God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis Series)

What happened to Noah and his family after they exited the ark onto dry ground?  God established a covenant with Noah and his sons.  God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the whole earth by flood waters. Then, God told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply the earth.   The rainbow that we often still see after a rainfall today was given as a sign for us to remember God's covenant with Noah.

Today, I'm reading through Genesis, chapters 9-10.

God's Covenant with Noah

As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it. - Genesis 9:7

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you  and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” - Genesis 9:7-17

Noah's three sons were Shem, Ham, and Japheth.  In Genesis 9:19, we learn that all the people who have populated the earth came from these three sons of Noah.

The family tree which outlines the descendants of Noah is called The Table of Nations.

The Table of Nations 

Noah's Sons and Grandsons

Some of the Sons and Grandsons (Nations) of Japheth

Some of the Sons and Grandsons (Nations) of Ham

We learn in chapter 10 of Genesis that Noah's great grandson, Nimrod, was the builder of Nineveh.  Before that, the city of Babylon was the first center of his kingdom.  Babylon's ruins are in modern day Iraq.  

The Canaanites were also descendants of Ham.  They were scattered to Gaza and Sodom and Gomorrah.

I've never before studied the genealogy of Noah's descendants in detail.  I have found this chapter much more interesting than I had anticipated.

Some of the Sons and Grandsons (Nations) of Shem

Noah's obedience was really something, wasn't it?  He did exactly as God had commanded him to do.  Because of Noah's obedience, he and his family were saved from the flood waters along with a number of animals.  Because of Noah's obedience, God made a covenant with Noah.  God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the whole earth by flood waters.  God said that He would put a sign, a rainbow, in the sky.  Whenever we see a rainbow, we are to remember the covenant God made with Noah and his sons.  God kept his promise to Noah.

Then God told Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply the earth.  Let's read this part again.

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” 

So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” - Genesis 9:12-17

Since childhood, I've been reading the story of Noah's Ark.  It's a popular story even in the secular world.  It is common to see a painting or print of Naoh, the Ark, and many animals hanging on the walls of pediatric doctor's offices, daycare centers, and even in some public schools.  The story of Noah is a story enjoyed by children, but it is also a story for adults.  

The story of Noah is a story about obedience.  It's a story about a man who did exactly as God told him to do even if it didn't make sense to him.  Movies often depict Noah's friends and neighbors as people who made fun of Noah.  Unless I missed something, there is no record of people making fun of Noah in the Bible, not in Genesis 6-10.  However, the people of the day were wicked so I imagine that those around Noah probably thought he was crazy.  I think it is safe to say that people probably made fun of Noah daily.  He was a righteous man surrounded by so much evil that God regretted having created humans - and he was building a giant boat - on dry land - in obedience to a God in whom the others did not believe, or at least they did not honor God.

Noah's example of obedience is one of which both children and adults should play close attention.  God honored Noah's obedience by saving not only Noah, but also his family.  Then, it was Noah's family who repopulated the earth and built nations.  This story is also a reminder to us that God keeps His promises.

I hope that if I ever find myself standing alone in obedience to God, that I would follow Noah's example of full obedience. 

Coloring Through Genesis

This post is part of my Coloring Through Genesis Series.

I'm using my Beautiful Word Coloring Bible.  This is the one I have.

The Beautiful Word Coloring Bible

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Teach The Children

It is easy to find stories of Noah's Ark for children.  First of all, read them the story from the Bible.  Make sure your children know the story of Noah is in the Bible, a story not just about a boat filled with animals, but a story about obedience and faithfulness to God.  Teach your children to always remember that God always keeps His promises.

Then, if you want to read your child a storybook about Noah's Ark with lots of pretty pictures, feel free.  There are also lots of activities to accompany the story of Noah's Ark.  

More Resources for Teaching and Learning About Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark Book and Jigsaw Puzzle

Piece together a wonderfully illustrated 30-piece jigsaw puzzle to complete the breathtaking picture of Noah's Ark, illustrated by John Joven, taken from the hugely successful picture book, also featured in this gift set. Puzzle measures 14 x 14 inches when completed.  Check it out here!

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God's Covenant with Noah

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Read all posts in my Coloring Through Genesis Series here. 

Our Sr. pastor is back this week.  His message is titled "Near or Far?"  As we live, we are either drawing nearer to God or we are falling further away from Him.  Where are you in your walk with the Lord?

Are you near to God or far away?

Our scripture passage for today is 2 Chronicles, chapter 7 and Hebrews 12:5-11.  You can hop over real quick and read 2 Chronicles 7 here at Bible Gateway. 

And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. - Hebrews 12:5-11

Are you near to God or far away?

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Near or Far? | August 4, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Are you walking close to God or do you feel like you have slipped far away from Him?  If you feel like you have slipped away, you should know this -  you can come back again.

