Coram Deo | Q3 2023
Welcome to the 3rd Quarter of Coram Deo. This edition focuses on the covenants. What glorious and wondrous doctrine we have as believers! Paradoxically, they reveal the wrath righteousness, justice, mercy, goodness, wisdom, power, grace, and love of God.
Covenant Theology
PC: https://www.1stdibs.com/buy/ark-of-the-covenant/
Introduction and Welcome
Welcome to the 3rd Quarter of Coram Deo. This edition focuses on the covenants. What glorious and wondrous doctrine we have as believers! Paradoxically, they reveal the wrath righteousness, justice, mercy, goodness, wisdom, power, grace, and love of God. For humanity, the covenants reveal our wickedness, rebellion, and sin. This highlights the need for a Savior and our desperate cry for salvation. Yet, in the covenants, we see the majestic covenantal God at work from the first pages of the Scriptures to the last. As Christians, we have new life within the covenant, which then enables us to live out covenantal obedience to Christ. The covenant screams grace and glory as God’s faithfulness lights up the world.
The cover photo is a painting of the return of the Ark of the Covenant in 2 Samuel 6:12-16. The Ark represented an amazing truth of the covenant God made with His people. The Ark was the place in the Tabernacle in which the presence of God was centered. Among the rebellious and sinful people that God covenanted with, He dwelt with them and revealed Himself at the Ark. I hope that statement causes you to pause, because that is a profound truth. The infinite and eternal God, who is not restricted by space or time, chose to show Himself to His people in a specific place and time. He fills all space, yet He condensed Himself into an area for His people. He is transcendent, but became immanent. God, who is not bound by time, bound himself in a specific moment to meet with His people. Thus, the Ark represented the covenantal God being with His people and assuring His people of His loyal love to them.
Though we have no idea what happened to the Ark, we don’t need it! A better, truer, and infinitely more valuable ark came, not as wood, stone, or gold, but as man. Even more, this ark was not a form of creation, but the Creator. It’s actually no ark at all, but it’s God Himself. When we look at the ark of the covenant, we are reminded of Jesus Christ, who was not bound by space or time in glory. Yet, He chose to bind Himself in a human body, regulated to one spot at one time. The presence of God was on Earth not through a building or artifact made by human hands, but by a human body, crafted by God Himself. Even greater, Christ died and resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God. In doing this, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with His covenantal people. God’s presence is still with us, but now is multiplied within space and time. He’s not at one spot, but multiple spots. And on one day of the week, these multiple spots become such a densely concentrated point, that these spots look to be one big spot. For that is the unity of each believer on display as the presence of God unites all people before Him in worship. We don’t need the Ark, because we have the Father, Son, and Spirit with us now because of the new covenant. Glorious!
These truths are mere glimpses of the teachings in this edition. Read, meditate upon the Scriptures given, think about the glories of God’s rich love on display in the covenant, and let your heart be filled with love for God. Then, go and tell someone of these wonderful truths, on God’s day—Sunday—worship Him, love one another, and serve the church. Drink deeply of our covenantal God!
For His Glory,
Chris
From the Elders
All Things Being Equal
by Chris Hendrix
How does the New Covenant relate to church leadership? It starts with understanding equality. Like many good things gone bad, our culture has corrupted the beauty of equality. When looking through the lens of the mainstream media, secular schools, or humanistic books, equality means every person doing and having the same. Yet, their definition doesn’t stop there. It also means every person being the same. And when you contradict this definition, society says that you’ve sinned greatly. This appears clearly in the current stage of the sexual revolution. Society says genders do not exist. So then, the person who believes in two genders supports inequality. Thus, the redefinition of equality then leads a sane person to commit the heinous crime and sin of bigotry. The economic and societal guillotine rolls out and all attempts to chop off the sane person’s head are made. This extreme (but true) picture did not arise overnight. Its creation grew out of roots of mishandling equality over time. The church has allowed the culture to erode this truth and distort it.
