Abram had to wait 13 years before God would reveal Himself to him again, and God says to him: “I am El Shaddai.” In Chapter 17 of the Book of Genesis, we see that God restarts the relationship with Abraham despite the mistakes Abraham makes; Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that God is very patient even though we have stopped being patient with Him. God reveals who He is to Abram and changes his name from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, indicating a new mission and calling from God. Abraham’s real fruitfulness will be on the spiritual plane; he will be the father of all who believe and the originator of monotheism on earth.

We also see the significance of circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants in the Old Testament, and how it has evolved into a spiritual sign of cutting sin out of our lives in the New Testament through baptism, which is not limited to any specific genetic line or background. God tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son despite her old age; this child of promise will carry God’s Covenant and his bloodline down the generations.

Bible References:

Heb. 12:14 - Without holiness, nobody will see GodGen. 17:2-3 - God makes a Covenant with AbrahamGen. 17:4-7 - Father of many nations; God gives them a new nameGen. 12:2 - One single nationGen. 17:8 - Descendants are given the land of CannanGen. 17:10 - “Covenant which you shall keep between me and you “Col. 2:11-12 - Circumcision done by Christ Gen. 17:12 - “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised”Gen. 17:15-16 - Sarah is to be the mother of nationsGen. 17:17-18 - Abraham’s response to God’s promiseGen. 17:19 - A child of promise - IssacGen. 17:20 - God will make Ishmael fruitful alsoGen. 17:21 - The Covenant will be established with IssacGen. 17:23-27 - Abraham obeys God

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you through the origin story of God’s people shown to us in the Book of Genesis. Here is an opportunity to explore the early history of God’s people. With historical and Scriptural references, each session will open your eyes to the mystery of God’s creation. 

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

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