Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

29 Oct Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Posted at 12:03h in English Service by

Pastor Vincent - 29 May 2014

The Priceless Gospel, One That Is Truly Binding

After listening to many messages, we need to uprightly ask ourselves these questions: 1. What is gospel to you? 2. How precious is this gospel to you? (are you willing to give up your personal desires just to pursue it? How much do you need it?) 3. Are you bound to this gospel like the silken fetter? A real and progressive faith-living is one that is constantly experiencing AND confirming the work of Holy Spirit inside us. To a born again man, the gospel is not mere knowledge but the heart of God, i.e. constantly loving, tearing down the old self and rebuilding the new thinking and living system in us. This is because the working of God in people He loves is like "Silken fetters", "binding" our hearts to His love and leading, so that we are walking closer and closer with Him, and desiring to be in sync with His heart more and more. Therefore, ask yourself, is the gospel you have come to know - one that is truly binding? A gospel that is truly binding is not cheap nor easy, instead, it is priceless, the truth, and sometimes giving us difficult moments and putting us in paradoxical situations - yet with it comes the glory of God, crown of life and inner strength from the power of Holy Spirit to walk through each difficult moments.

Related Topics: Gospel Discernment | More Messages from Pastor Vincent

From Series: "All English Service"

Download Video     View Notes

More From "All English Service"

Powered by Series Engine

Abram to Abraham:
The Covenant of Circumcision


In the midst of worldly busyness and distractions, it is not easy to keep remembering and trusting God’s promises. Thus, God often uses His word and our life events to remind us and help us confirm His promises. The best part of God’s covenant is a special relationship with Him, where He assures us, saying, “I will be your God.” While it is wonderful to have God on our side, such covenantal relationship with God also implies certain obligations we have toward Him. This change of identity should also change our perspective such that we live in a way which is fitting with His grace of salvation. 
 Verses to read:
<Genesis 17:1-23>

1. Change of name (identity)

  • v5: Abram (“exalted father”) >>> Abraham: (“father of many”)
  • v15: Sarai >>> Sarah
  • Name affects a person
  • Name shapes perspective and behaviour
  • Changed names so can remember and dispel unbelief
  • After name change: God’s perspective >>> our fixed perspective
  • Forget old name, register new name, and live in a fitting way

2. God’s covenant also involves man’s obedience

1) “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless” <v1>

  • Walk before God, not man, nor self
  • Man sins due to very low view of God
  • Remember that God is Almighty <v1> >>> Trust and fear Him

2) Sign of covenant: Circumcision

  • Outward sign of inward faith
  • Reminder of obligations to God
  • Similar to New Testament baptism
  • Put away old self
  • Be set apart
  • Circumcision of the heart more important:
    <Deut 10:16> “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”
  • Irreversible: Permanent bond between God and His people

3) Obey promptly

  • <Genesis 17:26> Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day.

4) Do not let doubts hinder obedience

  • Don’t trust our doubts more than we trust God!

5) God demands total commitment

Print page
Avatar
Preacher Hui Jun
[email protected]

Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

No Comments