The Compass. Leading Families Toward Spiritual Maturity. Jesus & the New Covenant (Part 2) Hebrews 9:1-14. First Family Church

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1 First Family Church VOLUME 2 ISSUE 21 FEBRUARY 8, 2015 FOR THE WEEK LEADING INTO FEBRUARY 15 Leading Families Toward Spiritual Maturity Jesus & the New Covenant (Part 2) Hebrews 9:1-14

2 Page 2 Only Jesus This week s R2R distinctive Worship (Psalm 95:1-7): I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me. We continue to look at the priesthood of Jesus Christ who is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. The writer to the Hebrews brings into sharp contrast the ways of the Old Covenant vs. the much better New Covenant. If we played a word identification game and I asked you to name the first word that comes to your mind when I say the Law, many of you would probably point to the Ten Commandments and the legal institution God created at Mt. Sinai. Yet, surprisingly, the writer to the Hebrews does not focus on this aspect of the Law. Instead, he draws our attention to the priesthood and the tabernacle, the place of worship under the Old Covenant. In Hebrews 9, the writer gives us a detailed look at an Old Covenant worship service. At the center of this worship was the tabernacle, or tent. We see the Aaronic Priesthood in all of its glory, yet impotent when it comes to the most essential aspect of worship drawing near to God. Everything about the tabernacle is in place to separate sinful man from a Holy God. Only Jesus can bridge that awful divide. This is the immense privilege we have under the New Covenant. No longer are we separated from God. When Jesus declared it finished on the cross, the curtain separating man from God was torn in two as Jesus stood in our place and the Father declared us righteous because of the sacrificial death of Jesus. As our take home truth reminds us, the Old Covenant was only a shadow of the heavenly temple and was unable to redeem mankind, whereas the New Covenant is based on the heavenly temple and is able to accomplish inward redemption. Chris Eller Day 1 ENCOUNTER God s Word to put yourself in touch with him. Hebrews 9:1-14 (ESV) The Earthly Tabernacle 1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

3 Page 3 Day 2 ENQUIRE the answer to these questions to better understand what the passage means. Use the questions below to guide your reading and to ensure you are grasping the key lessons and themes of the text. This is called Inductive Bible Study, in which you ask the questions, Who?, What?, Where?, Why?, When?, How? as you read the text. (Also known as the 5Ws and an H. ) 1. What aspect of the old and new covenants is compared in this passage? (9:1) 2. What was in the first room of the earthly tabernacle? (9:2) 3. What was behind the second curtain in the tabernacle? (9:3) 4. What two objects were in the room behind the second curtain? (9:4) 5. During the year, who typically ministered at the tabernacle, and in which part did this ministry take place? (9:6) 6. What three severe restrictions were placed upon entrance to the inner room of the temple? (9:7) 7. What truth was the Holy Spirit teaching through the once-a-year offering for sin under the old covenant? (9:8) 8. What symbolic truth did the Mosaic tabernacle teach about sin? (9:9-10) Summary Notes Write a one paragraph summary of this week s text including key areas of interest and significant instruction. Consult the commentary on the text and the notes following this page for additional help.

