ABSK Grad Ministry

This Friday, we studied Genesis 17. Three questions were thrown for discussion.

1. Between Chapter 16 and 17, 13 years had passed.
If you were Abram, what would you be thinking?
2. What does God’s name mean to you? How does that affect your life?
3. What does God mean by Galatians 6:15?

A lot personal thoughts and discussions were exchanged especially for the first question. Our answers varied but we all seemed to agree that God took the promise with Abram very seriously. He didn’t forget it at all and confirmed it with Abram after so many years had passed. On the other hand, Abram seemed to settle for Ishmael. I could relate to Abram because it is also very easy for me to limit myself thinking of only my capability. But as we’ve seen in Abram’s life, God accomplishes His promises even though it takes beyond what we have. God fills the gap and everything is possible if we believe in Him.

2. As you read, it’s about God’s name and God giving names to Abram and Sarai. What does the name mean to you? How does that affect my life?
God’s name is Almighty. God gave Abram’s a new name. It was Abraham which means father of many. In the old days, a name means more than just a label. It defines the whole personality. We talked about what the name Almighty means to us and many answers are shared, for example, we thought the name meant that God is the one who is able to do great things, fulfill all the things that he says and we can put hopes and faiths in.

3. “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” (Galatians 6:15)—What does God mean by this?
Circumcision symbolizes commitment of one’s life to God. It’s like a wedding ring which symbolizes commitment except that you cannot reverse it as you take off the wedding ring. It’s a reminder that takes us to God. Painful but it was the only way. In John 14:6, Jesus said that, “I am the way.” It’s the ultimate circumcision so that we can have commitment to God.
But as Galatians 5:6 says, all this stuff really doesn’t mean anything until it became a new creation which is achieved by believing and having faith in God.