And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

When we fall far from God, He tells us how we can come back.  He doesn't want us to stay far away from Him.  He wants us near Him.

I.  God loves us so much that He will discipline us when we stray.

Scroll back up and read Hebrews 12:5-11 again.

Discipline doesn't feel good, does it?  It isn't supposed to feel good, but it yields righteousness.  There is a difference between punishment and discipline.  Punishment is something a judge does for payback.  A criminal must pay his or her debt to society for a crime he or she has committed.  Discipline is something a father does to train a child.

How does God discipline?

A.  He reproves us, meaning He will convict us of our bad behavior.

For example, you will feel convicted if you watch a movie you shouldn't watch or a television show you shouldn't watch.  You will feel convicted if you use language you shouldn't use.  Conviction is something you feel in your heart, in your spirit (by the Holy Spirit), if you are a Christian.  This is how you know when you have done something you shouldn't do or say something you shouldn't say.

If you feel conviction in your heart, that is a good thing because that means your heart is tender toward God's ways.

B.  He scourges us, like a parent might spank a child.  God will allow bad things to come into our lives to get our attention.  God's love is not always a pampering love.  God's love is a perfecting love.

Don't pull away.  Draw near to God.  When we pull away and move out from under the protection of God, the devil will take advantage of that.

Discipline shows us that:

*God loves us.
*we belong to Him.

For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives. - Hebrews 12:6

*it leads us to life.  

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? - Hebrews 12:9

C.  Death

This is something we don't talk about very often, but there is a sin unto death.  Sometimes God will take someone home early because of their sin.

Remember, discipline is painful, but it yields holiness.

II.  He loves us so much that He gives us a way back to Him.

Own your brokenness.

Turn from your sin.

Don't play the blame game.

Don't compare your sin to the sins of others.

Look at God.  Seek Him only.

 Let's look at 2 Chronicles 7:14 again.

And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Now this verse:

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13

Don't live your life merely seeking for money, pleasure, advancement, etc.  Seek God first.  In fact, seek Him only.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

III.  He will restore us when we return to Him.  

He will hear, forgive, and heal. 

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:12

We don't have to stay far away from God.  We can always come back to God.  

Consider two things if you have fallen away:

1.  Are you God's child.  If you are not, you can learn more about how to become God's child here.

2.  If you are God's child, is it time for you to come back near to God?  He is waiting for you.


God is waiting for you to come home.

Here's an old hymn for you to enjoy, Lord I'm Coming Home by the Gaither Vocal Band.

Here's another oldie but goodie from the Cathedrals.

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Free to Plant (Study on Galatians Series)

Free to Plant (Study on Galatians Series)

Today is the final session of our Bible study on the book of Galatians.  We are in the 6th chapter.  Our pastor titled today's sermon "Free to Plant."  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our Bible passage is Galatians 6:6-18

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.  Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. - Galatians 6:6-18

 You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 
Free- Free to Plant, Groups Pastor Rick Hermann - July 28, 2019 (Full Service) from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

In everything we do, whether it be good or bad, we are planting a seed.  

The Laws of the Harvest

1.  You cannot grow what you do not plant.

2.  You will grow the same kind of thing you plant.  

3.  Growth comes after planting.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. - Galatians 6:9

The harvest takes time.

4.  There is the potential to grow much more than you plant.

5.  The size of the harvest depends on the amount of seed you plant.

6.  The harvest takes diligence and perseverance.  

Three Things to Remember:  Plant seeds.  Pull weeds.  Press on.

Free to Plant

Three Things to Plant

1.  Plant your money.

Where are you planting your money? (Please watch the video for the poem!)

When you plant the "seed" of money, you might never see the full impact of your planting.  When you plant your money wisely, especially within the church, it helps in the ministry of the church which spans many different ministry areas.  

What ministry is not being done because you are not giving?

2.  Plant your words.

Sometimes people don't want to hear about Jesus.  Plant practical encouragement in their lives that is useful to them where they are.  Then, they are more likely to want to hear about Jesus.

What words do you need to stop saying?  

What words do you need to start saying to your spouse and your kids?

3.  Plant your actions.  

What are you doing for Jesus?

Where are you serving?

Remember:  Plant seeds, pull weeds, and press on.

How do you pull weeds?  Repentance

Weed the garden of your heart.  Remember that weeds grow back.  The weeds represent the sin in your life.  You have to deal with them when they keep growing back.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21

Today is the day of repentance.  Weed your garden.  

Press on:  When you're planting, you will grow weary.  Press on.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. - Galatians 6:9

If you've been praying for someone, but they are still not following the Lord, keep praying.  God does not necessarily call you to see the results.  He calls you to plant the seeds.

Wise old men and women plant seeds for trees under which shade they will never sit.

Plant seeds, pull weeds, and press on. 

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Free to Plant (Study on Galatians Series)

Image Credit:  Binyamin Mellish - Free to Use via Pexels

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