4 Page 4 Day 4 EXPLORE the commentaries to answer the questions. The Old Covenant Structure and Regulations for Worship (9:1-10) In 9:1 10:18 the author addresses the specific ways in which Christ s new covenant ministry of sacrifice should be seen as superior to the sacrificial ministry of the priests under the old covenant. In order to highlight the contrasts, he begins by explaining aspects of the worship under the old covenant in 9:1 10. Three characteristics form the focus of attention: (1) the place of the offerings in the earthly tabernacle (9:1 6); (2) the blood of the offerings (9:7); and (3) the perpetual nature of the offerings (9:6 7, 9 10). Then in 9:11 10:18 he shows how Christ s sacrifice is superior at every turn: (1) the place of his offering was in heaven rather than on earth (9:11, 23 25; 10:12 13); (2) the blood of the offering was Christ s own rather than the blood of mere animals (9:12 28); and (3) the offering of Christ was eternally effective, eradicating a need for continual offerings (9:25 26; 10:1 18). The Tabernacle The tabernacle was the tent, or moveable worship center, erected under the leadership of Moses during the desert wanderings. The Hebrew term we render as tabernacle relates to the concept of dwelling, and it was the physical structure identified with the presence of God. The structure also was called the sanctuary, the tent of meeting (e.g., Ex. 33:7; Num. 11:16), simply the tent, and the tabernacle of the testimony (Ex. 38:21), among other designations. The instructions concerning the building of the tabernacle are found in Exodus 25 31; Gifts freely given by the Israelites were to supply the materials needed for construction among them gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, yarn colored blue, purple, and scarlet, goat hair, ram skins dyed red and sea cow hides, and acacia wood (25:1 5). In structure the tabernacle was a tent made up of a series of curtains. Ten curtains, all the same size, made from the finely twisted linen, formed the inner part of the tabernacle (Ex. 26:1 2), which was covered with eleven curtains of goat hair (26:7 13), which in turn were covered with red ram skins and the hides of sea cows (26:14). All of these curtains were supported by frames made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and by various kinds of clasps and loops (26:15 29). Regulations for worship (9:1). The word translated regulations refers to requirements or commandments and is related to a whole family of Greek words associated with the concept of justice or righteousness. What the author has in mind are those guidelines, God s just directives, concerning how the sacrificial worship practices were to be conducted by the priests under the old covenant. These regulations are explained in 9:6 7. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread (9:2). Being especially concerned with movement of the priests and high priest into the tabernacle, the author of Hebrews explains that there was a first or outer room called the Holy Place (9:2) and an inner room designated the Most Holy Place (9:3). These two rooms were separated by a curtain, behind which only the high priest could go once per year, on the Day of Atonement. The lampstand, made of pure gold, had six flowered branches protruding from its sides, three to a side. There were seven lamps on the stand, and the lampstand was situated on the south side of the Holy Place (Ex. 25:31 40; 26:35). Also called the menorah (a Hebrew word) in Jewish history, the lampstand was the most popular image in ancient Jewish art, appearing on coins, ceramic lamps, and the walls of synagogues and tombs. The earliest known picture of the lampstand occurs on a coin from the reign of Antigonus Mattathias (40 37 b. c. ). The table for the bread of the Presence, like the frames of the tabernacle, was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It was two cubits long, a cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high (Ex. 25:23 30). It is difficult to determine the exact measurements

5 Page 5 THE TABERNACLE A model of the tabernacle and its courtyard. by today s reckoning, since a cubit varied between seventeen and twenty-one inches and had its basis in the distance between a person s elbow and the tip of the middle finger. The four corners of the table had four gold rings through which acacia poles were placed to carry the table. In addition, the plates and utensils for the table were also made of pure gold. The consecrated bread, called the showbread or bread of the Presence, consisted of twelve loaves of unleavened bread that symbolized God s covenant with the Israelites. These were arranged on the table in two rows of six loaves, and were to be eaten only by Aaron and his sons (Lev. 24:5 9). The table itself was consecrated by sacred oil and placed on the north side of the Holy Place (Ex. 26:35). Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place (9:3). Two curtains, or veils, served as sacred barriers for the tabernacle. The first served as the covering for the entrance to the tent. This curtain was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen. Five posts, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, held up the curtain, and bronze bases stabilized these posts (Ex. 26:36 37). The second and more significant curtain separated the outer room from the inner the Most Holy Place. This second curtain also was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, but Exodus adds that a skilled craftsman embroidered cherubim on the curtain. Gold hooks were attached to four acacia posts overlaid with gold, and the posts sat on silver bases (rather than bases of bronze as with the first curtain) (Ex. 26:31 32). In various strands of Jewish interpretation in the ancient world the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was understood as symbolic of various realities. For instance, the veil could be understood as symbolic of the separation of heaven and earth, or perhaps two parts of heaven. Regardless, the key point for all interpretations focused on the veil as a separator from the presence of God. For the author of Hebrews the second curtain is that through which the high priest passed into that presence. Christ as high priest takes the new covenant believer with him through the curtain into the very presence of God (Heb. 10:19 20). The golden altar of incense (9:4). The golden altar of incense was another item of the tabernacle made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The altar was a cubit long and a cubit wide, standing two

