As in the days of noah by Caldwell Publishing

As in the Days of Noah How to have Protection and Provision During the Tribulation to Come

Michele Caldwell

Copyright © 2011 by Michele Caldwell As in the Days of Noah How to have Protection and Provision during the Tribulation to Come By Michele Caldwell Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-1-4507-9443-5 All rights reserved solely by the author. The author guarantees all contents are original and do not infringe upon the legal rights of any other person or work. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the author. Unless otherwise indicated, "Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."; The Holy Bible, King James Version KJV; Scripture taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved. The Holy Bible, New Living Translation NLT. Copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton Illinois 60189. The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission for Zondervan Publishing House; Dictionaries of Hebrew and Greek Words taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance by James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D. 1890.; Greek Hebrew Interlinear Bible, Hebrew Text: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, ed. K. Elliger and W. Rudolph (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1967/77). Copyright held by the German Bible Society, in cooperation with the United Bible Societies (UBS). Published by: Caldwell Publishing L. L. C. info@caldwellpublishers.com

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Acknowledgments The story of Noah encompasses a great deal of valuable information that is significant to our lives today. For example, its story illuminates the importance of obedience, building and faith. For me the story of Noah is also a story of family love, especially Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for His sons. With that being said, I give sincere thanks to my families whom I love and who have made it possible for me to write this book. Thank you to my husband Lamont for being there for our family as I engaged in this endeavor. Thank you to my kids, Karen, Caleb and Joshua, for asking such thought provoking questions. You keep me searching the scriptures to give you the most accurate answers I possibly can. Thank you to my Equip U Ministries church family led by Apostles Eric and Carolyn Warren. Your love for the word of God, your desire to represent Him in the earth and your constant love and support for me has equipped and enabled me to write this book. Also, thank you to all of my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ whom I have had the opportunity to learn from and who have impacted my spiritual growth. And most importantly, I give thanks to my heavenly family. Thank you my Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You are my all in all. I pray that this bible study will cause the reader to have a greater understanding of the days of Noah and the return of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Table of Contents

vii 9

Foreword Introduction

What Shall be the Sign of Thy Coming and the End of the World? Matthew 24:3

Building a City or a Family?

The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men

But Noah

God’s Plan for Man’s Do-over

49 Make a house 52 Rooms in the House 56 Pitch it: Atone for Their Sins 60 The Window, the Light of the World 64 The One Door, the One Way 66 Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ

The Covenant

The Creatures, the Children

The Father’s Family

Gather Their Food in Season

No Problem God

God Shut the Door

107

The Flood

126

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

133

Lifted Up Above the Earth

136

Gone

139

God Remembered Noah

143

The Raven and the Dove

152

The Covering Removed

155

Go Forth

157

The Glory of the Lord

vii

Foreword In this metaphorical volume, Michele Caldwell draws stunning parallels from Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark to our lives today as we move toward the end times. Jesus spoke of the days of Noah as being similar to the last days before the coming of the Lord. In just a few verses in Matthew 24, Jesus Christ provides an abundance of revelation about what we can expect to experience as we approach the hour of his second coming. Oftentimes, we are so intent on focusing on what seems to be the obvious, that we miss the subtleties of revelation in the Word of God. Mrs. Caldwell takes us on a journey through this revelatory passage and weaves a tapestry of stunning beauty and light. Not content with simply focusing on the ultimate conclusion of the matter, she develops a credible message concerning Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preparatory process for the coming of the Lord. Indeed this process is about building. Just as God told Noah to build an ark, today God is concerned with the building of His church. As in the days of Noah, God has commissioned His servants to build an ark of safety called the church of Jesus Christ. In this modern day ark, God again provides a place of

viii

kingdom salvation for all who will enter. It is His desire that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. At a time of great uncertainty throughout the world, there are many who are coming forth to speak about end time matters. There are scholarly works, speculative works and works that are just plain fiction. In this work, however, Michele Caldwell meticulously walks us through scripture pointing out words, phrases and nuance that causes the reader to move from one “aha” moment to another. The days of Noah then becomes a blueprint as we understand the prophetic truths of the building of the ark, the gathering of the animals, the time spent on the ark, and the subsequent restoration of the earth after the flood. In the end, any concern for world events is swallowed up in the excitement and anticipation of what God is doing. I am proud to call Michele my “spiritual daughter”. It is my prayer that this volume: “As in the Days of Noah”, will provoke us to greater fidelity to the Lord as we “see the day approaching”. Building together, Apostle Eric Warren Equip U Ministries ix

Introduction “What shall be the sign of Thy coming and the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3

“The end of the world” is something that has been on the mind of mankind for generations. Many people believe that the world as we know it is coming to a conclusion; however, there are a lot of different beliefs as to what they think the “conclusion” will be. They ponder what the end will look like, what day it will happen and if that day will be catastrophic? Several religious denominations have been formed around the “end of the world” message. Some of their prophets have incorrectly declared the day and hour of the end. A number of them have even changed the date when their predicted date didn’t come to pass. More than a few of their followers have lost hope and some have even lost their lives following these false prophets. Recently movies and documentaries have been made about December 21, 2012, the end of the Maya civilization calendar and a predicted date for the end of the world. This date will also be wrong.

Introduction Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. Most of the world’s religions have some type of perspective on the “end of the world.” One religion believes that the world is cyclical. They believe that the current cycle we live in will become so destructive and unhappy that man cannot endure. All of mankind will cease to exist. When this happens the old cycle will end and a new cycle will begin. The new cycle will give birth to a small number of divine people who will repopulate the earth. Another religion believes that the human life span has constantly shortened due to man’s immoral behavior. They think that man once lived tens of thousands of years.

But, because of his

degeneration, he is now headed for a ten-year life span. Eventually he will become extinct with the exception of a few people who will reverse the life span and gradually go back to living tens of thousands of years. Yet another religion believes that at the end of time their god will dissolve and regenerate the universe. Even within Christianity there are different perspectives pertaining to the end of the world. Some believe that the “rapture” (the removal of Christians from the earth) will take place before a period of great tribulation. For some the rapture will happen after

Introduction a period of great tribulation. Then there are those who believe that the rapture is just a theory and will not happen at all. So why do we think about the end of the world? Could it be that we know our lives are short and we may not be sure about our eternal destiny? Job 14:1, 2, 14 Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue. If a man dies, shall he live again? What does the Bible say about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;end of the worldâ&#x20AC;? and what signs does the Lord tell us to look for that point to the conclusion of this age? We know from the word of God that there will be false Christs and false prophets who will deceive many. There will be wars and rumors of wars; ethnic groups fighting against other ethnic

groups

and

governments

fighting

against

other

governments. There will be worldwide famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. We know that many will be martyred for their faith in Christ and many will walk away from Christ. We know that love will be in short supply. It also tells us that there will be a period of great tribulation unlike anything the world has ever seen. What does this all mean? Is this something for us to fear or

Introduction embrace? What should we, the Church, be doing now until Christ returns? Matthew 24 and Mark 13 give accounts of what will occur at the end of the world. Matthew 24:3 (King James Version) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? The word “end” is the Greek word “sunteleia” which means entire completion, i.e. consummation It occurs six times in the Greek: five in Matthew (13:39, 40, 49, 24:3, 28:20) and once in Hebrews (9:26). It is always accompanied with the words “of the world”. The word “world” is the Greek word “aion” which means an age Jesus was not speaking to the masses of people in this section of scripture. He was speaking to His disciples. In Mark 13:3 He was specifically speaking to Peter, James, John and Andrew. Each one of these men, along with others, became apostles and the builders of His Church. As He spoke to them about the signs to identify

Introduction the end of the age He was speaking to His Church, not Israel. Therefore, we must view these prophetic words as being for the Church that, at that time, was to come. This is the same Church that we are now members of. Many are looking to Israel for the answers to the prophetic words that Jesus spoke to His disciples but we should be looking to His Church. So what does it mean? Matthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. In Matthew 24 verse 37 it says, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” This is a clue that Jesus gives us to understand the coming of the Son of man and the end of the age. In order to understand what’s going to happen in the future we must look back to the Old Testament account of Noah. The Old Testament is a type, or shadow, of the New Testament. It gives us real life stories that also symbolize spiritual revelation in the New Testament.

It also gives us patterns

(blueprints) to build with. There are many Old Testament stories that we can use to guide us in the Church. These real life stories give us a greater understanding of New Testament Church principles and revelation. 14

Introduction Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. So, when Jesus says, “As the days of Noah were…” we have to use that part of scripture as a guide or blueprint to the context of “the end of the world.” This is only one part of scripture that pertains to this subject. However, it is a very important key to begin to unlock “end of the world” revelation.

Building a City or a Family?

The story of Noah begins in Genesis chapter six. It tells of a time on the earth that caused God so much grief that He regretted He ever made man. What caused Him to be in such sorrow over His â&#x20AC;&#x153;masterpieceâ&#x20AC;? man, the one that He created in His image and His likeness in order that he would represent Him in the earth? What went so wrong to make Him sorry He ever created him?

Genesis 6:1-3 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

The sons of God married the daughters of men. Who are the sons of God and who are the daughters of men and why did this covenant of marriage cause God to regret ever making man? We have to go back a few chapters to pick up the

Building a City or a Family? context.

Genesis Chapter 4 talks about the birth and

relationship of two brothers, Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve born after they were exiled from the Garden of Eden. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer. It was the practice of the brothers to give offerings to the Lord. Genesis 4:3-5 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. The word “fruit” is the Hebrew word “priy” which means fruit. The word “respect” is the Hebrew word “sha`ah” which means to gaze at or about; by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, or to be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewildered Nonplussed means to put at a loss as to what to think, say, or do; bewilder. A state of perplexity, confusion, or bewilderment1 1

www.thefreedictionary.com/nonplussed

Building a City or a Family? Why did God respect Abel and his offering but not respect Cain and his offering? Why did He look at Abel and his offering with compassion but look at Cain and his offering with bewilderment? Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain The words “more excellent” is the Greek word “pleion” which means: more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion. 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. The word “evil” is the Greek word “poneros” which means hurtful, i.e. evil in effect or influence; calamitous; diseased; morally culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious; mischief, malice, guilt; the devil, or sinners The word “righteous” is the Greek word “dikaios” which means equitable in character or act

Building a City or a Family? Abel offered God the firstborn of his flock and the fat. The offering Abel gave to God was a “more excellent” offering. It was more in quantity or quality and it was the major portion. On the other hand, Cain offered the fruit of the ground. It doesn’t describe it as the first fruit of the ground, the best fruit of the ground or the major portion. Since Abel offered God the firstborn and the fat maybe God was bewildered because Cain didn’t offer Him the first and the best fruit. Did Cain just haphazardly present the “fruit of the ground” to the Lord as an offering because there was malice in his heart? It says that “his works were evil.” If so, his attitude of disrespect toward God along with the malice in his heart caused Cain and his offering to be considered derelict and hurtful. Our offering to God displays the content of our heart. God looks at our heart when we give an offering. Cain did give an offering but it was an unrighteous offering because he gave it with disrespect and malice in his heart. We may never fully understand why evil was flowing out of Cain’s heart but it caused his offering to be rejected. Matthew 5:22-24 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment… Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has 19

Building a City or a Family? something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Abel was obedient and gave a righteous sacrificial offering, which was, in all probability, given with a cheerful heart. Cain was selfish, evil, and disrespectful toward God and gave an offering that was unrighteous and unacceptable. Therefore, God accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. This infuriated Cain, “And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” God questioned his anger and communicated to him that if he had been obedient his offering would have been accepted. God also warned Cain to change his attitude or else he would be venerable to sin. Genesis 4:6,7 So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” But Cain did not heed the warning and became so angry that he did the unthinkable. He killed his brother Abel.

