The old covenant was good and it has promises built on it, but the Word says the new covenant is better with better promises built on it. There was a flaw in the old covenant, so God brought us a better one.
The old covenant in Malachi chapter three is great. God said if you withhold your tithes and offerings, you are robbing Him. Then he goes on to say that if we bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that He will rebuke the devourer.
Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed you?” “In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts.
(Mal. 3:8-11)
That is a great promise. If we’ll bring all the tithes into the storehouse, God will rebuke the devourer. But that’s under the old covenant. It’s not bad, but it’s an old covenant promise. How could it be any better? Let me explain to you how much better it gets.
Under the new covenant Jesus gave us His blood, He gave us His name and His Word. He gave us the authority to rebuke the devil ourselves. Under the old covenant, you do what you are supposed to do and God will rebuke the devourer.
While you are waiting for Him to rebuke the devourer, you may think, “Come on! Come on! It’s rebuking time. Come on, God!” Under the new covenant we are not to wait for God to rebuke the devourer.
God is waiting for us to act on the authority He has given as a result of the blood. God has given you the name of Jesus and the power and authority to do it yourself. When the devil gets in your face, say, “I rebuke you devil in the name of Jesus.”
Jesus said, “You say to that mountain ‘be removed and be cast into the sea.'” Many times in the Bible the word “mountain” means kingdom.
Under the old covenant you did what you were supposed to do, then you waited for God to move the mountain (kingdom). Under the new covenant Jesus said, “Say to the mountain ‘be removed and cast into the sea’ and believe in your heart that those things you say will come to pass and you will have whatever you say.”
To me it’s a greater covenant and a greater promise, but with every greater promise comes greater responsibility. Under the old covenant you do what you are supposed to do and just wait for God. Under the new covenant you do what you are supposed to do, take authority yourself, and stand in faith without wavering.
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.