02 Jan 2022
Dear beloved family in Christ
We thank the Lord for his bountiful grace and faithful help for the year that is past. Let us keep on looking to Abba Father for the year ahead. At this Covenant service today, may we turn to God in reverence and submission as we renew our hearts and minds in the Lord.
The Christian life to which we are called, is a life to be lived in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are redeemed from sin by Him, and through Him we are consecrated to God. We have entered into this life through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Mediator of the New Covenant sealed by His own blood. Therefore, let us give thanks to God.
With willing hearts, let us respond to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Let us take the yoke of Christ upon us: Christ has many services to be done; some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and personal interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.
Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthen us. Therefore let us give ourselves anew to Him, trusting in His promise and relying on His grace.
The Invitation for God’s people to respond to the Lord:
Lord God, Heavenly Father, thank you that through the blood of your Son Jesus Christ, You have called us to this gracious Covenant. Help us as we respond to that call. We take upon ourselves with joy, the yoke of obedience and love for you. We give ourselves to seek and do Your perfect will. We are no longer our own but Yours.
Lord, put me to whatever task You will; rank me with whom you will. Let me be empty, let me be full. Let me have nothing, let me have all things. I freely embrace my place in Your Kingdom. Today, we renew our community covenant and personal covenant with You; that we will love and serve You with all of our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength.
Eternal Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are our Covenant-God. We, through Your infinite grace, are your children and servants. May this covenant renewed with You bring honour & glory to you, Lord God Almighty. Amen.
Maranatha
Pastor John