A Boat in the Desert: The Preposterousness of Faith

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, [music] service about our locations, [music] service about our locations, [music] service times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you soon. You know, one of the things I've noticed You know, one of the things I've noticed as I've uh gotten older, I just live as I've uh gotten older, I just live as I've uh gotten older, I just live differently than how I did when I was differently than how I did when I was differently than how I did when I was younger. So, when I would like travel, younger. So, when I would like travel, younger. So, when I would like travel, it didn't matter. I could sleep it didn't matter. I could sleep it didn't matter. I could sleep anywhere. I can sleep on a friend's anywhere. I can sleep on a friend's anywhere. I can sleep on a friend's couch. I can sleep on the floor, couch. I can sleep on the floor, couch. I can sleep on the floor, sleeping bag, fine, right? Uh when it sleeping bag, fine, right? Uh when it sleeping bag, fine, right? Uh when it when it came to like clothes I wanted to when it came to like clothes I wanted to when it came to like clothes I wanted to wear, I wanted to be stylish. Like I I wear, I wanted to be stylish. Like I I wear, I wanted to be stylish. Like I I cared about like what was the hot shoe, cared about like what was the hot shoe, cared about like what was the hot shoe, I wanted to wear the hot shoe. Um, when I wanted to wear the hot shoe. Um, when I wanted to wear the hot shoe. Um, when it came to eating, I could eat whatever it came to eating, I could eat whatever it came to eating, I could eat whatever I want to and just get away with it. But I want to and just get away with it. But I want to and just get away with it. But now now as I've gotten older, I' i've now now as I've gotten older, I' i've now now as I've gotten older, I' i've had to learn how to compromise. Like had to learn how to compromise. Like had to learn how to compromise. Like when I go travel, I'm like, will this when I go travel, I'm like, will this when I go travel, I'm like, will this mattress support my bad back? Uh, about mattress support my bad back? Uh, about mattress support my bad back? Uh, about clothes. I mean, I want to say like with clothes. I mean, I want to say like with clothes. I mean, I want to say like with within the the the hundred years of what within the the the hundred years of what within the the the hundred years of what style might be, but what like shoes? I'm style might be, but what like shoes? I'm style might be, but what like shoes? I'm like, does it have arch support? That's like, does it have arch support? That's like, does it have arch support? That's what I care about. Uh, food, as you can what I care about. Uh, food, as you can what I care about. Uh, food, as you can tell, I'm just losing that battle. So tell, I'm just losing that battle. So tell, I'm just losing that battle. So there's just there's a lot of things there's just there's a lot of things there's just there's a lot of things I've learned that as you get older, I've learned that as you get older, I've learned that as you get older, compromising how you used to live is compromising how you used to live is compromising how you used to live is actually can be a good thing. And you actually can be a good thing. And you actually can be a good thing. And you would think, oh, so it's always true.

would think, oh, so it's always true. would think, oh, so it's always true. It's just water t compromise is always a It's just water t compromise is always a It's just water t compromise is always a good thing. Well, the answer to that is good thing. Well, the answer to that is good thing. Well, the answer to that is I I don't know about in every place I I I don't know about in every place I I I don't know about in every place I can tell you where it's not a good can tell you where it's not a good can tell you where it's not a good thing. Uh compromise is not a good thing thing. Uh compromise is not a good thing thing. Uh compromise is not a good thing when it comes to our faith. As Cooper when it comes to our faith. As Cooper when it comes to our faith. As Cooper just said a second ago, we're studying just said a second ago, we're studying just said a second ago, we're studying the book of Genesis. And today, if you the book of Genesis. And today, if you the book of Genesis. And today, if you have a Bible, I'd love for you to turn have a Bible, I'd love for you to turn have a Bible, I'd love for you to turn with me to Genesis 5. We're going to with me to Genesis 5. We're going to with me to Genesis 5. We're going to look at Genesis uh Genesis chapters 5 look at Genesis uh Genesis chapters 5 look at Genesis uh Genesis chapters 5 and 6. And we're going to see where and 6. And we're going to see where and 6. And we're going to see where actually compromise, at least when it actually compromise, at least when it actually compromise, at least when it comes to faith, is just downright comes to faith, is just downright comes to faith, is just downright dangerous. And we're going to see that dangerous. And we're going to see that dangerous. And we're going to see that through the story of this guy you may through the story of this guy you may through the story of this guy you may have heard of, Noah. By the way, I this have heard of, Noah. By the way, I this have heard of, Noah. By the way, I this is just a mental block in my head. I'm is just a mental block in my head. I'm is just a mental block in my head. I'm talking about Noah today. So, at any talking about Noah today. So, at any talking about Noah today. So, at any point if I just say Moses, I mean Noah. point if I just say Moses, I mean Noah. point if I just say Moses, I mean Noah. Uh I don't know why I get confused, but Uh I don't know why I get confused, but Uh I don't know why I get confused, but sometimes it happens. And so it's like sometimes it happens. And so it's like sometimes it happens. And so it's like he's just talking a lot about Moses he's just talking a lot about Moses he's just talking a lot about Moses today. It's really Noah. Uh hopefully today. It's really Noah. Uh hopefully today. It's really Noah. Uh hopefully I'll say Noah the whole time. So I'll say Noah the whole time. So I'll say Noah the whole time. So [clears throat] here's what I want to [clears throat] here's what I want to [clears throat] here's what I want to do. Uh Genesis 5 opens up with these two do. Uh Genesis 5 opens up with these two do. Uh Genesis 5 opens up with these two verses. Watch this. We'll put it on the verses. Watch this. We'll put it on the verses. Watch this. We'll put it on the screen here. This is the book of the screen here. This is the book of the screen here. This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created generations of Adam. When God created generations of Adam. When God created man, he made them in the likeness of man, he made them in the likeness of man, he made them in the likeness of God. Verse two. Male and female. He God. Verse two. Male and female. He God. Verse two. Male and female. He created them and he blessed them and created them and he blessed them and created them and he blessed them and named them man. So man is a collective named them man. So man is a collective named them man. So man is a collective is a gender-inclusive term here. We is a gender-inclusive term here. We is a gender-inclusive term here. We would say humanity, mankind. uh when would say humanity, mankind. uh when would say humanity, mankind. uh when they were created. This is what Genesis they were created. This is what Genesis they were created. This is what Genesis 5 1-2 says. Now listen, if you're going 5 1-2 says. Now listen, if you're going 5 1-2 says. Now listen, if you're going to see if you look at your Bibles, uh to see if you look at your Bibles, uh to see if you look at your Bibles, uh you would see from verse three on to the you would see from verse three on to the you would see from verse three on to the end of the chapter is a genealogy, a a end of the chapter is a genealogy, a a end of the chapter is a genealogy, a a list of the different ancestors from list of the different ancestors from list of the different ancestors from Adam all the way to Noah. I'm just going Adam all the way to Noah. I'm just going Adam all the way to Noah. I'm just going to summarize it because it's a lot of

to summarize it because it's a lot of to summarize it because it's a lot of stuff here, but there are things worth stuff here, but there are things worth stuff here, but there are things worth noting. If you read it, if you're noting. If you read it, if you're noting. If you read it, if you're reading through the Bible and you read reading through the Bible and you read reading through the Bible and you read this passage, you're like, "Dude, these this passage, you're like, "Dude, these this passage, you're like, "Dude, these guys lived a heck of a long time." guys lived a heck of a long time." guys lived a heck of a long time." Methuselah, [clears throat] for example, Methuselah, [clears throat] for example, Methuselah, [clears throat] for example, famously famously famously tops out at 962 years. You're like, tops out at 962 years. You're like, tops out at 962 years. You're like, dude, I what what kind what's his diet, dude, I what what kind what's his diet, dude, I what what kind what's his diet, man? That's what I want to do. Right? man? That's what I want to do. Right? man? That's what I want to do. Right? And so, the question you want to ask And so, the question you want to ask And so, the question you want to ask yourself is, do you need to take that yourself is, do you need to take that yourself is, do you need to take that number literally? Is the writer number literally? Is the writer number literally? Is the writer intending on the original audience, intending on the original audience, intending on the original audience, which is not you, it's not me, it's which is not you, it's not me, it's which is not you, it's not me, it's people thousands of years ago in the people thousands of years ago in the people thousands of years ago in the ancient world. Um, is is is he intending ancient world. Um, is is is he intending ancient world. Um, is is is he intending 962 and all these other long kind of uh 962 and all these other long kind of uh 962 and all these other long kind of uh lifespans? Is that supposed to be lifespans? Is that supposed to be lifespans? Is that supposed to be literal or does it represent something literal or does it represent something literal or does it represent something else? Let me just say this for the else? Let me just say this for the else? Let me just say this for the record. If God wants Methuselah to live record. If God wants Methuselah to live record. If God wants Methuselah to live 962 years, easy. He lives that long. Uh 962 years, easy. He lives that long. Uh 962 years, easy. He lives that long. Uh but is there something deeper going on but is there something deeper going on but is there something deeper going on here? Here's what I want you to know here? Here's what I want you to know here? Here's what I want you to know about this. Um there was a discovery in about this. Um there was a discovery in about this. Um there was a discovery in the late 1800s, uh 1880s or so, uh the late 1800s, uh 1880s or so, uh the late 1800s, uh 1880s or so, uh called the Samrians, excuse me, the called the Samrians, excuse me, the called the Samrians, excuse me, the Samrians kings list. I'll show it to Samrians kings list. I'll show it to Samrians kings list. I'll show it to you. Here's a picture of it. Um on this you. Here's a picture of it. Um on this you. Here's a picture of it. Um on this tablet are all these kind of uh we might tablet are all these kind of uh we might tablet are all these kind of uh we might call it kunoiform all these kinds of call it kunoiform all these kinds of call it kunoiform all these kinds of writings and this are these are this is writings and this are these are this is writings and this are these are this is a list of different kind of kings in the a list of different kind of kings in the a list of different kind of kings in the land of Samaria this is kind of if you land of Samaria this is kind of if you land of Samaria this is kind of if you will adjacent uh temporally with what's will adjacent uh temporally with what's will adjacent uh temporally with what's going on with the writers of Genesis going on with the writers of Genesis going on with the writers of Genesis kind of like the same time definitely kind of like the same time definitely kind of like the same time definitely the same neighborhood and what we the same neighborhood and what we the same neighborhood and what we noticed here is that in this list of noticed here is that in this list of noticed here is that in this list of kings it gives how long they lived how kings it gives how long they lived how kings it gives how long they lived how long their reign was let me let me give long their reign was let me let me give long their reign was let me let me give you a couple of them one uh reigned for you a couple of them one uh reigned for you a couple of them one uh reigned for 43,200

