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 - 15 October 2015

Not Letter, But Love

All English Service

What kind of heart do you carry with yourself as you read the Word of God? The heart you carry determines the reactions that will unfold in your life, after reading the Word. Some people bring an accused heart into reading the Word, knowing that the Word has said it all, yet she is helpless in achieving it. What she should do she does not, what she should not do she does all the times. Instead of getting comfort from the Word that spells love to the heart, the accused heart causes her to unable receive grace, assurance and support from God. God wants us to restore the heart of sonship as we read the Word. He desires us to enjoy being a child of God, and thus enjoy full freedom and reconciliation with God as we seek to find Him (and His directions) through His Word. The Word is not emphasizing the set of laws to uphold but more importantly, the love of God that covers all multitude of sins. Therefore, as we read it with a heart of Child, the love that outflows from God's Word will renew and deepen our love for God increasingly, until we desire to be holy and blameless, just like Christ. Dear brethren, don't be discouraged by our failures. Instead, fight the residual lukewarmness and doubts towards God's love by knowing the love of God the way it should be, not the way we want it to be. The letter of God spells love in all its core. Taste the love.

Related Topics: Christian Virtues, Gospel Discernment | 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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