Building a City or a Family? Genesis 4:8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. When God questioned Cain about the whereabouts of his brother, Cain lied and denied knowing where he was, saying, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The word “keeper” is the Hebrew word “shamar” which means to hedge about as with thorns, i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to. It’s as if Cain’s response to God’s question of Abel’s whereabouts was to say “Am I suppose to guard and protect him with a wall of thorns?” Why was Cain’s response so condescending? Cain knew that his brother Abel was dead and that he was the cause of his death. In order for him to kill his brother resentment toward him must have been brewing for a long time. Cain’s resentment toward Abel probably turned from envy to anger and then into a vindictive wrath. He let his anger get the best of him and he chose to kill his brother. Mark 7:20-23 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,

Building a City or a Family? lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” One of the principles at the very core of Christianity is being our brother’s keeper. The Lord is described as our keeper, our protector and our helper. Psalm 121:1-3 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to take care of one another, to protect each other, to be our brother’s keeper. Without this bond of brotherhood the entire Church would become weak. When the Church no longer sees itself as it’s “brother’s keeper” it stops functioning in a place of strength. It also loses its perspective of the importance of every member. Everyone in the Church has a particular place and function (1 Corinthians 12). Therefore, everyone is needed to do the work of the Lord. We all have to see ourselves as protectors of each other. There is no place for competition, resentment, anger or envy in the Church.

We must work together to promote

growth and strength.

Building a City or a Family? Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity of the Spirit must always be in operation or else we become like Cain who chose to be disobedient and loveless and, in some respects, impede the purposes God had for Abel. We must always work together as one body so the purposes of God will be fulfilled. Therefore, in this day and time we live in we must ask ourselves, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are we our brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keeper? Is God pleased with the way we treat one another?

Or have we

become loveless and gone the way of Cain and through competition, resentment, anger and envy impeded the purposes of God?â&#x20AC;? The punishment to Cain for murdering his brother was to become a fugitive and a vagabond exiled to the land of Nod away from the presence of God. Genesis 4:14 (King James Version) Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.

Building a City or a Family? The words “driven me out” is the Hebrew word “garish” which means to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce Genesis 4:16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. The word “presence” is the Hebrew word “paniym” which means from the face The word “Nod” is the Hebrew word “Nowd” which means vagrancy; A vagrant is one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place. The actions of Cain caused there to be a type of divorce between him and God. Divorce is a breaking of covenant. The covenant was broken and the connection was severed. Because of his evil acts he broke covenant with God and was no longer allowed in His presence. It’s as if God told him to get out of His face. Genesis 4 continues on to tell us of the offspring of Cain. They were great in number and very skillful. They built a city, and were musicians and craftsmen. This city was built outside of the presence of God and therefore without His influence. The scriptures really don’t tell us anything about this particular city but we know that nothing good is manifested outside of the presence of God. A city built by

Building a City or a Family? man outside of God’s presence would probably be built for the gratification of man. It would be built for his pleasure and his glory. It would have the elements that appealed to him and would be his empire. It would be his kingdom where he would be the king. The music and objects they created surely were not used to glorify God but were used to appeal to their five senses and their lusts. Also, away from the presence and influence of God the offspring of Cain would continue to perpetuate his sins. They would continue to do evil. [ The offspring of Cain: Cain’s son Enoch: Enoch’s son Irad: Irad’s son Mehujael: Mehujael’s son Methusael: Methusael’s son Lamech: Lamech’s sons Jubal and Tubalcain] Genesis 4:23 says that Cain’s offspring, Lamech, had two wives and also chose to murder a man. Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, even a young man for hurting me. We must always be aware of what we are building. Our own personal lives, our families, our churches must never be built outside of the presence and will of God or else we will build according to the pattern of Cain.

Everything will become

Building a City or a Family? about “us”. Our needs and desire will be in our forethoughts and the will of God will be forgotten. Nothing good can ever be manifested outside of the presence, protection and influence of God. As the account continues, Adam and Eve gave birth to another son and named him Seth. Genesis 4:25-26 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD. After Seth’s son Enosh was born, men began to call on the name of the Lord. The words “to call” is the Hebrew word “qara” which means to accost a person; to call out, to properly address by name The word accost means to approach and speak to boldly2 Cain had been removed from the presence of God. He no longer had interaction with Him. He and his offspring were 2

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company

Building a City or a Family? separated from God and were living away from the influence of God. However, through Seth and his offspring God begin to have an intimate relationship with man again, they boldly called out to God and addressed Him by name. comfortable walking and talking with Him.

They felt

Their intimate

relationship with God was very evident with Enoch. It says that he walked with God and that God “took” him. Genesis 5:22-24 After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5 gives an account of the genealogy of Adam. Here we can get a greater understanding of the relationship between God and Seth’s offspring that are mentioned. Genesis 5:1-3 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth. The word “likeness” is the Hebrew word “dmuwth” which means resemblance;

Building a City or a Family? concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like: also translated similitude. The word “image” is the Hebrew word “tselem” which means to shade; a phantom, i.e. (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol The word “idol” means a representation or symbol of an object of worship3 We understand that Seth was born after Adam and Eve sinned and were removed from Eden. God said that on the day they ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they shall “surely die.” A lot was lost on that day. Among other things, sin entered the world. Man went from being immortal to mortal, he no longer just knew “good”, now he knew “evil” and he put himself under the subjection of Satan. Because of man’s disobedience he needed a redeemer (Jesus Christ) to buy back what he turned over to Satan. However there are some things which were not lost. Man was and is still created in the “image and likeness” of God (Genesis 1:26). He still can represent God as a living “idol”. And now, through the offspring of Seth, he once again has the ability to be intimately connected to God. 3

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol

Building a City or a Family? Genesis 5:1-3 says that Adam was created in the image of God, and Seth was in the image and likeness of Adam. Before Adam sinned, he walked and talked with God in Eden. He knew the ways of God and had an intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, Adam could still choose to serve as an illusion, a phantom and a living idol for God and Seth could imitate his father Adam. The Apostle Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). So Seth imitated his father Adam as Adam imitated God. Luke 3:23-38 traces the genealogy of Jesus and included Adam and Seth in that genealogy.

Luke 3:36-38 sums up the

genealogy by saying, “Which was… the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” Note: Luke 3:23 names Jesus as “the son” of Joseph. That word “son” is the Greek word “huios”. After verse 23 the words “the son” are implied. (The Greek Interlinear Bible4) The word “huios” is one of the words used for the English word “son”. For example, the Hebrew word “ben”, which means a son as a 4

www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Greek Scripture For All Foundation 2002-2010

Building a City or a Family? builder of the family name, is used in a different context than the word “huios.” Huios is used in a context when referring to those who revere God as their father, the pious worshippers of God, those who in character and life resemble God, those who are governed by the Spirit of God, repose the same calm and joyful trust in God which children do in their parents (Rom. 8:14, Gal. 3:26).5 So they were considered sons of God through the lineage of Adam. [We know that Jesus Christ was God’s only begotten son, but in His humanity he is considered the son of Joseph.] These “sons of God” where not only builders of the family name (ben), they also did the will of God (huios). They revered Him and walked and talked like Him. They were the “huios” in the “ben”. They went beyond being simply members of the family. They imitated their fathers as their fathers imitated God. They were representative types of the object of our worship; they were representative types of our God. There is an obvious distinction between the lineage of Cain and the lineage of Seth. Seth’s offspring were under the authority

Blue Letter Bible Lexicon, www.blueletterbible.org

Building a City or a Family? of God. They were representative types of God, in intimate relationship with Him, submitted to Him and called His sons. However, Cain’s offspring lived outside of the presence of God. They looked like Seth’s offspring, and in some cases shared like names, but were void of any relationship with God. They were mere men on their own left to their own devices. While Cain’s offspring were building a city, God, through the offspring of Seth, was building a family.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men

_____________________________________ Genesis 6:1,2 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

The word “men” is the Hebrew word “adam” which means ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species), mankind The word “multiply” is the Hebrew word “rabab” which means to cast together i.e. increase, especially in number; also to multiply by the myriad The word “myrid” means constituting a very large, indefinite number; innumerable: Composed of numerous diverse elements or facets6 6

www.thefreedictionary.com/myriad

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men The word “sons” is the Hebrew word “ben” which means a son (as a builder of the family name), relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc. It is taken from the root word “banah” which means to build (literally and figuratively) also translated begin to build, builder, obtain children, make, repair, set up The word “subject” means being in a position or in circumstances that place one under the power or authority of another or others7 The word “daughters” is the Hebrew word “bath” which means a daughter The “men” in Genesis 6:1 is referring to human beings. It describes man in the human sense, the carnal man.

This

description portrays the man that is connected to the earthly and the physical. The daughters belonged to them. The “sons of God” in verse 2 were more than mere men. They were God’s sons and were builders of His family name and under His authority.

The “sons of God” are referring to the

offspring of Seth. We often don’t realize the enormous privilege and power that comes with being a son of God. We think it’s just a title but 7

www.thefreedictionary.com/subject

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men it’s a lot more. God has given us power, authority, privilege, influence, etc. but we don’t always exercise our son-ship in the way we should.

The New Testament gives very detailed

descriptions of the “sons of God”. Here are a few examples: Romans 8:14 (King James Version) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. John 1:12 (King James Version) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. The word “power” is the Greek word “exousia” which means privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, delegated influence Philippians 2:15 (King James Version) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; The word “blameless” is the Greek word “amemptos” which means irreproachable The word “harmless” is the Greek word “akeraios” which means innocent The word “lights” is the Greek word “phoster” which means an illuminator, i.e. a luminary, brilliancy. 34

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men The word “luminary” means a body that gives off light, such as the sun or moon. A person who sheds light on some subject or enlightens mankind8 1 John 3:1 (King James Version) What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. The word “love” is the Greek word “agape” which means affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast Romans 8:18-19 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. God has created His sons in His image and likeness. We have been given super human power, authority and influence. He sees us as being harmless, blameless lights in a depraved world. The love that He has for us is so abundant that He describes it as a “love-feast.” It is our responsibility to submit to Him in order for all creation to see our invisible God through us. We are fully equipped to do this because we are His sons.

Webster's New World College Dictionary 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men However, we must have the desire and the passion to represent Him as He created us. Where are our passions and our desires? Do we long for a personal jet to take us to an earthy destination or do we long to be transported to the third heaven like the Apostle Paul and receive great revelation from the Lord?

Do we long for

applause from our peers for some great exploit we have done or do we long for Jesus himself to stand and acknowledge us like He did for Steven when he stood up for Him? Do we truly desire to obtain the supernatural power, influence and authority God has given us as His sons or do we desire to obtain the things that are made by man? God understand that we have need of “things” but, as His sons, He wants us to desire Him first and let Him take care of our needs. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men Sethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offspring desired the things of God. They were His sons who walked with Him, loved Him, honored Him and obeyed Him. However, at some point they seem to have had an identity crisis. They forgot who they were and what their heritage was. They chose to break covenant with the God of their fathers and joined into covenant with those who had no relationship with Him. What happened? We see over and over again in the scriptures generations falling away from the faith and dishonoring God. Eli, a priest of the Lord, honored God but his sons Hophni and Phinehas dishonored Him. Samuel, a prophet of the Lord, honored God but his sons Joel and Abiah, dishonored Him. David, the King, honored God but his son Absalom dishonored Him. And the list goes on and on. What happens in just one generation that causes us to lose our connection to the Lord? Why have we yet to use the necessary tools and passion to transfer our relationship with God to the next generation. We know how to transfer thrones, wealth, talent, occupations, businesses, traditions, even recipes from generation to generation so why not our relationship with

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men God? What has kept us from teaching our children how to be in and stay in a relationship with the Lord? Are we too busy; are our children not a priority? Shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one of the greatest priorities of our lives be to pass on the relationship we have with God to the next generation so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an identity crisis, forget who they are and dishonor Him? The offspring of Seth had forsaken their first love, and had turned their hearts to the daughters of mere men.

They

probably were attracted to the women because they resided in a city that was built to fulfill the desires of men. They may not have been any more beautiful than their own women but they represented a fulfillment of their lusts. Flesh had overtaken their hearts. They had chosen to walk away from the arms of a loving God and enter into the arms of their fleshy desires.

