10-19-25

The sermon explored Genesis 17:1-14, where God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham after 13 years of silence. During this time, Abraham had attempted to fulfill God's promise through his own efforts, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. Yet God's faithfulness remained steadfast. When God appeared to Abraham at age 99, He revealed Himself as El-Shaddai (God Almighty) and called Abraham to "live in my presence and be blameless." This passage demonstrates that while God's covenant promises are secure regardless of our obedience, we are still called to pursue holy living as a response to His grace. The sermon connected the Old Testament sign of circumcision to New Testament baptism, showing how both point ultimately to the cleansing work of Christ on the cross and our entrance into God's covenant community.