Only the beginning, only just the start…CreationCreation of manThe FallThe FloodThe Tower of Babel

Genesis 1-11

The story of the lives of four men

Genesis 12-50

The purpose of the Bible

To explain God’s attempt to establish His kingdom on earth.

Genesis – the Purpose

To explain Israel’s beginning and purpose in the establishment of God’s rule on earth.

Genesis – The Structure

Genesis is divided by markers in different sections, each highlighted by a certain Hebrew word.

Genesis – The Structure

This word can be translated with the phrase,“What became of…”

Genesis – The Structure – 2:4-4:26

We have looked at • “What ever became of the heavens and the

earth?” and• “What ever became of Adam?”

Genesis – The Structure – 5:1-6:8

We have seen that, in spite of sin, mankind made progress and prospered…

Genesis – The Structure – 5:1-6:8

…and died.

As sin spreads, so does the curse of death.

Genesis – The Structure – 6:9-8:22

We now begin the fourth major section of Genesis;“What ever became of Noah?”

Genesis – The OutlineI. Early Events (1:1-11:26) A. Creation of the Heavens and the Earth (1:1-2:3) B. What became of the heavens and the earth (2:4-4:26) C. What became of Adam (5:1-6:8) D. What became of Noah (6:9-9:29) 1. The judgment of mankind by the flood (6:9-8:22) 2. The covenant to Noah about life and nature (9:1-17) 3. The shamelessness of Ham, the curse upon Canaan (9:18-29)

Genesis – The Structure – 6:9-8:22

As judgment is about to fall, the words of 6:8 are significant:

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Genesis – The Structure – 6:9-8:22

As the entire world is about to be destroyed, the word “grace” appears for the first time!

The Flood stories

The Flood

• 95% of these stories or traditions describe a world wide deluge that covered the whole earth.

• 88% speak of a surviving family who started the world population all over again.

• 66% tell us that the family knew before the flood, that there was going to be a flood.

• 66% give the reason for the flood as being the wicked and sinful nature of mankind.

• 70% say that the surviving family and the animals they took with them, were kept alive on some kind of boat. The Bible calls this boat an Ark.

• Over 33% or more of these stories describe how birds were sent out from the boat as a way of testing to see if there was dry land.

The Flood Story

The Flood

Elements of the story…• World-wide judgment on sin• Sudden judgment• Normal life before the judgment• Complacency from those to be judged• Believers needed to avoid complacency

Matt. 24 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

Compared to the Flood, aspects of His coming… • World-wide judgment on sin• Sudden judgment• Normal life before the judgment• Complacency from those to be judged• Believers needed to avoid complacency

2 Peter 3 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

Compared to the Flood, aspects of His coming… • World-wide judgment on sin• Sudden judgment• Normal life before the judgment• Complacency from those to be judged• Believers needed to avoid complacency

Matt. 24:42-44 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“Stay alert, don’t become complacent, because you do not know when I’m coming!”

Matt. 24:45-25:13 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“Don’t live as though you have an idea of when I’m coming because you don’t know…Live ready!”

Matt. 25:14-29 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“You’re going to be evaluated for the way you use the opportunities I give you, so live with a sense of

urgency. Don’t grow complacent!”

2 Peter 3:1-7 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“People forget that there was once a sudden, world-wide judgment on sin. It will happen again.

That time it was with water. Next time it will be with fire.”

2 Peter 3:8-9 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“God isn’t impacted by time as we are, so be careful how you evaluate the delay. He doesn’t

want to bring this massive disaster and He wants people to get right with Him to avert this

judgment.”

2 Peter 3:10-13 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“Just as the Flood, this time will begin suddenly and will end up being a universe-wide destruction and cleansing. Since this is reality, how should this impact your lives and how should your lives impact

the future?”

2 Peter 3:10-13 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“Just as the Flood, this time will begin suddenly and will end up being a universe-wide destruction and cleansing. Since this is reality, how should this impact your lives and how should your lives impact

the future? Don’t grow complacent!”

2 Peter 3:10-13 – The Coming of Christ

The Flood

“Work hard to live your lives preparation for the evaluation to come. Regard the delay of Christ as

an opportunity to be delivered into a healthy standing before His Judgment Seat. Live

expectantly, not with complacency!”