Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

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.

The Lord begins to speak to Noah, giving him specific guidance for constructing a vessel that will deliver him from the cataclysmic judgment to come. From this passage we learn about Noah's 1) status; 2) instructions; and 3) protection. Even though Noah was righteous in God's sight, he still needed God's intervening provision. Only in this way would he be guaranteed safe passage.

What can account for the widespread wickedness of the ancient world in the days leading up to the Flood? This passage answers that question. The evil was supernaturally charged--and it was related to what the text calls the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." Only one man found favor with the Lord. But even Noah could do nothing to reverse the depravity or change the hearts of men. Jesus Christ alone undoes the effects of sin and defeats supernatural evil.

Lamech, Noah's father, viewed his son with expectation. Noah's name is related to rest because Lamech hoped his son would give the human race rest from their work. What is the relationship of good works to faith? We explore this in three ways: 1) God's Work, 2) Our Works, and 3) The Christian's Work.

Adam's descendants through Seth show us that in spite of the death they all experienced, God still granted them life--long life! They all met death except for one, that is. Enoch walked with God. What was it about his fellowship with God that was so deep that Enoch was transported directly into God's glorious presence? And how did he maintain such a walk?