How can we apply the principles of covenant renewal in our church today? A Fresh Look at 2 Chronicles 23:16 “Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, the king, and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.” Timeless Principles Inside the Text • Leadership-initiated: Jehoiada, the spiritual leader, took the first step. • Whole-church engagement: king, priest, and people stood together. • Singular focus: the covenant centered on belonging wholly to the LORD. • Public, not private: the renewal was witnessed and affirmed openly. • Immediate action: the people removed idols right after (23:17-19). Translating Those Principles to Today • Pastors and elders lead the charge. – Schedule an annual or seasonal “Covenant Sunday.” – Clarify that the aim is renewed allegiance to Christ, not mere ritual. • Invite every member to stand and own it. – Use responsive readings drawn from Scripture. – Include children and new believers so no one is a spectator. • Center everything on Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant (Luke 22:20). – Read Hebrews 12:24 aloud. – Tie the renewal to the Lord’s Supper as a living sign. • Make it public. – Display a written covenant in the foyer. – Let testimonies and baptisms follow the service. • Follow words with deeds. – Identify and remove “modern idols” (pornography, greed, gossip). – Launch accountability groups that meet the very next week. Supporting Scripture Thread • Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” • 2 Kings 23:3 – Josiah “made a covenant before the LORD.” • Nehemiah 9:38; 10:28-29 – written covenant, sealed by leaders and people. • Jeremiah 31:33 – God writes His law on hearts. • 1 Corinthians 11:25 – “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” • Hebrews 13:20-21 – the God of peace equips us to do His will. A Simple Pattern Your Church Can Adopt 1. Preparation • Week of focused preaching on covenant faithfulness. • Personal reflection guides sent to homes. 2. Public Renewal Service • Scripture readings and a concise gospel proclamation. • Corporate confession and affirmation of faith. • Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. 3. Practical Follow-Through • Launch new discipleship or membership classes. • Set measurable ministry goals that flow from the covenant. • Share quarterly testimonies of how the covenant is shaping lives. Why It Matters Renewing covenant commitments keeps a congregation from drifting, unites generations under one holy purpose, and reminds everyone that we are, above all else, “the LORD’s people.” |
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