Why was circumcision such a focal point in the dispute between Paul and certain Jewish Christians? See Gen. 17:1–22; Gal. 2:3–5; 5:2, 6; Acts 15:1, 5. Why is it not that hard to understand how some could have believed that even the Gentiles needed to undergo it?

When we look at the covenant made with Abraham we see that good commanded that every male be circumcised to be apart of this covenant. The Jewish Christians were concerned that the gentile Christians were not circumcised. I can understand why the Jewish Christians would feel this way it was something that they had done for many years. The problem with being circumcised to be apart of the covenant promise is that it negates what Jesus did on the cross. There was no way that you could be circumcised to ratify the covenant God made with Abraham and also accept Christ.

Maybe today circumcision isn't the issue. But what (if anything) do we as a church struggle with that parallels this problem?

There are many things in our church which have formed simply as traditions of our religious culture. These traditions are not necessarily wrong or right but that have meaning in the context of our religious experience. The problem with these rites and rituals are when they are used as tests or standards for those who are in and those who are out. The only standard which we should hold the body of believers to is the word of God. As beautiful and novel as our traditions may be if they keep people from seeing Jesus then we have missed the point completely.

Prayer:  Father please help us keep the main thing the main thing , In Jesus name Amen.

I would like to live by faith

Related posts:

1. "What Must I Do to Be Saved?"
2. Conflict Within the Church
3. Joseph and His Brothers