Biblically, equality involves our position before the Lord. Since true reality is defined by God, then all other thoughts must extend from this. The New Covenant has ushered in a kind of equality. Since this is reality, our understanding of equality must stem from this truth. Many illustrations occur, but 1 Peter 2:9 highlights one. Peter describes God’s people as a royal priesthood. This language contains language from the old covenant, in that God appointed priests to intercede on behalf of the people. This interceding involved sacrifices to appease the wrath of God. But now, in the New Covenant, the priestly work of mediation has been completed in Jesus Christ. He is the only Mediator between us and the Father. He bore the wrath of God and satisfied it. This means then every person is a priest. Different statuses of people don’t exist. All believers are holy before the Lord because Christ mediates for us. All of our activities and jobs bring God glory equally, because we are all equally priests, because Christ died for all equally. Our status before the Lord, as born-again believers who are the people of God, is equal.
Within this equality, there are distinctions. The Bible does not define equality to mean sameness of being, doing, or having. Though our holiness and worth remain the same, our activities vary greatly. One such distinction in the church involves Elders/Pastors. Later, in 1 Peter 5:1-3, Peter describes a distinction and a relationship between Elders and non-elders. Elders/Pastors are not described as a holier, better, more important, or more valuable group of men. In fact, every Christian can, and should, obtain the same holiness and character of an Elder. The distinction occurs in the calling. An Elder/Pastor is called to shepherd the church. This occurs through leading (1 Tim. 5:17), guiding (1 Peter 5:1-2), preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), teaching (1 Tim. 2:2), equipping (Eph. 4:12), protecting (Titus 1:9), and disciplining (Acts 20:28-31). The other distinction and part of the relationship is a non-Elder, or church member. The member’s role in the relationship with the Elder/Pastor is to receive the teaching from the Word and follow sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2-4), submit (1 Peter 5:5), provide (1 Tim. 5:17), and seek prayer (James 5:14). All are equal, but all have distinctions.
If these distinctions are not maintained, then the church hurts. God did not create a plan B, or a “just in case it doesn’t happen” scenario for the failure of an Elder/Pastor or it’s members. When an Elder fails, the church falls into anarchy and is vulnerable to falling away. When a member fails, he/she causes strife and dissension, bringing hardship to the Elders, and stirring confusion and strife in the congregation. Distinctions are important not for the sake of practicality, but because the Bible commands them. The only alternative is sin.
So, the New Covenant has established equality within the church. All members are holy, righteous before God, and capable of glorifying Him through every part of their lives. No one member is inherently holier because of their role. Yet, within this equality, distinctions of roles exist. These provide order to the church, bring unity to the body, and a mutual love to one another. Most importantly though, the equal but distinct reality puts Christ on display, as His covenant has given us reconciliation and new life in Him. Only by this are we truly equal with one another, but also can truly love one another’s place in the church.
Hospitality
The Parade Life
by Chris Hendrix
If you’ve ever been to a parade, then you’ve seen two types of groups, those in the parade and those watching it pass by. Parades provide entertainment and enjoyment to both groups, but can also become wearisome. For those constantly on the move, exhaustion can easily set in and rest is needed. For those watching, an adjustment to each new display can create stimulation fatigue and lower awareness of upcoming displays. Not to mention if you’re standing the entire time, your legs need a rest! There may be no better analogy for the military than this. Not because of the interesting characters in the parade (though the military has many!), the marching and repetitive theme songs of each display (the army song?), or the occasional failure to follow the assigned duty (never happens in the Army). But, because of the constant transition and movement. One friend stays while another friend leaves. One team member remains while another moves on. One family stays while another PCS’s. Two groups, but one shared experience. Weariness and exhaustion creeps in through this. Building relationships, saying good-bye, and building new relationships can seem like a repetitive march. Where does the strength come from for this? How do you avoid just giving up? For Christians, our answer is the new covenant.
