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January 22, 2012 Today’s Message: “Obedient Faith” Hebrews 11:7 Genesis 6-9. Obedient Faith. The Pre-flood world: Mild climate No deserts, no ice caps More land, less oceans Fewer mountains and canyons Lush vegetation worldwide No rainfall- Artesian springs
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January 22, 2012 Today’s Message: “Obedient Faith” Hebrews 11:7 Genesis 6-9
Obedient Faith • The Pre-flood world: • Mild climate • No deserts, no ice caps • More land, less oceans • Fewer mountains and canyons • Lush vegetation worldwide • No rainfall- Artesian springs • Oil deposits and plant fossils near north and south poles
Obedient Faith • Morality • Preoccupation with pleasure (Luke 17:27) • Advanced technology (Gen. 4:22) • No concern for God (2 Peter 2:4) • No concern for marriage (Matthew 24:38)
Obedient Faith • Morality • Violence (Gen. 6:11,13) • Corruption (Gen. 6:12) • Preoccupation with sex (Gen. 4:19, 6:12) • Satanic activity (Gen. 6:1-4) • See Luke 17:26,27
Obedient Faith • How long did the flood waters stay on the earth? • 371 Days (Genesis 7:11 to Gen. 8:18) • Was the flood worldwide? • How big was the ark? • Did all the animals fit on the ark?
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 1. Noah’s faith was based on a servant’s heart • Very awful world conditions- Gen. 6:15 • Wickedness, violence, corruption • God regrets creating humanity- 6:6 • The Lord was grieved in His heart- 6:6 • But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, 6:8
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 2. Noah’s faith was born out of excellent character- Gen. 6:9 • Character counts with God • Noah righteous • Noah blameless • Noah walked with God
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 3. Noah’s obedient faith was immediate • Noah warned by God that judgment was coming • He heard what God asked Him to do • He dropped everything and started building • No excuses
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 3. Noah’s obedient faith was immediate • No delays • No procrastination- Gen. 6:22- “Thus Noah did…”
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 4. Noah’s obedient faith was without questioning God • Big boat, but no lakes or oceansnear-by • This didn’t seem to make sense • This must have sounded absurd • Often our biggest question is- “Why, Lord?” • Please explain this to me
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 4. Noah’s obedient faith was without questioning God • True faith does not bargain with God • Can I do this instead? • Noah could have said- “I don’t know anything about ship-building…especially one of such magnitude” • “Only know of some ocean vessels.”
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 4. Noah’s obedient faith was without questioning God • No one to help me • Who would? • No children when Noah started Ark- age 480 • Children at 500 (Gen. 5:32) • God provided detailed instructions • Genesis 6:14-16
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 5. Noah’s obedient faith was steady • Year after year, Noah kept building • While he built, he preached • Noah was known as a preacher of righteousness- 2 Peter 2:5 • Very hard to keep preaching the same message to hardened people
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 5. Noah’s obedient faith was steady • Tourist attraction • “What is this big building?” • Noah would explain his assignment • God’s intention • Animals saved • People saved who believe
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 5. Noah’s obedient faith was steady • Years preached- 120 • Converts- 7 • Results? • Not spectacular • Not strongly influential • Not very effective
Lessons for us from Noah’s faith • 5. Noah’s obedient faith was steady • But Noah did exactly what God asked him to do • Are we obedient?