Genesis 6:4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men When the sons of God, with their power, influence and authority, married the daughters of men, with their evil selfcenteredness, they produced offspring that Genesis 6:4 describe as “giants… mighty men, men of old, men of renown.” The word “giants” is the Hebrew word “nephiyl” which means bully or tyrant, the Nephilim. It is taken from the root word “naphal” which means to fall, lie, be cast down, prostrate oneself before, to be inferior to, to cause to fall. The Hebrew Interlinear Bible calls them “masterful men.” Obviously these men were giants in the eyes of man and were comfortable with ruling over them. By definition they caused men to bow down to them either by force or by allegiance. They had great authority over the people and caused them to do evil. When we fail to pass on our relationship with the Lord to the next generation there are consequences. Our offspring will come into covenant with those who have no relationship with the Lord.

They will find themselves under subjection to

ungodly leaders and they will take on their practices, their desires and their gods. It happened several times to Israel.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men They left their relationship with God and became subjected to the leaders of other nations and had to endure the hardships that came with their decision. Have some in the Church come into covenant with those who have no relationship with the Lord? Have some compromised the truth for the desires of their flesh and been seduced by their “women”? Has this seduction produced some modern day “giants, men of renown”, offspring who know of God like Cain’s offspring but do not have a relationship with Him; men who resemble God but are not His true sons? Are all eyes fixed on them because of their stature even though they lack substance and do evil in the sight of God? Have these men been encouraged to gather the masses and build kingdoms around themselves and not Christ as they adhere to a doctrine that is humanistic and not Christ-centered? If so, we must come out from among them because they are causing God to grieve and He will bring destruction to them and their followers.

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men

Genesis 6:5-7 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.â&#x20AC;?

Can you imagine this incredible masterpiece that God had created in His own image and likeness is constantly thinking evil thoughts and doing evil deeds? This creation that would represent Him in the earth with super human power, authority and influence is now the opposite of who He is. How it must have grieved His heart to see the evil they were doing and to know their every thoughts were to do more evil. No wonder He regretted ever making him and contemplated removing him

Sons of God and the Daughters of Men from the earth. And what about the other things that He had created, “beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air”? He said that He regretted ever making them also. Had they been corrupted too? In spite of all of this, there’s good news! There was a righteous man in the land, a “huios” in the “ben”. This man walked with God and remained faithful to God. His name was Noah.

But Noah

Genesis 6:8-10 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The word “grace” is the Hebrew word “chen” which means to have favor and acceptance. This is one of the greatest examples of God’s love for his creation. In the mist of a world that has turned to evil there was only one man and his family, eight people in total, who were faithful to God.

Because of these eight people God

spared mankind from total destruction.

We can never tell

ourselves that our lives are insignificant to God. It only took a

But Noah few obedient people to cause God to have mercy on all of mankind. Throughout the generations God has always had a small group of people who find favor with Him. They are those who continue to walk with Him and be in relationship with Him no matter what odds are against them. They obediently lay down their lives to do the work of the Lord. These people are not afraid to do the will of God because their faith is in Him. They have given up their desires for His and submitted themselves to do His work. What ever they do is for His glory and not their own. Gideon’s army is an example of God using a small group of faithful, loyal and obedient people to complete a mission. In Judges 6 and 7, God told Gideon He would use him to lead an army to defeat the host of Midian. The word “Midian” is the Hebrew word “midyan” which means brawling, contention(ous). The host of Midian was a huge army. Judges 7:12 (Holman Christian Standard Bible) Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the Qedemites had settled down in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and

But Noah their camels were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore. Not only were they vast in numbers, their very name meant “brawlers”, they were fighters. God had chosen Gideon, to Gideon’s dismay, to lead the fight against the host of the Midianites.

Gideon was afraid to lead

the army because he thought of himself as the least among the least but he eventually got over his fear. Gideon’s army began with about 32,000 men. Then God removed those who were afraid and distracted reducing the army down to 300 men. God was looking for obedient people who had faith and focus. He is still looking for obedient people who have faith and focus. Interesting enough, God didn’t have them fight at all. He used jars, burning lamps, trumpets and a cheer to defeat the hosts of the Midianites. He had the 300 men break the jars, hold up the lamps, blow the trumpets and then shout, “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.” When they did this the hosts of the Midianites began to kill each other and flee. The hosts of the Midianites had been defeated by the word of the Lord and 300 obedient, focused, faithful and willing troops. Noah and his family were also a small group of people who found favor with the Lord because they continued to walk with 45

But Noah Him and remain in relationship with Him no matter what the odds were against them. They selflessly laid down their agenda to do the work of the Lord. In this day and time that we live in does God have a group of people like Gideon and his troops or Noah and his family? Are we the group of people in our generation who have the favor of the Lord on their lives because we have chosen to lie down our agenda for His in order to do His will? Are we the obedient ones who have the faith and focus needed to withstand difficult times and complete the mission God has given us? Another great example of God’s favor and love for his creation is in Genesis chapter 5 where the generations of Adam are highlighted. Noah’s grandfather, Methuselah is mentioned. The Name Methuselah is believed to mean, when he dies, judgment; when he is dead it shall be sent (“it” refers to the judgment). Methuselah is the oldest man that we have record of. He lived for 969 years. God’s patience with and love for mankind is evident here.

He had Enoch prophetically name his son

Methuselah, knowing that when he died the judgment would come. Then our loving God let him live longer than anyone

But Noah else recorded in history. The sins of man had to be unbearable for Him but His love for us was greater so He suffered long.

Genesis 6:11-13 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

The word “violence” is the Hebrew word “chamac” which means wrong, unjust, cruel, damage, false, injustice, oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing). These “mighty men” who were the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men had corrupted the entire earth. The people of the earth had become cruel and oppressive. Injustice filled the earth.

They were committing violent,

But Noah unrighteous acts against each other. It had to be extremely bad for God to make the decision to â&#x20AC;&#x153;destroy them with the earth.â&#x20AC;?

Gods Plan for Man’s Do-over

So God gave Noah His plan to preserve mankind and the “beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air” through one family. God had a plan to remove evil from the earth and maintain a relationship with His most beloved creation. To sum it up, God was giving man a “do over.” He was giving him another chance to be who He had created him to be. The plan God had for Noah and his family is a type, or shadow, of the plan He has for His family, the Church. Every detail of His plan to preserve life in Noah’s day is used in preserving the Church. That is why Jesus, when talking to his disciples about the “last days” and the “end of the world”, pointed to the days of Noah. When we take a closer look at Noah, his family, the house (ark), why the house was made, the way the house was made, the creatures that came into the house, the door, the window, the raven and the dove surveying the ground, etc. we will see the Church and particularly the Church in the last days.

Make a House

Taking a look at Noah we see that he is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;typeâ&#x20AC;? of Christ. He is not Christ, but he represents the likeness of Christ. They have common traits, characteristics and assignments. God told Noah to make an ark.

Genesis

6:14-16

(King

James

Version)

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with

Make a House lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

“Make thee an ark of gopher wood.” The word “ark” is the Hebrew word “tebah” which means a box. So God told Noah, I want you to make a box of gopher wood. The word “gopher” (is actually the Hebrew word “gopher” which was never translated in the text) means to house in. God told Noah, I want you to make a box out of wood to house in, in other words, build a house out of wood in the shape of a box. He didn’t tell him to put a steering mechanism on it or anything to propel it through water. He just told him to build a house. (We will see later that the house was built as an excellent floatation devise.) The blueprint that God gives Noah to build the house will be in many ways the pattern Christ Jesus uses to build His Church.

Make a House Ephesians 2:19-21 (New Living Translation) Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. The house that Christ builds is not made of wood, like the one Noah and his family built. It is made of people. It is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets and Christ Jesus himself, the cornerstone. So, God told Noah to build a house and there was nothing unusual about building a house. However, what was different about this house is the way God told him to build it.

Rooms in the House

First of all, God told him to make rooms in the house, “rooms shalt thou make in the ark”. The word “rooms” is the Hebrew word “qen” which means nest to dwell in. The amount of rooms Noah was to make is not recorded. The house was large enough for many rooms but God didn’t say how many, we just don’t know. What we do know is that the house had rooms. It had places to dwell in. Jesus also tells us that there are many “mansions” in His Father’s house. John 14:1-3 (King James Version) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. This is a very interesting section of scripture. It is read a lot at funerals and at gravesites. The point of reading it at that time

Rooms in the House is to remind us that those who have died in Christ have a mansion waiting for them in heaven. But is that what He is saying here? Jesus says this to his disciples, soon to be apostles, shortly before His crucifixion, not after his resurrection. When He said, “In my Father’s house” was He talking about a house in heaven or was he talking about his Father’s household? When He said, “are many mansions” did He mean literal houses or did he mean dwelling places? When He said, “I go to prepare a place for you” was He talking about going to heaven or was He talking about going to the cross at Calvary? Was he talking about family?

Was he talking about the

household of faith? After He talks to his disciples about this matter, in chapter 17 He looks toward heaven and begins to pray to His Father. John 17:9-11 (New International Version) I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. One corporate family, one corporate household, is that what Jesus was asking for?

Rooms in the House The word “house” is the Greek word “oikia” which means residence, an abode, a family. The word “mansions” is the Greek word “mone” which means a staying, residence, the act or the place of residing. The word “place” is the Greek word “topos” which means a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy), condition, opportunity

Is it possible that Jesus was telling His disciples: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's family are many residing: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to the cross to prepare an opportunity for you to be in the family. And if I go and prepare an opportunity for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” The cross at Calvary gave us all an opportunity to reside in the family of God. Without the cross, we would not have had an opportunity to be a part of the family of God. We would have perished in our sins without the redemptive work of the cross. Jesus, by His obedience to the Father, made a way for all of us to enter into the family of God. He made “room” for all of us

Rooms in the House in the household of God, just as Noah was told to make rooms in the house.

Pitch It: Atone for Their Sins

Next, God told him to “pitch it within and without with pitch.” The word pitch is used here in two different ways as both a noun and a verb. God told Noah to pitch it with pitch. “Pitch”, the noun, is the Hebrew word “kopher” which means covering Pitch is used as a covering and glue even today. In modern day vernacular, pitch is called “nature’s super glue”. It’s the sticky, waterproof sap that’s extracted or secreted from pine trees when their bark has been injured. People who spend a lot of time in the wilderness are familiar with using pitch for building things. The pitch was probably extracted from pine trees. Perfectly water proof, gum based pitch melts easily, has a faint pine odor, looks like a thick varnish, makes a non-slip surface and remains flexible. It can be used as both a coating and an adhesive. Manufacture is simple. Surely this is the perfect material (for the ark), even by today's standards.9

www.worldwideflood.com/ark/pitch/pine_pitch_tests Tom Lovett 2005

Pitch It: Atone for Their Sins How would Noah have processed the pitch? There is a video on youtube.com that shows the technique that Noah and his family may have used to extract pitch from pine trees. First they scrape some of the bark off of the trees and then make a notch in the tree to let the resin seep out. A pot is then attached to the tree right below the notch to catch the resin as it flows from the tree. The resin is then harvested.10 The harvested resin is heated, usually with fillers such as dried grass or dried animal waste and crushed wood charcoal. When the heating process is complete the pitch is ready for use. Pitch, the verb, is the Hebrew word “kaphar” which means to cover, make atonement, to cleanse, to be merciful, to forgive, to pardon The word “atonement” (Romans 5:11) is the Greek word “katallage” which means exchange, adjustment, restoration, reconciliation So God told Noah to cover the house in pitch to secure it. In order for Noah to cover the house in pitch he had to rub it into the wood. The more he rubbed the pitch the more laminate and waterproof the wood would become. 10

Therefore, it’s

“Resin Extraction, France”, Resin extraction in the Landes of Gascony, France, from the film: Le Gemmage, Directed by Edouard de Laubrie. 2000 Youtube.com

Pitch It: Atone for Their Sins logical that he rubbed the wood intensely, especially on the outside, to keep the water from getting in the house and keep the house safe and secure. This word also means to make atonement. Even in mans rampant sin God still was willing to cover and forgive him. The pitch that Noah rubbed outside and inside the house was used to secure the house and to forgive the sins of mankind. Christ has also secured and redeemed the Church and our sins have been forgiven. We have been reconciled to Him and have been saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:6-9 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Then God told Noah the dimensions for the house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty.â&#x20AC;? A cubit is the equivalent of about 1.5 feet. So the length was 450 feet, the width was 75 feet and the height was 45 feet. That means that the length was about the size of one and a half 59

Pitch It: Atone for Their Sins football fields, the width was about the size of ten standard train cars side by side, and the height was about the size of a modern 4 story building. A very interesting fact about the ark is that it was built on a 1:6 ratios: 50 cubits by 300 cubits. The science of naval architecture reveals that the most stable ratio for an ocean going vessel is 1:6. All modern day ocean going vessels use this same length to width ratio. It is believed that the ark could easily have survived even the largest of ocean waves. The design of the ark would have made it almost impossible to turn over.11 The ark was built to be impenetrable and unsinkable. It was built to withstand an unimaginable storm.

