29 Oct Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision
Pastor Vincent - 17 October 2013
Beware Of The Influence Of Sin
Man often understand sin loosely. To many, sin is committing adultery, telling lies, taking drugs, murdering and more.. But sin is more than just the action of committing the wrong doings, it is the spiritual problem inside man that slowly creeps into us, without us knowing, that drives us away from the truth of God. It takes away our wanting to approach God fearlessly and stripping away our desire to come to Him. Sin is Satan's strongest weapon against evangelism. Because the moment you separate from the love of God, you lose the conviction in testifying for God. As a result, the world attracts you for it fulfills the desires inside you; the word gives you pressure and make you feel accused, for you know the truth but you cannot do it. Slowly, we are captured by fear than love. One day, we even lose the ability to love self and others. In fact, the most frightening thing in this world is not sinning but the unconsciousness of sins. It is through regeneration in Christ (born again) that one comes to realize the depth of our sins and the immense power of the finished work on the cross. If you want to overcome sin, you have to become a new person, born again in Christ. With a new life, there will be birth of new desire - and that is to seek God always and pursue Holy Living. Come to Lord and tell Him about your sins. Taste the sweetness of repentance today and leave Satan with no room in your heart to accuse you and toy your emotions. For Satan drives you away from God using the sins, God is still loving you and waiting for you to return, just like the prodigal son. Those forgiven much, love much. A person who has tasted the immense depth of God's love will hate sins and yearn to be in sync with God and testify for Him.
From Series: "All English Service"
More From "All English Service"
|
The Covenant To The New Generation19 September 2013 |
|
|
Answers We Need To Receive For Evangelism26 September 2013 |
|
|
The Way Of Evangelism: Christ Convictions3 October 2013 |
|
|
Follow The Lord's Instruction Closely In Spiritual Battle10 October 2013 |
|
|
Beware Of The Influence Of Sin17 October 2013 |
|
|
Pray To Receive Transcending Power24 October 2013 |
|
|
The Undeserved Became The Deserving31 October 2013 |
|
|
Great Victory Comes Through Partnership With God7 November 2013 |
|
|
No Problem Too Big If You Obey14 November 2013 |
|
|
A Different Spirit That Follows The Lord Wholeheartedly21 November 2013 |
|
Powered by Series Engine
Abram to Abraham:
The Covenant of Circumcision
<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
No Comments