Was the Genesis account of Noah and The Flood real? Here's what Jesus said about it, "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:38-39)

Good morning and welcome. Today is Thursday, September 20, 2018. This week I have been preparing to do an overview of the Genesis account of Noah and The Flood. This portion of The Scriptures is one of the most widely taught to children. Those of us who grew up in Sunday School can attest to that. Those images from the children's lessons persist. I do fear that many have grown into adulthood but have not really considered the agonizing seriousness of this text. The Apostle Paul said that when he was a child he acted like he was a child, but, when he grew up and became a man, he put away the ways of a child. (My paraphrase from 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13.) The flood passage is about sin. The righteousness of God. His judgment upon sin. And, thankfully, His grace that was extended to Noah and his family. The details of this judgment were mercifully skimmed over when we were children. Looking at it today makes one aware of the sinfulness of sin and how God views sin. He was grieved. One commentator has said that one must love before they can grieve. God loved His created human family. Yet, they had rebelled against Him to the extent that He brought complete annihilation to every man, woman, boy, and girl who breathed air on the planet at that time. The only exception was Noah and his wife, their three sons, and their wives, a total of 8 people, along with the animals in the ark. The magnitude of this judgment is breathtaking. It has meaning for us today. The Apostle Peter writing in his first letter, by Holy Spirit inspiration, said this, "....when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water." (1 Peter 3:20) My point? God cannot tolerate sin. His Divine longsuffering is at work today and He awaits those who respond to His Son, but, this invitation will not always be available as final judgment looms ever closer each day.

I am not actually preview teaching my lesson here. How do I know that? Because I typically don't know exactly what will be taught until I get up and teach. I do my best to prepare to teach. I used to use notes and even write out my lesson in its entirety. Many years ago, likely influenced by my late father-in-law, Bro. Wilson Rawles, and my late brother-in-law, Bro. Milton Rawles, I began to focus on preparation and then using only the Bible as my text, allowing God to help direct my thoughts at the time I stood behind the teaching lectern. I tell people it is working without a net, but, it really isn't. Not if one is prepared and prayed up. I don't want to sound trite, but, God typically shows up even if I don't have my act altogether. And, don't go around saying that I said something I didn't say. I have no problem with people who use notes. I have no problem with people who write out their sermons or lessons. My way is not the only way and it may not even be the 'best' way. It's the one that works for me. God is good to work with us as individuals and He can take what we give to Him and use it to reach people and to bring honor and glory to Himself. Amen.

I've been reading where some prominent people are renouncing their 'white' privilege and all that it has helped them to achieve. Another supposed important Hollywood personality has encouraged all Americans to not just vote for but fully embrace socialism as a way of life. You know. That's where everyone shares equally. As you might have expected, these pronouncements reminded me of an encounter that someone had with Jesus the Christ. ~ Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. ~ (Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 18-23) One thing I found lacking in the individuals renouncing their racial identity and the one calling for everyone to embrace socialism, none of them made a commitment to give away the millions they have accumulated. Not a word. Just something I noticed. I thought it was worth sharing. Take care, and enjoy the rest of the day God has given to us. Amen. ...More later.