43,200 43,200 years. The other is 28,800 years. The other is 28,800 years. The other is 28,800 years. If you put all the kings years. If you put all the kings years. If you put all the kings together, their reigns totaled uh together, their reigns totaled uh together, their reigns totaled uh 241,000 241,000 241,000 years. Ju just just for the record, years. Ju just just for the record, years. Ju just just for the record, that's impossible. that's impossible. that's impossible. No one's lived 43,000 years. No one's No one's lived 43,000 years. No one's No one's lived 43,000 years. No one's lived 22 28,000 years. And for a quarter lived 22 28,000 years. And for a quarter lived 22 28,000 years. And for a quarter of a million years, just recorded of a million years, just recorded of a million years, just recorded history goes about 6,000. So if if it history goes about 6,000. So if if it history goes about 6,000. So if if it was literally true, they would still be was literally true, they would still be was literally true, they would still be alive reigning in Samaria today. So it alive reigning in Samaria today. So it alive reigning in Samaria today. So it seems like these numbers mean something seems like these numbers mean something seems like these numbers mean something else than just their literal lifespans. else than just their literal lifespans. else than just their literal lifespans. For example, uh scholars today now have For example, uh scholars today now have For example, uh scholars today now have discovered and understanding that the discovered and understanding that the discovered and understanding that the greater or more celebrated a person is greater or more celebrated a person is greater or more celebrated a person is in the life of that country, the life of in the life of that country, the life of in the life of that country, the life of that nation, the more years were added that nation, the more years were added that nation, the more years were added on to their life by chronicers. Let let on to their life by chronicers. Let let on to their life by chronicers. Let let me give you an example. If this were to me give you an example. If this were to me give you an example. If this were to happen in the United States today, we happen in the United States today, we happen in the United States today, we might say, especially as we celebrate might say, especially as we celebrate might say, especially as we celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation, uh our 250th anniversary as a nation, uh our 250th anniversary as a nation, uh take George Washington. George take George Washington. George take George Washington. George Washington uh helped us win the Washington uh helped us win the Washington uh helped us win the Revolutionary War. Uh he subsequently Revolutionary War. Uh he subsequently Revolutionary War. Uh he subsequently became the first president of the United became the first president of the United became the first president of the United States. And so chronicers, if they were States. And so chronicers, if they were States. And so chronicers, if they were thinking about as the ancients were, thinking about as the ancients were, thinking about as the ancients were, they would say he lived a lifespan of they would say he lived a lifespan of they would say he lived a lifespan of 67,000 years because they wanted to add 67,000 years because they wanted to add 67,000 years because they wanted to add honor and glory to him by adding years honor and glory to him by adding years honor and glory to him by adding years to his lifespan. Though we know he to his lifespan. Though we know he to his lifespan. Though we know he didn't live that long. He only lived 67 didn't live that long. He only lived 67 didn't live that long. He only lived 67 years. So that's weird, Yansy. Not for years. So that's weird, Yansy. Not for years. So that's weird, Yansy. Not for the ancients. That's how they did the ancients. That's how they did the ancients. That's how they did things. And so what we have here in things. And so what we have here in things. And so what we have here in Genesis chapter 5 is an ancient way to Genesis chapter 5 is an ancient way to Genesis chapter 5 is an ancient way to talk about honor and glory and esteem

talk about honor and glory and esteem talk about honor and glory and esteem and prestige for all these kind of and prestige for all these kind of and prestige for all these kind of leaders. So what do you think about leaders. So what do you think about leaders. So what do you think about Yansy? Why was it specifically 962? I Yansy? Why was it specifically 962? I Yansy? Why was it specifically 962? I don't know. I just know there's don't know. I just know there's don't know. I just know there's something more going on here. Also, what something more going on here. Also, what something more going on here. Also, what you'll see in this genealogy is there's you'll see in this genealogy is there's you'll see in this genealogy is there's a pattern. It'll say u this guy lived x a pattern. It'll say u this guy lived x a pattern. It'll say u this guy lived x amount of years till he had this son and amount of years till he had this son and amount of years till he had this son and then he lived this more years, this many then he lived this more years, this many then he lived this more years, this many more years and then he died. And then more years and then he died. And then more years and then he died. And then this guy lived this many years, then he this guy lived this many years, then he this guy lived this many years, then he had a son. Then he lived many more had a son. Then he lived many more had a son. Then he lived many more years, then he died. And you keep, you years, then he died. And you keep, you years, then he died. And you keep, you hear this, then he died, then he died, hear this, then he died, then he died, hear this, then he died, then he died, then he died, then he died, then he then he died, then he died, then he then he died, then he died, then he died, then he died, then he died. And died, then he died, then he died. And died, then he died, then he died. And it's as if the author is trying to help it's as if the author is trying to help it's as if the author is trying to help us understand that since Adam and Eve's us understand that since Adam and Eve's us understand that since Adam and Eve's rebellion in the garden just a few rebellion in the garden just a few rebellion in the garden just a few chapters earlier, and God says to them, chapters earlier, and God says to them, chapters earlier, and God says to them, when you eat of the fruit, you shall when you eat of the fruit, you shall when you eat of the fruit, you shall surely what? Anyone remember? Yeah. You surely what? Anyone remember? Yeah. You surely what? Anyone remember? Yeah. You shall surely die. That death has kind of shall surely die. That death has kind of shall surely die. That death has kind of been the inheritance that humanity has been the inheritance that humanity has been the inheritance that humanity has had. In fact, if you keep reading this, had. In fact, if you keep reading this, had. In fact, if you keep reading this, there's there's a curveball that's being there's there's a curveball that's being there's there's a curveball that's being thrown down here. It's in Genesis, this thrown down here. It's in Genesis, this thrown down here. It's in Genesis, this verse 24 of chapter 5. It says, "This verse 24 of chapter 5. It says, "This verse 24 of chapter 5. It says, "This guy named Enoch comes out of the blue." guy named Enoch comes out of the blue." guy named Enoch comes out of the blue." And here's what it says about Enoch. It And here's what it says about Enoch. It And here's what it says about Enoch. It says here that Enoch walked with God.

says here that Enoch walked with God. says here that Enoch walked with God. And then you read that he doesn't die. And then you read that he doesn't die. And then you read that he doesn't die. God just takes him with him. Enoch God just takes him with him. Enoch God just takes him with him. Enoch doesn't die. God just assumes him into doesn't die. God just assumes him into doesn't die. God just assumes him into heaven. And there's a hint right here. heaven. And there's a hint right here. heaven. And there's a hint right here. It's like, well, I don't understand It's like, well, I don't understand It's like, well, I don't understand that. Like, everyone else faces death. that. Like, everyone else faces death. that. Like, everyone else faces death. Why doesn't Enoch face death? And the Why doesn't Enoch face death? And the Why doesn't Enoch face death? And the writer is trying to give you a little writer is trying to give you a little writer is trying to give you a little hint like, "Oh, in Genesis 5 in this hint like, "Oh, in Genesis 5 in this hint like, "Oh, in Genesis 5 in this genealogy, Enoch doesn't face death genealogy, Enoch doesn't face death genealogy, Enoch doesn't face death because he has this intimate walk with because he has this intimate walk with because he has this intimate walk with God." Sounds like he's the righteous guy God." Sounds like he's the righteous guy God." Sounds like he's the righteous guy and that the righteous guy experiences and that the righteous guy experiences and that the righteous guy experiences God and life in a different way than God and life in a different way than God and life in a different way than everybody else does. He's hinting what everybody else does. He's hinting what everybody else does. He's hinting what happens in Genesis 5. We're going to see happens in Genesis 5. We're going to see happens in Genesis 5. We're going to see later on with Noah in Genesis 6. So, later on with Noah in Genesis 6. So, later on with Noah in Genesis 6. So, what you have is this. Remember, you what you have is this. Remember, you what you have is this. Remember, you have Adam and Eve. We learned here have Adam and Eve. We learned here have Adam and Eve. We learned here represent the first two people on the represent the first two people on the represent the first two people on the planet. They have their two kids, Cain planet. They have their two kids, Cain planet. They have their two kids, Cain and Abel. And what does Cain do to Abel? and Abel. And what does Cain do to Abel? and Abel. And what does Cain do to Abel? He murders him. Because remember the He murders him. Because remember the He murders him. Because remember the curse. Remember what happens that God curse. Remember what happens that God curse. Remember what happens that God said because of what the serpent has said because of what the serpent has said because of what the serpent has done, because what Adam and Eve have done, because what Adam and Eve have done, because what Adam and Eve have done, now you're going to have people done, now you're going to have people done, now you're going to have people that are going to bring violence on the that are going to bring violence on the that are going to bring violence on the land. There's going to be one trying to land. There's going to be one trying to land. There's going to be one trying to assurp the other. And so now you have assurp the other. And so now you have assurp the other. And so now you have Cain, the bad line, and Abel, the good Cain, the bad line, and Abel, the good Cain, the bad line, and Abel, the good line. Oh, but Abel gets killed. I guess line. Oh, but Abel gets killed. I guess line. Oh, but Abel gets killed. I guess the good line's gone. We'll never get the good line's gone. We'll never get the good line's gone. We'll never get the redeemer at the end of this line.

the redeemer at the end of this line. the redeemer at the end of this line. And then God raises this guy named Seth. And then God raises this guy named Seth. And then God raises this guy named Seth. And so you have this righteous line and And so you have this righteous line and And so you have this righteous line and this unrighteous line. But you're this unrighteous line. But you're this unrighteous line. But you're wondering the whole time as you start to wondering the whole time as you start to wondering the whole time as you start to read in Genesis, this unrighteous line read in Genesis, this unrighteous line read in Genesis, this unrighteous line is so bad. They're so wicked. Will they is so bad. They're so wicked. Will they is so bad. They're so wicked. Will they overwhelm the righteous line? What's overwhelm the righteous line? What's overwhelm the righteous line? What's going to happen with God's people? And going to happen with God's people? And going to happen with God's people? And that's where we find ourselves in that's where we find ourselves in that's where we find ourselves in Genesis chapter 6. So [clears throat] Genesis chapter 6. So [clears throat] Genesis chapter 6. So [clears throat] that's the setup. When we get to Genesis that's the setup. When we get to Genesis that's the setup. When we get to Genesis 6, now the story begins. And it 6, now the story begins. And it 6, now the story begins. And it seemingly begins in this bizarre way. seemingly begins in this bizarre way. seemingly begins in this bizarre way. Look with me in chapter 6. We'll read Look with me in chapter 6. We'll read Look with me in chapter 6. We'll read the first few verses here. It says verse the first few verses here. It says verse the first few verses here. It says verse one, "When man began to multiply on the one, "When man began to multiply on the one, "When man began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were face of the land, and daughters were face of the land, and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that born to them, the sons of God saw that born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive, the daughters of man were attractive, the daughters of man were attractive, and they took as their wives any they and they took as their wives any they and they took as their wives any they chose." And then the Lord, now remember, chose." And then the Lord, now remember, chose." And then the Lord, now remember, capital L. That's uh that's the covenant capital L. That's uh that's the covenant capital L. That's uh that's the covenant name for God. It's translated in name for God. It's translated in name for God. It's translated in English, Lord. Uh but it was probably English, Lord. Uh but it was probably English, Lord. Uh but it was probably most likely God's covenant name, Yahweh, most likely God's covenant name, Yahweh, most likely God's covenant name, Yahweh, is how they pronounced it. Then Yahweh is how they pronounced it. Then Yahweh is how they pronounced it. Then Yahweh said, "My spirit shall not abide to man said, "My spirit shall not abide to man said, "My spirit shall not abide to man forever, for he is flesh, for his days forever, for he is flesh, for his days forever, for he is flesh, for his days his days shall be 120 years. The his days shall be 120 years. The his days shall be 120 years. The Nephilim verse for verse four were on Nephilim verse for verse four were on Nephilim verse for verse four were on the earth in those days and also the earth in those days and also the earth in those days and also afterward when the sons of God came into afterward when the sons of God came into afterward when the sons of God came into the daughters of man and they bore the the daughters of man and they bore the the daughters of man and they bore the children and they bore children to children and they bore children to children and they bore children to them." These were the mighty men who them." These were the mighty men who them." These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. And were of old, the men of renown. And were of old, the men of renown. And you're thinking, what in the world is you're thinking, what in the world is you're thinking, what in the world is going on in this passage? So the key to going on in this passage? So the key to going on in this passage? So the key to understanding what you see guys here on understanding what you see guys here on understanding what you see guys here on the screen is trying to figure out who the screen is trying to figure out who the screen is trying to figure out who are the sons of God because whoever they are the sons of God because whoever they are the sons of God because whoever they are they've taken it seems like normal are they've taken it seems like normal are they've taken it seems like normal women if you will as their wives and

