Week 86 - Free Weekend Program for Children

Date: 5-6 April, 2025

Text: Genesis 7

Theme: God’s Mercy and Justice

Last week, we learned that Noah found favor in the eyes of God; he was chosen and blessed by God. We also know that to be blessed is to be forgiven of our sins (Romans 4:6-8, Psalm 32:1-2). Though Noah was a sinner, the Lord chose him and gave him the obedience of faith (Romans 8:29-30). This is true for everyone God has called—every Christian has found favor in the eyes of the Lord; we are blessed beyond measure. Not because we deserve anything apart from eternal damnation, but because God chose us regardless.

Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, and in the same way, we are saved from the penalty of sin through faith in Jesus, our true Ark of salvation. Just as the floodwaters of the wrath of God were unleashed upon a sinful world, the lake of fire has been prepared for every sin and sinful soul. Eternal death is coming! It’s real because the scripture says so (Revelation 21:8).

Everyone who entered the ark was saved from the floodwaters of judgment—God’s fierce anger over the sinful world. Everyone outside the ark perished, though they were warned repeatedly. They didn’t listen. “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). Another version says, “If you keep being stubborn after many warnings, you will suddenly discover you have gone too far.”

Through faith in Christ, we believers are protected from God’s judgment over sin, spared from the eternal consequences of sin. The flood serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable punishment for sin. Just as Noah found refuge in the ark, we can find refuge in Christ, who bore our sins and satisfied God’s justice through His atoning sacrifice.

Noah’s salvation depended not on his works, but on God’s grace, who gave him the faith to trust in His command to build and enter the ark. Likewise, our salvation is a gift from God, received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The righteousness that qualifies us for eternal glory, freedom from sin, and its inherent consequences is a free gift from God. We must trust in Christ’s provision for our salvation, recognizing that His death on the cross (payment for sin) is our only escape from eternal wrath. Romans 5:9 assures us that through His blood, we are justified and saved from God’s wrath.

Genesis 7 serves as a constant reminder that God’s judgment on sin is real and imminent. Ignoring this warning is foolish; we must run to Christ for refuge! We should prioritize seeking Him above all else—praying for others, our families, loved ones, and even our enemies, praying for their salvation, that God will grant them the obedience of faith in Christ Jesus.

Consider the lake of fire in light of God’s plea through the gospel: ‘What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?’ Mark 8:36. Let this truth compel us to labor continually in prayer, preaching, giving, and heartfelt warning, striving to help others escape eternal loss.

This past weekend was truly enriching. The children are blessed; the Lord is entrusting them with the truth—the treasures of His Kingdom—the glorious gospel (Luke 10:22-23).

For more exaltation, preaching, and teaching, in depth study of 1 Thessalonians and more, visit the link below to hear from Evangelist Heshimu Colar:

https://www.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/thegospelfa/"