Dear friends, grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. My name is Pastor Loren Christensen, and I welcome you to another episode of "A Word from the Vine." Today, we're delving into the scriptures to uncover the beautiful connections between the Old and New Testaments, revealing the unbreakable thread that ties them together.
I must share with you about the amazing timeI had at DaneStock, our Danish Countryside Winery Music Festival. Yes, friends, I'm not just your pastor; I'm also a rock musician. I took the stage, sang my heart out, and joined in with country and rock bands. It was a blast! But let's get right into today's message.
We find ourselves in the Book of Matthew, where the Old and New Testaments intertwine seamlessly. You see, there's a dangerous heresy I'd like to address. The belief that the New Testament stands alone, detached from the Old Testament, is an insidious notion that creeps in even today. But remember, God's story encompasses both. Jesus is the hero, connecting the dots throughout history.
Our journey begins in Deuteronomy 7:6-9, where God chose the Israelites out of all the peoples on Earth. Not because they were numerous, but because of His love and the oath He swore to their ancestors. It's not about our worthiness; it's about God's promise. Fast forward to Romans 8:28-39. "And we knowthat for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This love, this connection, extends through all generations.
Now, let's explore the parables Jesus shared. In Matthew 13:44-46, we find the hidden treasure and the fine pearl. Imagine stumbling upon a hidden treasure in a field. The man wisely sells everything to buy that field. Likewise, the merchant seeks and discovers a pearl of great value, and he too gives everything to possess it. It's a metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven. We are to hold on to Christ with such fervor, recognizing His worth above all else.
Then comes the parable of the net in Matthew 13:47-50. The net gathers both good and bad fish. This speaks of the mixture of believers and non-believers in the world. At the end of days, the angels will separate them, just as good fish are separated from bad ones. This highlights the need for us to embrace our faith in Christ, to be true followers, and not just outwardly professing.
And my dear friends, remember the truth in Romans 8:38-39, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This eternal connection is unbreakable.
So, as we conclude today, let's remember that we're not isolated in the New Testament. God's narrative is woven together through both testaments. We need to treasure the richness of His story, just as the owner of a house brings out both new and old treasures. It's all about Jesus, our Savior, and the unending love of God.
Thank you for joining me today for "A Word from the Vine." May God's grace and peace be with you always. Go forth, my friends, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Amen.
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