Likewise, the

Church is built to be able to withstand any storm, even an unimaginable one.

http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/was-noah-ark-big-enough-to-hold-all-animals.html Written by Arnold C. Mendez Jr.; John C. Whitcomb, Henry M. Morris, 1998. The Genesis Flood John Woodmorappe. 1996 Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark: A Feasibility Study, Institute for Creation Research. Santee, CA

The Window, the Light of the World

Next, God told Noah to make a window. “A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above.” The word “window” is the Hebrew word “tsohar” which means a noonday light. So God told Noah to make a window to let in the noonday light. He didn’t say here how large the window should be. He told Noah that there should be one cubit above it.

The

assumption is that the window was placed about 1.5 feet from the roof of the house. What or who does the “noonday” light represent? Jesus Christ is the “Light” of the world. Jesus is the Light. John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness

The Window, the Light of the World John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” The window that God told Noah to put in the house was a representation of Jesus Christ, the “Light.” When God refers to the “noonday” light he is referring to righteous justice/judgment. Psalm 37:5-6 Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Deuteronomy 28:29 And you shall grope at noonday, as a blind man gropes in darkness; you shall not prosper in your ways; you shall be only oppressed and plundered continually, and no one shall save you. In Acts 22 the Apostle Paul had an encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. This encounter was “about noon” and about justice. Acts 22:6-11 Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ And those who were with

The Window, the Light of the World me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. Saul’s noonday encounter with the Lord left him groping in the darkness needing to be lead by the hand. It’s interesting here that Christ said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth,” and not I am Christ Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth connects Jesus to a group of people. It connects Him to a family of people. Saul, the Apostle Paul before he became an apostle, persecuted the Church. Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 9:1-2 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

The Window, the Light of the World In essence, Christ asked Saul, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are you doing? Why are you persecuting my family?â&#x20AC;? Christ was bringing justice to His family by confronting Saul. So the window that was put in the house was to symbolize the light of Christ. Not just His bright righteousness but also His justice.

The One Door, the One Way

God then told Noah to put a door on the side of the house, “and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof.” The word “door” is the Hebrew word “pethach” which mean an opening. He told Noah to put one door on the side of the house. He did not tell him to put in two doors, or three doors, or many doors. He told him to put in “one” door, “one” opening in the huge house. There was only “one” way into the house. And, there is only “one” way into the household of God. Jesus Christ is that door. Jesus Christ is that one way. John 10:7-9 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The One Door, The One Way The one “door” was the only way into the house and it also represents Jesus Christ.

Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ

The last instruction He gave him on the construction of the house was to make it in three levels, a three story house, “with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.” Before connecting this part of scripture to the Church we need to take a look at Noah’s family. Noah had a wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law, seven people in total. It would be normal to assume that they helped Noah build the house. There is no reason to think that they didn’t. They probably helped him extract and process the pitch from the pine trees and then cut the trees down for lumber. They probably helped him build the house using the pitch and what ever other building techniques they used. More than likely they helped him rub in the pitch to waterproof the house and keep it secure. There were many rooms to be built. Surely they helped Noah build the rooms in the house. They, along with Noah, were the builders of the house. They were building a structure to house themselves and all of the creatures that were to be saved. We will see later that God will

Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ bring a representative from each family of creatures to Noah to enter into the house.

Noah’s family helped him build the

structure that these families of creatures would not only be safe in but would also thrive in. We know that Noah is a “type” of Christ and that Christ is the chief cornerstone of the Church. So, whom do these seven family members represent?

Well, after Saul stopped

persecuting the Church he was known as the Apostle Paul. Without a doubt he became a great apostle to the Church. He wrote instructional letters to the people of the Church who were in different cities. These letters were written to instruct the people who make up the Church. God’s desire, through the letters of Paul, was to build a mature people in the earth, people who would take on the character of Christ. Contained in these letters is doctrine, reproof and correction, the same techniques we use with our children to help them grow into maturity. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ The Apostle Paul wrote letters to seven churches in seven cities. These letters contained what the people needed and still need to mature in Christ.

The letters were written to the

Church at (1) Rome (the letter to the Romans), (2) Corinth (two letters to the Corinthians), (3) Galatia (the letter to the Galatians), (4) Ephesus (the letter to the Ephesians), (5) Philippi (the letter to the Philippians), (6) Colossa (the letter to the Colossians) and (7) Thessalonica (two letters to the Thessalonians.) These letters are still being used to build the people of the Church, so we are complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family represents these building epistles. These letters to the seven churches are to instruct, protect and equip the family of God so they can survive and thrive unto maturity and perfection. The administrators of these epistles are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. They are the five-fold gift ministries that Christ has given to the Church. Christ has given them the grace to administrate these epistles to the Church. So what do the three levels of the house represent? The three levels represent the stages of growth and maturity of the people

Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ of the Church. The letters to the seven churches, administered by the five-fold gift ministries, are to instruct the family of God on how to grow into a “perfect” or complete man in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The word “perfect” is the Greek word “teleios” which means complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character. It its taken from the Greek word “telos” which means to set out for a definite point or goal; the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. the conclusion of an act or state; resulting in immediate, ultimate or prophetic purpose. The word “measure” is the Greek word “metron” which means a measure, a limited portion The word “stature” is the Greek word “helikia” which means maturity in years or size The word “fullness” is the Greek word “pleroma” which means repletion or completion.

Three Levels to the Fullness of Christ These words, “measure, stature and fullness” emphasizes a progression like going from one level to the next. It is Christ’s intention to use these epistles, administered by the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to build His family in a progressive way so that in its fullness it will fully represent Him. Like the progression of the levels of Noah’s house; bottom, middle and upper, in likeness, Christ’s Church, is to also progress from the measure (bottom or limited portion), of the stature (middle or maturity) of the fullness (upper or completion) of Christ. We can now see that in the entire representative “types” God is building his Church. He is building His family in the earth. He is building a perfect man, a corporate son, a man that will have the same character and likeness of His only begotten son Jesus Christ. It is extremely important that we, His Church, grow into the likeness of His only begotten son. It is also extremely important that we stay connected to those who administer His instructions to us so we can have the protection and the provision that we need, especially for the great tribulation that is to come.

The Covenant

God goes on to tell Noah why He wanted him to build the house. He was going to bring a flood on the earth that would destroy everything that breathed.

Genesis 6:17 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die.

The word “floodwaters” is the Hebrew word “mabbuwl” which means deluge: to fill quickly beyond capacity In Matthew 24 Jesus also spoke of a flood of tribulation coming to the world unlike any other. Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of 72

The Covenant the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. The word “great” is the Greek word “megas” which means big, exceeding The word “tribulation” is the Greek word “thlipsis” which means pressure. Jesus said that there is a great tribulation (excessive pressure) that is coming that will be greater than the world has ever seen, even greater than the flood that destroyed all flesh that was on the earth except for those that were in the house. In Genesis 7:4 God says that He will cause it to “rain” for forty days and nights. Genesis 7:4 For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made. Noah had to be thinking, “What is rain?” Up until the time of the flood there was no rain. A mist that came up from the ground watered the earth. Noah had never seen rain. He knew that water came up from the ground, but from the ground and the sky? 73

The Covenant Genesis 2:4-6 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. Then God tells him that everything on the earth will die because of the flood. However, there was one exception.

Genesis 6:18

But I will establish My

covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.

This is the first time the word covenant is used. The word “covenant” is the Hebrew word “briyth” which means to cut; a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh). It was an agreement between God and Noah. In order to make a covenant with God human flesh had to be cut away. 74

The Covenant Did God have Noah cut his flesh for this covenant to take place? It doesn’t say. It seems that Noah, by his obedience to God had already shown that figuratively his “flesh”, the flesh from his heart, had already been cut away. However, there would come a time when God would require man to remove some of his flesh to symbolize covenant with Him. Beginning with Abraham God will require him and every male in covenant with Him to be circumcised. Concerning the Church, God’s covenant is made within our circumcised hearts. Hebrews 10:16-17 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” The word “remember” is the Greek word “mnaomai” which means to bear in mind, i.e. recollect; by implication, to reward or punish So God told Noah that He would make good His agreement with him. And in doing so, Noah, his wife, his sons and their wives were to go into the house that he would build and be safe.

The Creatures, the Children

Noah and his family were not to go in the house alone. God also had a plan to preserve the lives of the creatures He had created.

Genesis 6:19,20 And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive.

God planned to keep some of the creaturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safe during the flood and allow them to begin a new life in the earth. Why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t He just destroy them and recreate them? In Genesis 1-2

The Creatures, the Children God gives the account of creation. On the sixth day after everything was created God said that it was very good. Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Everything that God created was good and He was pleased with what He had made. So why not just do it again? Then in Genesis 2:2-3 it says that God rested from His work. Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. So God rested from all of His work; it was finished, He was done. Everything that was to be created had been created. Nothing more would be created even if what He already created had been corrupted. From then on God has worked with what He has to work with. He has the expectation that what He has created will function in the way He created it. Surely our omniscient God knew that His creatures would become corrupted even before He created them. He did, and He already had a plan to rescue some of them from the

The Creatures, the Children destruction that was to come. He already had a plan to provide a safe place for them. So whom do these creatures represent? We know that the house (ark) represents the structure of the corporate Church. The door, the only entrance into the Church and the only access to the Father, represents Christ. The window, the light of righteousness and justice, also represents Christ. The rooms represent a dwelling place in the family of God. Noah and his family were the builders of the house. They were responsible for building a house to protect and provide for themselves and the creatures. Noah represents Christ, the chief cornerstone of the Church. His family represents the building epistles, used to build a mature son of God through doctrine, reproof and correction. These epistles are administered through the fivefold gift ministries of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The three levels of the house represent the progressive growth of the people of the Church. The fivefold gift ministers administrate the epistles and the people of the Church display the image and likeness of Christ: the measure (level one) of the stature (level two) of the fullness (level three) of Christ.

The foundation has been laid, the

structure is in place, so where are the people?

The Creatures, the Children The creatures represent the people. They represent the sons of God. Now that the foundation of the Church has been laid and established the sons of God can enter in. We are the family of God, the sons of God, a nation within a nation, and are represented by the creatures. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Genesis 6:19 (King James Version) And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

God told Noah to bring a male and female of every sort into the house. The word “bring” is the Hebrew word “bow” which means to go or to come.

The Creatures, the Children So God told Noah to let the creature come into the house. Noah and his family did not go out and round up male and female of every creature God had made. However, they were to let the creatures “come to” them. They were to be prepared and receptive to the creatures as God rounded them up and lead them to the house.

He is the one that gathered the

creatures and He is the one that gathers His sons. John 6:65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” And how were these creatures selected? Probably the same way we were selected. They were probably predestined to enter the house. Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

The Creatures, the Children The word “predestined” is the Greek word “proorizo” which means to limit in advance, predetermine It was God’s prerogative. He predetermines who comes into the Church and He predetermined what creatures would come into the house. The point is that He gathered the creatures together and He gathers His sons together. He determines who will enter.

It is the Father’s decision.

It is the

responsibility of the builders and the administrators of the Church to make sure the sons of God are protected and provided for. John 17:6,12 I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Genesis 6:19 …they shall be male and female.

