TITLE:  How to make a Covenant
TEXT:  Genesis 15:7-10
PROPOSITION:  There are many NT implications in making a covenant.
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Steps
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Not all of the 9 steps discussed today are mentioned or included in every covenant.
2. As you study this subject in the OT and in ancient use – you learn many important references in the NT.

1. Exchange of Coats
   1. Coat represents oneself
   2. Put off the old man, put on the new
   3. Symbol – I give myself to you
2. Exchange of Belts
   1. Sword, articles of warfare
   2. Represents power, might, strength
   3. Symbol – surrender to the other
3. Cutting of the covenant
   1. Cut an animal down the backbone into 2 parts
   2. Stand in the middle (between the halves of the calf)
   3. Symbol – Do this to me if I break this covenant
4. Cutting of the arm
   1. Make a small cut on hand, wrist, forearm
   2. Touch arms as the blood flows
   3. Symbol – We have become one, blood brothers
   4. African saying, “Blood is thicker than milk”
   5. Proverbs 18:24 “Friend” sticks closer than a brother
5. Exchange of names
   1. We take on a new identity, new relationship
   2. American Indians – Give white man an Indian name
   3. Abram (Abraham), Sarai (Sarah), Jacob (Israel)
   4. Disciples – Christians – Acts 11:26
   5. Symbol – I have a new identity
6. Make a scar
   1. Outward sign of the agreement
   2. Constant reminder – wedding ring, rainbow
   3. Symbol – I have “friends”. Mess with me, deal with my friend.
7. Terms are given
   1. Before witnesses – here is what I will do, here is what you will do
   2. Blessings and Curses associated – See Deuteronomy 28
   3. Symbol – Bible (New Testament) contains the terms of the agreement
8. Eat a memorial meal
   1. ALWAYS – break bread and fruit of the vine
   2. Bread – staff of life
   3. Fruit of the vine – blood, death
   4. Symbol – Communion is our covenant meal
9. Present a memorial
   1. Plant a tree, grave marker, give a gift in their memory
   2. Build an altar, pile stones for a marker
   3. Symbol – Church is a living monument to our agreement