women if you will as their wives and women if you will as their wives and some kind of weird progeny has happened some kind of weird progeny has happened some kind of weird progeny has happened because of them. Some kind of you know because of them. Some kind of you know because of them. Some kind of you know these thing this group called the these thing this group called the these thing this group called the Nephilim which we'll see later on turned Nephilim which we'll see later on turned Nephilim which we'll see later on turned out to be kind of like these really out to be kind of like these really out to be kind of like these really giant people. What what who are these giant people. What what who are these giant people. What what who are these sons of God that have taken the wives sons of God that have taken the wives sons of God that have taken the wives of, you know, the these wives as they of, you know, the these wives as they of, you know, the these wives as they chose? Scholars don't really know. And chose? Scholars don't really know. And chose? Scholars don't really know. And anyone that tells you that they do know, anyone that tells you that they do know, anyone that tells you that they do know, they don't know what they're talking they don't know what they're talking they don't know what they're talking about. Uh there are different kinds of about. Uh there are different kinds of about. Uh there are different kinds of options. Let me give you a couple of options. Let me give you a couple of options. Let me give you a couple of what's going on here. Uh one scholar, uh what's going on here. Uh one scholar, uh what's going on here. Uh one scholar, uh John, uh excuse me, Bruce Walty, John, uh excuse me, Bruce Walty, John, uh excuse me, Bruce Walty, celebrated Old Testament scholar, he celebrated Old Testament scholar, he celebrated Old Testament scholar, he believes that the sons of God, uh in the believes that the sons of God, uh in the believes that the sons of God, uh in the Old Testament overwhelmingly refers to Old Testament overwhelmingly refers to Old Testament overwhelmingly refers to heavenly beings. And so, uh, that was heavenly beings. And so, uh, that was heavenly beings. And so, uh, that was the understanding in early Judaism. It the understanding in early Judaism. It the understanding in early Judaism. It was probably the understanding in was probably the understanding in was probably the understanding in Jesus's day. And so, the idea is that Jesus's day. And so, the idea is that Jesus's day. And so, the idea is that things have gotten so wicked in, uh, the things have gotten so wicked in, uh, the things have gotten so wicked in, uh, the universe that even the heavenly orders universe that even the heavenly orders universe that even the heavenly orders become corrupt. Now, that's his take. become corrupt. Now, that's his take. become corrupt. Now, that's his take. I'll give you another guy, uh, Old I'll give you another guy, uh, Old I'll give you another guy, uh, Old Testament scholar John Walton. He's out Testament scholar John Walton. He's out Testament scholar John Walton. He's out of Wheaten College, evangelical, of Wheaten College, evangelical, of Wheaten College, evangelical, conservative, super good scholar. He conservative, super good scholar. He conservative, super good scholar. He says that the sons of God refers to, as says that the sons of God refers to, as says that the sons of God refers to, as we see later on, uh, uh, see at the very we see later on, uh, uh, see at the very we see later on, uh, uh, see at the very last verse there, the men of renown.

last verse there, the men of renown. last verse there, the men of renown. They're tied together. And he's saying They're tied together. And he's saying They're tied together. And he's saying that the sons of God are simply earthly that the sons of God are simply earthly that the sons of God are simply earthly rulers, people that were celebrated back rulers, people that were celebrated back rulers, people that were celebrated back in their day. And because that's the way in their day. And because that's the way in their day. And because that's the way the ancients of that time use that the ancients of that time use that the ancients of that time use that phrase. And so his point is this. It's phrase. And so his point is this. It's phrase. And so his point is this. It's not the heavenly order that's been not the heavenly order that's been not the heavenly order that's been corrupted. It's the governmental order corrupted. It's the governmental order corrupted. It's the governmental order that's been corrupted. The people that that's been corrupted. The people that that's been corrupted. The people that are supposed to protect you now are are supposed to protect you now are are supposed to protect you now are actually harming you. And so listen, um actually harming you. And so listen, um actually harming you. And so listen, um he thinks of it like this. Uh Adam and he thinks of it like this. Uh Adam and he thinks of it like this. Uh Adam and Eve are corrupted individuals. And then Eve are corrupted individuals. And then Eve are corrupted individuals. And then they have uh Cain and Abel with a they have uh Cain and Abel with a they have uh Cain and Abel with a corrupted family. Then they start a corrupted family. Then they start a corrupted family. Then they start a corrupted family line which leads to a corrupted family line which leads to a corrupted family line which leads to a corrupted society which ultimately leads corrupted society which ultimately leads corrupted society which ultimately leads to a corrupted government which to a corrupted government which to a corrupted government which ultimately leads as we'll see in the ultimately leads as we'll see in the ultimately leads as we'll see in the rest of Genesis 6 a corrupted world. So rest of Genesis 6 a corrupted world. So rest of Genesis 6 a corrupted world. So is it Walton right? Is it Walty right? is it Walton right? Is it Walty right? is it Walton right? Is it Walty right? Is someone else right? We don't know Is someone else right? We don't know Is someone else right? We don't know exactly what this is but it doesn't exactly what this is but it doesn't exactly what this is but it doesn't really matter because the points still really matter because the points still really matter because the points still the same. Things have become in the the same. Things have become in the the same. Things have become in the world so increasingly wicked, so world so increasingly wicked, so world so increasingly wicked, so increasingly bad that it looks like even increasingly bad that it looks like even increasingly bad that it looks like even the whole creation is collapsing in upon the whole creation is collapsing in upon the whole creation is collapsing in upon itself. And we know that's ultimately itself. And we know that's ultimately itself. And we know that's ultimately the point that we're supposed to get the point that we're supposed to get the point that we're supposed to get from this passage because watch how the from this passage because watch how the from this passage because watch how the next passage stops starts. Um, you're next passage stops starts. Um, you're next passage stops starts. Um, you're going to see that the world now looks going to see that the world now looks going to see that the world now looks like it's it's everything's gone to hell like it's it's everything's gone to hell like it's it's everything's gone to hell in the hand basket. Everything's down in the hand basket. Everything's down in the hand basket. Everything's down the tubes. The the wheels have fallen the tubes. The the wheels have fallen the tubes. The the wheels have fallen off. Watch this. Verse five.

off. Watch this. Verse five. off. Watch this. Verse five. Yahweh saw the Lord Yahweh saw that Yahweh saw the Lord Yahweh saw that Yahweh saw the Lord Yahweh saw that [clears throat] the wickedness of man [clears throat] the wickedness of man [clears throat] the wickedness of man was great in the earth. That's the was great in the earth. That's the was great in the earth. That's the point. and that every intention of the point. and that every intention of the point. and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil thoughts of his heart was only evil thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And Yahweh regretted that continually. And Yahweh regretted that continually. And Yahweh regretted that he'd made man on the earth, and it he'd made man on the earth, and it he'd made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So Yahweh grieved him to his heart. So Yahweh grieved him to his heart. So Yahweh said, "I'll blot out man whom I have said, "I'll blot out man whom I have said, "I'll blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man, created from the face of the land, man, created from the face of the land, man, and animals and creeping things and and animals and creeping things and and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry birds of the heavens, for I am sorry birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them." that I have made them." that I have made them." Wow. It's gotten so bad that even God's Wow. It's gotten so bad that even God's Wow. It's gotten so bad that even God's sorry for how things have gotten. Now, sorry for how things have gotten. Now, sorry for how things have gotten. Now, if if you're if you're somewhat of a if if you're if you're somewhat of a if if you're if you're somewhat of a theologian, you're like, "That doesn't theologian, you're like, "That doesn't theologian, you're like, "That doesn't seem like God should do that because seem like God should do that because seem like God should do that because Yansancy, I understand the Bible and Yansancy, I understand the Bible and Yansancy, I understand the Bible and that God is he knows the future. Like, that God is he knows the future. Like, that God is he knows the future. Like, this wouldn't have surprised him. He this wouldn't have surprised him. He this wouldn't have surprised him. He knew this would happen. So, why is the knew this would happen. So, why is the knew this would happen. So, why is the Bible painting a picture like God just Bible painting a picture like God just Bible painting a picture like God just didn't know what was going on?" Here's didn't know what was going on?" Here's didn't know what was going on?" Here's why. It's because the go God in this uh why. It's because the go God in this uh why. It's because the go God in this uh excuse me, the author in this passage is excuse me, the author in this passage is excuse me, the author in this passage is not trying to give us a classroom not trying to give us a classroom not trying to give us a classroom lecture about why God is sovereign and lecture about why God is sovereign and lecture about why God is sovereign and that he knows the future. Although that he knows the future. Although that he knows the future. Although that's true. What what the author is that's true. What what the author is that's true. What what the author is trying to paint a picture here is that trying to paint a picture here is that trying to paint a picture here is that wickedness has become so prevalent, so wickedness has become so prevalent, so wickedness has become so prevalent, so ubiquitous, so comprehensive in all the ubiquitous, so comprehensive in all the ubiquitous, so comprehensive in all the world that it's got Yahweh almost world that it's got Yahweh almost world that it's got Yahweh almost slapping himself in the head going, "Why slapping himself in the head going, "Why slapping himself in the head going, "Why did I do this?" That's what you're did I do this?" That's what you're did I do this?" That's what you're supposed to look at. You're not supposed supposed to look at. You're not supposed supposed to look at. You're not supposed to go, "Well, technically he would to go, "Well, technically he would to go, "Well, technically he would actually do that." The point is to look actually do that." The point is to look actually do that." The point is to look at this and go, "Wow, like all the world at this and go, "Wow, like all the world at this and go, "Wow, like all the world has just gone nuts. This is more than has just gone nuts. This is more than has just gone nuts. This is more than dreadful." That's how you're supposed to dreadful." That's how you're supposed to dreadful." That's how you're supposed to sit with this. And then as if this were

