for all. (Rom 6:10) Better – The Exchange is all in our favorBetter – The Exchange is all in our favor

6. The great exchange in our cov. Rom 5:10-We were enemies – FriendsRom 5:10-We were enemies – Friends Rom 8:1-Condemnation - AcquittalRom 8:1-Condemnation - Acquittal Rom 3:24-Separated by sin – JustifiedRom 3:24-Separated by sin – Justified Rom 6:23-Eternal death – Eternal lifeRom 6:23-Eternal death – Eternal life Rom 8:15-Bondage – FreedomRom 8:15-Bondage – Freedom Acts 9:34-Sickness & disease – HealthActs 9:34-Sickness & disease – Health Rom 14:17-Griefs & sorrows – Consolation/joyRom 14:17-Griefs & sorrows – Consolation/joy Heb 11:34-Weak – strong in His mightHeb 11:34-Weak – strong in His might

7. Our blood-sworn oath w/Jesus We receive the promise paid by His bloodWe receive the promise paid by His blood We feed our spirits on His WordWe feed our spirits on His Word We take hold of the promise by faithWe take hold of the promise by faith Allow the blessing to manifest in our livesAllow the blessing to manifest in our lives Keep the command of loving GodKeep the command of loving God Release the blessing to those around usRelease the blessing to those around us Declare the goodness of God to allDeclare the goodness of God to all

8. The encouragement…. The new covenant does not depend on your ability to keep it. It depends of Jesus’ ability to keep it….and He is almighty God. He keeps His word.The new covenant does not depend on your ability to keep it. It depends of Jesus’ ability to keep it….and He is almighty God. He keeps His word. AND there is no curse associated with our covenant. Jesus became the curse for us – He paid the price for us and now we live in only blessing!AND there is no curse associated with our covenant. Jesus became the curse for us – He paid the price for us and now we live in only blessing!