God’s Gracious Gifts

by Jeff Curtis

    In a sense, Noah was a second Adam. He and his family stepped out of the ark into a new world that had been washed clean of the wickedness committed by the pre-flood population. God, by His grace, was giving humanity a new beginning. He did not revoke the curses on mankind, that had been placed upon man in the garden because of Adam and Eve’s sin, but He did repeat some of the original blessings of creation. He also gave some additional blessings to the new father of humanity.

    Provision 1: The Increase of the Human Family (Gen. 9:1,7). The first commandment and blessing that given at creation (Gen. 1:28) was repeated twice for Noah’s family, urging them the survivors to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” (Gen. 9:1,7). The ordinance of marriage was reaffirmed by God as a sacred institution (Gen. 2:22-25; Matt. 19:4-6), raising the relationship of the sexes above degrading associations and promoting stability in society. This was God’s attempt to lift man above untamed passions and uncontrolled indulgence in flesh instincts. Much of the world’s corruption had come through the desecration of this institution by the practice of polygamy and marrying for the wrong reasons.

    Provision 2: The Sustenance of Human Life (Gen. 9:2-4, 20). The Bible is silent on whether or not humans are the flesh of animals before the flood. We do know that, after the fall of man, many people were unconcerned about shedding the blood of fellow human beings (Gen. 4:8, 14, 23, 24; 6:11); and it is doubtful that they would have hesitated to kill animals for food. God may well have permitted the latter, but the first positive authorization of this practice came after Noah and his family left the ark. God also made provision for mankind to eat every beast of the earth, bird of the sky, creeping thing on the ground, and fish of the sea (Gen. 9:3).

    Provision 3: The Protection of the Human Family (Gen. 9:5-6). After instructing Noah about the acceptable practice of killing animals for food but prohibiting the eating of their blood, God turned to a more important topic; the shedding of human blood. The Lord offered a level of protection against fearful and / or hostile animals that might either feel threatened by man or see him as a source of food. He emphasized that both beasts and men must be held responsible for shedding human blood. Violators would forfeit their own lifeblood (literally, “your blood of your lives”) (Gen. 9:5).

    Provision 4: A Covenant to Preserve Life on the Earth (Gen. 9:15-17). The covenant that God made with man after the flood is often called the “Noachic covenant,” but it wasn’t simply a covenant made with Noah and his family. It was made with all their “descendants” (Gen.9:9) and “all successive generations” in the future (Gen. 9:12). But the covenant didn’t stop there; it included “every living creature” of every kind (Gen. 9:10,12,15). Human beings, birds, beasts, and all creeping things benefitted from God’s promise. God made an unconditional promise to Noah and his family. A promise that extended to the end of time; He would never send another deluge to destroy everything that lives on the earth. This was to keep mankind from despairing every time a threatening storm appeared.

    Usually, when covenants were made in the ancient world, conditions of agreement were imposed upon both parties. However, God made this covenant binding upon mankind for its permanence. As a guarantee that He would keep this “everlasting covenant” to humanity (Gen. 9:16). God made the rainbow a “sign” that mankind could see. It would bear witness to the faithfulness of His promise (Gen. 9:12-17). The Lord’s bow in the sky became a symbol of God’s grace following His judgment upon a sinful world; it would give hope to future generations that the Lord would not destroy all life ever on earth again with a worldwide flood.

    In spite of the fact that all people sin (Rom. 3:23), God still wants to bless His creation and bestow good gifts on us (Matt. 5:45; 7:11). The only appropriate response to the One who loves us, cares for us, and provides for us is to love and obey Him.

Purposeful Preaching

by Robert F. Turner

Nathan's subject was adultery, murder, and kindred lusts; but he spoke of a little ewe lamb which a rich man took from the bosom of its owner. (2 Sam. 12:) The problem was that of application-- getting the audience to apply to self the standard by which others were readily condemned.

Nathan's audience deplored "sin", and could list many sins. Nathan's courage as a preacher" was little tested by a rip-snorting sermon on, "Adultery"; but when he told the King "Thou art the man"-- aye, here was his moment of truth.

John (the Immerser) could decry the awful sins of the times, and call upon people to "REPENT!"-- out there in the wilderness-- and King Herod be unmoved. But John said unto Herod, "it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." (Mk. 6:18)

Several years ago, one of "our" ultra-liberal preachers criticized John's direct "approach"-- suggesting John need not have "lost his head." In a sense he was right about that. John could have spoken in generalities, kept his head, and perhaps his "job''-- but he would have failed his appointed purpose, lost his soul. Nathan and John used different ways of reaching their targets; and different means of presenting truth are needed today. But both presented and applied the truth. When they were finished the audience knew what was wrong, and felt the sting of rebuke.

Today preachers speak of "sectarianism" without explaining that this spirit lives in the "party" concept of the church. They cry for "unity" but refuse open discussion of issues that divide, with God's word the final authority. This is hypocrisy.

Tell the people they must Do Bible Things In Bible Ways -- and they will love you. Tell them a church-sponsored skating party is not a Bible Thing; and church support of human institutions is not a Bible Way; and you may lose your "job", but you will have served your purpose as a preacher.

Oh John!! Nathan!! Your kind are sorely needed in this generation!!