There were a few babies around during the meetings. I used to be the one in these ladies shoes. When we stood to (re)introduce ourselves to the group my hubby proudly announced that this was the first training time of all sorts that we haven’t either been pregnant, just weaned, or had a baby on our hip since we found these wonderful people in 2002. We won a Starbuck’s gift certificate again for that one… but anyways — the babies… I was all over them. I couldn’t stay away from those cute little cheeks!! Part of me was actually sad that I was done but when they started crying… I reveled in the quiet – and in that I didn’t have to leave my seat.

There was so much that was discussed during the meetings, way more than I could ever post here. I know that Rob’s sermons are available to listen to through his church’s website. If you want the link let me know. One thing that really sticks with me about the meetings this day was the difference from the Mosaic Law (time of Moses) and the New Covenant (what was done through Jesus on the cross).

“The Law” was based on performance and no matter what – we can never measure up — ever! Gal. 3:10-14 says that ALL who rely on the law are under a curse and we’ve been delivered from the curse. Vs. 15-16 says that we are Abraham’s seed, join heirs in Christ according to the promise. It is interesting to note that the day “The Law” went into effect ~ 3,000 people died and when the day of Grace came ~ 3,000 were saved! What does that say?! Even God Himself said that “The Law” was flawed, weak and useless and He knew it was only temporary (Heb. 7:18).

You may be asking yourself, “Ok, so what’s “The Law”?” (Besides the 10 Commandments) Let’s take Deut. 28 for example and I’m paraphrasing, “If you fully obey all His commands, then blessing comes. If you don’t obey all then a curse will come upon you.” We all love reading the first part of this Scripture verse and preach on it often, who wouldn’t love all those blessings. But those blessings were based on their performance, under “The Law” they were required to “work” for their salvation. We (I use that as a blanket for many churches) preach both Law and Grace far far too often.

The will of the Lord is to bless us in ALL areas of our life when we come into relationship with Him. He accepts us as we are — at that moment — no strings attached. Our salvation and blessings are not based on our works, the formula or what we do for God it is because we have a new position in Christ. We are in the family!

The Law which is Performance / New Covenant which is Position:

curses / blessing
death / life
pressure to achieve / gift
human effort / fruitful
bound / presence
fear / supernatural
shame / power
control / signs and wonders
guilt / freedom
generators / finished work of the cross
legalism

These are just some of the differences between the old and the new. Liberty is threatened by legalism (Gal. 5:1-8,12). Why was the old covenant made then? It came about because man needed to know they needed a Saviour. Jesus fullfilled it! He confirmed Abraham’s covenant and abolished Moses’. The Law points out the sin to the sinner – Grace is for the saved.