A Better Covenant Hebrews 9:11-28, 10:1-18 Jeremy Bell Sermon Theme: The author is saying – the real Redeemer has come. The One that all of the Old Testament was pointing to has arrived, so don’t turn back from the real Redeemer to hold on to a shadow! True, final redemption – the complete forgiveness of your sins, has come in Christ. Therefore don’t go back to what was intended to prepare us for Christ’s arrival. To turn back to the Old Covenant system would be to turn away from Christ Himself! To see the Comparison Chart of Old Covenant/New Covenant, click the Sermon Recap button. I. Sin demands the shedding of blood II. Christ’s blood perfectly cleanses us from all sin Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider reading through the Old Covenant/New Covenant comparison chart (Click Sermon Recap below). In reading through it, what are some of the things that stand out to you regarding the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant? *For your average faithful Israelite, who participated in the sacrificial system in faith — what do you think may have been the emotional impact of the constant animal sacrifices? In what ways do you think the sacrificial system and system of temple/tabernacle worship helped the Old Testament people of God to understand something of the holiness of God, the sinfulness of sin and their need for a Savior? *Jeremy pointed out that it is human nature to trivialize sin. In what ways can we be guilty of doing that in our own lives? In what ways does the book of Hebrews help us not to trivialize sin? *Review the list under point #2 regarding the benefits of a cleansed heart. Which of those benefits do you find yourself today, particularly grateful for? *In what ways do you want to grow personally in reflecting more regularly on the gospel — on who Jesus is and what He is done? Another way to ask the same question is, “how do you want to grow in preaching the gospel to yourself daily?” What are some things you are doing or have done in the past that have helped you to meditate on the gospel? *What is your favorite verse that helps you to reflect on who Jesus is and what He has done? What is your favorite worship song that helps you to that same end? *Consider taking time to pray, asking God to deepen our gratitude and our appreciation for the gospel–for who Jesus is and what He has done.