We are not under the covenant God made with Israel in the Old Testament.  That was taken out of the way when Jesus died on the cross (Colossians 2:14).  We are under a new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13), Christ’s covenant.  But just as physical circumcision was required as a sign of the old covenant, God still requires “circumcision” of a sort as a sign in the new covenant.  This is not a literal, fleshly, physical circumcision.  No, Paul says it is a spiritual circumcision, “made without hands.”  He then clarifies that this spiritual circumcision takes place when one is baptized – literally “immersed” in the Greek – in water (cf. Acts 8:35-39).… Read More The Circumcision Made Without Hands

If God’s people are going to make a noticeable difference in the world – and, even more importantly, be faithful to God – then they must follow a different standard than everyone else.  Christians must know and teach their children that “Choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) is a commitment to live by rather than a fancy slogan cross-stitched onto a pillow.  It may not be fashionable, popular or convenient…but it will lead to serving the Lord in a kind and reasonable way (3 John 11; Ephesians 5:1).  The world needs to see this so they can have the hope of something better.  Christians must see this so they can realize their hope of eternal life.… Read More The Need to Imitate Christ