The Story of the Covenants, Part 4: “Ishmael and the Covenant”
22 May 2026
In this sermon, we continue the unfolding story of God’s covenant with Abram and examine the events surrounding Ishmael’s entrance into the family. Was this part of God’s plan, or the result of human unbelief? We explore the painful consequences of Abram and Sarai’s lack of faith, the mercy of God in the midst of failure, and the lessons we can learn for our own spiritual walk today.
We also study the institution of circumcision, its deep spiritual symbolism, and its fulfilment in the New Testament through the circumcision of the heart. This message is a call to lift our eyes heavenward, to put away sin, and by faith rise to a new life in Christ Jesus.
In this session, you’ll learn:
• What the story of Ishmael teaches about faith and waiting on God
• The consequences of taking matters into our own hands
• How God showed mercy and remained faithful to His covenant
• The spiritual meaning of circumcision in both the Old and New Testaments
• What it means to experience true heart conversion in Christ
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Keywords:
Abraham, Abram, Sarah, Sarai, Ishmael, covenant, circumcision, Bible prophecy, Christian sermon, faith, obedience, grace, salvation, heart circumcision, Holy Spirit, Genesis 16, Genesis 17, righteousness by faith, Jesus Christ, Christian living, Bible study
