Jackie Rodda, singing and playing the keyboard, led the praise and worship accompanied by singers Debbie and Natalie, with John Fiddy on guitar. This special time of heartfelt praise to Jesus (for paying the ultimate sacrifice for us all) was followed by a dynamic message delivered by Pastor Ed Evans on 'A Better Covenant' that Believers in the Gospel now have through Jesus. Hebrews 8 v 6. Jesus, as mediator of a better covenant, has obtained a more excellent ministry than the High Priest on the Old Covenant. Some Christians today still retain an Old Covenant mind set, despite knowing that Jesus died for their sins, that they have been forgiven and will go to heaven. The Bible tells us in Colossians 2 v 17 not to judge anyone by what they eat or drink or the religious festivals they keep as these are a shadow of things to come. The reality and fulfilment of God's promises are to be found in Jesus and as His followers we are not to walk and live in the shadows. Under the Old Covenant, God made provision for His Saints to receive blessings, prosperity, deliverance from their enemies and divine healing, through access by the High Priest and by worship, scripture and animal sacrifice. On the Day of Atonement, two goats were presented before God, one as a scapegoat for making atonement by sending it to perish in the wilderness and one to be killed as a sacrifice for sin. For the High Priest to enter the Holy of Holies, it was necessary to put incense on burning coals, creating a cloud to prevent him from seeing God as he stood before the Mercy Seat. Leviticus 16 Vs 12 and 13. Jesus, however, has entered the Throne Room and stands before the Throne of God giving access for all time to believers. Hebrews 7 v 22 states that Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. Grace and mercy flow to us like a fountain because of Jesus whose blood was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. Hebrews 8 v 1. The altar and the Mercy Seat are sprinkled with Jesus Blood, who died and now lives for us. As a result man can now be taken from satan's authority and restored to fellowship with The Father. We can be filled with the Holy Spirit and be given a Holy Boldness, which however must not be linked to an arrogance, where we take glory for ourselves. We must embrace this truth. We now have Jesus our intercessor, who receives our prayers and offers them to The Father, combined with His perfect sacrifice, to make a fragrant incense. 1 John 2 tells us Jesus is our advocate who defends us before The Father should we sin. He also is our shepherd. Jesus has taken away our sins so that we might become sons and daughters of the Living God. Our old selfish nature has been crucified with Him and we have been given a new nature Colossians 2 v 11. We are not just forgiven sinners, we are new creations where an incorruptible seed has been planted in our spirits. 2 Corinthians 4 vc 7 says we have this treasure in earthen vessels to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We have confidence in the reality of who we are in Jesus and who He is in us. Emmanuel Gospel Church, Manorbier, meets every Sunday at 10.30 am ending with tea and coffee and a time to chat. Bible study is on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm. For more information or if you would like a Pastoral visit, please 'phone (01834) 871975. Recordings of our meetings are available on our website http://www.emmanuelgospelministries.org">www.emmanuelgospelministries.org