January is a time of new beginnings. The old year has passed, the new year has begun. People think about making new year’s resolutions, and they often try starting new good habits and breaking old bad habits.
It is a good idea for Christians to take stock and think along similar lines. Ours is a life of constant new beginnings. Every day we must die to sin and rise again in Christ to live a life re-born. This month we will spend time looking at a few key examples from scripture.
Ever reach that point where you just need to start over?
Our reading covers the story of Noah and the flood found in Genesis 6:1 – 9:17.
God had already created everything once. Back in Genesis 1, he created the heavens and the earth, and everything in them — from stars and planets to plants, fish, birds and animals. And of course, he made mankind. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve rebelled against God and sin enters the picture. So by the time Noah’s story begins evil has spread across the entire earth.
In Noah’s day, people had turned away from God and were busy doing their own thing, everyone except for Noah and his family. Genesis characterizes Noah as a man who “walked with God” and that he “did all that the Lord commanded him.” This is a striking contrast from the world around him.
God destroyed all life on earth, sparing only those who trusted Him and who followed his instructions. Thus, Noah is one of the Old Testament’s clearest examples of being “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Let’s Play Jeopardy!
After you’ve read through the scripture readings, click on the link below and find out how many details you remember!