On May 6, 1974, Brother Stephen delivered a message based on Jeremiah 31:31-34, discussing God's promise of a new covenant with Israel. This new covenant differs from the old one, which was conditional and based on the people's obedience. Despite God's intimate relationship with Israel, they repeatedly broke the covenant. In contrast, the new covenant is unconditional, relying solely on God's grace. It signifies a deeper relationship where God’s law is written on the hearts of His people, allowing them to know Him intuitively without external instruction. Stephen emphasized that through Christ's sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness for their sins, which God promises to remember no more. This new covenant also empowers believers with the law of the Spirit of life, enabling them to live righteously. Stephen urged Christians to embrace this new covenant, recognizing their rights and privileges, rather than living under the burdens of the old covenant. He concluded with a prayer, asking God to help believers understand and live according to the new covenant established through Jesus' blood.
Introduction to the new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34
Comparison of the old and new covenants
God's grace and unconditional promise in the new covenant
Intuitive knowledge of God through the new covenant
Forgiveness of sins and God's promise to forget them
Empowerment through the law of the Spirit of life
Encouragement to live under the new covenant
Conclusion with a prayer for understanding and application
31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.