John 7:15-24 KJV 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

The judgment based on what? Righteous judgment based on faith. Righteousness we know is about faith, not about out appearance of the flesh like circumcision. Circumcision given to Moses, yet he had not circumcised his boys. He had faith in God but did not necessarily obeyed God concerning the law. Moses gave the law of circumcision and taught it to the Hebrew people. The law was given for obedience to the law. Not all obeyed any law given by Moses, yet all had transgressed the law. Did Moses know the ancient customs, they were perhaps taught by his biological mother who cared for Moses when he was being raised. Yet these customs would of not necessarily been practiced by the people for they were laws and rules not of Egypt where the Hebrew people lived. The customs and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob handed down, but not necessarily followed. The law of circumcision seems trivial to say the least it only outward sign of faith and one covered. Moses' circumcision of faith was perhaps coved up. For the palace did not submit to God of Hebrew people. What does this have anything to do with what Jesus is talking about. God gave the law of circumcision of faith. That law would be kept because it was a reminder of faith. Abraham heart was circumcised to obey God long before he received circumcision though his father worshipped many gods. Circumcison outwardly is far different then the heart for some. When God gave Moses the law, Moses then had to circumcise the people with the law. In other words teach the law to the people. The jews thought Jesus had not instruction of the priesthood for teaching. Where did his skills come from, but His Heavenly Father. What Christ did and taught in the temple as he travel was basics. He was teaching to observe the commandments of God. The time of the law of Christ had not yet come when Jesus walked the earth. The law of baptism of faith. Not just outward baptism in water but the immersion of the word of God in the life of a new believer. Water baptism outward show of faith, and baptism of studying God's word and inward baptism of the individual Spirit by the Holy Spirit. It is the teaching of the ways of Christ that must come not by man but the Holy Spirit. All the new Christian helps have no value if not used as a tool to learn scripture. Church have discipleship classes or one on one with the pastor to teach just the principals of faith. Children often get exempt from such instruction in some groups. Though children do receive Christ, sunday school teaching is thought to be enough at such a tender age. Yet this should not be. Children of all age can learn the scripture. Some church do teach the bases of salvation to children beyond the Sunday school curiculum. Point is faith is taught through scripture but it not the only way. When God is in control He teaches his children. Some with scripture and Holy Spirit and others by Spirit. God is the teacher. God instructs His people. I am not God, but I teach to help, just like others do to help others learn. Jesus born of the Jewish faith had instruction at early age by teachers in local synagogues, and by the Spirit and because of who He was he would of known the ways of His Heavenly Father. Moses wrote down the law and had to read the law to the nation of Hebrew/Israel's people. Jesus was following the custom of teaching in the temple. Teaching Mosaic law and about faith. Faith is necessary because without you might as well break all the laws and not worry if your sins are forgiven, because your designation to hell is made. Believing in the Lord is greater then the law. yet the law is taught. The scripture is read. Are you circumcised by God's word or only baptism of outward sign of faith? Study God's word to know more about faith, get baptism to demonstrate your faith outwardly. Walk and live your life according to Christ. Walk knowing by faith you are saved by grace and not by works. Walk by faith knowing that your works is a demonstration of your faith. Walk by faith knowing that upon confession of faith it is testimony of your faith and part of a believers life to tell others you are saved. Dear Heavenly Father teach us to obey your word and follow your Spirit in faith. To study to know more about our faith in you. In Jesus precious name, Amen. Continual Scripture Study for Devotion: Luke 2:42-49 KJV 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? http://www.turtle30cshell.com