sit with this. And then as if this were sit with this. And then as if this were a play being acted out on stage, in a play being acted out on stage, in a play being acted out on stage, in comes the protagonist in his family. comes the protagonist in his family. comes the protagonist in his family. This guy as you know named Noah. Not This guy as you know named Noah. Not This guy as you know named Noah. Not Moses. Noah. Stay with me. Okay. Verse Moses. Noah. Stay with me. Okay. Verse Moses. Noah. Stay with me. Okay. Verse eight. [clears throat] eight. [clears throat] eight. [clears throat] Noah enter stage left. Noah enter stage left. Noah enter stage left. But Noah found favor in the eyes of But Noah found favor in the eyes of But Noah found favor in the eyes of Yahweh. And these are the generations of Yahweh. And these are the generations of Yahweh. And these are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, Noah. Noah was a righteous man, Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked blameless in his generation. Noah walked blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. And Noah had three sons, Shem, with God. And Noah had three sons, Shem, with God. And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Now, stop right there. Ham, and Japheth. Now, stop right there. Ham, and Japheth. Now, stop right there. Just look at that text for a second. Just look at that text for a second. Just look at that text for a second. Notice how much of a contrast these uh Notice how much of a contrast these uh Notice how much of a contrast these uh three verses are to everything that's three verses are to everything that's three verses are to everything that's before it, right? Uh Noah is supposed to before it, right? Uh Noah is supposed to before it, right? Uh Noah is supposed to stand in stark contrast to the wicked stand in stark contrast to the wicked stand in stark contrast to the wicked world around him. The world displeases world around him. The world displeases world around him. The world displeases God. But what does Noah do? It says here God. But what does Noah do? It says here God. But what does Noah do? It says here that Noah finds favor in God's eyes. It that Noah finds favor in God's eyes. It that Noah finds favor in God's eyes. It says that the world is evil, but that says that the world is evil, but that says that the world is evil, but that Noah is righteous. It says the world's Noah is righteous. It says the world's Noah is righteous. It says the world's guilty, but Noah is blameless. It says guilty, but Noah is blameless. It says guilty, but Noah is blameless. It says that the world essentially is walking that the world essentially is walking that the world essentially is walking away from God. But Noah, like Enoch, away from God. But Noah, like Enoch, away from God. But Noah, like Enoch, just a chapter before him, he walks with just a chapter before him, he walks with just a chapter before him, he walks with God. So Noah is he's the righteous one.

God. So Noah is he's the righteous one. God. So Noah is he's the righteous one. And Noah would represent, if you will, And Noah would represent, if you will, And Noah would represent, if you will, the believer here, the Christian here. the believer here, the Christian here. the believer here, the Christian here. He's the one who's trying to faithfully He's the one who's trying to faithfully He's the one who's trying to faithfully walk with Yahweh and do what Yahweh walk with Yahweh and do what Yahweh walk with Yahweh and do what Yahweh says. In fact, we know this is the case says. In fact, we know this is the case says. In fact, we know this is the case because here's what Yahweh does. Much because here's what Yahweh does. Much because here's what Yahweh does. Much like with what Yahweh did with Adam and like with what Yahweh did with Adam and like with what Yahweh did with Adam and Eve, who originally were faithful and Eve, who originally were faithful and Eve, who originally were faithful and righteous. And God said to them, "Here's righteous. And God said to them, "Here's righteous. And God said to them, "Here's the command I give to you." He now gives the command I give to you." He now gives the command I give to you." He now gives Noah a command. What's the command? Noah a command. What's the command? Noah a command. What's the command? [clears throat] You guys know it. If [clears throat] You guys know it. If [clears throat] You guys know it. If you're new here and you're a guest and you're new here and you're a guest and you're new here and you're a guest and you're not even a Christian, you you're not even a Christian, you you're not even a Christian, you couldn't spell Jesus if we spotted you. couldn't spell Jesus if we spotted you. couldn't spell Jesus if we spotted you. Jesu, like that's how far away you still Jesu, like that's how far away you still Jesu, like that's how far away you still know this story. Watch what happens. You know this story. Watch what happens. You know this story. Watch what happens. You know the story. Now, the earth was know the story. Now, the earth was know the story. Now, the earth was corrupt in God's sight. Verse 11. And corrupt in God's sight. Verse 11. And corrupt in God's sight. Verse 11. And the earth was filled with violence. the earth was filled with violence. the earth was filled with violence. Again, a repeating of how bad it's Again, a repeating of how bad it's Again, a repeating of how bad it's gotten. And God saw the earth, and gotten. And God saw the earth, and gotten. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. had corrupted their way on the earth. had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "I have determined And God said to Noah, "I have determined And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the to make an end of all flesh, for the to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through earth is filled with violence through earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I'll destroy them with the them. Behold, I'll destroy them with the them. Behold, I'll destroy them with the earth." Now, notice the command. Verse earth." Now, notice the command. Verse earth." Now, notice the command. Verse 14, "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood.

14, "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood. 14, "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood. Make rooms in the ark and cover it Make rooms in the ark and cover it Make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch." Then this is inside and out with pitch." Then this is inside and out with pitch." Then this is how you're to make it. The length of the how you're to make it. The length of the how you're to make it. The length of the ark is going to be 300 cubits, its ark is going to be 300 cubits, its ark is going to be 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, its height 30 cubits. breadth 50 cubits, its height 30 cubits. breadth 50 cubits, its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark and finish it to Make a roof for the ark and finish it to Make a roof for the ark and finish it to a cubit above and set the door of the a cubit above and set the door of the a cubit above and set the door of the ark on its in its side. Make it with a ark on its in its side. Make it with a ark on its in its side. Make it with a lower second and third deck. So it's got lower second and third deck. So it's got lower second and third deck. So it's got three levels here. For behold, I will three levels here. For behold, I will three levels here. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth bring a flood of waters upon the earth bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh which is in the to destroy all flesh which is in the to destroy all flesh which is in the breath which [clears throat] is the breath which [clears throat] is the breath which [clears throat] is the breath of life under heaven. breath of life under heaven. breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall Everything that is on the earth shall Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant die. But I will establish my covenant die. But I will establish my covenant with you, speaking to Noah. And you with you, speaking to Noah. And you with you, speaking to Noah. And you shall come into the ark, you your sons, shall come into the ark, you your sons, shall come into the ark, you your sons, your wife and your sons wives with you, your wife and your sons wives with you, your wife and your sons wives with you, and of every living thing, excuse me, and of every living thing, excuse me, and of every living thing, excuse me, and of every living thing of all flesh. and of every living thing of all flesh. and of every living thing of all flesh. You shall bring two of every sort into You shall bring two of every sort into You shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. the ark to keep them alive with you. the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female, of the They shall be male and female, of the They shall be male and female, of the birds according to their kinds, and of birds according to their kinds, and of birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, the animals according to their kinds, the animals according to their kinds, and of every creeping thing of the and of every creeping thing of the and of every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind. Two of ground according to its kind. Two of ground according to its kind. Two of every sort shall come to you, excuse me, every sort shall come to you, excuse me, every sort shall come to you, excuse me, shall come into you to keep them alive. shall come into you to keep them alive. shall come into you to keep them alive. Verse 21, also take with you every sort Verse 21, also take with you every sort Verse 21, also take with you every sort of food that is eaten and stored up. It of food that is eaten and stored up. It of food that is eaten and stored up. It shall serve as food for you and for shall serve as food for you and for shall serve as food for you and for them. Noah did this. He did all that God them. Noah did this. He did all that God them. Noah did this. He did all that God commanded him. All right, a lot of text, commanded him. All right, a lot of text, commanded him. All right, a lot of text, right? But most everyone knows the right? But most everyone knows the right? But most everyone knows the story. God's like, "Hey, listen, Noah.

story. God's like, "Hey, listen, Noah. story. God's like, "Hey, listen, Noah. I'm going to bring a catastrophic flood I'm going to bring a catastrophic flood I'm going to bring a catastrophic flood on the world as a judgment upon their on the world as a judgment upon their on the world as a judgment upon their wickedness, and I'm going to tell you, wickedness, and I'm going to tell you, wickedness, and I'm going to tell you, you need to build a boat to survive it." you need to build a boat to survive it." you need to build a boat to survive it." Indeed, what Yahweh does here, he not Indeed, what Yahweh does here, he not Indeed, what Yahweh does here, he not only tells him to build a boat, he gives only tells him to build a boat, he gives only tells him to build a boat, he gives them specific instructions for building them specific instructions for building them specific instructions for building this boat. And some of the stuff stands this boat. And some of the stuff stands this boat. And some of the stuff stands out to me as just interesting. He says, out to me as just interesting. He says, out to me as just interesting. He says, for example, I need you to make it out for example, I need you to make it out for example, I need you to make it out of gopherwood. of gopherwood. of gopherwood. Now, scholars have no clue what Now, scholars have no clue what Now, scholars have no clue what gopherwood is. We don't we don't we gopherwood is. We don't we don't we gopherwood is. We don't we don't we don't know what it is. I I like to think don't know what it is. I I like to think don't know what it is. I I like to think of it this way. Uh I'm sure this is of it this way. Uh I'm sure this is of it this way. Uh I'm sure this is completely accurate because um completely accurate because um completely accurate because um [cough and clears throat] [cough and clears throat] [cough and clears throat] he's got to build this boat in the he's got to build this boat in the he's got to build this boat in the middle of nowhere, and we're going to middle of nowhere, and we're going to middle of nowhere, and we're going to get to that even more so. There's get to that even more so. There's get to that even more so. There's probably not a lot of wood around in probably not a lot of wood around in probably not a lot of wood around in that desert area. And so, he's got his that desert area. And so, he's got his that desert area. And so, he's got his three sons looking for wood, and he's three sons looking for wood, and he's three sons looking for wood, and he's like, "Hey, Dad. Uh we we found this like, "Hey, Dad. Uh we we found this like, "Hey, Dad. Uh we we found this some random it's the best wood that we some random it's the best wood that we some random it's the best wood that we got. What else can we can we use this got. What else can we can we use this got. What else can we can we use this wood for the boat? And he's I can just wood for the boat? And he's I can just wood for the boat? And he's I can just see Noah saying go for it. And uh that's see Noah saying go for it. And uh that's see Noah saying go for it. And uh that's the gopher wood. Just go for it. the gopher wood. Just go for it. the gopher wood. Just go for it. Whatever the wood is. You just use Whatever the wood is. You just use Whatever the wood is. You just use whatever you can find. Go for it. whatever you can find. Go for it. whatever you can find. Go for it. Whatever you find. That's that's Whatever you find. That's that's Whatever you find. That's that's probably in the Hebrew that y'all just probably in the Hebrew that y'all just probably in the Hebrew that y'all just have missed. And me too. Um so we don't have missed. And me too. Um so we don't have missed. And me too. Um so we don't know what gopherwood is. It's just this know what gopherwood is. It's just this know what gopherwood is. It's just this wood that they somehow have in the wood that they somehow have in the wood that they somehow have in the desert. Uh and then it's the size of desert. Uh and then it's the size of desert. Uh and then it's the size of this bad boy. Uh a cubit this bad boy. Uh a cubit this bad boy. Uh a cubit is uh the length of your like the king's is uh the length of your like the king's is uh the length of your like the king's forearm. Well, what happens if you have forearm. Well, what happens if you have forearm. Well, what happens if you have a smaller king versus a bigger king?

