Week 89 - Free Weekend Program for children

Date : 26-27 April, 2025

Genesis: Chapter 8

Theme : God’s Mercy and Justice - In His Time

God never forgets—He knows all things. His knowledge and timing are perfect. His promises are sure. He has a purpose, and there is a time for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Though God’s anger had come and gone, Noah understood that he wasn’t meant to remain in isolation from the world . He is preserved from judgement, but eventually, he had to step out and fulfill God’s purpose on the earth.

In the same way, believers are free from the wrath of God over sin, in Christ, God’s justice is satisfied. But we are not called to remain hidden away—content in Christ within the walls of the church—desiring only to be raptured and to escape this world. Though we are in the world and not of it (John 17:14–16), we are sent with a mission: to reach those who are dead, outside the ark— outside of Christ.

Just as Noah was preserved from judgment by entering the ark, we are preserved in Christ—saved from the wrath that is already upon the world (John 3:18). But while we await Christ’s return and the final redemption of our bodies, we are not called to sit comfortably, satisfied with our salvation while others lay dead, awaiting the second death (Ephesians 2: 1-3). The gospel compels us to go—to reach those who are still in darkness, spiritually dead and unaware of the refuge found only in Christ.

God’s purpose for us is the Great Commission. He is the One who kills (judgment) Genesis 2:17 and can make alive (Mercy ) Romabs 9:16. Like Lazarus, He can call the dead to life through Christ, and we must trust Him to do so in the lives of many around us. Therefore, we must presevere, never be in a hurry to give up on anyone.

Like Noah, who sent out the raven repeatedly, we must go out again and again to preach, to serve, and to intercede—but not in our own strength, under the law or with impure motives. If we go in the flesh, driven by selfish ambition, we will see no fruit. Jesus said, “ It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak to you are Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

The Scriptures remind us that the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1–2). But our motives matter deeply (James 4:3–9). When we move in the flesh—we find no rest for our feet—we labor without grace. Flesh-driven efforts are restless and fruitless.

Even so, God’s purpose is not annulled. He remains faithful to His promises; He cannot deny Himself. His will is not overthrown by our failures or sins. His elect will be saved (John 6:37; Luke 19:40). It’s sobering to realize that even the raven—symbolic of selfishness—can appear comfortable in the ark, just as some may seem content within the church while bearing no real fruit. Yet the Lord allows it, exposing what is in the heart, eventually. Matthew 13:24-30

It is not enough to profess sound doctrine or seek peace with others while harboring pride and selfish ambition. We must also pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Only God can rid our hearts of evil beasts- cleanse it of the beasts within—pride, lust, and selfishness. Thankfully, the Lord is willing and through repentance, He will cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9, Leviticus 26:6, Matthew 8:2, 1Thessalonia 5:19-24)

Secondly, Like the dove, we are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–14). We depend on the finished work of Christ; persevering in preaching, teaching, praying, giving, and serving—never growing weary in well-doing. As we rely on Christ and are led by the Spirit, our strength is renewed like the eagle’s. And in God’s appointed time, we begin to see the fruit.

Through the preaching of the gospel, God establishes His grace—a new covenant—in the hearts of those He raises from spiritual death (Romans 1:16). The curse that once rested on them, as it did on us, is lifted through faith in Christ.

Eventually, Noah stepped out of the ark onto dry ground and built an altar to the Lord. This is a picture of what God does in and through the believer. As people hear and believe the gospel, relying on the finished work of Christ, God raises up spiritual altars in their hearts—places of worship and communion, where He enacts His eternal covenant of love and righteousness.

This transformation is not the result of any sacrifice we offer, but of faith in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Noah’s offering points to Christ—the spotless Lamb who gave Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:6–7; Psalm 49:6–8). Christ is our peace offering, the One who bore the judgment we deserved.

As a result, the curse is removed from all who believe in Him. In Christ, judgment is forever behind us. We have peace with God. We now stand secure—not by works, but by grace—sustained and continually sanctified by the Spirit , bearing fruit for God (Ephesians 5:26, Romans 7:4).

Like Noah stepping into a new world, we are called to step out in faith, bringing the message of salvation to those still outside—so that they too may enter into Christ, the true and eternal Ark of safety

The kids were encouraged to pray for their friends, even if it is with just a few words, because God hears every prayer. They were also taught to tell their friends about God’s punishment for sin that is coming for those who reject Christ, and to invite them to the free weekend program.

Thank you for praying.

Please use link for more indept teaching of scripture by Evang. Heshimu Colar https://www.sermonaudio.com/speakers/32161/