From the opening pages of the Scriptures, God demonstrates his covenantal interaction with mankind. With Adam, He established the covenant of works. Adam was to obey, yet he failed. He broke his end of the covenant and thrusted all of humanity into sin. This sin introduced unfruitful labor and exhaustion. We labor and toil through fatigue. Is it any wonder the parade experience wears us down? Yet, despite the shattered pieces of the covenant of works, God created another covenant, the covenant of grace. Its first appearance is seen right after Adam’s sin in Genesis 3:15. The promise of our Savior Jesus Christ, who would crush the head of the serpent.
From then on, the covenant of grace continues to unfold through specific interactions with chosen men. God established a covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:18; 9:12). This covenant demonstrated God’s grace and His patience with mankind. The rainbow was a symbol of His grace after judging the sexual immorality of the world. This is why the rainbow has been hijacked today for the LGBTQ+ movement. What better way to proclaim pride than to take God’s grace and spit on it? God established a covenant with Abraham in choosing a specific people to bear His name and glory on the Earth (Gen. 17:1-8). Through Abraham, all nations on the Earth would be blessed. God made a covenant with King David, a descendant of Abraham (2 Sam. 7:16). He promised a King that would reign forever in David’s line. Then, the culmination of all of history came in the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus, the Christ, arrived on the scene and completed all the obligations for the covenant of grace. He brought in this covenant, which the Scripture calls the new covenant. New, not in the sense of replacing the ones that came before, but in the sense of continuing and fulfilling the previous ones. All of these covenants, under the covenant of grace, demonstrate the holiness of God.
It’s in Jesus Christ we find rest from our sins, rest from our toil, and rest from our fatigue. Our bodies may be tired, but our hearts and souls are free from the burden of sin. We don’t strive to achieve righteousness, but Christ has given it to us. The new covenant also strengthens us to love one another rightly. We can truly extend love to each other, because God has given us a love for Himself through Christ. It’s in this love for God that we act, serve, and care for each other. Even through the exhaustion, impatience, and struggle with each other, we can still love because He first loved us. So, are you in need of strength to continue in the parade-like lifestyle? Do you need hope in order to not give up? Do you need reinvigoration to talk about your background and where you are from just one more time? Are you searching for the energy to show hospitality to one more person or family? Then look to the covenant the Triune God has worked for us. Look to the patience of God, on how long He took to bring it about. Look to the grace that comes from it, in that we don’t love one another for ourselves or to earn something from God, but we love because of Christ. Look to the new covenant to dwell upon your ability to glorify this Great God through continuing to build relationships in the midst of weariness. Look to this wonderful covenant as the source of strength to speak and demonstrate the Gospel to the other members of the parade.
Updates and Needs in Hospitality
VBC has entered the PCS season, so please pray for those leaving. Pray they can finish out their time with joy and thankfulness. Pray the burden of moving is eased and that every family finds another local church in the next location. If you’re in need of help, please reach out to info@vicenzabible.church, or call me!
Men’s Ministry
A Covenant Marriage
by Anthony Wilson
Marriage is a covenant rooted in biblical principles; it is a bond between a man and a woman that reflects the love and commitment exemplified by Jesus Christ's relationship with His Church. Paul references the creation story from Genesis 2 when he says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Ephesians 5:31. The covenant of marriage takes two opposite people and creates one new creation. This is exactly what Christ did for His people. We were once enemies, and He died to make us His own. As men, we must realize that we are to love our wives like Christ loves His church.
Marriage is not merely a social or legal contract but a covenant ordained by God. It reflects His divine plan for human relationships, where two individuals become one flesh and commit to love and honor each other for a lifetime. The covenant of marriage finds its foundation in the biblical narrative, where God's intention for marriage is established from the beginning. Too often, marriage is viewed as a contract that can be broken. Sure, there will be consequences, but it is not that big of a problem. This is the lie of the culture. If God is the one to make the covenant, how can man break it? Marriage upholds the values of faithfulness and trust. Just as God remains faithful to His people, Christian spouses pledge their fidelity to one another. This commitment extends beyond physical fidelity and encompasses emotional, spiritual, and relational faithfulness. Men must lead their wives in this faithfulness to them.