The Creatures, the Children There is no speculation why God brought “male and female” creatures to the house that Noah prepared. In most cases, “male and female” together represent reproduction. The plan of God is always for His creation to be fruitful and multiply. In order for His creatures to multiply they had to be male and female. That’s understood. The creatures were to physically reproduce. The objective was for them to replenish the earth after the flood. It is also the plan of God for His Church to be fruitful and multiply. The multiplication of the Church does not depend on male and female multiplication. Galatians 3:27-28 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Our multiplication is a spiritual, not physical, multiplication. The creatures in Noah’s house were gathered together and they would reproduce physically.

The family of God is being

gathered together to reproduce spiritually. And what are we reproducing? We are reproducing sons of God who are in the image and likeness of Christ. Remember, God is building a family. In Genesis 7:2,3 God expands these instructions: 82

The Creatures, the Children

Genesis 7:2,3 (King James Version) Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

After the flood, the “seventh” clean creature(s) was used as a burnt offering sacrifice to the Lord. In sacrificing these creatures, God responded with a covenant to never again destroy every living thing. Genesis 8:20-21 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

The Creatures, the Children So why did God gather “unclean” creatures with the “clean” creatures to enter the house and be preserved to replenish the earth? They were unclean. Why not destroy them with the earth? Did He really need unclean creatures to continue living in the earth? Yes He did. The unclean creatures served a purpose in the earth. Their basic function was to clean up after the “clean” creatures God had created. They were scavengers and carnivores. They devoured the waste that was left behind by the clean creatures. So they were necessary and valuable to the proper functioning of the earth. Who do these clean and unclean creatures represent?

know that the creatures represent the sons of God. Before Jesus went to the cross for all mankind, God’s chosen people were the people of the nation of Israel. All other people, the Gentile nations, were considered unclean. Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” The word “nation” is the Greek word “allophulos” which means foreign, i.e (specially) Gentile

The Creatures, the Children The nation of Israel was considered clean and the Gentile nations were considered unclean. The clean creatures represent Israel and the unclean creatures represent the Gentiles. However, as God gathers us together we all have to come through the same door. Just like the creatures had to come through the only door of the house (ark), we all, Jews and Gentiles, have to come through the only door of the Church, Jesus Christ is that door. Once we enter through the door we are no longer clean or unclean, Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free. We are one, one body, one flesh, one people. Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, then you are Abrahamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seed, and heirs according to the promise. So even though we come to the door (Christ) as Jew and Gentile, we enter into the house(hold) as one people. All of the unclean creatures would come in the house by two, one male and one female. The clean creatures would come in by sevens, three males and three females and one extra that Noah used as a burnt offering to the Lord. It does not state if

The Creatures, the Children the extra clean animal was male or female; both were used as sacrifices and ultimately represent the final sacrifice, Jesus. What is notable here are the numbers two and seven. The number two represents agreement: Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Matthew 18:19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven In order to walk together, there must be agreement. This is at the very basic foundation of life.

In order to accomplish

anything, there must be agreement. Without agreement there is conflict and in conflict nothing gets accomplished. Agreement is essential in the building, and rebuilding process. In order for the creatures to replenish the earth they had to agree with one another. The same is with the Church. In order to accomplish the purposes of God we must be in agreement with Him and with each other. Cain did not walk in agreement with God or his brother Abel. He did not want to obey God and he did not want to be his brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keeper. The results of his decision to disobey God and kill his brother lead to catastrophic 86

The Creatures, the Children consequences for the entire world. It is extremely important that the sons of God always remain in agreement (walk together) with God and each other. The number seven represents spiritual perfection. God didn’t just want to rebuild His creation. He wanted the creatures that had now become corrupted, to be perfected. He wanted them to truly represent themselves in the way that He created them, which was “very good.” The sons of God are to come into spiritual perfection, the fullness of Christ. It is what we should always be striving for. So, how many creatures entered the house. Some may think that the house was too small to accommodate all of the creatures. Remember, it was male and female “after his kind”. What does that mean? The words “after his kind” is the Hebrew word “miyn” which means to portion out; a sort. The word “sort” is defined as a group of persons or things of the same general character; a kind.12 12

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The Creatures, the Children In the hierarchy of the classification of a kingdom, the categories are as follows: kingdom, clan (tribe), class, order, family, genus and species. Family is a higher order than genus and species. Could God be talking about family? Did He tell Noah He would gather male and female of each family of creatures in the earth to bring into the house? If so, it would have limited the number of creatures that would be gathered. Remember the word “predestined” which means to limit in advance. Also, wouldn’t it make sense that He would gather the prepubescent creatures, the children, from each family? The house did not expand during the flood to accommodate more creatures than those who entered.

Therefore, God

probably chose the creatures who were incapable of procreating because they were too young at the time to do so. However, after they left the house, they had more time than an adult creature would have had to replenish the earth. Also, looking at life spans and reproductive cycles, in modern times most creatures have at least a one year life span (the amount of time they spent on the ark.) Since men lived much longer during the days of Noah we can probably assume that creatures did too. Therefore, the creatures that have a one-year life span now may have live much longer then.

Their reproductive

The Creatures, the Children cycles may have begun later than they do now making them prepubescent for a longer time. Likewise, as God gathers His church together He is gathering His family, His sons whom He also refers to as His children. Matthew 18:2-4 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.â&#x20AC;? 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. So the creatures represent the sons of God. They are His children that He is gathering together into the house to preserve

them

they

can

survive

and

thrive.

The Father’s Family

We are God’s family, He is our Father and we are His children. And because family is so important to God it must become important to us. We are the family of God, purchased and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

We also have an

earthly family, the one we were “born” into, and a spiritual family (or church family), the one we were “born again” into. Both families are, or at least should be, headed by a father. We may not call our spiritual father “Father” or “Dad” we may call him “Pastor”, “Apostle” or something else. What’s important is that we know how to identify him just as we know how to identify our earthly father. The father of our spiritual/church family would be the one who leads us. We understand that both fathers, biological and spiritual, are human and imperfect like all of us. However, our spiritual father should be a mature man. He should have the character and likeness of Christ. He should always be striving to look like Christ, act like Christ, talk like Christ, etc., and he should pass that on to us. The Apostle Paul told his followers:

The Father’s Family 1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. He should never cause us to sin. Matthew 18:6 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. He should instruct us in the ways of Christ and lead us according to the grace of God in us. 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. The word “grace” is the Greek word “charis” which means graciousness, as gratifying; of manner or act, abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; He should love us by loving God and keeping His commandments.

The Father’s Family 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. He should be able to correct us like God corrects His children, out of love and concern for us. His correction should never be flesh driven. It should always be love driven. Proverbs 3:11, 12 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. The word “correction” is the Hebrew word “towkechah” which means chastisement; correction. refutation (to prove to be false or erroneous), proof (even in defense) The word “corrects” is the Hebrew word “yakach” which means to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict So, his chastisement should first be reproof and warning, then proof of wrong doing and correction and finally conviction. His actions should always be to get us back on the right track, back to the character and likeness of Christ. And he should be respected because he is responsible to protect and provide for us.

The Father’s Family Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake The father of our spiritual house is a vital part of our lives. That is why it is of extreme importance that we always be connected to our spiritual father who is connected to and connects us to our heavenly Father.

Gather Their Food in Season

Genesis 6:21 (King James Version) And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

Noah and his family were to supply the food needed for them and the creatures. This food is what they needed to sustain their lives. God didn’t bring the food to Noah like He brought the creatures to him. He had to gather it himself. Before man and creatures were created God created the food they would need to nourish their physical bodies. Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is 94

Gather Their Food in Season in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. The food was part of creation and has continued to nourish man and creatures because the “seed is in itself”. Therefore, the principle of “be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth” is in operation.

God created the herbs, fruit trees, etc

with the ability to reproduce within itself. The word of God is also our food. Matthew 4:3-4 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. The life-giving word is reproduced within itself. As we hear, apply and speak the Word of God it gives life. God does not have to come out of His place of rest to make more food, physical or spiritual. Like Noah, we have to gather the food. More than likely the food that Noah gathered was food that was in season. There were no grocery stores with frozen or

Gather Their Food in Season processed foods. Noah had to gather fresh, seasonal food. The sons of God need to be fed fresh spiritual food. This food is the word of God that is in season. The word of God never changes, but there is a freshness of revelation depending on the season. Like the men that gathered the manna from heaven each day for their households (Exodus 16:15-16), our spiritual fathers have to gather fresh spiritual food for their households. Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? In order to get a fresh, in season word from God we, the sons of God, have to be connected to our spiritual fathers. Our spiritual fathers have to be connected to Him. That way we are all connected to Him.

No Problem God

Verse 22 is the verse that gives us great insight into the heart of Noah. Here we can understand why God was merciful with Noah. This is why God said he was a “just” and “perfect” man and why Noah found grace in the eyes of God…

Genesis 6:22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

Noah was obedient and built the house according to the pattern God had given him. There is no indication that he objected to God’s commands in any way. He humbled himself before God and did what was in the heart of God without reservation.

Think about the outrageousness from man’s

perspective of what God had just told him to do.

No Problem God •

Build a huge, three story rectangular house for his family and a select group from every creature on the earth.

•

Build it with rooms in it. It wasn’t a big open space.

•

Put one door and one window in this huge house

•

Seal the house with pitch on the outside and the inside

•

Gather enough food for your family and all of the creatures that will be in the house

•

Stay in the house until I tell you to come out

Most of us would have thought, “Seriously God? You want me to do what?” Also, keep in mind that Noah and his family would have to care for all of the creatures. They had to feed them, clean up after them, etc. and maintain the house. And, God let him know that he was doing all of this so they would survive when He destroys every breathing thing on the earth with a flood of water that would come from the ground and from the sky. Noah had never seen water come from the sky. He didn’t even know what rain was. And Noah said, OK. No problem God. Our Lord, Christ Jesus was the same.

No Problem God Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. It seems to have taken Noah about one hundred years to build the structure of the house according to the pattern God had given him. Most Noah scholars estimate that it took between 75 and 120 years. It is also important to note that it took the builders of the Church about one hundred years to build the structure of the Church. We often speak of the First Century Church as the builders/founders of the Church. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were all established as Church administrators during the first century. The Church epistles were written in the first century. Jews and Gentiles becoming one body in Christ took place in the first century, etc. The first century believers laid the foundation for the Church we are a part of today.

God Shut the Door

Genesis 7:13-16 On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark— they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in.

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God Shut the Door After the house was completed, Noah, his family and selected creatures went into the house and the Lord shut them in. Once everyone, the beast, the creeping things and the birds were in the house and secure God shut the door. No one and nothing else could enter. There had to be many people who watched Noah build the house. They must have had some kind of conversation with him either during or after the building of the house. If your neighbor was building a house larger than a football field wouldn’t you have a conversation with him? Did Noah talk to them? We can assume that he did. 2 Peter 2:5 …and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; The word “preacher” is the Greek word “kerux” which means a herald. A herald is someone who carries or proclaims important news.13 The building of the house itself was newsworthy. If he had built it in our lifetime all of the major news outlets around the world would have covered the story. Everyone would have tried to get an interview with Noah. In his day there had to be 13

www.thefreedictionary.com/herald

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God Shut the Door onlookers who either looked in amazement, confusion or disdain for what they were observing as Noah built the house. However, this verse implies that Noah was a messenger of righteousness. Could it have been that Noah talked to the people about the righteousness of God before, during and after the building of the house? Could he have told them to repent because the judgment of God was coming? If so, can you image what it was like when the rain began to pour out of the sky and the water broke out from the ground? When they realized their lives were in jeopardy did they try to get into the house? Did they bang on the door and plead with Noah to open it? Did they try to climb up the sides of the house covered in pitch to reach the window or the roof? Did they feel regret for ignoring Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proclamation to repent? Did they then repent in their heart and ask for forgiveness for their decision to reject our loving God? Maybe, God doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell us. If this did happen, it probably pulled at the heart of Noah to hear the cries and screams as he heard his neighbors perishing. Maybe he wanted to open the door and let them in. But God had closed the door. It was too late. Once God closes a door, no man can open it. Not even Noah.

