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NEWS
Kristen will be teaching a class on Apologetics & Evangelism starting October 31st in Jacksonville, FL. It's not too late to register! For more info and to register visit our website. It's a free class but space is limited due to the size of the room so register early! Free donuts! :)
DIGGING DEEPER
In Scripture, names were used to describe the characteristics of a person. Before he had children, Abram left his home and followed God to the land of Canaan. Abram meant “high father,” indicating the status he possessed at the time, despite being childless. Later, God changed his name to Abraham, “father of many.” Although he had few children physically, viewed from God’s perspective Abraham was to be the father of a multitude of people and nations.

Similarly, the name Jacob, “one who follows on another’s heels” or “supplanter,” was named for the nature of his birth – “Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob (Gen 25:26 NASB).  Now at this point in Jacob’s life God renamed Jacob to more aptly describe his characteristics. Israel was “one who wrestled with God.” After re-naming him, God reiterated the Abrahamic covenant to Israel to indicate Israel was the one through which this promise to Abraham would be carried to fruition. Jacob was a changed man – physically, spiritually, and powerfully. God’s pledge to Abraham was the promise of land and of the proper people to dwell within it: God’s chosen people.
The first thing Israel did as a new man was to “clean house.” There were elements of his life that were spiritually soiled. All of the items that represented idol worship were to be purged from his household.  These items included the household idols described in Genesis 31:30, as well as those earrings that conveyed worship or allegiance to a false god. Israel wanted to ensure his new beginning would be holy, or set apart, for his new role as God’s chosen people.

When we choose to accept the gift of salvation guaranteed through Jesus, we also become a new person as Jacob did. Though we are still flawed creatures, in a sense we become set apart for God. And, like Jacob, we take on a new name – we are “a child of God.” When we take on our new name, we likewise should strive to “clean house.” It is pleasing to God when we put away our old sinful behaviors. Jesus told us in John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Like Jacob removed the unholy items from his household, we are to do likewise. What sinful habits do we still posses that we can remove from our lives? This does not mean we will always succeed (it can be hard to break a habit!), but everyday we try to get a little more holy and set a better example for others who are watching. We should not be disappointed when we stumble. Remember: strive for progress, not perfection! 
Text By: Kyle Clark
Photo from: 
https://studentaffairscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/progress.jpg
Copyright © 2015 DoubtLess Faith Ministries, Inc., All rights reserved.


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