Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

29 Oct Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Posted at 12:03h in English Service by

Preacher Huijun - 20 November 2014

Repaying A Debt Of Love

We often think it is hard to evangelise because we are inadequate in far too many areas. For example, we cannot talk as well as the preachers in the church, we are weak in faith and thus on what grounds we can tell others how strong Christ has been in our lives, and when we look at our actions, we find ourselves committing more mistakes in life than non-believers. Actually, evangelism starts from the right heart. The central of evangelism is a person, after receiving the love and grace of God, sees how much the others around her need this love and complete gospel of God too. The burden she has for others based on the truth she has heard and convicted of propels her to speak what God wants her to speak and testify what God wants her to testify in her current conditions. When one receives the conviction to evangelise, all her conditions are conditions God will use to manifest His glory, reaching out to the harassed and helpless people in the world who are chosen to respond to the love of God. Therefore, evangelism is not an enforced activity but natural product in children of God who strive to follow God in all their ways. With this, contrary to what people of the world think, all the time, effort and things she has sacrificed in evangelising will not feel like a loss but worthwhile devotion because she sees the overflowing love she receives from God gives rise to the need to repay the debt of love of God.

Related Topics: Evangelism & Missions | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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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

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Preacher Hui Jun
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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.

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