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 - 8 October 2015

Salty And Shining Disciples

A lot of times we feel small and irrelevant when the bible mentions "You are the salt and the light of the world". Because we often appear too small as we stand in this world, for it is always attacking us in every ways, causing us to easily doubt God's promise for us and His calling in our lives as a person who can truly reflect the glory of Christ in the things we do. Firstly, we really ought to be assured of who we are first. What we are is more important than what we do. We are salt and light of the world not because we have done anything great but it's solely because of Christ who loves us surpassingly, to the extent of dying on the Cross in order to set us free from the bondage of sin. And now, He is living in and through us who believe in Him - that is the reason why each child of God has the potential to influence the world with his gospel-flavored life. Because Christ is living through our limited flesh, that itself makes us the salt and light of the world. Hence, set our heart right, first. See our worthiness in Christ and have this willingness to be used by God. Retain the saltiness and let your saltiness be tasted. A little salt is all that is required to make the entire dish tasty. A little light is all that's required to drive out darkness.

Related Topics: Discipleship, Knowing Jesus | 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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