a smaller king versus a bigger king? a smaller king versus a bigger king? Well, that that can change. So, on Well, that that can change. So, on Well, that that can change. So, on average, it's about 18 in. Well, if you average, it's about 18 in. Well, if you average, it's about 18 in. Well, if you just run the numbers, just run the numbers, just run the numbers, uh, the way that God describes Mo Moses, uh, the way that God describes Mo Moses, uh, the way that God describes Mo Moses, say Noah to build this boat is that it's say Noah to build this boat is that it's say Noah to build this boat is that it's got to be 450 ft long. It's got to be 75 got to be 450 ft long. It's got to be 75 got to be 450 ft long. It's got to be 75 ft wide and 45 feet high. It's got to ft wide and 45 feet high. It's got to ft wide and 45 feet high. It's got to be, in fact, here's a here's a not a be, in fact, here's a here's a not a be, in fact, here's a here's a not a rendering. Here's actually a photograph rendering. Here's actually a photograph rendering. Here's actually a photograph of the one that they built in Kentucky. of the one that they built in Kentucky. of the one that they built in Kentucky. It's not the real one, by the way. uh It's not the real one, by the way. uh It's not the real one, by the way. uh that was on it didn't go from Mount Arat that was on it didn't go from Mount Arat that was on it didn't go from Mount Arat to Kentucky all of a sudden. Uh and to Kentucky all of a sudden. Uh and to Kentucky all of a sudden. Uh and actually they made that one a little actually they made that one a little actually they made that one a little more boish to me. Uh because it really more boish to me. Uh because it really more boish to me. Uh because it really it's supposed to be flat bottom. It's it's supposed to be flat bottom. It's it's supposed to be flat bottom. It's supposed to be square at the ends. Um supposed to be square at the ends. Um supposed to be square at the ends. Um and so it it doesn't even look like a and so it it doesn't even look like a and so it it doesn't even look like a regular boat. Whatever God Yahweh asked regular boat. Whatever God Yahweh asked regular boat. Whatever God Yahweh asked Noah to do. It doesn't look like a boat Noah to do. It doesn't look like a boat Noah to do. It doesn't look like a boat that we would think about. It actually that we would think about. It actually that we would think about. It actually looks like a big rectangle. It it looks like a big rectangle. It it looks like a big rectangle. It it honestly it looks like a big coffin honestly it looks like a big coffin honestly it looks like a big coffin floating down. Just this floating barge. floating down. Just this floating barge. floating down. Just this floating barge. And not only that, to make it even more And not only that, to make it even more And not only that, to make it even more complicated, uh God tells Noah, I need I complicated, uh God tells Noah, I need I complicated, uh God tells Noah, I need I need you to do this. I need it to be need you to do this. I need it to be need you to do this. I need it to be three stories with all these rooms three stories with all these rooms three stories with all these rooms because I need you to put two of every because I need you to put two of every because I need you to put two of every kind of animal in it. And notice what he kind of animal in it. And notice what he kind of animal in it. And notice what he says here. He says, "Birds, animals, and says here. He says, "Birds, animals, and says here. He says, "Birds, animals, and creeping things," which is the exact creeping things," which is the exact creeping things," which is the exact same language of Genesis 1 and two. So, same language of Genesis 1 and two. So, same language of Genesis 1 and two. So, in other words, I need you to put the in other words, I need you to put the in other words, I need you to put the creation in this boat. No big deal. No creation in this boat. No big deal. No creation in this boat. No big deal. No challenge. But here's what I think is challenge. But here's what I think is challenge. But here's what I think is amazing. Here's one I want to step uh amazing. Here's one I want to step uh amazing. Here's one I want to step uh stop here, guys, and kind of um maybe stop here, guys, and kind of um maybe stop here, guys, and kind of um maybe put out some tent pegs and and camp out put out some tent pegs and and camp out put out some tent pegs and and camp out here.

here. here. Notice how it ends. God tells Noah to do Notice how it ends. God tells Noah to do Notice how it ends. God tells Noah to do all these things. And what does Noah do? all these things. And what does Noah do? all these things. And what does Noah do? Verse 22, it says, "Noah did this. He Verse 22, it says, "Noah did this. He Verse 22, it says, "Noah did this. He did all that God commanded him." Now, did all that God commanded him." Now, did all that God commanded him." Now, it's the same phrase you're going to see it's the same phrase you're going to see it's the same phrase you're going to see next week when we get into Genesis next week when we get into Genesis next week when we get into Genesis chapter 7. Now, here's what's chapter 7. Now, here's what's chapter 7. Now, here's what's interesting about this text. Just look interesting about this text. Just look interesting about this text. Just look at it in your own scriptures. We don't at it in your own scriptures. We don't at it in your own scriptures. We don't get any more commentary from Noah or his get any more commentary from Noah or his get any more commentary from Noah or his neighbors. like we don't we don't hear neighbors. like we don't we don't hear neighbors. like we don't we don't hear about all the wicked people around them. about all the wicked people around them. about all the wicked people around them. We don't hear [clears throat] anything We don't hear [clears throat] anything We don't hear [clears throat] anything about it. Now, I want you to do this about it. Now, I want you to do this about it. Now, I want you to do this with me. It's a little kind of little with me. It's a little kind of little with me. It's a little kind of little intellectual exercise with me because I intellectual exercise with me because I intellectual exercise with me because I think this helps us get into the story. think this helps us get into the story. think this helps us get into the story. I don't know. We don't know exactly I don't know. We don't know exactly I don't know. We don't know exactly where Noah built this ark, but we have a where Noah built this ark, but we have a where Noah built this ark, but we have a pretty good guess it was more like in a pretty good guess it was more like in a pretty good guess it was more like in a desert area based on where Noah lived. desert area based on where Noah lived. desert area based on where Noah lived. So, imagine building not just a boat, So, imagine building not just a boat, So, imagine building not just a boat, like a boat. Imagine building something like a boat. Imagine building something like a boat. Imagine building something 450 ft long. By by the way, if you guys 450 ft long. By by the way, if you guys 450 ft long. By by the way, if you guys go down on NASA road one and you get in go down on NASA road one and you get in go down on NASA road one and you get in front of the Johnson Space Center and front of the Johnson Space Center and front of the Johnson Space Center and you see the replica of the space uh you see the replica of the space uh you see the replica of the space uh shuttle, uh it's the the the ark that shuttle, uh it's the the the ark that shuttle, uh it's the the the ark that was that's about 184 ft. So the ark that was that's about 184 ft. So the ark that was that's about 184 ft. So the ark that was constructed is almost two and a half was constructed is almost two and a half was constructed is almost two and a half times longer that just Noah and his sons times longer that just Noah and his sons times longer that just Noah and his sons are supposed to build out of some wood are supposed to build out of some wood are supposed to build out of some wood no one even knows about. Right? So think no one even knows about. Right? So think no one even knows about. Right? So think it just I just need you to go on this it just I just need you to go on this it just I just need you to go on this intellectual, mental, creative exercise.

intellectual, mental, creative exercise. intellectual, mental, creative exercise. Imagine you got to build that boat in Imagine you got to build that boat in Imagine you got to build that boat in the middle of the desert. How the middle of the desert. How the middle of the desert. How preposterous that would look to preposterous that would look to preposterous that would look to everybody. Just think about that. Not everybody. Just think about that. Not everybody. Just think about that. Not just a little boat. You're building just a little boat. You're building just a little boat. You're building something no one else has ever seen. I something no one else has ever seen. I something no one else has ever seen. I mean, mega huge in the middle of the mean, mega huge in the middle of the mean, mega huge in the middle of the dust, right? In the middle of the sands dust, right? In the middle of the sands dust, right? In the middle of the sands of the desert. I bet Noah's neighbors of the desert. I bet Noah's neighbors of the desert. I bet Noah's neighbors had great fun talking to him. Imagine had great fun talking to him. Imagine had great fun talking to him. Imagine that. Hey, Noah. What's going on, bud? that. Hey, Noah. What's going on, bud? that. Hey, Noah. What's going on, bud? What are you doing? Oh, hey Fred. What are you doing? Oh, hey Fred. What are you doing? Oh, hey Fred. Because that was probably a biblical Because that was probably a biblical Because that was probably a biblical name. Hey, Fred. Yeah, man. Uh, I'm just name. Hey, Fred. Yeah, man. Uh, I'm just name. Hey, Fred. Yeah, man. Uh, I'm just uh I don't know, just building uh I don't know, just building uh I don't know, just building something. Oh, yeah. Cool. I can see something. Oh, yeah. Cool. I can see something. Oh, yeah. Cool. I can see that you're building something, you and that you're building something, you and that you're building something, you and your you and your kids. Um, like, what your you and your kids. Um, like, what your you and your kids. Um, like, what is it? I mean, it looks pretty big. You is it? I mean, it looks pretty big. You is it? I mean, it looks pretty big. You building a barn? You going to build a building a barn? You going to build a building a barn? You going to build a corral? Uh, surely. I mean, this is corral? Uh, surely. I mean, this is corral? Uh, surely. I mean, this is bigger than your house. Like 10 times bigger than your house. Like 10 times bigger than your house. Like 10 times bigger. 20 times bigger. What What are bigger. 20 times bigger. What What are bigger. 20 times bigger. What What are you What are you building? Uh, yeah, you What are you building? Uh, yeah, you What are you building? Uh, yeah, Fred. I'm a Fred. I'm a Fred. I'm a I'm building a boat. Building a boat. I'm building a boat. Building a boat. I'm building a boat. Building a boat. Yeah, that's okay. Yeah, I see. Okay. A Yeah, that's okay. Yeah, I see. Okay. A Yeah, that's okay. Yeah, I see. Okay. A boat. That's kind of rando. Uh, why are boat. That's kind of rando. Uh, why are boat. That's kind of rando. Uh, why are you building a boat, man? Um uh well, you building a boat, man? Um uh well, you building a boat, man? Um uh well, and honestly, Fred, it's not just any and honestly, Fred, it's not just any and honestly, Fred, it's not just any boat. It's like it's a really big boat.