6 Page 6 cubits high. Like the table for the consecrated bread, the altar had rings through which poles of acacia wood could be placed for carrying it. The purpose of the altar, as its name suggests, was to burn incense before the Lord. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar every morning and every evening at twilight, both times corresponding to his tending of the lamps in the tabernacle. Significantly, the altar of incense also played a role in the Day of Atonement ritual. Blood from the atoning sin offering was to be placed on the horns of the altar (Ex. 30:1 10). Hebrews places the altar of incense in the Most Holy Place, yet in the Old Testament and in the history of interpretation, the location of the altar is ambiguous. However, the altar is closely associated with the ark in many Old Testament passages. The gold-covered ark of the covenant (9:4). The ark of the covenant has numerous designations in the Old Testament, among them, the ark, the ark of God, the ark of the testimony, and the ark of the Lord. It was the most important item of furniture in the tabernacle since it represented the presence of God. The ark was a chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold both inside and out. The chest was two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high; it had four gold rings through which acacia poles would be placed for carrying it. The cover for the ark was made of pure gold and had a golden cherub on each end, the two facing each other, with their wings spread upward (Ex. 25:10 22). The testimony (i. e., the tablets of the Ten Commandments) was placed in the ark. In all of ancient literature, Hebrews alone adds that the jar of manna and Aaron s staff were also in the ark. The manna was from God s provision of food for the desert wanderers recounted in Exodus 16. The jar of manna was kept as a memorial for future generations, Aaron placing the jar in front of the ark (16:34). Numbers 17 provides the account of Aaron s staff budding. In response to rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, God had Moses gather twelve staffs, one to represent the leader of each of the twelve tribes. These staffs were placed in the Tent of Meeting for God to single out his chosen leader. Aaron s staff evidenced God s choice by budding, blossoming, and producing almonds. The The Old Covenant Worship Experience The details of the Old Ceovenant worship experiences related to the tabernacle must seem tedious and monotonous to most modern readers. Yet, we should not miss key points of the Christian faith to which they speak. First, God is a holy God from whom people are separated because of sin. The sacred barrier of the Holy Place, the necessity of sacrifices, and the unapproachable nature of the Most Holy Place all speak to humanity s foundational problem in relation to God. Yet, and this is a second key point, God s initiative in the construction of the tabernacle whispers his desire for more in relation to us. He wants to be approached; he wants to relate to his people. While the existence of the Holy Place shows that the way into God s presence for his people had not yet been revealed, the sacrifices and high priesthood demonstrate God s desire that sin not have the final word. The sacrifice and high priesthood of Jesus gave the ultimate answer to the problem and to God s desire that we come near to him. Lord then instructed Moses to put Aaron s staff back in front of the Testimony as a reminder to those who would rebel against the Lord s chosen leaders (17:1 13). The cherubim of the Glory (9:5). Rather than human in form, the cherubim are winged angels of composite animal form, sometimes having human characteristics as well, being one category of angels found in the Old Testament and extrabiblical, Jewish literature. The designation cherubim may be derived from a word meaning intercessor, and in the biblical witness, these angelic beings are associated especially with the presence of God. They guard the tree of life (Gen. 3:24), flank God s throne (Ps. 80:1; 99:1; Isa. 37:16), and carry Yahweh through the

7 Page 7 ITEMS FROM THE HOLY PLACE The golden lampstand (menorah). heavens (Ps. 18:10). Images of cherubim were crafted as part of the ark s cover and were embroidered on the curtain leading into the Most Holy Place (Ex. 25:18 20; 26:31 32). The priests entered regularly into the outer room (9:6). Ministry in the Holy Place, the outer room of the tabernacle, was the priests responsibility. They entered to keep the lamps lit and to change the bread of the Presence (Ex. 27:20 21; Lev. 24:8). But only the high priest entered the inner room (9:7). The Day of Atonement sacrifice, offered on the tenth day of the seventh month (September/October), was the most important sacrifice of the year for the Israelites. This sacrifice covered all of the sins not covered in the previous year by other sacrifices. On this one day of the year the people drew near to God by the high priest s entering the Most Holy Place with the Day of Atonement sacrifice (Lev. 16:1 25). Two animals were sacrificed in the ceremony, a bull as a sin offering for Aaron and his household, and a goat for the sins of the people. The blood of these two animals was sprinkled in the Most Holy Place (16:11 17). The first tabernacle was still standing (9:8). The phrase rendered first tabernacle by the niv is a reference to the outer room of the old covenant tabernacle. The author s point here is that the existence of the Holy Place, a sacred space separating God s people from his presence in the Most Holy Place, was indicative of the old covenant era. The way into that presence for his people in general had not yet been revealed. The Jerusalem Temple What about the Jerusalem temple? Given that the temple in Jerusalem was at the very center of Jewish life until its destruction in a.d. 70, it is reasonable to ask why the author of Hebrews focuses on the Old Testament tabernacle rather than the first-century temple. The question is especially pertinent if, as argued in our introduction, Hebrews was written in the 60s just prior to the Jewish war with Rome, when the temple was still a glorious symbol of contemporary Judaism. Would not the author have found in the temple a ready target for his statements concerning the ineffectual nature of the older covenant? Indeed, some commentators have suggested that the uses of the present tense to speak of old covenant worship activity are an indication that the contemporary temple activities were in mind and demonstrate that the temple in Jerusalem was still standing when Hebrews was written. However, this argument falters upon further research, for texts such as Josephus Antiquities, 1 Clement 31:2, and Barnabas 7 8, all of which were written after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, similarly speak of old covenant worship in the present tense. There probably are two main, interrelated reasons why the author focuses on the tabernacle rather than the temple. First, he is interested in the dynamics surrounding the establishment of the old covenant (see esp. 8:4 6; 9:18 22), so he can contrast it with the establishment of the new covenant sacrifice of Christ. Second, the author grounds his entire sermon in the Old Testament Scriptures. He is interested in demonstrating the superiority of Christ s new covenant from the authoritative Word of God, and it is the tabernacle, not the temple of the first century, to which the Scriptures bear witness. [Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Hebrews to Revelation., vol. 4 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002).]

