WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.040 Please do turn back to Genesis 17. We'll be looking at verses 9 to 27. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:08.380 So we've come to the end of this short series in Genesis. 00:00:08.380 --> 00:00:10.880 I'll jump back into Genesis at some point in the future, 00:00:11.019 --> 00:00:13.880 but Sam Tunnicliffe's going to be preaching next Sunday evening. 00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:17.559 We're looking at Genesis 17, verses 9 to 27. 00:00:19.400 --> 00:00:22.800 And this chapter has lots of unusual things, doesn't it? 00:00:23.480 --> 00:00:29.260 There's a covenant, promises about nations and kings, new names, and circumcision. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.640 Lots of things that seem very distant from our lives. 00:00:34.399 --> 00:00:37.840 But this chapter is doing something very important for us. 00:00:38.859 --> 00:00:42.600 God is laying out the blueprint for the church. 00:00:43.780 --> 00:00:48.620 God has promised his plan of salvation to restore this world. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:51.159 It is to make a people for himself. 00:00:51.980 --> 00:00:54.219 That is the big promise we saw last week. 00:00:54.320 --> 00:00:57.200 I will be your God and you will be my people. 00:00:57.200 --> 00:01:04.040 That is, God has chosen a people, made a contract, a covenant with that people, 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:06.939 and bound himself to them in that covenant. 00:01:07.859 --> 00:01:11.640 Bound himself to be their God and fulfill these promises. 00:01:12.820 --> 00:01:14.200 That is what the church is. 00:01:15.079 --> 00:01:18.159 We are God's people bound to him. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:25.280 And here in this passage, God is showing us what this covenant looks like. 00:01:25.939 --> 00:01:27.899 What his people will look like. 00:01:27.959 --> 00:01:29.599 How God relates to them. 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:30.819 Who they are. 00:01:30.939 --> 00:01:31.700 How they function. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:35.420 How God's promises and salvation comes to that people. 00:01:35.840 --> 00:01:38.179 And how we are to hold on to them. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:39.959 It's a blueprint. 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:40.259 A blueprint. 00:01:42.679 --> 00:01:46.419 Of having their own unique relationship with God. 00:01:47.439 --> 00:01:50.379 And people can speak of it very much on our own terms. 00:01:51.500 --> 00:01:55.819 They might say, you know, I like to think of my relationship with God like this. 00:01:56.479 --> 00:01:58.280 This is who I think God is. 00:01:58.379 --> 00:02:00.159 And this is how I connect with him. 00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:03.819 And it's true, we do have a relationship with him. 00:02:04.280 --> 00:02:06.060 But it's not on our terms. 00:02:07.179 --> 00:02:10.879 No, God is saying this is what the relationship is to look like. 00:02:11.359 --> 00:02:12.639 It's this covenant. 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:19.099 In short, this is the blueprint for what the church is to look like. 00:02:20.139 --> 00:02:23.639 This is like the architect's design for God's people. 00:02:24.740 --> 00:02:26.759 Because remember, look back to verse 7. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:34.419 This is an eternal covenant running right up to now, into the future, running throughout our lives. 00:02:34.840 --> 00:02:35.819 And in the church today. 00:02:35.979 --> 00:02:39.039 We, the church, we are God's people in this covenant. 00:02:40.840 --> 00:02:44.180 And this is God telling us, okay, now you are my people. 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:46.340 This is my blueprint. 00:02:46.519 --> 00:02:49.859 This is my design for how this covenant will play out. 00:02:51.159 --> 00:02:56.579 Which is why, in verse 9, do you see, God begins with, as for you. 00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:01.719 Up until now, God has been saying, as for me, what God will do. 00:03:02.259 --> 00:03:04.299 As for me, I am God Almighty. 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:06.079 I have made you. 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:07.560 I will be to you. 00:03:07.659 --> 00:03:09.000 I will bless you. 00:03:09.879 --> 00:03:11.319 That's what God will do. 00:03:11.399 --> 00:03:17.479 But now, Abraham, as for you, this is what happens on your side of the contract. 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:20.919 This is what my people will look like. 00:03:20.979 --> 00:03:24.579 And how you keep this covenant and stay in it. 00:03:25.399 --> 00:03:26.759 These are the blueprints. 00:03:27.359 --> 00:03:28.239 Now, follow them. 00:03:29.699 --> 00:03:31.639 But remember, this is still gracious. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:34.219 This is all grace. 00:03:34.339 --> 00:03:36.679 This is God providing the plans. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:40.580 And he's doing this for a doubt-filled and fear-filled Abraham. 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:49.439 For those who are fearful of the future, filled with doubts about, can God really bring any blessing to my life? 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:57.979 And for those just feeling small and weak in a cursed world, well, God says, here are my designs for the church. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:04.219 For you to be safe in and reassured in and to find real blessing. 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:08.240 And so I want us to look at these blueprints today. 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:13.419 And I want us to see how God's covenant works in our lives. 00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:20.420 And the first and very important thing to see is God's covenant has a sign. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:22.740 God's covenant has a sign. 00:04:23.620 --> 00:04:24.500 Look at verse 10. 00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:31.300 This is my covenant, which you shall keep between me and you and your offspring after you. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:33.920 Every male among you shall be circumcised. 00:04:34.220 --> 00:04:37.100 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:41.860 And it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 00:04:43.080 --> 00:04:53.220 So God makes a covenant, a binding contract with Abraham to be his God and to bless him and to make nations come from Abraham and save the world through him. 00:04:53.600 --> 00:04:56.560 To finally bring the savior serpent crusher. 00:04:57.860 --> 00:05:01.080 But these promises, they don't just stay verbal. 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:08.319 No, God also gives a physical sign to confirm these promises. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:15.879 This sign is like God's official stamp that God stamps onto Abraham to say, 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:18.800 This promise really is for you. 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:27.160 So you know when you get a stamp in your passport that says you are officially, truly allowed into this country. 00:05:28.259 --> 00:05:33.300 Well, this sign is like God saying you are officially, truly my people. 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:39.280 It's like in word God says, I will be your God. 00:05:40.079 --> 00:05:45.000 But when someone has this sign, God is saying, I will be your God. 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:53.939 Abraham, if you have any fears about anything that I'm doing in this world for you, here is a sign showing you. 00:05:53.939 --> 00:05:59.399 So this sign, it's not just an extra visual aid. 00:05:59.719 --> 00:06:02.420 No, it is inseparably tied to the covenant. 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:06.540 In fact, it is so tied that it is called the covenant. 00:06:06.819 --> 00:06:07.279 Verse 10. 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:09.699 This is my covenant. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:11.420 The sign. 00:06:12.540 --> 00:06:15.720 To have this sign is to be in the covenant. 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:17.959 Officially stamping it on Abraham. 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:25.959 And so this sign is key to understanding what God is doing among his people. 00:06:26.859 --> 00:06:28.399 How this covenant works. 00:06:29.839 --> 00:06:30.839 And what is the sign? 00:06:32.039 --> 00:06:34.579 Let's get the awkwardness out of the way, shall we? 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:36.659 The sign is circumcision. 00:06:37.839 --> 00:06:39.579 And let's get more awkwardness out of the way. 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:41.899 If you don't know what circumcision is, 00:06:41.899 --> 00:06:46.000 circumcision is when you cut off some of the flesh, 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:48.339 some of the unclean skin, 00:06:48.919 --> 00:06:51.519 from the end of a male's reproductive part. 00:06:52.239 --> 00:06:55.639 And usually a knife or a sharp stone was used to do that. 00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:59.819 And it was to be done to every baby boy in this covenant, 00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:00.899 eight days old. 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:02.239 Do you see that in verse 12? 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:04.819 That's what circumcision is. 00:07:05.339 --> 00:07:07.639 It's the cutting off of flesh. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:12.120 And there's a reason I wanted to preach Genesis in the evening service. 