boat. It's like it's a really big boat. boat. It's like it's a really big boat. It's uh 450 ft long and 75 ft wide. It's It's uh 450 ft long and 75 ft wide. It's It's uh 450 ft long and 75 ft wide. It's when we're done with it's going to be when we're done with it's going to be when we're done with it's going to be triple decked and 45 ft tall and um triple decked and 45 ft tall and um triple decked and 45 ft tall and um Yeah. Oh, of course you are. No, I get Yeah. Oh, of course you are. No, I get Yeah. Oh, of course you are. No, I get it. Yeah. I mean, no one wants to build it. Yeah. I mean, no one wants to build it. Yeah. I mean, no one wants to build a small boat in the middle of the desert a small boat in the middle of the desert a small boat in the middle of the desert where there's no water. You want to where there's no water. You want to where there's no water. You want to build a big one where there's no water. build a big one where there's no water. build a big one where there's no water. That makes a lot of sense. So, why why That makes a lot of sense. So, why why That makes a lot of sense. So, why why is it so big? Uh is it so big? Uh is it so big? Uh because I I got to put animals in it. because I I got to put animals in it. because I I got to put animals in it. Oh, that's cool. Like you're golden. Uh Oh, that's cool. Like you're golden. Uh Oh, that's cool. Like you're golden. Uh retriever. And no, I I' I've got to I've retriever. And no, I I' I've got to I've retriever. And no, I I' I've got to I've got to put two of every kind. Two of got to put two of every kind. Two of got to put two of every kind. Two of every kind of what? Of animals in the every kind of what? Of animals in the every kind of what? Of animals in the world. Wait, hold on for a second. Just hold Wait, hold on for a second. Just hold on. Run that by me again. You're you're on. Run that by me again. You're you're on. Run that by me again. You're you're you're building a boat so that you can you're building a boat so that you can you're building a boat so that you can put two of every kind of animal in the put two of every kind of animal in the put two of every kind of animal in the world in your boat. in the middle of the world in your boat. in the middle of the world in your boat. in the middle of the desert. Yeah, that's that's what I'm desert. Yeah, that's that's what I'm desert. Yeah, that's that's what I'm going to do. Why would you do something going to do. Why would you do something going to do. Why would you do something so insane, Noah? Well, uh because God so insane, Noah? Well, uh because God so insane, Noah? Well, uh because God told me.

told me. told me. Wait, wait, you're crazy that you're Wait, wait, you're crazy that you're Wait, wait, you're crazy that you're that one God that you believe in, that one God that you believe in, that one God that you believe in, Yahweh, told you to do all this? Yeah. Yahweh, told you to do all this? Yeah. Yahweh, told you to do all this? Yeah. Well, why why is he saying build a boat, Well, why why is he saying build a boat, Well, why why is he saying build a boat, put animals on it? Um, put animals on it? Um, put animals on it? Um, he's going to kill all y'all. I mean, kill you guys dead. Oh, how's he I mean, kill you guys dead. Oh, how's he going to kill us in the desert, man? Um, going to kill us in the desert, man? Um, going to kill us in the desert, man? Um, he's going to flood this whole place. he's going to flood this whole place. he's going to flood this whole place. Like, how much is He's going to flood it Like, how much is He's going to flood it Like, how much is He's going to flood it so much that I got to build this big so much that I got to build this big so much that I got to build this big boat. And um, well, who all is he going boat. And um, well, who all is he going boat. And um, well, who all is he going to save? Well, uh, to save? Well, uh, to save? Well, uh, just me and my family. just me and my family. just me and my family. Why Why is he going to save anybody Why Why is he going to save anybody Why Why is he going to save anybody else? Because you guys are wicked. else? Because you guys are wicked. else? Because you guys are wicked. He's going to kill all of you. Did I say He's going to kill all of you. Did I say He's going to kill all of you. Did I say that? I'll say he's killing on. Well, that? I'll say he's killing on. Well, that? I'll say he's killing on. Well, that's cool, Noah. Your boat's not going that's cool, Noah. Your boat's not going that's cool, Noah. Your boat's not going to work. First of all, you're building to work. First of all, you're building to work. First of all, you're building with gopherwood. We don't know what that with gopherwood. We don't know what that with gopherwood. We don't know what that is. You're done. And can you imagine the is. You're done. And can you imagine the is. You're done. And can you imagine the kind of awkward like that's just a kind of awkward like that's just a kind of awkward like that's just a sample in the day of a life for Noah. sample in the day of a life for Noah. sample in the day of a life for Noah. How long did it take him TO BUILD THIS How long did it take him TO BUILD THIS How long did it take him TO BUILD THIS ARC? I DON'T KNOW HOW long it was. It ARC? I DON'T KNOW HOW long it was. It ARC? I DON'T KNOW HOW long it was. It wasn't a week. Imagine how everyone as wasn't a week. Imagine how everyone as wasn't a week. Imagine how everyone as wicked as they are anyhow just lampool wicked as they are anyhow just lampool wicked as they are anyhow just lampool lampooning him and ridiculing him, lampooning him and ridiculing him, lampooning him and ridiculing him, making fun of him, mocking him as he's making fun of him, mocking him as he's making fun of him, mocking him as he's building this boat in the middle of the building this boat in the middle of the building this boat in the middle of the desert. And yet, desert. And yet, desert. And yet, what does he do? Well, the temptation what does he do? Well, the temptation what does he do? Well, the temptation for me would be like, I I I can't for me would be like, I I I can't for me would be like, I I I can't imagine the ridicule like, "Hey, uh, imagine the ridicule like, "Hey, uh, imagine the ridicule like, "Hey, uh, Noah, ocean's that way." Right? Or this Noah, ocean's that way." Right? Or this Noah, ocean's that way." Right? Or this the loss of social standing. Don't the loss of social standing. Don't the loss of social standing. Don't invite this guy to the party. He's nuts.

invite this guy to the party. He's nuts. invite this guy to the party. He's nuts. So, so I would think the temptation for So, so I would think the temptation for So, so I would think the temptation for Noah is I whatever hammer he's doing to Noah is I whatever hammer he's doing to Noah is I whatever hammer he's doing to put in that gopherwood to make this mega put in that gopherwood to make this mega put in that gopherwood to make this mega big arc, doesn't he have a rudder on it? big arc, doesn't he have a rudder on it? big arc, doesn't he have a rudder on it? Be easy just to set that hammer down and Be easy just to set that hammer down and Be easy just to set that hammer down and just to go along, to get along, just to just to go along, to get along, just to just to go along, to get along, just to laugh it off. laugh it off. laugh it off. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That was crazy, right? Lie to his >> That was crazy, right? Lie to his >> That was crazy, right? Lie to his friends, rationalize that God really friends, rationalize that God really friends, rationalize that God really wasn't telling him all this kind of wasn't telling him all this kind of wasn't telling him all this kind of stuff, and choose comfort with the world stuff, and choose comfort with the world stuff, and choose comfort with the world over commitment to God. And yet, that's over commitment to God. And yet, that's over commitment to God. And yet, that's not what the story says. It just says not what the story says. It just says not what the story says. It just says that. that. that. It just says Noah did this. He did all It just says Noah did this. He did all It just says Noah did this. He did all that God commanded him. Now, um, let me tell you the point today, and let me tell you the point today, and I'll be careful about how I say this. I'll be careful about how I say this. I'll be careful about how I say this. Um, Um, Um, in a very big way, uh, Noah is unique. in a very big way, uh, Noah is unique. in a very big way, uh, Noah is unique. Noah is definitely, um, we're not Noah. Noah is definitely, um, we're not Noah. Noah is definitely, um, we're not Noah. What Noah does in redemptive history is What Noah does in redemptive history is What Noah does in redemptive history is absolutely something that's singular to absolutely something that's singular to absolutely something that's singular to him. We don't ever see another flood him. We don't ever see another flood him. We don't ever see another flood like this. We don't have another arc like this. We don't have another arc like this. We don't have another arc building buil building like built like building buil building like built like building buil building like built like this. And while that's all true, here's this. And while that's all true, here's this. And while that's all true, here's what I need you to hear. In a in a very what I need you to hear. In a in a very what I need you to hear. In a in a very in another very important respect, Noah in another very important respect, Noah in another very important respect, Noah is an example for us.

is an example for us. is an example for us. Uh he he's an example for what faith Uh he he's an example for what faith Uh he he's an example for what faith looks like. In fact, I'm not just saying looks like. In fact, I'm not just saying looks like. In fact, I'm not just saying that. That's what the writers of the New that. That's what the writers of the New that. That's what the writers of the New Testament say about the Old Testament. Testament say about the Old Testament. Testament say about the Old Testament. Uh in and let me let me take you don't Uh in and let me let me take you don't Uh in and let me let me take you don't have to turn there. Let me take you to have to turn there. Let me take you to have to turn there. Let me take you to Hebrews chap 11. [clears throat] Hebrews chap 11. [clears throat] Hebrews chap 11. [clears throat] In Hebrews 11, it opens up this way. In Hebrews 11, it opens up this way. In Hebrews 11, it opens up this way. Verse one says when it speaks about Verse one says when it speaks about Verse one says when it speaks about faith, what is faith? Well, faith is faith, what is faith? Well, faith is faith, what is faith? Well, faith is confidence in what we hope for and confidence in what we hope for and confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see. assurance about what we don't see. assurance about what we don't see. So, the writer of Hebrews is talking So, the writer of Hebrews is talking So, the writer of Hebrews is talking about how faith is important that that about how faith is important that that about how faith is important that that Christians should live a life of faith. Christians should live a life of faith. Christians should live a life of faith. Well, what's faith, writer of Hebrews? Well, what's faith, writer of Hebrews? Well, what's faith, writer of Hebrews? Well, it's confidence what we hope for Well, it's confidence what we hope for Well, it's confidence what we hope for and what like we can't see it yet, but and what like we can't see it yet, but and what like we can't see it yet, but we're trusting God because he said it we're trusting God because he said it we're trusting God because he said it was going to be true. So, we're trusting was going to be true. So, we're trusting was going to be true. So, we're trusting in what God's doing and who he is. in what God's doing and who he is. in what God's doing and who he is. And then, uh, throughout the chapter 11, And then, uh, throughout the chapter 11, And then, uh, throughout the chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews gives all these the writer of Hebrews gives all these the writer of Hebrews gives all these examples from the Old Testament. These examples from the Old Testament. These examples from the Old Testament. These are books of the Bible about God's are books of the Bible about God's are books of the Bible about God's original covenant people, Israel, original covenant people, Israel, original covenant people, Israel, ancient Israel. ancient Israel. ancient Israel. And he starts going through different And he starts going through different And he starts going through different kind of men and women like, "Here's what kind of men and women like, "Here's what kind of men and women like, "Here's what faith looks like. Here's what faith faith looks like. Here's what faith faith looks like. Here's what faith looks like. Here's what faith looks looks like. Here's what faith looks looks like. Here's what faith looks like." And then in verse 7, he gets to like." And then in verse 7, he gets to like." And then in verse 7, he gets to Noah. Noah. Noah. Noah chapter 6 of Genesis is what he Noah chapter 6 of Genesis is what he Noah chapter 6 of Genesis is what he references. By faith, Noah being warned references. By faith, Noah being warned references. By faith, Noah being warned by God concerning events yet unseen, in by God concerning events yet unseen, in by God concerning events yet unseen, in reverent fear, constructed an ark for reverent fear, constructed an ark for reverent fear, constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he the saving of his household. By this he the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir condemned the world and became an heir condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by of the righteousness that comes by of the righteousness that comes by faith. I love this. So, so what the faith. I love this. So, so what the faith. I love this. So, so what the writer of Hebrews says is like, let me writer of Hebrews says is like, let me writer of Hebrews says is like, let me tell you what faith looks like. Faith tell you what faith looks like. Faith tell you what faith looks like. Faith looks like a guy building a boat in the looks like a guy building a boat in the looks like a guy building a boat in the middle of the desert.

