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If a father fails, what happens to his family? Or, suppose that the fathers in a nation fail? What happens to that nation? It will be the decision of the fathers that determines the destiny of the nation. God requires the fathers to turn to the children, then He promises the children will return to their father.

Today’s topic is such a solemn and serious subject, that Derek brings to you a special word of warning regarding conduct that undermines covenant. God’s demands for covenant commitment as the basis for relationship are clearly set forth in Scripture, as Derek will bring to light.

Using examples from the Old Testament in how God dealt with Israel in the Old Testament, Derek explains that when God redeemed Israel out of Egypt and made a covenant with them, He became their husband. This covenant relationship was as binding as that of a husband and wife, so their subsequent disobedience was referred to by their prophets as adultery.

Derek finishes this week’s study by looking at the prophetic word that he would be a teacher of the Scriptures in truth and faith and love which are in Christ Jesus for many. This became his life’s goal and through the years God brought it to fruition in Derek’s life. He discovered the order was just the way it needed to be, culminating in knowing God’s love and producing it in other people.

Derek finishes this week’s message by telling how he led his Sudanese friend, Ali, to Jesus, and the way it impacted everyone at the hospital. He then invites you to commit your life afresh to the Lord, also giving an opportunity for any listener to receive Christ and find this salvation that comes through Him alone.

We are on a journey – our Progress to Perfection – so we will never fall. The last stage of this journey is love. Just as God so loved the world, so we are to reflect His love to others – both inside and outside the family of Christ. Can we reach this objective? If we continue to steadfastly pursue these seven upward steps, we can.

The type of knowledge Derek is speaking about today is not primarily the study of many books and secular education. Instead, it is a knowledge of God’s will—spiritual knowledge and insight. It causes us to be able to distinguish between what is good and what is evil.

As the firstborn from the dead, Jesus becomes ruler of the new order—the kingdom of God—the ruler of the earth’s kings. It is conferred upon Him by God the Father. Jesus is the ruler of all rulers—all must ultimately bow to Him.

The title, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” is given to describe Jesus in the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. This indicates to us that not only was Jesus born a Jew, raised and educated as a Jew – but that He will remain a Jew until the end of days.

God identifies Himself with His own persecuted people, including the nation of Israel. The way we deal with God’s people will be judged. “When we receive a righteous man, we receive a righteous man’s reward.”