8 Page 8 Daily Bible Reading Plan SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2/8 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/13 2/14 Exodus 28:1-43 Exod. 29:1-30:10 Exod. 30:11-31:18 Exod. 32:1-33:23 Exodus 34:1-35:9 Exod. 35:10-36:38 Exod. 37:1-38:31 Matt. 25:31-26:13 Matthew 26:14-46 Matthew 26:47-68 Matt. 26:69-27:14 Matthew 27:15-31 Matthew 27:32-66 Matthew 28:1-20 Psalm 31:9-18 Psalm 31:19-24 Psalm 32:1-11 Psalm 33:1-11 Psalm 33:12-22 Psalm 34:1-10 Psalm 34:11-22 Proverbs 8:12-13 Proverbs 8:14-26 Proverbs 8:27-32 Proverbs 8:33-36 Proverbs 9:1-6 Proverbs 9:7-8 Proverbs 9:9-10 For complete details on First Family s Daily Bible Reading Plan, visit our website at WORDSEARCH all the words come from this week s text or lesson. Jesus & the New Covenant (Part 2) Hebrews 9:1-14 B B B K Z T H A T X M E R C Y S E A T C W H M B I H M H O L Y P L A C E U A A R O N S D L T H A F A W K Q P V W B U P I H S R O W G O A T M N I N Z D I B F C O H T P E K F C E L B A T E H T A U N H X Y U J E H K R A T L A N E D L O G F T V N D A J R D M F K Q R W Q B A R K O F T H E C O V E N A N T L S I N S O F T H E P E O P L E A J H Q V F C U X N Q I K C T I R I P S Y L O H E H T F X O W S A X G I F T S A N D S A C R I F I C E S M K C G P B B X A X L A M P S T A N D S P V Y E R G S C G R M Y W Q D V J I S W R L T M I B U R E H C M L N I W I B A X E C N E S E R P E H T F O D A E R B C E L P B E T U D R S E I T U D L A U T I R K O V W S T G I H T L A D Y V S V P W O R J E S N E C N I T T R B B U L O C U X F M Z K B Y Q O O E Y L Z R S T N K F G F C N C B Q S H X F S T E L B A T E H T P D E E F L Y M P H N D B C Q E R R P C C C T N E T H Covenant Worship Tent Lampstand the Table Bread of the Presence Holy Place Golden Altar Incense Ark of the Covenant Manna Aaron Budded The Tablets Cherubim Mercy Seat Priests Ritual Duties Sins of the People The Holy Spirit Gifts and Sacrifices To see the answers to the puzzle, go to

