This week for the makeup; we have put up the study guide that Carrie Lucas' group used in class. We asked you to read through her portion; my additional comments and then you can click on the comment section and give us a paragraph on what new insights that you gained and what they mean to you.
Our Lesson
Big Question: What does an old covenant have to do with me?
The Noah story is one of realism and promise. It’s a story of redemption, as God wills to save, not destroy.
Noah “walked with God” before the flood. However, God was very displeased with the wickedness of the rest of humankind. He found Noah’s family to be the only righteous people left in creation. God instructed Noah and his family to build an ark and take 2 of every animal with them. Noah’s family were saved from the waters of the flood and became partners with God in the first universal covenant.
The flood allows a new beginning. The sign of the covenant, a rainbow, is a reminder to God, not humanity, of the promise to never flood creation again.
Read- Bible Text: Genesis 6-9
Opening Prayer
Creator God, thank you for making the promise with Noah and with everyone who comes after him—the promise where we were washed clean and go to start over again. Thank you for the new chances we get every day when we sin and you forgive us. Let us feel the goodness that comes with your promises. Help us reflect your image in which we were created, even though we sin and have many flaws and limitations. Amen.
Definitions of Key Words
WALK WITH GOD: remaining faithful to God even when others around you are not; trusting and believing in God.
COVENANT: a promise or binding agreement between two parties. When God makes a covenant, it is very one-sided, with the people of God getting the full benefit.
RESTORATION: bringing something back to its former condition; reinstatement. Through the flood, God restored an understanding of the rules and boundaries we live by. It was a new beginning, living in the grace and forgiveness of God.
Didjaknow?
• The ark was built of cypress wood, per God’s instructions.
• It rained for 40 days and 40 nights.
• There were a total of 8 people on the ark.
• Speaking of “promises” and “covenants”…When children are baptized, their parents bring them to the font and make important promises to bring the child up in the Christian faith. Your parents are keeping their promise…because you are here today! When you see your parents next, be sure to thank them for “walking with God”.
• WATER is the earthly element in baptism. God uses it to was away sin and drown the “old Adam” or “old Eve” in the baptized person. Water in itself cannot do it—baptism is water connected to the power of God’s word, and it is received by God’s gift of faith.
The FLOOD
As humans who sin and have already fallen, we count on God’s supernatural strength to save us from floods of many kinds, including those we bring on ourselves by our sin.
• What are the “floods” in your life?
• Do you bring those concerns to God?
Prayer (Big Sis mention their Lil Sis name and visa versa)
Amazing God, thank you for bringing us to this safe place. Thank you for (my big sis’ name or my lil sis’ name). Help us realize that your promise of salvation is real and is for us today and every day. We pray all this in your name. Amen.
Student Sheet-Read bullet points aloud.
• What is the most surprising information to you on this list?
• What is the most reassuring information?
• How is God’s covenant with Noah also a covenant with you?
Best/Worst (hi’s / low’s) from your week?
Closing Prayer – light candles & think of a person you know whose life seems to be overwhelmed by a “flood”.
God of life, we thank you for forming a covenant with us. Extend that unconditional love to the ones we hold up in prayer today. Help us learn how to be a blessing to them in order to help them get out of a mess and start over with a new beginning. Amen.
MAY YOU ALWAYS WALK WITH GOD AND EXPERIENCE GOD’S COVENANT PROMISE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND FORGIVENESS. HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Hayden M. Again read the section! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMen saw womens' beauty and saught them out. God started to notice this and became worried. That is what these verses mean to me.
ReplyDelete-Matt VanOsdol
God gave Noah the ability to make the ark and save two of every kind of animal. Noah was successful and God rewarded him. That is what these verses mean to me.
ReplyDelete-Matt VanOsdol
Noah listened and obeyed what God said and he was rewarded by surviving the flood. If you listen to God he will reward you.
ReplyDelete