Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

The last half of the table of nations deals with the descendants of Canaan and the descendants of Shem, Noah's grandson and son, respectively. Even though there is great variation among people groups, we all come from a common source. Becoming a Christian does not change one's ethnic identity, but in Christ there is a spiritual oneness created by God Himself.

This genealogy shows us what became of the descendants of Noah's three sons as they multiplied and filled the earth. Beginning with Japheth and Ham, we start to get a glimpse of the relationship of the nations to Israel and to God's eternal plan. There is a reason for the location and the timing of each person's birth.

This passage about Noah and his son, Ham, is as sad as it is bizarre. Part of the difficulty in understanding what is going on is the vague and scant wording. Several interpretations have been offered over the centuries. The curse on Canaan and the blessings on Shem and Japheth have ramifications that are still playing out today.

The Lord establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising He will never again flood the entire earth. The sign God gives to accompany this promise continually points to His glory; specifically, the glory of God's perfect justice tempered by His lavish mercy.

As Noah and his sons step out of the ark onto a recreated earth, the Lord blesses them and gives them instructions. God reiterates to Noah what He said to the first man and woman on the sixth day of creation. But there are also some differences. Noah receives new instructions 1) in relation to animals; 2) in relation to blood; and 3) in relation to justice.

When the ground is finally dry enough, Noah and his family disembark from the ark. From this passage we see there is 1) a time to leave; 2) a time to worship; and 3) a time to rest.

It is here, in the middle of the Flood account, that God remembers Noah. When God remembers, God intervenes. As the waters begin to recede, the ark, and Noah within, find rest. When God is about to do a new thing, the Spirit begins to stir. Through waiting and sending out the birds from the ark, Noah hears from God.

If the entire world was covered in water as the Bible teaches, then there should be global evidence. We take a look at some of this evidence, along with considering flood myths that abound in cultures worldwide. In passing through the waters, Noah passed through death. So will the Christian be called to die daily.

Having considered the Flood with a focus on Noah and then on the ark, we now turn to consider the event with a focus on the One who brought the Flood--God Himself. Even as God brought destruction, He also brought renewal. But Noah and his family had to enter into the one door on the ark if they were to be delivered.

Previously we focused on the character of Noah. This passage focuses more on the ark that Noah built. Laboring for multiple decades, this huge wooden ship constructed on dry land was a testimony to Noah's faith. Because Noah trusted God, he did according to all the God commanded him.