9 Page 9 the children s ministry of first family church The Worldly Sanctuary In Hebrews 9, we are now shown the temporary and limited character of the ceremony under the first covenant. Verse 1 speaks of its divine service and its worldly sanctuary. Verses 2 5 describe the worldly sanctuary, and verses 6 7 the divine service and in 8 10 we have the conclusion. Verses 2 5. The tabernacle was a sanctuary of this world, v. 1 as to its location. As set up, v. 2, there were two compartments divided by a veil; each had their articles of furniture. The first was the sanctuary, Holy place, v. 2. Then there was the Holiest of all, or Holy of holies, v. 3. The reference to the golden censer, but not to the golden altar, suggests the day of atonement when the censer linked the golden altar in the Holy place with the Holy of holies. The expression which had, v. 4, and not wherein, v. 2, indicates the golden censer did not have a permanent place in the Holy of holies. Verses 6 7. In the divine service we are told the priests went always into the Holy Place, each morning to trim the lamps, morning and evening to burn incense, and every Sabbath to replace the loaves. Into the Holy of holies the high priest entered one day each year and not without blood, offered both for himself and the errors of the people. Verses The conclusion was this: while the worldly sanctuary had a standing, the way into the holiest (heaven) was not made manifest, v. 8. The first tabernacle, v. 8, is obviously the whole structure, and not as in verse 6. The word for holiest of all, v. 8, is different from that in verse 3, but the same as in 10:19; it therefore refers to heaven. As for the divine service, the gifts and sacrifices could never give peace of conscience, v. 9. Verse 9 speaks of the time now present ; verse 10 of the time of setting things right. What a privileged people we are! The tabernacle in terms of practicality, though not enlightenment, has served its purpose the way into the holiest is now manifest. The sacrifices and ordinances of the flesh, imposed as a burden, have served their temporary purpose; things have been set right, and we have peace of conscience. But more of this later! A. Leckie CONNECTING THE FAMILY kids FFC Youth the youth ministry of first family church Memory Time Memory Verse But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12 R2R Life Distinctive Worship (Psalm 95:1-7): I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me. Family Devotions Set aside two times this week for family devotions centered around this week s text. Session 1: Read through this week s text (Hebrews 9:1-14). If you have children old enough to read, let one of them read the text. What was the first room of the earthly tabernacle called? (9:2) What was inside in the ark of the covenant? (9:4) Session 2: Re-read this week s text (Hebrews 9:1-14). What was above the ark? (9:5) For whom was blood offered on the Day of Atonement? (9:7)

10 Page 10 R2R Life! Becoming Ready to Reproduce Disciples of Jesus 10 R2R Core Beliefs The Bible (2 Timothy 3:16 17): We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. God the Father (Psalm 121:1 2): We believe God is personally involved in and cares about the daily lives of His children. Jesus Christ (John 1:12): We believe in Jesus Christ, His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, burial and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return in power and glory. We are significant only because of our position as children of God. The Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14): We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God and is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Humanity (John 3:16): We believe all people are born separated from God by sin, but God in his love sent his Son Jesus Christ as their savior. Eternity (John 14:1 4): We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish his kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the dead: the believer to life everlasting and the unbeliever to the resurrection of judgment. The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16): We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which is composed of all believers who have accepted Christ as Savior. We believe the church is God s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today. Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:17-19): We believe that everything we have, including our very life, belongs to God. Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-25; 8:38-39): We believe a person has a right relationship with God only by His grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. This makes believers eternally secure in Jesus Christ. Compassion (Psalm 82:3-4): We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need. 10 R2R Core Practices Worship (Psalm 95:1-7): I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me. Bible Study (Hebrews 4:12): I study the Bible diligently to know God, to become like Christ, and to discern His will for my life. Service (Colossians 3:17): I give away my time to fulfill God s purposes. Witness (Matthew 28:18-20): I live to tell the story of Jesus and to make disciples of Him even to the ends of the earth, knowing he is with me always. Biblical Community (Acts 2:44-47): I fellowship with other believers in a small group to accomplish God s purposes in my life, others lives, and in the world. Prayer (Psalm 66:16-20): I pray to God to know Him, to lay my request before Him and to find direction for my daily life. Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:4-6): I know and use my spiritual gifts to accomplish God s purposes. Authenticity (John 13:33-34): I know and understand biblical truths and transfer these truths into everyday life. Who I am on the inside and outside is a pure reflection of Christ and His Word. Simplicity (Matthew 6:33): I seek to live a simple life focused on God and his priorities for my life. Possessions (Luke 16:11 12): I seek to maintain an eternal perspective on money and possessions, realizing God has give me all that I have, and that he expects me to manage it wisely for His glory. 10 R2R Core Virtues Gentleness (Philippians 4:5): I am thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others. Faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3-4): I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to those relationships. Hope (Hebrews 6:19-20): I can cope with the hardships of life and with death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ. Joy (John 15:11): I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances. Love (1 John 4:10-12): I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others. Peace (Philippians 4:6-7): I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself and others. Self-Control (Titus 2:11-13): I have the power, through Christ, to control myself. Humility (Philippians 2:3-4): I choose to esteem others above myself. Patience (Proverbs 14:29): I take a long time to overheat and endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life. Kindness/Goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:15): I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others. About is produced throughout the school year to help you connect with the Word of God on a daily basis and to study and meditate on the specific biblical text that will be the focus of the upcoming weekend services. also helps tie-in the principles of discipleship found in 10 Core Beliefs (doctrine) 10 Core Practices (disciplines), and 10 Core Virtues (spiritual fruit). Together, we call these R2R Distinctives, or becoming a Ready to Reproduce Disciple of Jesus Christ. If you would like delivered each week to your box, you can to to compass and register.