Marriage serves as a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and faithfulness. The covenant relationship between husband and wife becomes a living example of Christ's sacrificial love. As Christian spouses navigate the ups and downs of life, their commitment, forgiveness, and reconciliation shine a light on the transformative power of God's grace. Our marriages should be an evangelistic tool for the world. The culture should look into our marriages and learn what is different. This does not mean they will be perfect, but there will be love and forgiveness.
Upcoming events for men
Men's Breakfast 0900 on August 26th and September 30th
Young Adult’s Ministry
Comfort Found in God’s Promises
by Anthony Wilson
God's covenant is a steadfast reminder of His unwavering faithfulness toward His people. Through the covenant, Christians find comfort in knowing that God is steadfast and reliable, always fulfilling His promises. This assurance of God's faithfulness brings comfort in times of uncertainty and discouragement. Christians can trust that God will never abandon them but walk with them through every season of life. The covenant of God is accompanied by promises of protection and provision. Christians find comfort in knowing God is their refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. The covenant assures them that God will provide for their needs and guide them on their journey. In the face of challenges and difficulties, Christians can take comfort in God's promises, knowing He is their source of strength and sustenance.
The covenant of God brings hope to Christians through the promise of a Messiah. In the Old Testament, the covenant foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior, and Redeemer. Christians find comfort in the knowledge that God's covenant was ultimately fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This hope in the promised Messiah brings comfort, as Christians can trust in the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. God's covenant embodies His everlasting love and desire for reconciliation with His people. Christians find comfort in knowing that God's love is unchanging and unconditional. The covenant assures them of God's desire to save and redeem them, offering the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance of God's love and salvation brings comfort, enabling Christians to face life's challenges with hope and peace. We must look to God to recognize that His covenant with His people is an eternal blessing and reward.
"Because God is the living God, He can hear; because He is a loving God, He will hear; because He is our covenant God, He has bound Himself to hear." ~ Charles Spurgeon
Worship ministry
How to worship the Triune God through song
by Anthony Wilson
How do we sing songs to the Creator of the universe? How do we sing songs to the one who redeemed us from the grave? How do we sing songs to the one that convicts us of our sins and gives us new hearts? Singing with broken voices to the Lord of Lords as mere creatures feels pointless. Yet, we are commanded to sing to/about God with one another. So what does that look like?
To the Father:
When believers sing, they glorify the Father—the Creator and sustainer of all things. Through songs of adoration and thanksgiving, they express gratitude for His goodness, faithfulness, and provision. Singing allows individuals to proclaim the majesty of God's creation and acknowledge His sovereignty over all aspects of life. By lifting their voices in praise, believers offer a harmonious chorus of awe and reverence, giving glory to the Father, who deserves all honor and praise.
To the Son:
Singing also glorifies the Son—Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of humanity. The lyrics of worship songs often focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, celebrating His sacrificial love and proclaiming Him as the way, the truth, and the life. Through singing, believers express their adoration and gratitude for the salvation brought about by Christ's atoning sacrifice. Singing becomes an act of surrender and devotion, exalting the Son who is worthy of all adoration and worship.
To the Holy Spirit:
In singing, believers acknowledge the Holy Spirit, the helper and comforter. The Holy Spirit empowers and inspires believers to worship in spirit and truth, filling their hearts with joy, peace, and a deep sense of God's presence. Through singing, believers yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to move and work in their lives. The Holy Spirit infuses their songs with spiritual fervor and conviction, transforming the melodies into a conduit of divine connection.
Singing offers a unique opportunity to unite the Triune God in worship. As believers lift their voices, they engage in a harmonious praise symphony wherein the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are collectively glorified. In this act of worship, believers align themselves with the divine chorus, joining the eternal song of creation. The harmonious blend of voices represents the unity and diversity within the Trinity, reflecting the interconnectedness and mutual glorification of the Triune God.
"Our Sabbath practices reveal which Trinity we truly worship: Father, Son, and Spirit... or me, myself, and I." ~ Mark Hart
ministry Needs
We constantly seek musicians to help lead the church in worshiping the Triune God.