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 - 28 May 2015

Know And Enjoy The Power Of Gospel

All English Service

We know that we should believe in the promise of God and forsake ourselves, but our fallen nature does not allow us to do so easily, because the worldly achievements and glories look so desirable to our flesh, especially when everyone else is also pursuing these things. Actually, the hardest thing is not about being able to do it, forsake the world and love the Lord. Instead, the hardest thing is not knowing the gospel and thus unable to enjoy the power the gospel brings. How did people of great faith mentioned in Hebrews managed the difficulties of letting go of the world? In fact, they were truly people who lived in the power of the gospel! The power of gospel had moved and influenced them to the stage beyond what they had thought and imagined, not by having more of the world but being rich within. Do we yearn for such power? Often, we rush to prove ourselves through achieving good outcomes and conditions; but Christ manifest the greatest power by submitting to the Father’s will. Therefore, know the power you’re seeking today. Keep looking to Jesus and experience the change of heart. As you confirm the differences of the worldly's and God’s power, you will be increasingly thankful for the godly training God leads you in, because through it you’ll restore the glorious image of God to the fullest and enjoy the joy of an evangelist.

Related Topics: Regeneration & Sanctification | More Messages from Pastor Vincent

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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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