00:07:12.800 --> 00:07:13.560 Because in the morning, 00:07:13.819 --> 00:07:15.879 preachers have to make a kid's sheet for sermons. 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:17.879 And I don't want to make that. 00:07:18.039 --> 00:07:19.740 And no one wants to color that in. 00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:27.519 But with that out of the way, 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:30.899 it is worth asking, 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:35.759 why this sign of everything? 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:39.180 Why not cut off anything else? 00:07:40.740 --> 00:07:42.319 Well, although it is a bit awkward, 00:07:42.539 --> 00:07:46.839 this sign is actually really appropriate to the covenant. 00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:53.800 This sign gives clarity to how exactly God is making a people, 00:07:53.959 --> 00:07:54.639 bringing blessing, 00:07:54.819 --> 00:07:56.980 how he is saving this world. 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:01.920 So just think of how a sign points to a reality. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:04.420 So you know when you're on the motorway 00:08:04.420 --> 00:08:06.379 and you see a sign, 00:08:06.560 --> 00:08:08.140 a blue sign on the motorway, 00:08:08.580 --> 00:08:09.939 and it's got a picture on it, 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:12.340 and you see a knife and a fork symbol. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.840 That's a sign saying, 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:16.939 service station one mile ahead. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:20.040 And that is an appropriate sign 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:22.020 because that knife and fork 00:08:22.020 --> 00:08:23.939 accurately tells you 00:08:23.939 --> 00:08:25.340 about the reality up ahead. 00:08:26.200 --> 00:08:28.160 There is food and rest 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:30.259 and knives and forks up ahead, 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:30.860 one mile. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:34.240 A picture of a deer on that road sign 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:35.259 wouldn't tell you that. 00:08:35.360 --> 00:08:38.399 No, the sign tells you about the reality. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.639 Well, this sign, circumcision, 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:45.440 tells you about the deeper reality 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:47.340 of God's promise in the covenant. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:51.519 But what is circumcision telling us? 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:56.139 Why has God given this sign of all things? 00:08:56.139 --> 00:08:58.840 Well, I want us to see a few things. 00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:04.519 First, circumcision physically marks out 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:06.240 who God's people are. 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:08.740 That's why verse 14, 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:12.639 God says anyone who does not have this sign 00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:14.860 will be cut off from God's people. 00:09:16.120 --> 00:09:18.919 This is how God marks out the boundary 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:19.919 of his people, 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:21.639 like the stamp in the passport. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:24.379 Those aren't my people over there, 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:26.000 but you, with this sign, 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:27.620 you are my people. 00:09:28.899 --> 00:09:30.840 So I don't treat you like 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:32.659 I treat everyone else out there. 00:09:33.740 --> 00:09:35.539 No, my covenant and blessing 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:37.580 and all the benefits are with you. 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:41.100 And likewise, as for you, 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:44.179 you mustn't act like everyone else out there, 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:45.659 like the nations out there. 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:49.759 No, you have special obligations to me now. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:52.759 You are to walk before me 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:55.019 and believe these promises. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:59.379 This sign physically marks out 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:01.220 God's people as separate 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:02.840 and holy to the Lord. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:06.559 And also, circumcision, 00:10:06.779 --> 00:10:09.860 it not only shows who God's people are, 00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:13.679 but how God's people are made right with God. 00:10:14.840 --> 00:10:17.039 By cutting off the flesh, 00:10:17.559 --> 00:10:19.100 God is showing that salvation 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:22.220 will not happen by your flesh. 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:24.639 It's not your strength. 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:26.120 It's not from you, 00:10:26.560 --> 00:10:28.820 but salvation will only come from God. 00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:32.600 That's partly why it happens at eight days old. 00:10:32.820 --> 00:10:34.360 It's not about the child 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:36.820 earning righteousness before God. 00:10:37.220 --> 00:10:40.340 It's just graciously given to the helpless, 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:45.360 which says something about how covenant signs work. 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:48.100 They are not primarily about us 00:10:48.100 --> 00:10:50.759 declaring our faith to God. 00:10:51.220 --> 00:10:55.920 They are God declaring his faithfulness to us. 00:10:57.920 --> 00:11:00.220 And there's another significance in circumcision. 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:03.460 There's a reason it's in that place, 00:11:03.460 --> 00:11:09.120 because that is where the promise of offspring and nations will come from. 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:11.820 God is saying to Abraham, 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:13.440 the future of your family 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:15.780 and the future of the world, 00:11:15.920 --> 00:11:17.560 it is all under my control. 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:20.679 And the Savior will arrive. 00:11:20.679 --> 00:11:24.019 But it won't happen through Hagar. 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:27.679 It will happen through 89-year-old Sarai, 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:30.639 which is why in verse 15, 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:34.259 Sarai is renamed Sarah. 00:11:35.259 --> 00:11:38.199 Sarai literally means my princess. 00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:43.100 But now she is being renamed Sarah, 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:45.220 which just means princess. 00:11:46.280 --> 00:11:49.740 So she was princess to King Abraham, 00:11:50.200 --> 00:11:52.720 but now she's going to be princess 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:56.080 to another greater king, 00:11:56.560 --> 00:11:59.820 a king who will come from her womb. 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:02.780 So they don't realize it, 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:05.420 but this is God's sign saying, 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:08.099 I am going to bring Christ, 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:10.639 even if it takes a miracle birth. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:15.479 This sign is about guaranteeing the impossible. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.639 But circumcision shows something else, 00:12:19.819 --> 00:12:20.860 something spiritual. 00:12:22.219 --> 00:12:26.939 Because circumcision cuts off the unclean parts of the body, 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:31.659 this shows what God will do to his people's hearts. 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:36.480 He will cut off the unclean and the sinful, 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:38.600 circumcise our hearts, 00:12:38.939 --> 00:12:40.199 and make them new. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.919 So just like in surgery, 00:12:43.219 --> 00:12:45.199 you cut off the infected bits, 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:47.199 and you save the patient, don't you? 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:50.019 Well, God is saving his people 00:12:50.019 --> 00:12:52.459 by circumcising our hearts, 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:56.139 which is why boys were to be circumcised 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:58.179 on the eighth day of all days. 00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:01.019 Creation happened in how many days? 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:01.860 Seven. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:05.279 But what does day eight signify? 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:07.579 New creation. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:11.419 God is marking out his people 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:12.379 and saying, 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:15.840 you are my new creation with new hearts. 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:21.019 And so circumcision is not a random sign. 00:13:21.139 --> 00:13:22.340 No, it is really appropriate. 00:13:22.579 --> 00:13:23.340 God is saying, 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:26.159 the great reality of this sign, 00:13:26.579 --> 00:13:27.639 being my people, 00:13:27.819 --> 00:13:28.600 being righteous, 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.879 not because of your flesh, 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:30.960 but because of me, 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:32.320 the promise of offspring, 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.580 and a saviour, 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.779 and circumcised hearts, 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:37.860 that promise really is for you. 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:40.399 It belongs to you. 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:42.259 You are in this covenant, 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:44.639 and I am bound to you. 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:49.639 But there is one other thing circumcision shows. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.120 This sign is very appropriate 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.639 because it shows 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:57.179 all this will happen 00:13:57.179 --> 00:13:58.580 through judgment, 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:03.299 by flesh being cut off, 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:07.019 and by blood being shed. 00:14:07.019 --> 00:14:10.139 This is a sign 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:13.100 pointing to the greater reality 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:14.879 of the crucifixion. 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:17.220 In fact, 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:18.279 Colossians 2 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.460 even calls 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:20.819 the death of Christ 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:22.939 the circumcision of Christ. 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:27.039 Because how is the uncleanness 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:28.360 of our hearts taken away? 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:30.919 by our sin 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:33.019 being placed on one man 00:14:33.019 --> 00:14:34.639 and him 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:36.300 being cut off 00:14:36.300 --> 00:14:37.120 in his flesh. 00:14:38.440 --> 00:14:40.320 And how is the curse 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:41.680 of this world undone? 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:43.240 By the curse 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.940 falling on one man. 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.840 And how does God 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:48.879 create a new people, 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:49.960 a new creation, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:52.220 cleansed and made right with God? 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:53.600 It is by blood 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.840 being shed. 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:56.759 flesh 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:58.080 torn apart. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:14:59.840 Nails 00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:00.440 driven 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:01.620 through flesh. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:03.580 It is through 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:04.139 judgment. 00:15:06.540 --> 00:15:08.100 And from that, 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:09.519 blessing 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:11.240 gets poured out 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:11.840 into the world. 00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:14.820 This is how God 00:15:14.820 --> 00:15:16.259 claims a people 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:17.480 and claims 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:18.820 nations for himself. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:22.320 We are seeing here 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.580 the blueprint 00:15:23.580 --> 00:15:25.520 for how the church 00:15:25.520 --> 00:15:26.060 is made. 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:28.420 Christ 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:30.080 claims his church 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:32.160 through his flesh 00:15:32.160 --> 00:15:33.520 being cut off. 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:37.400 And so as the church, 00:15:37.560 --> 00:15:37.800 we, 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:39.680 we have a remarkable 00:15:39.680 --> 00:15:40.280 privilege. 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:43.759 God has separated us 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:44.400 from the world 00:15:44.400 --> 00:15:45.560 and he says to us, 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.180 I treat you differently 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:48.000 to how I treat 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:48.780 anyone else. 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:51.620 You are mine. 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:54.100 You are my covenant 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:54.620 people. 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:55.879 You are holy 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:56.360 to me 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:56.840 and I've 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:58.179 bound myself 00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:58.779 to you 00:15:58.779 --> 00:15:59.480 through the blood 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.139 of Christ 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:01.419 and I will 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:02.039 bless you 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:02.679 in my son. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.879 And so this sign, 00:16:06.560 --> 00:16:07.799 it isn't just a 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:09.060 helpful illustration 00:16:09.060 --> 00:16:09.620 for Abraham. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:09.860 No, 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:10.620 this sign 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.259 is God 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.039 declaring 00:16:12.039 --> 00:16:12.899 centuries 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:14.200 before the reality, 00:16:15.179 --> 00:16:15.560 Abraham, 00:16:16.700 --> 00:16:17.659 the saviour 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.419 is coming 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.899 and he's 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.919 already yours 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:21.459 now. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:24.659 Which goes 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:25.199 to show 00:16:25.199 --> 00:16:26.799 this is how 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.539 believers were 00:16:27.539 --> 00:16:28.079 saved in the 00:16:28.079 --> 00:16:28.539 Old Testament. 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.719 Although Christ 00:16:30.719 --> 00:16:31.620 wasn't born yet 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.219 to this point, 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:33.120 they still 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:33.879 had faith 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.259 in him 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.799 because they 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.839 had faith 00:16:36.839 --> 00:16:37.860 in the promise 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:38.719 that he will 00:16:38.719 --> 00:16:39.000 come. 00:16:40.559 --> 00:16:41.240 You can think 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.539 of the story 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:43.059 of the Bible 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:43.979 like a tapestry 00:16:43.979 --> 00:16:45.959 and from Genesis 00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:46.639 onwards, 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.959 we see 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:49.139 the tapestry 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:50.840 slowly unfolding. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.120 We are 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:53.440 seeing it 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:53.960 unfold 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:54.920 bit by 00:16:54.920 --> 00:16:55.500 bit. 00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:57.259 In a way, 00:16:57.680 --> 00:16:58.259 it's already 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:58.580 written, 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.019 it's already 00:16:59.019 --> 00:16:59.560 been made, 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:00.240 God's written 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:00.400 it, 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:00.720 but we're 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.460 just seeing 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.200 it unfold. 