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God Shut the Door In like manner the same will become of the Church. At some point, the door to the Church will be shut. No one will be able to enter in and the same scenario that took place in the days of Noah will happen again. Luke 13:23-28 (New American Standard Bible) And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.' In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. Sobering. In the times that we live in are we preachers proclaiming important news? Jesus told His disciples that at the end of this age the gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world.

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God Shut the Door Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The word “witness” is the Greek word “marturion” which means something evidential, evidence given What is the gospel of the kingdom and is it the same as the gospel of salvation? Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks about the gospel of salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. The word “gospel” is the Greek word “euaggelion” which means a good message; taken from the Greek word “euaggelizo” which means to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel The word “salvation” is the Greek word “soteria” which means to rescue or safety (physically or morally); taken from the Greek word “soter” which means a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ

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God Shut the Door The word “believed” is the Greek word “pisteuo” which means to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ) The word “inheritance” is the Greek word “kleronomia” which means heirship, i.e. (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession The word “redemption” is the Greek word “apolutrosis” which means (the act) ransom in full The word “glory” is the Greek word “doxa” which is taken from the Greek word “dokeo” which means reputation The word “reputation” means the overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general14 The gospel of salvation says; if you will repent and have faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10) you will be delivered, fully ransomed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. And, you will have the guarantee of an inheritance of son-ship (heir) in order to bring praise to the Lord’s glory. Our salvation brings honor to the reputation of the Lord. When 14

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reputation

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God Shut the Door the unredeemed look at the redeemed they should judge our Lord as honorable. Also, the gospel of salvation was to be preached to every creature. The gospel of salvation is for the unbelievers to become believers, the unsaved to become saved. Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. But, the gospel of the kingdom was to be preached in all the world as evidence of the kingdom of our Lord. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The gospel of the kingdom is for the sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of God (those who have heard the gospel of salvation and believed) in the kingdom of God to teach them how to display the glory of God. The gospel of the kingdom goes further than the gospel of salvation. The gospel of salvation gives us access to God; we become heirs. The gospel of the kingdom turns that access

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God Shut the Door into relationship. The gospel of the kingdom illuminates the King. The heirs represent Him in the earth. They walk like Him and talk like Him. They are submitted to His service and their very lives are devoted to bringing honor to His reputation. So as Noah preached the gospel of righteousness in his day, the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the entire world before the end of this age. Modern day information technology has provided a means to reach all nations with the gospel of the kingdom in a short amount of time. As the gospel of the kingdom is preached in the world the sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of God will apply the information they are given and display the glory of our Lord in the earth. Then, after the gospel of the kingdom has been preached throughout the entire world and the evidence of His kingdom is revealed, the end will come. God will shut the door to the Church.

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The Flood

Genesis 7:12 (King James Version) In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

The word “great” is the Hebrew word “rab” which means abundant in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality. The word “deep” is the Hebrew word “thowm” which means an abyss; a surging mass of water, especially the main sea or the subterranean water-supply

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The Flood About one hundred years after Noah began to build the house it was completed. Then an abundance of water began to come up from the abyss and an abundance of rain began to fall from heaven. There was a deluge of water coming from below and above. So much so that everything that breathed was enclosed in water. The number forty is a very interesting number here. The number forty has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence, and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisementâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;(not judgment, like the number 9, which stands in connection with the punishment of enemies, but the chastisement of sons, and of a covenant people). It is the product of 5 and 8, and points to the action of grace (5), leading to and ending in revival and renewal (8).15 It rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights. God did not use the flood to punish His enemies. He had already punished His enemies, Cain and his offspring, by removing them from His presence. He used the flood to chastise His sons. The sons of God who had left their relationship with

www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/40 Barnabas Ministries

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The Flood Him and locked into covenant with the daughters of men were being chastised for what they had done. They had become evil men in the eyes of God and no longer resembled the man that God had created. The word “chastise” means to reduce to order or obedience; to correct or purify; to free from faults or excesses.16 The word “order” means a condition in which freedom from disorder or disruption is maintained through respect for established authority17 The word “obedience” means dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority.18 The word “correct” means to adjust so as to meet a required standard or condition19 The word “purify” means to free (something) of extraneous, contaminating, or debasing matter20

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chastise 2010 Merriam Webster Inc. 17 The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition 2000 Published by Houghton Mifflin Company 18 Ibid 19 Ibid 20 Ibid

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The Flood Life on the earth had gotten extremely out of hand. All of mankind, including Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sons, no longer had respect for His authority.

They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deem it necessary to submit to the

instructions He had given them, instruction that would keep them in relationship with Him. God had to correct them. He had to make an adjustment in the earth or else all mankind would perish, no one would be left. God used the flood to purify all that had been contaminated. He used the flood to correct the mistakes man had made and bring boundaries back to His people. Are we headed for another chastisement? Will God use another deluge to bring order, obedience, correction and purification? We know that He made a covenant promise to all mankind to never again bring a flood of water to destroy the earth. Genesis 9:9-11 And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.

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The Flood However, Matthew 24 lets us know that there is another flood of chastisement coming. A great tribulation unlike what the world has ever seen. Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives and talked with His then disciples, future apostles, Peter, James, John and Andrew, about a great tribulation that would take place before “the coming of the son of man.” Before Christ returns there will be a time of suffering and misery of catastrophic proportions. So catastrophic that if the days had not been shortened all mankind would perish. He also says that this time of suffering won’t come on suddenly, but it will happen like birth pains, like a woman in labor. The suffering will start slowly and less intense and gradually become more frequent and more intense. Matthew 24:6-8 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes

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The Flood in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. The word “sorrows” is the Greek word “odin” which means a pang or throe, especially of childbirth So, there is no one catastrophic day that will mark the end of this age. It will happen over time, and will intensify over time until Christ returns. What exactly will happen and what will intensify? In Matthew 24:7, Christ tells us of a few of the things that will happen before He returns. These things will intensify as His time draws near. Matthew 24:7,9 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. The word “nation” is the Greek word “ethnos” which means a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe Sometimes we become comfortable in our personal lives and are unaware of what is going on in the rest of the world. The following statistics are not meant to bring on fear or panic.

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The Flood 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind However, they may be alarming. When talking about the end of this age it is necessary to mention whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in the world now and in recent history. God gave us many things to look for. These are just a few. [You will notice that these statistics can be updated daily as the suffering increases in all of these categories.] Nation against nation (ethnic groups against ethnic groups just in the twentieth and twenty first century) Armenians in Turkey [1915-1918] - Estimated Death Toll: Approx. 1.5 million Armenians killed, 500 thousand expelled Stalinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purges and Forced Famine [1932-1938] Estimated Death Toll: Approx. 100-200,000 Jews; 5 million Ukrainians 1932-33, 14-15 million Soviet peasants 1930-37, and at least 3 million "enemies of the people" 1937-38. The Japanese Invasion of China [1937-38] Estimated Death Toll: Over 300,000 people

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The Flood The Nazi Holocaust [1938-1945] - Estimated Death Toll: 6 million Jews, 5 million others including 500,000 Gypsies, 6 million Poles, 5,000 to 15,000 homosexuals Cambodia and the Khymer Rouge [1975-1979] Estimated Death Toll: Approx. 1-3 million killed in Cambodia Indonesia [1965-66; 1972 & 1999] - Estimated Numbers: Approx. 500,000 killed in Indonesia, 500,000 arrested; 200-300,000 killed in East Timor Rwanda [1994] - Estimated Numbers: 500,000-1 million killed, 1.5-2 million refugees Bosnia-Herzogovina [1992-1995] - Death Toll: Est. 200,000 Sudan [1983- present] - Estimated Death Toll: Approx. 2 million killed, 4-5 million displaced (The above information)21

Kingdom against Kingdom 21

http://www.flashpoints.info/issue_briefings/Genocide/Genocide_htm.htm

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The Flood Approximately 35 to 40 million soldiers have died in the wars of the Twentieth Century, nearly three quarters of them in the two World Wars.22 Current and twenty-first century wars: Afghanistan War al-Qaida War "Global War on Terror Bangladesh Army Mutiny of 2009 Burundi Civil War Central African Republic Army Mutiny Chad Rebellion Chechen War Colombian Civil War Cote de Ivorie (Ivory Coast) Civil War Darfur War The Ethiopia-Somalia War Georgia-Russia War Honduras Coup of June, 2009

Matthew White http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/war-list.htm 1999

116

The Flood India-Bangladesh Border Conflict India's Maoist Insurgency/Naxalite Guerrilla War Iraq War Israel-Palestinian War Israel-Syrian Conflict Korean Conflict Macedonian Albanian Uprising (2001) Mount Elgon insurgency --(2005-2008) Nepal Civil War Sa'dah al-Houthi Rebellion in Yemen Solomon Islands Unrest (2006) Sri Lankan Civil War (1983â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009) Thailand Political Unrest Thai Muslim Rebellion Thai-Myanmar (Burma) Border Conflict Waziristan War Pakistan vs. Taliban/al-Qaida Insurgents

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The Flood Famines •

In the Asian, African and Latin American countries, well over 500 million people are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute poverty"

•

Every year 15 million children die of hunger

•

The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well fed, one-third is under-fed and one-third is starving.

Over 4

million will die this year. •

One

twelve

people

worldwide

are

malnourished, including 160 million children under the age of 5. (United Nations Food and Agriculture) •

The Indian subcontinent has nearly half the world's hungry people. Africa and the rest of Asia together have approximately 40%, and the remaining hungry people are found in Latin America and other parts of the world. (Hunger in Global Economy)

•

Nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion - live on less than $1 per day, while the world's 358 billionaires have assets exceeding the combined

118

The Flood annual incomes of countries with 45 percent of the world's people. UNICEF •

3 billion people in the world today struggle to survive on US$2/day.

•

In 1994 the Urban Institute in Washington DC estimated that one out of 6 elderly people in the U.S. has an inadequate diet.

•

In the U.S. hunger and race are related. In 1991 46%

African-American

children

were

chronically hungry, and 40% of Latino children were chronically hungry compared to 16% of white children. •

The infant mortality rate is closely linked to inadequate nutrition among pregnant women. The U.S. ranks 23rd among industrial nations in infant mortality. African-American infants die at nearly twice the rate of white infants.

•

One out of every eight children under the age of twelve in the U.S. goes to bed hungry every night.

•

Half of all children under five years of age in South Asia and one third of those in subSaharan Africa are malnourished.

•

Malnutrition is implicated in more than half of all child deaths worldwide - a proportion

119

The Flood unmatched by any infectious disease since the Black Death •

About 183 million children weigh less than they should for their age

•

To satisfy the world's sanitation and food requirements would cost only US$13 billionwhat the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year.

•

The assets of the world's three richest men are more than the combined GNP of all the least developed countries on the planet.

•

Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger

•

It is estimated that some 800 million people in the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition, about 100 times as many as those who actually die from it each year. (The above information)23

Pestilences The following is a list of the most common infectious diseases throughout the world today. Accurate caseload numbers are difficult to determine, especially because so

http://library.thinkquest.org/10136/famine/famitq.htm Oracle Education Foundation 2010

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The Flood many of these diseases are endemic to developing countries, where many people do not have access to modern medical care. Approximately half of all deaths caused by infectious diseases each year can be attributed to just three diseases: tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS. Together, these diseases cause over 300 million illnesses and more than 5 million deaths each year. African Trypanosomiasis (â&#x20AC;&#x153;sleeping sicknessâ&#x20AC;?): The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 450,000 cases occur each year. Cholera: An estimated 200,000 cases are reported to WHO annually. Dengue: WHO estimates that 50 million cases of dengue fever appear each year. Hepatitis A: The number of annual infections worldwide is estimated at 1.4 million. Hepatitis B: Approximately 2 billion people are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), making it the most common infectious disease in the world today.

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The Flood Hepatitis C: An estimated 180 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV); 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 million more are infected every year. HIV/AIDS: In 2009 An estimated 33.3 million people were living

with

HIV/AIDS

and

1.8

million

died.

