In covenant - discussion

Firstly watch the video and read the booklet and relevant Bible verses. Then stop and think before considering these questions. Click on the appropriate links to read other people's thoughts and to submit your own comments.

In covenant - promises

What is the difference – if any – between promises and normal conversation? Why do we make promises?
Matthew 5:33-37
What part does trust play in our daily lives?
Proverbs 3:5; Luke 16:10-12; Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 26:3
What does God promise – and what doesn’t he promise? What are the implications of ‘in my name’ in John 14:14?
John 14:14; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 1:11-18; Matthew 28:20
Why does God make covenant with us?
Deuteronomy 7:8, 9; Hebrews 8:10

In covenant - soldiers

Imagine what The Salvation Army would look like without committed soldiers.
Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 50:14
Why is soldiership not primarily about individual fulfillment and personal happiness?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 12:1-2
Discuss the place of duty within the Body of Christ. How did Jesus describe it? 
Luke 17:10; Romans 12:4, 5
What are the privileges of making covenant with God?
Ephesians 2:19-22; Mark 8:34, 35; Matthew 5:11, 12; Matthew 11:28-30.

In covenant - officers

Consider the following Bible verses in relation to officership.
Luke 22:27; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Philippians 2:5-8
Why is every officer’s personal relationship with Jesus their most important responsibility?
John 17:17, 18; John 21:20-22; John 15:9-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Discuss the Army’s responsibilities to its o cers – including each corps’ responsibility to its own officers.
Hebrews 13:7; John 13:34, 35; Galatians 6:10; Colossians 3:12-17
Imagine Jesus as your corps officer. What would he be like? Would you treat him differently from how you normally treat your officers? If so, why?
Galatians 4:14; John 10:14-18; 1 Peter 5:2-4; Matthew 25:40

In covenant - belonging

List ways in which the uniform unites Salvationists and the opportunities it provides. Why might people refrain from wearing uniform?
Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 4:11-13
In what ways can adherent members be helped to feel valued and play effective roles in the Army?
Romans 12:4-8
Being a junior soldier gives children an opportunity to play a part in Christian ministry. It also encourages development of skills. Consider the potential for ensuring junior soldiership is used to its fullest extent.7
Proverbs 22:6; Isaiah 11:6; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 18:16-17
What makes any of us feel we truly ‘belong’ to a fellowship?
Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12; John 17:20,21

In covenant - the new covenant

Why did Jesus make a new covenant?
Hebrews 8:7; Hebrews 8:9
What does the new covenant make possible?
Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 8:10-13
Consider the body of Jesus being ‘broken’ and his blood ‘poured out’ on the Cross, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. Discuss the depth and extent of God’s love.
Luke 22:14-20; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:10
We have opportunity to respond to his love. How should we do this?
1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:10, 11; Philippians 3:8-14

Culture in Context

Discuss whether there is any evidence of ‘negotiating’ with God in the way you make your vows. 
Are there ways in which there may be too much emphasis on the ‘outward’ and not enough on the ‘inner’ spiritual condition in your setting?
In what ways do members of your corps work together to achieve a common good?