middle of the desert. middle of the desert. Faith looks like Noah taking a hammer in Faith looks like Noah taking a hammer in Faith looks like Noah taking a hammer in his hand and saying, "All right, um, I'm his hand and saying, "All right, um, I'm his hand and saying, "All right, um, I'm going to do what God said." Noah's not going to do what God said." Noah's not going to do what God said." Noah's not seen like, "Hey, you know, me and God seen like, "Hey, you know, me and God seen like, "Hey, you know, me and God are real tight. Me and Yahweh got it are real tight. Me and Yahweh got it are real tight. Me and Yahweh got it going on." He doesn't say anything. He going on." He doesn't say anything. He going on." He doesn't say anything. He just says, "Okay, all right, boys. Go just says, "Okay, all right, boys. Go just says, "Okay, all right, boys. Go find some gopherwood. find some gopherwood. find some gopherwood. I'll get the hammer. Let's start I'll get the hammer. Let's start I'll get the hammer. Let's start constructing this thing. Even if it constructing this thing. Even if it constructing this thing. Even if it looked preposterous to the world around looked preposterous to the world around looked preposterous to the world around them, and I can guarantee you it looked them, and I can guarantee you it looked them, and I can guarantee you it looked preposterous building a boat in the preposterous building a boat in the preposterous building a boat in the desert. In fact, Hebrews says that it desert. In fact, Hebrews says that it desert. In fact, Hebrews says that it was Moses's step, excuse me, Moses, I was Moses's step, excuse me, Moses, I was Moses's step, excuse me, Moses, I said it again, it's Noah's stepping out said it again, it's Noah's stepping out said it again, it's Noah's stepping out in obedience, his risking of status, his in obedience, his risking of status, his in obedience, his risking of status, his subjection to mockery, his the chance subjection to mockery, his the chance subjection to mockery, his the chance that he would be alienated by his peers. that he would be alienated by his peers. that he would be alienated by his peers. That's what demonstrated the reality of That's what demonstrated the reality of That's what demonstrated the reality of his faith. Not that he did the easy his faith. Not that he did the easy his faith. Not that he did the easy thing. He did the hard thing. And so thing. He did the hard thing. And so thing. He did the hard thing. And so building a boat in the desert actually building a boat in the desert actually building a boat in the desert actually teaches us this great idea about faith teaches us this great idea about faith teaches us this great idea about faith all because of Noah. Here's what it all because of Noah. Here's what it all because of Noah. Here's what it teaches us for as followers of Jesus now teaches us for as followers of Jesus now teaches us for as followers of Jesus now living in the new covenant in the New living in the new covenant in the New living in the new covenant in the New Testament. Uh the time and life of Jesus Testament. Uh the time and life of Jesus Testament. Uh the time and life of Jesus and his people now in the kingdom. It and his people now in the kingdom. It and his people now in the kingdom. It teaches us this that obedience can cost teaches us this that obedience can cost teaches us this that obedience can cost you something.

you something. you something. Following God through the person of Following God through the person of Following God through the person of Jesus can cost us something. that like Jesus can cost us something. that like Jesus can cost us something. that like there's going to be times in your life there's going to be times in your life there's going to be times in your life and in my life and our lives when you and in my life and our lives when you and in my life and our lives when you got to pick between a life of faith, got to pick between a life of faith, got to pick between a life of faith, right, versus a life of comfort, right, versus a life of comfort, right, versus a life of comfort, um a life of convenience, um a life of convenience, um a life of convenience, um a life of control. And you got to um a life of control. And you got to um a life of control. And you got to figure out which one you want to do figure out which one you want to do figure out which one you want to do because you can't have both of them, because you can't have both of them, because you can't have both of them, right? You you got to figure out, am I right? You you got to figure out, am I right? You you got to figure out, am I am I going to live a life of faith or am am I going to live a life of faith or am am I going to live a life of faith or am I going to live a life of convenience or I going to live a life of convenience or I going to live a life of convenience or control control control or whatever it is, comfort. That's what or whatever it is, comfort. That's what or whatever it is, comfort. That's what Noah could have had. He could have had Noah could have had. He could have had Noah could have had. He could have had comfort. He He probably could have had comfort. He He probably could have had comfort. He He probably could have had like still some uh clout socially. He like still some uh clout socially. He like still some uh clout socially. He could have had all those things, but he could have had all those things, but he could have had all those things, but he gave them all up because what was gave them all up because what was gave them all up because what was weightier in his heart was trying to weightier in his heart was trying to weightier in his heart was trying to follow God. So, he had to live by faith. follow God. So, he had to live by faith. follow God. So, he had to live by faith. And I'm just trying to tell you now, And I'm just trying to tell you now, And I'm just trying to tell you now, there's a lesson for us to learn that if there's a lesson for us to learn that if there's a lesson for us to learn that if we want to live by faith, sometimes we we want to live by faith, sometimes we we want to live by faith, sometimes we got to be willing to pay the price to got to be willing to pay the price to got to be willing to pay the price to obey because it's going to cost us obey because it's going to cost us obey because it's going to cost us something like it cost Moses because something like it cost Moses because something like it cost Moses because it's going to look preposterous to the it's going to look preposterous to the it's going to look preposterous to the world. I'll give you some examples here.

world. I'll give you some examples here. world. I'll give you some examples here. Um, think about the way everyone in our Um, think about the way everyone in our Um, think about the way everyone in our culture uses money. culture uses money. culture uses money. Money is about status and clout. Spend Money is about status and clout. Spend Money is about status and clout. Spend it on yourselves. Show as much as you it on yourselves. Show as much as you it on yourselves. Show as much as you can. Be opulent. Buy as many homes, as can. Be opulent. Buy as many homes, as can. Be opulent. Buy as many homes, as many boats. Take as many trips as you many boats. Take as many trips as you many boats. Take as many trips as you can because you need to hoard it all for can because you need to hoard it all for can because you need to hoard it all for yourself. I mean, your money is really yourself. I mean, your money is really yourself. I mean, your money is really kind of your identity. At least that's kind of your identity. At least that's kind of your identity. At least that's how the world thinks about it. Don't how the world thinks about it. Don't how the world thinks about it. Don't serve others, just serve yourself. Make serve others, just serve yourself. Make serve others, just serve yourself. Make as much money until you die. And yet, as much money until you die. And yet, as much money until you die. And yet, the life of faith calls us to something the life of faith calls us to something the life of faith calls us to something like the opposite of that. like the opposite of that. like the opposite of that. It says like, "Oh, no, no, no." Like It says like, "Oh, no, no, no." Like It says like, "Oh, no, no, no." Like you, the life of faith says that God you, the life of faith says that God you, the life of faith says that God owns everything, including everything owns everything, including everything owns everything, including everything that you have. All of our resources are that you have. All of our resources are that you have. All of our resources are really submitted under God's leadership really submitted under God's leadership really submitted under God's leadership and lordship. And so I've got to look at and lordship. And so I've got to look at and lordship. And so I've got to look at my resources in a way that I how am I my resources in a way that I how am I my resources in a way that I how am I stewarding this well. And so I'm I'm stewarding this well. And so I'm I'm stewarding this well. And so I'm I'm going to give generally generously to going to give generally generously to going to give generally generously to the work of the church. Like we we've the work of the church. Like we we've the work of the church. Like we we've just talked about like I'm going to help just talked about like I'm going to help just talked about like I'm going to help send thousands of kids to camp so that send thousands of kids to camp so that send thousands of kids to camp so that they might know Jesus even though I they might know Jesus even though I they might know Jesus even though I don't have any kids going to camp. Like don't have any kids going to camp. Like don't have any kids going to camp. Like my kids are already grown, but I'm going my kids are already grown, but I'm going my kids are already grown, but I'm going to give towards that. I'm going to I'm to give towards that. I'm going to I'm to give towards that. I'm going to I'm going to help the poor. I'm going to going to help the poor. I'm going to going to help the poor. I'm going to help those that are needy. Right? And help those that are needy. Right? And help those that are needy. Right? And you're going to have friends are like, you're going to have friends are like, you're going to have friends are like, "What are you doing, dude? Like save up, "What are you doing, dude? Like save up, "What are you doing, dude? Like save up, bro. JUST MAKE THAT IRA BIGGER, MAN. Why bro. JUST MAKE THAT IRA BIGGER, MAN. Why bro. JUST MAKE THAT IRA BIGGER, MAN. Why are you living in such a way? Well, you are you living in such a way? Well, you are you living in such a way? Well, you got to decide. You got to figure out do got to decide. You got to figure out do got to decide. You got to figure out do do you want to live out of faith or do do you want to live out of faith or do do you want to live out of faith or do you want comfort and control?

you want comfort and control? you want comfort and control? Convenience. Convenience. Convenience. That's going to be a challenge. Been That's going to be a challenge. Been That's going to be a challenge. Been going to cost you something. Um I'll go going to cost you something. Um I'll go going to cost you something. Um I'll go to another u example. Think about to another u example. Think about to another u example. Think about sexuality today. I mean, our culture sexuality today. I mean, our culture sexuality today. I mean, our culture just says, listen, as long as you like just says, listen, as long as you like just says, listen, as long as you like someone, you ought to have sex with someone, you ought to have sex with someone, you ought to have sex with somebody, right? Especially if you like somebody, right? Especially if you like somebody, right? Especially if you like each other, you thought you might want each other, you thought you might want each other, you thought you might want to get married. just cohabitate, just to get married. just cohabitate, just to get married. just cohabitate, just live together. live together. live together. But when you read the scriptures and you But when you read the scriptures and you But when you read the scriptures and you talk about a life of faith, it's it's talk about a life of faith, it's it's talk about a life of faith, it's it's actually the opposite of that. So now actually the opposite of that. So now actually the opposite of that. So now you got to make them some decisions. you got to make them some decisions. you got to make them some decisions. Especially if you're young, like, hey, Especially if you're young, like, hey, Especially if you're young, like, hey, man, I I need to choose to wait. I need man, I I need to choose to wait. I need man, I I need to choose to wait. I need to reserve my sexuality for my spouse. to reserve my sexuality for my spouse. to reserve my sexuality for my spouse. I I've got to learn to, you know, be I I've got to learn to, you know, be I I've got to learn to, you know, be chased. Well, that's going to cost you chased. Well, that's going to cost you chased. Well, that's going to cost you something. Especially if you're young, something. Especially if you're young, something. Especially if you're young, it's going to cost you a lot. Ah, you're it's going to cost you a lot. Ah, you're it's going to cost you a lot. Ah, you're going to get mocked. There come the going to get mocked. There come the going to get mocked. There come the virgin jokes. Here come the people virgin jokes. Here come the people virgin jokes. Here come the people rolling their eyes, people whispering rolling their eyes, people whispering rolling their eyes, people whispering behind their back about you. Yeah, behind their back about you. Yeah, behind their back about you. Yeah, obedience cost you something. Um, I know obedience cost you something. Um, I know obedience cost you something. Um, I know we have students here, so I might as we have students here, so I might as we have students here, so I might as well speak to students and the adults well speak to students and the adults well speak to students and the adults who dress their students. Um, and we who dress their students. Um, and we who dress their students. Um, and we live in a world that says uh that live in a world that says uh that live in a world that says uh that because it's cool, we ought to have as because it's cool, we ought to have as because it's cool, we ought to have as little clothing as possible on. And the little clothing as possible on. And the little clothing as possible on. And the idea is to be alluring and sexual and idea is to be alluring and sexual and idea is to be alluring and sexual and revealing where we've honored revealing where we've honored revealing where we've honored objectivity over beauty.