(http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm) Influenza: Approximately 20,000 people die of the flu in the United States every year. Japanese Encephalitis: Around 50,000 cases occur each year; 25% to 30% of all cases are fatal. Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis is a disease spread by the bite of the sandfly.

Left untreated, it is always fatal.

Approximately 12 million cases of leishmaniasis exist today. Malaria: Affects more than 500 million people annually, causing between 1 and 3 million deaths. Measles: 242,000 deaths (out of 30 million cases) Meningitis: An estimated 1.2 million cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year, over a tenth of which are fatal.

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The Flood Onchocerciasis (“river blindness”): Of those infected, over 6.5 million have developed dermatitis and 270,000 have gone blind. Rotavirus: It kills more than 600,000 children each year, mostly in developing countries. Shigellosis: Shigella infection causes an estimated 600,000 deaths worldwide every year. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis causes nearly 2 million deaths every year, and WHO estimates that nearly 1 billion people will be infected between 2000 and 2020 if more effective preventive procedures are not adopted. Typhoid: Typhoid fever causes an estimated 600,000 deaths annually, out of 12–17 million cases. Yellow Fever: Yellow fever causes an estimated 30,000 deaths each year, out of 200,000 cases. (The above information)24

Earthquakes 24

www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0903696.html 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Sources: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC); The World Health Organization (WHO).24 www.earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php 2011 USGS National Earthquake Information Center

123

The Flood The USGS (United States Geographical Survey) estimates that several million earthquakes occur in the world each year. Many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have very small magnitudes. In the year 2010 there were 226,895 worldwide deaths due to earthquakes (The Above Information)25

Christian Persecution It is claimed that the 20th century persecutions were the most severe in the history of the church. According to the World Christian Encyclopedia (2001), some 45.4 million Christians were martyred in the 20th century, compared with some 70 million Christian martyrs for all time. In other words, more Christians were martyred in the 20th century than in all previous centuries combined. Other statistics show martyrdoms increasing yearly, from 35,000 in 1900, to 171,000 in 2005 to an estimated 260,000 in 2008 (some of this increase will be due to population increase.) (The above information)26

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The Flood These statistics are not to say that a great tribulation is upon us. However it may be considered the beginning of birth pains. God has given us a safe place to be during these days of tribulation. This place is called the Church. It is our house (ark). It is our place of protection and provision. Here we will receive shelter and seasonal food. Here we can hear the voice of God clearly, obey Him fully and not just survive but thrive. It is extremely important that we stay connected to the family of God. We stay connected by knowing what household we belong to. We identify our household by the father of the house who equips us and administers protection and provision to us. He is the one that will watch over us and watch for us. Matthew 24:42-44 (King James Version) Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

www.seekingtruth.co.uk/persecution.htm International Voice of Persecuted Christians

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The Flood The word “goodman” is the Greek word “oikodespoteo” which means to be the head of (i.e. rule) a family Do not be left homeless. Do not be an orphan. Know where your father’s household is and remain in his house.

126

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

In Matthew 24:37-42 Christ says that during this time of tribulation some will be taken and some left. Matthew 24:37-42 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. The word “took” (…and took them all away) is the Greek word “airo” which means to lift up; by implication, to take up or away Those in the days of Noah, the nephilim and their followers who had caused God great grief and did evil continuously, were distracted and unaware of the flood to come. They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, oblivious to the things of God, when the flood came and took them away. God never makes mention of them again. Even after Noah

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Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

and the creatures exit the ark there is no mention of them. They were taken away. If their bodies were not swept away into the sea or buried under the collapsing ground when the waters broke forth they probably decomposed in the elements. Noah, his family and the creatures were in the ark for about a year. By the time they left the ark the human remains would have been skeletal. But God never even mentions skeletal remains. What He does let us know is that they were taken away. Likewise, in the end of this age the word took “airo”, lifts; takes away, refers to those who have rejected Christ. They will be distracted, doing business as usual, when the great tribulation comes. The flood of the Lord’s justice will take them away.

There is no hope for them to escape His

judgment. Their wealth can’t save them, the cities they have built can’t save them and their gods can’t save them. In their rejection of Christ they will have forfeited their chance for salvation and will receive the consequences of their decision. Therefore, while they are enjoying a life away from the presence of Christ they will be taken away by a flood of the worst tribulation the world has ever known.

128

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

The word “Then” (Then two men…) is the Greek word “tote” which means the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) The word “consecution” means following one after another without interruption; successive27 The word “taken” (…Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.) is the Greek word “paralambano” which means to receive near; to take to, to take with one's self, to join to one's self The word taken “paralambano” to receive near, to join to ones self, refers to those sons who love and exalt Christ Jesus and He loves them and holds them very near to Himself. Like the creatures that God brought to Noah, these are the ones who have been chosen unto salvation and have remained in the household under the protection and provision of the apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers and under the headship of their spiritual fathers. The creatures of Noah’s day had no choice but to remain in the house (ark). However, 27

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consecution 2010 Merriam Webster Inc.

129

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

God’s sons do have a choice. These are the sons of God who have remained in the house. Christ Jesus is the Lord of their lives and they are submitted to Him. When the chastisement of the Lord comes to bring justice they will be protected because they are connected to the Lord. He has prepared room for them in His household and they will be protected until the chastisement has ceased.

There they will be fed

seasonal food by the fathers and they will not only survive but they will also thrive. The word “left” (and the other left) is the Greek word “aphiemi” which means to send forth; like a husband divorcing his wife The words “send” means to cause, permit, or enable to go.28 The word left, “aphiemi” to send forth like divorce, to permit to go, are those sons who have heard the gospel of Christ and have confessed Him as Lord but have broken covenant with Him. They left. They were in the field and grinding at the mill with the other son (men/women) but they left. God has given us free will and will permit us to leave if we choose to. Because they left they are homeless and on their own and must go 28

www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/send

130

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

through the chastisement of the Lord. They are unable to receive the protection and provision of the house. Once again God gives us an illustration of two types of sons. There are the sons who will honor Him with their obedience and stay connected to Him and the ones who will disobey Him and become distracted and disconnected. Abel honored God and stayed connected to Him but Cain disobeyed Him and was disconnected.

Noah was obedient to God and stayed

connected to Him but the other offspring of Seth became distracted, disobeyed Him and were lost in the flood. At the end of this age there will be those sons who will obey and honor God and stay connected to Him, but there will also be those who will disobey Him, leave and lose their connection to His protection and provision. Like the parable of the forgiving father in Luke 15, one son stays with his father under his protection and provision and the other son chooses to leave and pursue life away from his father’s household. Luke 15:11-24 (New Living Translation) To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want

131

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,

132

Eating, Drinking, Marrying…Took, Taken, Left

for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found. In spite of their decision to leave, as you can see, there is good news for them.

This word “aphiemi” has been translated

“forgive” more often then it has been translated any other word except “leave”.

With this word “aphiemi” Christ is

saying I know that you have turned away from me. Therefore you have entered into my chastisement because you have walked away from my presence and away from my protective arms. Nevertheless, I still love you. Like the lost son, if you will repent and come back to me, I will forgive you. Remember the “pitch” was used for atonement, forgiveness of sins, and was rubbed on the outside and the inside.

133

Lifted Up Above the Earth

Genesis 7:17 Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.

The house of Noah was lifted up above the earth. The house, Noah, his family and the creatures were all lifted up above the earth. Jesus Christ was also lifted up above the earth literally and figuratively. As He was placed on the cross at Calvary He was lifted up above the ground. At Calvary He took on the sins of the entire world. Through this act all mankind has an opportunity to repent of their sins, and exalt Him as the Lord of their lives. When we lift Him up and exalt Him as Lord, He draws us near to Him. John 12:28-32 “Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified

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Lifted Up Above the Earth

it and will glorify it again.” Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

The words “lifted up” is the Greek word “hupsoo” which means to elevate. It is taken from the Greek words “hupsos” which means altitude, (specially), the sky, or (figuratively) dignity and the word “huper” which means over, above, beyond, across, superior to, more than: exalt The word “exalt” means to glorify, praise, or honor.29 The word “draw” is the Greek word “helkuo” which means to drag. It is taken from the Greek word “haireomai” which means to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer The word “To” is the Greek word “pros” which means toward the side of, by the side of, i.e. near to

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exalt 2010 Merriam Webster Inc.

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Lifted Up Above the Earth

Christ Jesus has chosen to be near to those who exalt Him. He has drawn them to Himself. During a time of worldwide birth pains, going from mild to catastrophic, the sons of God are being drawn to Christ Jesus as we exalt Him above everything that is on the earth.

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Gone

Genesis 7:21-23 (King James Version) And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

Everything left on the earth that once breathed died. They existed no more. All of Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbors and their livestock,

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Gone the rabbits that ate their vegetables, the frog that hopped on the grass, everything was dead. There probably was complete silence except for the waves that brushed up against the house. No more eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. The whole world was quiet. So much of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation was GONE from the earth. Genesis 1:21, 25, 27 (King James Version) And God createdâ&#x20AC;Ś every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. GONE And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. GONE So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. GONE Every creature and everyone except for those in the house were gone. No more winged fowl, no more creeping thing, and no more man. A severe judgment and chastisement had taken place. Men could no longer corrupt the earth and continually think evil thoughts or feed their fleshy desires.

They had

walked away from a loving God and now suffered the consequences. They were GONE.

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Gone As we are surrounded by the family of God, helping each other, building each other up, addressing each others needs, let us always be mindful of those who are still under the influence of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;men of renown.â&#x20AC;? It is still not too late for them. The door is still open. God tells us that we are living epistles. The word of God is written on our lives and the world needs to read it. 2 Corinthians 3:2,3 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. We must always remember that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and redeem mankind. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. So we must at all times represent Him. The world is looking at us and waiting for us.

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God Remembered Noah

Genesis 7:24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days. Genesis 8:1,2 (King James Version)

And

God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged; The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained

The Hebrew interlinear puts it this way, “And God, being mindful of Noah, and every living thing…” When it’s written, “And God remembered Noah…” it seems as though God forgot about him. But, when put the other way, “And God being mindful of Noah…” it suggests that God was continually 140

God Remembered Noah thinking about Noah and every living thing with him. Surely God was thinking of Noah and all of the inhabitants of the house the entire time. Likewise, God is always thinking about us. There is nothing that can separate us from Him, not tribulation, not even death. We are always on His mind. Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Genesis 8:1 (King James Version) …and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged

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God Remembered Noah The word “wind” is the Hebrew word “ruwach” which means wind; breath. It is the same word that was translated “Spirit” in Genesis 1:2. Genesis 1:2 (King James Version) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. The word Spirit is also the word ruwach as if to say “the breath of God moved upon the face of the waters.” The conditions of the earth after the flood were probably similar to the conditions in Genesis 1:2. Once again, the “Spirit of God”, “breath” of God moved upon the face of the waters. Here, when God breathed, the waters assuaged. The word “assuaged” is the Hebrew word “shakak” which means to weave a trap; to allay. The word allay means to subdue in intensity or severity; to make quiet; to reduce in strength After the rain had stopped falling and the water from the deep stopped flooding the earth God “breathed” upon the earth and the waters became calm. Before that the waters were probably raging. Parts of the earth probably crumbled at the weight of the water. There were probably mudslides and massive waves. God trapped the waters and calmed them down. 142

God Remembered Noah After all of the destruction of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;great tribulationâ&#x20AC;?, earthquakes, wars, deaths from hunger and disease, etc., God will need to calm the atmosphere. Once again He will probably breathe on the earth and make it calm.

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The Raven and the Dove

Genesis

8:3-5

(The

Holman

Christian

Standard Bible) The water steadily receded from the earth, and by the end of 150 days the waters had decreased significantly. The ark came to rest in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to recede until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were visible.

The water didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just dry up and disappear immediately after the rains stopped or after God breathed on it. Over time the waters that had completely covered the earth dried up. Noah and the occupants of the house had to remain in the house for about one year after the rain began. The ground had to be dry

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The Raven and the Dove before they exited the house. Also, there needed to be food in the earth to sustain them.

Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made.

The rain eventually stopped, the house rested on the mountain Ararat and Noah opened the window. The window was made into the house primarily as a source of light. Remember the word for window is the Hebrew word â&#x20AC;&#x153;tsoharâ&#x20AC;? which means a noonday light. However, this is the first time it is mentioned that Noah opened the window. More than likely they had some type of light source in the house, i.e. lanterns. They had to feed and take care of the creatures in the house and they had to take care of each other. But, it seems that the window had not been opened until now. Why did Noah open the window?

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The Raven and the Dove

Genesis 8:7-8 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground.

The word â&#x20AC;&#x153;watersâ&#x20AC;? is the Hebrew word mayim which means water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen The water on the ground was contaminated. Noah opened the window to send a raven and a dove to see if the contaminated waters had dried up. Why did he send the raven and the dove? Birds are often used to gage the atmosphere for men. Birds have sensitivity to the atmosphere that men do not. If the atmosphere is abnormal they give a warning.

Coal miners

would put caged canaries into coal mines before they would enter. Canaries are very sensitive to carbon monoxide. If the singing canary continued to sing after entering the mine the miners would enter and stay. If the canary suddenly stopped

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The Raven and the Dove singing, the miners would evacuate immediately. A dead canary meant dead miners. This is probably the same reasoning behind Noah sending the dove and the raven out of the house. Their ultimate mission was to communicate the conditions of the atmosphere to Noah by their actions. Noah needed to know if the conditions were good enough for everyone to exit the house. The raven went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth.

The raven was probably sent to give Noah a

perspective on the survival conditions of the earth. He wanted to know if the contaminated waters were gone and if he and the inhabitants of the house had the food and water they needed to survive. This raven would probably go look for a while, come back to the house and perch and then go look again. He was looking for food and drinkable water. Ravens eat seeds, berries, grain, nuts, bird eggs, insects, small mammals and occasionally the bodies of animals killed by other creatures. Noah knew that the ravenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet included the food he, his family and the creatures in the house needed in order to survive outside of the house. All of these food sources, if they were available, would be on or close to the ground. In 1 Kings God used a raven to feed Elijah. 147

The Raven and the Dove 1 Kings 17:6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. In this account Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, told Ahab, the king, the land would not see any more rain until Elijah said it would. Ahab was furious and Elijah’s life was in danger. God told Elijah to hide himself by the brook and He would have a raven bring him food. It makes perfect sense that God would use a raven to feed Elijah because the raven’s diet included a lot of the same foods humans eat. And for that reason it also makes sense that Noah would send forth a raven to communicate the physical survival conditions for the inhabitants of the house. Eventually the raven did not return to the house. He found food and clean drinking water. Therefore, Noah knew that there was food and water for the people and the creatures, i.e. seeds, berries, grain, and nuts. The raven not returning gave Noah the “all clear” for food and water for him and the inhabitants of the house. Noah now knew that the physical atmosphere was habitable.

The earth could sustain their

physical bodies.

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The Raven and the Dove Noah and the inhabitants of the house were getting ready to begin a new life on the earth. He needed to know that the environment they would be living in could sustain them. The raven let him know that there was food and water on the earth to sustain them.

Genesis

8:8-12 He also sent out from

himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. So

149

The Raven and the Dove he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore.

The dove, which was sent out with the raven, would let him know the spiritual conditions of the earth. Remember, evil had taken over before the flood. Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. What the Bible tells us about the dove is that it was sometimes used as a sin offering substitute for a lamb to make atonement for man. Leviticus 12:8 And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons â&#x20AC;&#x201D;one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean. So if a lamb were not available for a sin offering, God would allow a dove (pigeon) to take its place.

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The Raven and the Dove We know that Jesus Christ was sometimes referred to as a lamb. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! The dove was also used as a representation of the Spirit of God. Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. When Noah sent the dove out he knew that when the dove found a place to rest her feet that atonement had been made for man.

The contamination was gone and the spiritual

atmosphere of the earth was repaired, purified and ready for them to live in. Noah knew that all aspects of living conditions had to be in order before he and all of the inhabitants of the house could live and thrive in the earth. It was not enough to have what they required to sustain their physical bodies they also needed to have the peace of God. We must have both.

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The Raven and the Dove Noah was aware that no one had survived the flood. He knew that he, his family and the creatures would be the ones to replenish the earth. Just as God had brought calm and peace to the earth before He created Adam, He needed to bring calm and peace before Noah and his family began a new life on the earth. The dove let Noah know that God had done just that. The peace of God had filled the earth, the contamination was gone and it was now completely habitable for him, his family and all of the creatures. Noah sent the dove out three times. When the dove came back the second time she brought an olive leaf. Throughout the Bible, the olive tree is a symbol of peace.

When the dove

returned with an olive leaf Noah knew there was peace in the atmosphere. The spiritual atmosphere was also ready for them to leave the house. On the third time, the dove did not return. Likewise with the conclusion of the tribulation of our times a righteous atmosphere will be restored and the peace of God will fill the earth. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

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The Covering Removed

Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry.

Noah removed the covering of the ark. This is the first time the word “covering” has been used. The word “covering” is the Hebrew word “mikceh” which means a covering There was already a window in the house that was used to let the light in and to release a raven and a dove. Why didn’t Noah just look out of the window? The window was on one of the sides of the house. When he looked out of the window he 153

The Covering Removed would have been limited in what he could see. He could only see what was on that side of the house. But, if he cut a hole out of the top covering or the roof of the house he would have a 360-degree view. He could see as far as his horizon on every side. This would have given him an unrestricted view. He could see all of the ground around him, not just what was on one side. He could then see that “indeed the surface of the ground was dry.” He may have done that. When the kingdom of our God has come in it’s completeness we will no longer have an obstructed view. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. The word “know/known” is the Greek word “epiginosko” which means to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge. It has also been translated knowledge, have knowledge, take knowledge, know well, perceive

154

The Covering Removed Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view was no longer obstructed. He had a clear view. We too will have a clear unobstructed view when we see face to face.

155

Go Forth

Genesis 8:14-19 (King James Version) And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried. And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.

156

Go Forth The flood was over. Noah and the inhabitants had been inside the house for about a year. They were kept safe and provided for. Now it was time to leave. It was time for them to come out of the house. God told Noah to “Go forth” and to “Bring forth.”

They were not to stay there any longer.

The

atmosphere was ready for them to live in the earth again. They were told to “breed abundantly.” And, once again, Noah did as he was commanded. God preserved a small group, both human and creatures, to continue living on the earth. He told them to be fruitful and multiply. We, and the creatures around us are the result of the small group that survived the flood. This would have turned out different if it had not been for one righteous man and his family in the earth who walked with God.

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The Glory of the Lord

After the great tribulation of our age the Lord will appear in all of His glory. And, we will see him face to face. Matthew 24:29 (King James Version) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken The word “heaven” is the Greek word “ouranos” which means the sky Matthew 24:30 (King James Version) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The word “sign” is the Greek word semeion which means an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally. Also translated miracle, token, wonder. The word “in” (in the clouds) is the Greek word “ependuomai” which to invest upon oneself: be clothed upon

158

The Glory of the Lord The word “clouds” is the Greek word “nephele” which means cloudiness, a cloud This cloud is spoken of many times. For example, in the New Testament God proclaimed His son from the cloud. Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Jesus Christ, when He ascended was taken up in the cloud. Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. The Church will be caught up together in the cloud. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. However, the best sections of scripture to understand the cloud are in the Old Testament book of Exodus. Exodus 16:10 Now it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 159

The Glory of the Lord Exodus 24:15-18 Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. The cloud held the glorious presence of the Lord. In this section of scripture Moses went into the cloud on the mountain. There is no indication that Moses left the earth to enter the cloud. The cloud rested on the mountain. The cloud came down to the earth. Moses entered the supernatural cloud as it rested on the mountain. When Moses went into the cloud he was in the presence of the Lord. God uses this cloud to connect to His people. God is a spirit. Therefore, He canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t physically connect to us. However, He does allow our physical bodies to come into His spiritual presence. Also see: Exodus 40:34,35; Numbers 16:42; 1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 5:14; Ezekiel 1:28,10:4; Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27. All of these give reference to the glory of the Lord in the cloud. So, what is the glory of the Lord?

160

The Glory of the Lord The word “glory” is the Hebrew word “kabowd” which means weight, splendor or copiousness (abundance) The word “glory” is (also) the Greek word “doxa” which means splendor, brightness, a most glorious condition, most exalted state The glory of the Lord includes His splendor, His grandeur, His brilliance; the substance of what He is made of. First Timothy 1:17: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” From this scripture we know that the Lord is eternal, immortal, invisible and wise. Jesus Christ will be clothed in this cloud of eternity, immortality and wisdom among other things. Matthew 24:31 (King James Version) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The word “sound” is the Greek word “phone” a tone The word “trumpet” is the Greek word “salpigx” quavering or reverberation

161

The Glory of the Lord The words “they shall gather together” is the Greek word “episunago” to collect upon the same place The word “elect” is the Greek word “eklektos” which means favorite The word “winds” is the Greek word “anemos” which means wind; the four quarters of the earth When Jesus Christ comes clothe in the cloud He will send out his angels and they will sound a reverberating tone and gather together the elect from throughout the world. And who are the elect? They are those who the Lord calls His favorites. They are those who have been predestined, called, justified and also glorified. We are the elect. Romans 8:30-33 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ...Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. First Thessalonians chapter four corresponds with Matthew 24:30-31. It puts it this way. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those 162

The Glory of the Lord who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. The word “bring” is the Greek word “ago” which means to lead The word “with” is the Greek word “sun” which means union God lays the order of resurrection here. Resurrection brings us into the fullness and completeness of life eternal. Jesus was the first to be resurrected from the dead.

Because of His

resurrection we, who are in Him, have the confidence that we too will be released from our dead and dying bodies. So Jesus first, then at His coming, those who are already asleep in Him will be united to Him in the cloud. They are those who have confessed Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives and have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. The word “clouds” is the Greek word “nephele” which means cloudiness, a cloud 163

The Glory of the Lord The words “shall be caught up” is the Greek word “harpazo” which means to seize The word “together” is the Greek word “hama” which means at the same time The word “with” is the Greek word “sun” which means union The Lord Jesus Christ will descend clothed in the cloud. The angels will sound a continuing tone that even the dead in Christ will hear. They first, will get up from their graves. Then those who are alive will come together with them to meet Christ in the cloud.

This is the supernatural cloud that holds the

presence of the Lord. It is the same cloud that Moses entered that descended on the mountain, the same cloud that the Father spoke from to proclaim His Son and the same cloud that received Christ at his ascension. The Lord Jesus Christ will be clothed in this cloud as He descends from the sky. Included in this cloud of His presence is immortality. The word “meet” […meet the Lord] is the Greek word “apantesis” which means a (friendly) encounter The word “air” […in the air] is the Greek word “aer” which means to breathe unconsciously, respire to blow

164

The Glory of the Lord After the dead in Christ get up from their graves, before they take a breath, those who are alive in Christ will come together with them in that same cloud. Then we will all take a breath together like newborns taking their first breath. This breath will be the third life changing breath for mankind. There are three life changing breaths for mankind. The first breath took place after God made man from the dust of the ground. God breathed into his nostrils and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7 (King James Version) And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. The second breath took place when Christ prepared His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.â&#x20AC;? And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Receive the Holy Spirit. With this breath we have been given the capacity to receive the Holy Spirit.

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The Glory of the Lord The third life changing breath is here. Those who the Lord calls His elect, the sons of God, the family of God, will enter together into the cloud that contains immortality, take a deep breath together and become immortal. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 And thus we shall always be with the Lord. The word “always” is the Greek word “pantos” which means entirely; specially, at all events And we, the family of God, will at all times, at every occasion be with Him forever and ever! Hallelujah!! The word “Hallelujah” (Alleluia) is the Greek word “allelouia” of Hebrew origin meaning to celebrate Jehovah; praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation!

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