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:04.700 And when we 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:05.279 get to the 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:06.100 New Testament, 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.840 it unfolds 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:09.000 finally in all 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.720 its glory 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.660 to reveal 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.440 Jesus Christ. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:13.600 all the 00:17:13.600 --> 00:17:14.240 threads of 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.920 the tapestry 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:15.559 that they 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.299 all lead 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.019 up to him 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.340 and are 00:17:17.340 --> 00:17:18.080 connected to 00:17:18.080 --> 00:17:18.400 him. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:19.600 And so if 00:17:19.600 --> 00:17:20.259 you hold 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:21.200 on to one 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:21.759 thread in 00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:22.080 the Old 00:17:22.080 --> 00:17:22.559 Testament, 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:23.620 you are 00:17:23.620 --> 00:17:24.180 actually 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:25.180 holding on 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:25.799 to Christ. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.320 Well, 00:17:28.340 --> 00:17:28.799 that is what's 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:29.380 going on here. 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:31.620 The promise 00:17:31.620 --> 00:17:32.620 and covenant 00:17:32.620 --> 00:17:33.220 and sign 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:33.960 that this is 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:34.940 the thread 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:36.120 Abraham is 00:17:36.120 --> 00:17:36.740 holding on 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:37.080 to. 00:17:37.580 --> 00:17:38.700 He's to hold 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.180 on to it 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:39.960 and to believe 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:40.220 it. 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:42.700 We look 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.360 back to 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:44.380 Christ and 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:45.080 Abraham looks 00:17:45.080 --> 00:17:45.660 forward, 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.039 but it's 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.820 all the same 00:17:47.820 --> 00:17:48.299 saviour, 00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:48.820 the same 00:17:48.820 --> 00:17:49.279 reality. 00:17:51.380 --> 00:17:52.279 So we are 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:53.000 looking at 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:53.580 the early 00:17:53.580 --> 00:17:54.059 blueprints 00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:54.340 of the 00:17:54.340 --> 00:17:56.360 church and 00:17:56.360 --> 00:17:56.840 how this 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:57.039 covenant 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.420 works. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:57.880 God's 00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:58.180 covenant 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:59.420 has a 00:17:59.420 --> 00:17:59.799 sign. 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:01.820 But we 00:18:01.820 --> 00:18:02.480 also see, 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:02.900 it's my 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:03.480 second point, 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:04.059 God's 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:04.340 covenant 00:18:04.340 --> 00:18:05.160 is with 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:05.840 families. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.120 God's 00:18:09.120 --> 00:18:09.380 covenant 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:09.799 is with 00:18:09.799 --> 00:18:10.279 families. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.200 So if 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:12.799 God marks 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.160 out his 00:18:13.160 --> 00:18:13.720 people with 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.340 this sign, 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:15.559 who does 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:15.880 he mark 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:16.100 out? 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:16.740 Verse 12, 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:19.440 Abraham is 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:19.700 to be 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:20.460 circumcised 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:22.100 and every 00:18:22.100 --> 00:18:22.420 boy, 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:22.900 eight days 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:23.259 old in 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:23.840 his household, 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.039 his children. 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:27.400 And that 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:27.960 is because 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:28.940 who is 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:29.559 this covenant 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:30.039 with? 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.539 Who is 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.360 God making 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:33.080 these promises 00:18:33.080 --> 00:18:33.500 to? 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:34.120 It's to 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:34.600 Abraham 00:18:34.600 --> 00:18:36.180 and his 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:36.539 offspring. 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:38.519 God's 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:38.879 covenant 00:18:38.879 --> 00:18:39.539 is with 00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:40.359 families. 00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:42.500 God 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:42.859 says, 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:43.579 I will 00:18:43.579 --> 00:18:44.139 be your 00:18:44.139 --> 00:18:44.779 God and 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.279 you will 00:18:45.279 --> 00:18:45.659 be my 00:18:45.659 --> 00:18:46.639 people to 00:18:46.639 --> 00:18:47.279 believers 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:48.500 and their 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:48.940 children. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.079 This is 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:51.639 how the 00:18:51.639 --> 00:18:51.899 covenant 00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:52.339 works. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:52.799 God 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.420 works 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:53.740 through 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.579 families, 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:56.619 which is 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.299 why the 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:57.960 sign is 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:58.339 to be 00:18:58.339 --> 00:18:58.859 for the 00:18:58.859 --> 00:18:59.259 males 00:18:59.259 --> 00:18:59.740 of the 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.159 household. 00:19:01.379 --> 00:19:01.980 So men 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.559 are the 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.319 heads and 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:03.500 the 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.059 representatives 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.899 of their 00:19:04.899 --> 00:19:05.480 families. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:06.779 And so 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.379 when God 00:19:07.379 --> 00:19:08.079 stamps his 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:08.720 promise on 00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.299 them, 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:10.859 God is 00:19:10.859 --> 00:19:11.579 claiming that 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:13.539 person and 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.539 their families. 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:16.799 Which is 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.500 also why even 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:18.259 servants were 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:18.619 included. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.039 Did you see 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.259 that in 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:19.720 verse 12? 00:19:20.679 --> 00:19:21.379 Every male 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:21.879 throughout your 00:19:21.879 --> 00:19:22.399 generations, 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:22.960 whether born 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:23.279 in your 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.079 house or 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:24.639 bought with 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:25.179 your money 00:19:25.179 --> 00:19:25.839 from any 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:26.460 foreigner who 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.240 is not of 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:27.399 your 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:27.740 offspring. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.279 And this 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.139 goes against 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:31.899 our modern 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:33.859 individualistic 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:34.699 instincts, 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.179 doesn't it? 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:36.979 We can be 00:19:36.979 --> 00:19:37.459 quick to 00:19:37.459 --> 00:19:37.859 think, 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.119 well, 00:19:38.219 --> 00:19:39.759 salvation is 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.319 just about 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:40.779 me and 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.179 God and 00:19:41.179 --> 00:19:41.639 that's it. 00:19:42.979 --> 00:19:43.339 And yes, 00:19:43.399 --> 00:19:43.639 of course, 00:19:43.699 --> 00:19:44.599 we relate to 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:45.479 God personally 00:19:45.479 --> 00:19:46.359 and God 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:46.919 saves 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:47.619 individuals. 00:19:48.679 --> 00:19:49.559 But as we 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.199 see these 00:19:50.199 --> 00:19:50.859 blueprints, 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:51.799 God's plan 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.139 for his 00:19:52.139 --> 00:19:52.479 people, 00:19:52.719 --> 00:19:53.579 it's far 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:54.039 bigger than 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:54.259 that. 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.619 God saves 00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:57.479 in covenant 00:19:57.479 --> 00:19:58.439 and that 00:19:58.439 --> 00:19:59.419 covenant is 00:19:59.419 --> 00:20:00.719 with families 00:20:00.719 --> 00:20:02.779 and that 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.099 includes 00:20:03.099 --> 00:20:03.619 children. 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:05.979 even before 00:20:05.979 --> 00:20:06.339 they could 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:06.939 talk or 00:20:06.939 --> 00:20:07.179 even 00:20:07.179 --> 00:20:07.759 understand 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:08.039 these 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.379 promises, 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.139 yet God 00:20:09.139 --> 00:20:10.759 sees the 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:11.439 children of 00:20:11.439 --> 00:20:11.899 believers 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:13.019 differently. 00:20:14.479 --> 00:20:14.899 There is 00:20:14.899 --> 00:20:15.319 something 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:16.240 different for 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.939 those children 00:20:16.939 --> 00:20:17.319 than the 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:17.819 children of 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:18.679 the pagan 00:20:18.679 --> 00:20:19.579 families in 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:19.959 Canaan. 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:21.719 God says to 00:20:21.719 --> 00:20:22.519 that eight-day-old 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:22.839 newborn, 00:20:23.079 --> 00:20:23.839 these promises 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:24.819 are for you, 00:20:24.959 --> 00:20:25.539 little child, 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:27.240 and I am 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:27.959 marking you 00:20:27.959 --> 00:20:28.459 out as 00:20:28.459 --> 00:20:29.000 mine. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:31.339 Now, 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:31.719 that doesn't 00:20:31.719 --> 00:20:32.159 mean they are 00:20:32.159 --> 00:20:33.079 magically instantly 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:34.299 saved as 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:34.679 soon as the 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:35.199 blade hit the 00:20:35.199 --> 00:20:35.539 flesh. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:36.919 No, it 00:20:36.919 --> 00:20:37.799 still requires 00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.299 faith. 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:39.799 It requires 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.559 God's people 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:41.199 to believe 00:20:41.199 --> 00:20:41.939 this sign 00:20:41.939 --> 00:20:42.619 and trust 00:20:42.619 --> 00:20:43.079 the promises 00:20:43.079 --> 00:20:43.500 God has 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:43.839 made. 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:45.319 It still 00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:45.779 requires 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:46.639 surrender and 00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:47.779 holding on to 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.500 that tapestry 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:50.079 thread for 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:50.740 adults and 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:51.179 children. 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:52.919 Yet God 00:20:52.919 --> 00:20:53.960 graciously says 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:54.859 this covenant 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:55.899 is with you 00:20:55.899 --> 00:20:56.839 and your 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.220 family. 00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:59.400 the promises 00:20:59.400 --> 00:20:59.759 are for 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.420 all of you. 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:02.640 You're born 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.480 into this 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.120 covenant and 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:04.799 now by 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.240 faith never 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:06.740 leave it. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.700 And so it 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.400 is possible 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.779 to break 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.380 this covenant 00:21:12.380 --> 00:21:13.700 with unbelief. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.120 That's why 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:15.819 verse 14 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:16.339 speaks of 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:16.839 people being 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:17.700 cut off from 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:18.100 the covenant. 00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:20.259 We see that 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:21.200 with Esau, 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:21.940 we see that 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.700 with rebellious 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.140 Israel. 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:23.259 Ishmael. 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.940 We even see 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:25.420 it here with 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:26.100 Ishmael. 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:26.720 Look at verse 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.259 25. 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.759 Ishmael is 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.580 circumcised. 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.480 He's in the 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:31.780 covenant. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.540 Yet, look back 00:21:33.540 --> 00:21:34.280 to verse 21. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.360 But I will 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:37.240 establish my 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:37.840 covenant with 00:21:37.840 --> 00:21:38.440 Isaac. 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:41.340 It is possible 00:21:41.340 --> 00:21:42.300 to be in the 00:21:42.300 --> 00:21:43.040 covenant but not 00:21:43.040 --> 00:21:44.340 actually of the 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:44.580 covenant. 