In His Grip

( Click here for an audio version.  The intro and conclusion are from 'Godpleaser' by Petra. ) As we begin to dive into Biblical Eldership, we are really exploring God’s heart for His people as our Great Shepherd. This begins with exploring God’s eternal purposes in the Gospel – and so we pick up where we left off last time… ‘He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him  [10]  with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him  [11]  also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,’ (Ephesians 1:9-11)   Overview of the Covenants As students of God’s word, we know context is critical.   As God’s people, how critical it is for us to view ourselves in present reality in light of God’s eter

( Click here for an audio version .  The intro and conclusion are from 'Godpleaser' by Petra. ) ‘And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,  [5]  you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  [10]  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.’ 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10 ‘And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,  [12]  for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;