Anglican sermon living under the new covenant

Here is a sample Anglican sermon on living under the New Covenant:

Title: "Living Under the New Covenant: Freedom and Responsibility"

Text: Hebrews 8:6-13, 9:15

Introduction:

As we gather here today, we are reminded that we are part of a long line of believers who have been blessed to live under the New Covenant. This covenant, established by Jesus Christ, is a radical departure from the Old Covenant, which was based on law and sacrifice. The New Covenant is based on grace, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. Today, we'll explore what it means to live under this covenant and the freedom and responsibility that comes with it.

The Old Covenant:

In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with his people, the Israelites. This covenant was based on the law, and it was characterized by a system of sacrifices and offerings. The Israelites were expected to follow the law perfectly, and if they failed, they would face punishment and separation from God. This system was imperfect and could never bring about true forgiveness or reconciliation with God.

The New Covenant:

But God had a better plan. Through Jesus Christ, he established a new covenant, one that would bring about true forgiveness and reconciliation. This covenant is based on the promise of God's love and grace, and it is characterized by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven and reconciled to God, and we are given the gift of eternal life.

Freedom and Responsibility:

So what does it mean to live under the New Covenant? It means that we are free from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. We are free from the guilt and shame of our past mistakes. We are free to live in the joy and peace of knowing that we are loved and accepted by God.

But this freedom also comes with responsibility. We are called to live in a way that is pleasing to God, to love and serve others, and to bring glory to his name. We are called to be salt and light in the world, to be a witness to the love and power of God.

The Challenge:

Living under the New Covenant is not always easy. It requires us to surrender our own desires and ambitions to God, to trust in his goodness and sovereignty, and to follow him faithfully. It requires us to be willing to take risks, to step out in faith, and to trust that God will provide for us.

But the reward is worth it. When we live under the New Covenant, we experience the joy and peace of knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. We experience the freedom to live life to the fullest, to pursue our passions and dreams, and to make a difference in the world.

Conclusion:

As we live under the New Covenant, let us remember that we are free from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. Let us remember that we are forgiven and reconciled to God, and that we are given the gift of eternal life. Let us also remember that we are called to live in a way that is pleasing to God, to love and serve others, and to bring glory to his name.

May we live under the New Covenant with joy and gratitude, and may we be a witness to the love and power of God in the world. Amen.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of the New Covenant, and for the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. Help us to live under this covenant with joy and gratitude, and may we be a witness to your love and power in the world. Amen.