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.320 You can be 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:47.100 circumcised in 00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:48.680 the flesh but 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:49.660 not in the 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.020 heart. 00:21:52.020 --> 00:21:52.920 And so we 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:53.700 see in this 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:55.580 blueprint what 00:21:55.580 --> 00:21:56.360 the church is 00:21:56.360 --> 00:21:56.700 like. 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:59.000 The church is 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.900 going to be a 00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:01.100 mix of Ishmael's 00:22:01.100 --> 00:22:01.920 and Isaac's. 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:04.180 God's people, 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:05.200 it's never 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:07.080 purely only 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:07.920 belief this 00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:08.539 side of heaven. 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:10.400 No, it's 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:11.060 mixed. 00:22:12.320 --> 00:22:13.500 Some won't 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:14.160 believe the 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:14.880 promises given 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:15.240 to them. 00:22:16.820 --> 00:22:17.660 And sadly, 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:18.480 we've seen that, 00:22:18.560 --> 00:22:18.860 haven't we? 00:22:20.100 --> 00:22:21.019 People walking 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:21.600 away from the 00:22:21.600 --> 00:22:21.960 faith. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:23.319 both adults 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.799 and children. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.140 It's a painful 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:26.420 breaking of the 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:26.660 covenant. 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:29.380 But that isn't 00:22:29.380 --> 00:22:30.100 because God's 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:30.840 promises have 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:31.160 failed. 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:32.840 It's because they 00:22:32.840 --> 00:22:33.340 haven't been 00:22:33.340 --> 00:22:33.819 believed. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.680 But this isn't 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:37.519 to fill us with 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:39.420 doubt or to 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:40.120 make us worry 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.620 about our 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:40.900 children. 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.559 No, this is 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:42.400 here to help us 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:43.940 understand the 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.600 nature of the 00:22:44.600 --> 00:22:46.779 church and make 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.579 us realize what 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.360 we need to do. 00:22:48.359 --> 00:22:49.359 God has given 00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:51.240 us promises and 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.279 we must believe 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:52.559 them. 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:54.799 As the church, 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:55.779 we are in this 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.139 covenant. 00:22:56.719 --> 00:22:57.419 We have the 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.379 promises and now 00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:59.519 we must never, 00:22:59.719 --> 00:23:00.859 ever leave. 00:23:02.119 --> 00:23:02.859 Because the 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:03.939 blessing is only 00:23:03.939 --> 00:23:04.559 found here. 00:23:05.939 --> 00:23:06.719 This is the 00:23:06.719 --> 00:23:07.639 only place we 00:23:07.639 --> 00:23:08.859 can be sure God 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:10.299 is my God and 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:11.619 I am cleansed by 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:12.079 the blood of 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:12.319 Jesus. 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:12.519 us. 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.299 And like 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:15.819 Abraham, we 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.700 need to recognize 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.399 the sign God 00:23:17.399 --> 00:23:18.119 has given us 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:19.759 and believe it. 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.679 But what is the 00:23:22.679 --> 00:23:23.319 sign for us? 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.899 If this is the 00:23:25.899 --> 00:23:26.480 blueprint of the 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.839 church, if this 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:28.579 is the same 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.639 eternal covenant 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.679 we're in now, 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:31.700 what is the sign 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.200 we have? 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:33.740 Well, it's no 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.679 longer circumcision. 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:36.579 God's covenant 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.819 sign is now 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.559 baptism. 00:23:39.720 --> 00:23:40.460 That's my third 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:41.039 and final point 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.279 today. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.160 God's covenant 00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:43.379 sign is now 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:43.839 baptism. 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.339 Listen to these 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:46.759 words from 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.399 Colossians 2. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.759 In Christ 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:51.279 also you 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:52.639 were circumcised 00:23:52.639 --> 00:23:53.740 with a 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.339 circumcision 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.019 made without 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:56.500 hands by 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.079 putting off 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.619 the body of 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:58.139 the flesh 00:23:58.139 --> 00:23:59.359 by the 00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:00.299 circumcision of 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:00.759 Christ, 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.299 having been 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:02.920 buried with 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:04.059 him in 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:04.559 baptism. 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.799 If Christ's 00:24:07.799 --> 00:24:09.160 death is the 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:10.220 true circumcision, 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:10.940 the reality 00:24:10.940 --> 00:24:12.160 Abraham's 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.480 circumcision was 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:14.460 pointing forward 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:15.580 to, well 00:24:15.580 --> 00:24:17.059 baptism is now 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:18.120 the new sign 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.940 that points 00:24:18.940 --> 00:24:20.440 back to that 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.160 same reality. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.779 And it works 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:24.320 with the same 00:24:24.320 --> 00:24:24.940 blueprints. 00:24:25.140 --> 00:24:25.759 It is in 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.539 baptism that 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:28.180 God marks out 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:28.680 his people. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.519 It is his 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.700 covenant sign 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:33.160 to separate his 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.220 holy people from 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.660 the world. 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:36.960 God's sign 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:37.580 pointing us 00:24:37.580 --> 00:24:38.820 back to the 00:24:38.820 --> 00:24:40.340 deeper spiritual 00:24:40.340 --> 00:24:40.920 reality. 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.840 In baptism 00:24:41.840 --> 00:24:42.880 God declares 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:43.519 to us 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:45.100 you are 00:24:45.100 --> 00:24:46.100 washed by the 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:46.380 blood of 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:46.740 Christ. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.420 You have 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:49.100 died with 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:49.460 him and 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.160 now you 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.000 have my 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.460 promised 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:52.340 spirit poured 00:24:52.340 --> 00:24:52.900 out on you. 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:55.000 And so 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:55.800 baptism is 00:24:55.800 --> 00:24:56.560 fundamentally 00:24:56.560 --> 00:24:57.680 not about 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.920 us declaring 00:24:58.920 --> 00:24:59.940 our faith to 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.560 God or to 00:25:00.560 --> 00:25:01.140 the world. 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:03.000 No, baptism 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.640 is God 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:04.820 declaring his 00:25:04.820 --> 00:25:06.180 faithfulness to 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:06.580 us. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.800 I am your 00:25:08.800 --> 00:25:09.220 God. 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:11.700 It is his 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:13.060 official stamp 00:25:13.060 --> 00:25:13.560 on us 00:25:13.560 --> 00:25:14.960 showing these 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.980 promises really 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:16.600 are for you. 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:18.660 Now always 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:19.460 trust me and 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:19.860 don't go 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:20.720 anywhere else. 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:24.040 God knows 00:25:24.040 --> 00:25:24.460 we have 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:24.880 doubts. 00:25:26.580 --> 00:25:26.800 And so 00:25:26.800 --> 00:25:27.600 God says 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:28.920 look to your 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:29.340 baptism. 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:31.399 if you 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:32.139 have doubts 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.899 and fears 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.259 and you 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.959 feel wobbly 00:25:33.959 --> 00:25:34.240 in the 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.199 faith and 00:25:35.199 --> 00:25:35.619 you wonder 00:25:35.619 --> 00:25:36.399 is this 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.179 really for 00:25:37.179 --> 00:25:37.459 me? 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.199 And it 00:25:39.199 --> 00:25:39.679 is very 00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:40.279 easy to 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:40.740 look into 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.419 ourselves and 00:25:41.419 --> 00:25:41.859 see our 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:42.839 sin and 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:43.459 our weakness 00:25:43.459 --> 00:25:44.000 and to 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.259 doubt 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:44.759 everything. 00:25:46.039 --> 00:25:46.639 Well if 00:25:46.639 --> 00:25:47.319 that's you 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:48.939 that's exactly 00:25:48.939 --> 00:25:49.399 what Abraham 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:49.899 went through. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.099 But God 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.799 says when you 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:53.259 have those 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:53.899 doubts don't 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:54.279 look in 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.919 look out. 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.699 Look at 00:25:56.699 --> 00:25:57.459 the sign 00:25:57.459 --> 00:25:58.139 God has 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.699 given you. 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.299 in your 00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:00.080 baptism 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:01.799 God says 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.120 I am 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:03.840 your 00:26:03.840 --> 00:26:04.519 God 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:06.539 and with 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.120 me you 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:07.900 may have 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.539 wobbles 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:10.120 but I 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.700 will never 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:11.080 let you 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:11.340 fall. 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.400 But let's 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:15.059 also address 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.640 the question 00:26:15.640 --> 00:26:16.180 that may be 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:16.440 on your 00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:16.860 mind. 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:18.440 If this 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:18.880 is how the 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:19.080 covenant 00:26:19.080 --> 00:26:19.559 works and 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:19.960 this is how 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:20.559 God deals 00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:20.900 with his 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.380 people and 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:21.799 this is the 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.360 blueprint for 00:26:22.360 --> 00:26:23.039 the church 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:25.039 then that 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.640 means this 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.059 eternal 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:27.080 covenant is 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:27.700 still for 00:26:27.700 --> 00:26:29.240 us and 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.600 for our 00:26:29.600 --> 00:26:29.940 children. 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:32.039 God is 00:26:32.039 --> 00:26:33.059 still working 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:33.840 through families 00:26:33.840 --> 00:26:34.240 today. 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:35.100 That is why 00:26:35.100 --> 00:26:35.860 at Pentecost 00:26:35.860 --> 00:26:36.720 Peter preaches 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.720 the promises 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.500 for you 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.840 and for 00:26:39.840 --> 00:26:40.519 your children 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.559 and all 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:41.819 who are 00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:42.319 far off. 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.319 It's why 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:44.880 Paul says 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:45.200 in 1 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.640 Corinthians 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.019 when a 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:46.360 believing 00:26:46.360 --> 00:26:47.039 parent has 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.440 a child 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:47.960 that child 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:49.140 is holy. 00:26:50.860 --> 00:26:51.380 Our 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:52.000 children 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.900 belong to 00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:53.299 the covenant 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:53.759 they are 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:55.180 born into 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.960 it and 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.720 God says 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.200 they are 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:59.039 not like 00:26:59.039 --> 00:26:59.420 other 00:26:59.420 --> 00:26:59.960 children to 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.180 me. 00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:01.560 No, 00:27:01.600 --> 00:27:01.880 they are 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:03.840 mine and 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:04.920 my promises 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.700 belong to 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:05.920 them. 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.120 And if 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:08.759 this covenant 00:27:08.759 --> 00:27:09.220 is for 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:09.519 them, 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:11.340 so is the 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:11.640 sign. 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.200 The covenant 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:12.640 and the 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.180 sign go 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.560 together. 00:27:15.120 --> 00:27:15.660 And that 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.220 is why we 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:16.680 baptise 00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:17.060 children. 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.100 That is 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:19.860 why we 00:27:19.860 --> 00:27:20.640 raise them 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:21.060 saying, 00:27:21.400 --> 00:27:22.799 you belong 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.359 to God. 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:25.639 You are 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.240 not your 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:26.740 own, 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:27.500 little one, 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:28.759 but you 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:29.220 have been 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:29.859 bought with 00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:30.419 a price. 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:32.919 You can 00:27:32.919 --> 00:27:33.299 pray, 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:34.119 our 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:34.759 heavenly 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.299 father, 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:36.859 my love, 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:37.279 he is 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:37.839 your 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.419 heavenly 00:27:38.419 --> 00:27:39.019 father. 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.379 You really 00:27:41.379 --> 00:27:42.019 can sing, 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.019 Jesus died 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.419 to take 00:27:43.419 --> 00:27:44.319 my sin 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.619 away. 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:46.720 Jesus 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.359 loves me, 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:47.819 this I 00:27:47.819 --> 00:27:48.019 know, 00:27:48.119 --> 00:27:48.440 for the 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:48.799 Bible 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.339 tells me 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:49.720 so, 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:50.940 and my 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:51.460 baptism 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.119 tells me 00:27:52.119 --> 00:27:52.419 so. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:55.279 God is 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:55.919 even more 00:27:55.919 --> 00:27:56.500 gracious than 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:57.000 we realise. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.559 His grace 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.539 is for 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:02.259 you and 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.480 your 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:02.839 children. 00:28:04.399 --> 00:28:04.740 Through 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.700 every trial, 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:06.619 his grace 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:07.500 surrounds your 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.419 whole family. 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:10.980 And so 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.339 children, 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:11.940 if you have 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.879 been baptised, 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.539 please know 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:14.799 that. 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.879 God has 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.519 given you a 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:17.859 sign, 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:18.480 baptism. 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.220 And that 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:20.940 sign is 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.639 God saying 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:22.099 to you, 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:23.199 you belong 00:28:23.199 --> 00:28:23.779 to me. 00:28:24.959 --> 00:28:25.599 You are 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.399 already in 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:26.959 this covenant, 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:29.199 which means 00:28:29.199 --> 00:28:30.459 you are to 00:28:30.459 --> 00:28:31.159 believe the 00:28:31.159 --> 00:28:31.819 promises God 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.139 has given 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:32.379 you. 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.699 Like Ishmael, 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.359 growing up in 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:35.859 a Christian 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:36.699 home, it 00:28:36.699 --> 00:28:37.019 doesn't 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.719 automatically 00:28:37.719 --> 00:28:38.539 save you, 00:28:38.719 --> 00:28:39.459 but it does 00:28:39.459 --> 00:28:40.019 mean you are 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:40.339 in this 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:40.639 covenant. 00:28:41.699 --> 00:28:42.119 And God 00:28:42.119 --> 00:28:42.599 has given 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.159 you promises, 00:28:43.319 --> 00:28:43.879 promises to 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:45.099 love you and 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:45.959 bless you and 00:28:45.959 --> 00:28:46.879 save you through 00:28:46.879 --> 00:28:47.299 Jesus. 00:28:47.639 --> 00:28:48.379 Those promises 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:49.299 are yours, 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:51.099 you must 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:51.740 believe them. 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:53.720 And that 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.000 goes for 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.680 every adult 00:28:54.680 --> 00:28:55.059 as well. 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:57.519 Now we 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.259 are in this 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:58.500 covenant, 00:28:58.659 --> 00:28:59.579 we mustn't 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.500 go anywhere 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:00.980 else. 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:03.339 Because this 00:29:03.339 --> 00:29:03.879 is where we 00:29:03.879 --> 00:29:04.700 have God and 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:05.200 this is the 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.099 only way to 00:29:06.099 --> 00:29:06.659 find blessing, 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:07.899 to find true 00:29:07.899 --> 00:29:09.599 happiness and 00:29:09.599 --> 00:29:10.539 eternal life. 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:34.220 God has 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:34.659 given us 00:29:34.659 --> 00:29:35.180 this gracious 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:37.059 sign, so 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.440 let's not 00:29:37.440 --> 00:29:37.980 ignore it. 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.339 Let's not 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:39.940 forget it. 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:41.680 but let's 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:42.139 believe it. 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:44.039 He has 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:44.539 marked us 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:44.940 out, his 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:46.440 promises are 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:48.420 for us, and 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:49.059 as his church 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.059 incredibly we 00:29:50.059 --> 00:29:51.019 can say he 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:52.079 is our God 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:53.619 and we are 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.159 his people. 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.039 Let's pray.