objectivity over beauty. objectivity over beauty. And there used to be this idea, look it And there used to be this idea, look it And there used to be this idea, look it up, it's called modesty. up, it's called modesty. up, it's called modesty. And that uh for a long time, people that And that uh for a long time, people that And that uh for a long time, people that understood the scriptures, understood understood the scriptures, understood understood the scriptures, understood what it is like to live a modest life what it is like to live a modest life what it is like to live a modest life and dress modestly. I don't mean that and dress modestly. I don't mean that and dress modestly. I don't mean that you're wearing a burka, that's a whole you're wearing a burka, that's a whole you're wearing a burka, that's a whole different religion. I'm talking about different religion. I'm talking about different religion. I'm talking about dressing in a way that glorifies God and dressing in a way that glorifies God and dressing in a way that glorifies God and honors the person. honors the person. honors the person. But I tell you, if you do that, parents, But I tell you, if you do that, parents, But I tell you, if you do that, parents, have you I mean, the last conversation I have you I mean, the last conversation I have you I mean, the last conversation I had with a parent where uh we were at a had with a parent where uh we were at a had with a parent where uh we were at a place at a water park and it was frankly place at a water park and it was frankly place at a water park and it was frankly embarrassing how his kid was dressed. embarrassing how his kid was dressed. embarrassing how his kid was dressed. And I was like, "Dude, how do you do And I was like, "Dude, how do you do And I was like, "Dude, how do you do that, man?" And he said, "Because I keep that, man?" And he said, "Because I keep that, man?" And he said, "Because I keep getting told this is what everyone else getting told this is what everyone else getting told this is what everyone else is doing. And if my kid has to be if my is doing. And if my kid has to be if my is doing. And if my kid has to be if my kid wants to be cool and in the know and kid wants to be cool and in the know and kid wants to be cool and in the know and in the crowd, they've got to dress like in the crowd, they've got to dress like in the crowd, they've got to dress like that." Obedience is costing that person that." Obedience is costing that person that." Obedience is costing that person something. In fact, I would tell you something. In fact, I would tell you something. In fact, I would tell you this. disobedience cost you more. this. disobedience cost you more. this. disobedience cost you more. It's going to cost you something. Yeah. It's going to cost you something. Yeah. It's going to cost you something. Yeah. So, what does that mean? Well, I have to So, what does that mean? Well, I have to So, what does that mean? Well, I have to be careful what I say here because I be careful what I say here because I be careful what I say here because I don't want to be some kind of legalist don't want to be some kind of legalist don't want to be some kind of legalist that says unless you're wearing like a that says unless you're wearing like a that says unless you're wearing like a suit to swim, that's not good. I don't suit to swim, that's not good. I don't suit to swim, that's not good. I don't believe that. I believe that you ought believe that. I believe that you ought believe that. I believe that you ought to ask the question, how do we honor God to ask the question, how do we honor God to ask the question, how do we honor God in all things, even how we dress? And in all things, even how we dress? And in all things, even how we dress? And you're going to get ri here's the risk.

you're going to get ri here's the risk. you're going to get ri here's the risk. People are going to think you're People are going to think you're People are going to think you're prudish, that you're old-fashioned. prudish, that you're old-fashioned. prudish, that you're old-fashioned. You're going to lose status with the You're going to lose status with the You're going to lose status with the cool folks. You might even alienate a cool folks. You might even alienate a cool folks. You might even alienate a friend or two on the way. But you got to friend or two on the way. But you got to friend or two on the way. But you got to figure out, do I want to live with the figure out, do I want to live with the figure out, do I want to live with the world or do I want to live for the Lord? world or do I want to live for the Lord? world or do I want to live for the Lord? Obedience will cost you something. Obedience will cost you something. Obedience will cost you something. Take forgiveness. This is just this is Take forgiveness. This is just this is Take forgiveness. This is just this is an easy one. Jesus talks about though an easy one. Jesus talks about though an easy one. Jesus talks about though it's not easy. it's not easy. it's not easy. Jesus says, "Forgive others as God has Jesus says, "Forgive others as God has Jesus says, "Forgive others as God has forgiven you." And so we're we're we're forgiven you." And so we're we're we're forgiven you." And so we're we're we're bound as Christians to actually forgive bound as Christians to actually forgive bound as Christians to actually forgive people because Christ has forgiven us. people because Christ has forgiven us. people because Christ has forgiven us. But what happens is this. The world's But what happens is this. The world's But what happens is this. The world's like, "What are you talking about, man? like, "What are you talking about, man? like, "What are you talking about, man? It's eye for an eye. It's tooth for a It's eye for an eye. It's tooth for a It's eye for an eye. It's tooth for a tooth. Don't let anyone uh get one over tooth. Don't let anyone uh get one over tooth. Don't let anyone uh get one over on you. You you buried people. you you on you. You you buried people. you you on you. You you buried people. you you you just give people uh you you give you just give people uh you you give you just give people uh you you give them what they deserve. And yet Jesus them what they deserve. And yet Jesus them what they deserve. And yet Jesus says, "I'll forgive you if you forgive says, "I'll forgive you if you forgive says, "I'll forgive you if you forgive others. In fact, you forgive others the others. In fact, you forgive others the others. In fact, you forgive others the way that God in Christ has forgiven way that God in Christ has forgiven way that God in Christ has forgiven you." All right. Well, that's going to you." All right. Well, that's going to you." All right. Well, that's going to cost me something. Your friends are cost me something. Your friends are cost me something. Your friends are going to think that you're insane, that going to think that you're insane, that going to think that you're insane, that you're a doormat. In fact, you're going you're a doormat. In fact, you're going you're a doormat. In fact, you're going to have to argue with yourself like, to have to argue with yourself like, to have to argue with yourself like, "Man, is is someone getting by with "Man, is is someone getting by with "Man, is is someone getting by with something on me?" But I'm just going to something on me?" But I'm just going to something on me?" But I'm just going to tell you, obedience cost you something, tell you, obedience cost you something, tell you, obedience cost you something, but disobedience cost you more.

but disobedience cost you more. but disobedience cost you more. So, choosing to live a life of faith, So, choosing to live a life of faith, So, choosing to live a life of faith, right, in those kind of scenarios, you right, in those kind of scenarios, you right, in those kind of scenarios, you know what it feels like? It's know what it feels like? It's know what it feels like? It's preposterous. [snorts] You're going to preposterous. [snorts] You're going to preposterous. [snorts] You're going to get mocked and lampuned and made fun of get mocked and lampuned and made fun of get mocked and lampuned and made fun of and you're going to feel like you're and you're going to feel like you're and you're going to feel like you're building a boat in the desert. Just know building a boat in the desert. Just know building a boat in the desert. Just know you're not the first one to do it. you're not the first one to do it. you're not the first one to do it. For a long line, believers have been For a long line, believers have been For a long line, believers have been building boats in deserts. They're building boats in deserts. They're building boats in deserts. They're following God when the world does the following God when the world does the following God when the world does the opposite. and they risk losing status opposite. and they risk losing status opposite. and they risk losing status and clout. Ridicule is what they get, and clout. Ridicule is what they get, and clout. Ridicule is what they get, but they get to follow God. And so, but they get to follow God. And so, but they get to follow God. And so, you've got to be the one at this point you've got to be the one at this point you've got to be the one at this point to with the choice to make, right? Do I to with the choice to make, right? Do I to with the choice to make, right? Do I follow God by faith or do I just go follow God by faith or do I just go follow God by faith or do I just go along to get along? Do I just lie to along to get along? Do I just lie to along to get along? Do I just lie to myself? Do I really tell me that God's myself? Do I really tell me that God's myself? Do I really tell me that God's not asking this for me? Kind of not asking this for me? Kind of not asking this for me? Kind of rationalize it away. Do I laugh it off? rationalize it away. Do I laugh it off? rationalize it away. Do I laugh it off? Or am I going to be like Noah? Or am I going to be like Noah? Or am I going to be like Noah? Am I going to be am I going to do all Am I going to be am I going to do all Am I going to be am I going to do all that God has commanded me? So, here that God has commanded me? So, here that God has commanded me? So, here here's the question. I'd end this here's the question. I'd end this here's the question. I'd end this message on though I'm not just at the message on though I'm not just at the message on though I'm not just at the end, but I'm getting close, y'all. I'm end, but I'm getting close, y'all. I'm end, but I'm getting close, y'all. I'm getting close. Um, getting close. Um, getting close. Um, where is God calling you to obey right where is God calling you to obey right where is God calling you to obey right now?

now? now? I mean, I I'm not the Holy Spirit. Where I mean, I I'm not the Holy Spirit. Where I mean, I I'm not the Holy Spirit. Where is God calling you to build a boat in is God calling you to build a boat in is God calling you to build a boat in the desert? Where is God calling you to the desert? Where is God calling you to the desert? Where is God calling you to live in such a way that you're going to live in such a way that you're going to live in such a way that you're going to risk being like losing social status, risk being like losing social status, risk being like losing social status, being mocked, uh where obedience cost being mocked, uh where obedience cost being mocked, uh where obedience cost you something because you've been too you something because you've been too you something because you've been too along into the world? along into the world? along into the world? That's only something you can answer. That's only something you can answer. That's only something you can answer. God knows the answer. Well, where's he God knows the answer. Well, where's he God knows the answer. Well, where's he calling you to build a boat? At your calling you to build a boat? At your calling you to build a boat? At your home, at your work, in your school, uh home, at your work, in your school, uh home, at your work, in your school, uh on the golf course, at the ball field, on the golf course, at the ball field, on the golf course, at the ball field, at the ballet center, at the mall? Where at the ballet center, at the mall? Where at the ballet center, at the mall? Where is God calling you to say, "Follow me. is God calling you to say, "Follow me. is God calling you to say, "Follow me. Trust me." Trust me." Trust me." Obedience cost you something, but not Obedience cost you something, but not Obedience cost you something, but not near as much as disobedience. And if you near as much as disobedience. And if you near as much as disobedience. And if you need strength for it, listen, man. If need strength for it, listen, man. If need strength for it, listen, man. If you need strength for it, there's a hint you need strength for it, there's a hint you need strength for it, there's a hint in Genesis about how we can get stronger in Genesis about how we can get stronger in Genesis about how we can get stronger to live this way. What does it say about to live this way. What does it say about to live this way. What does it say about Noah that it says about Enoch? It says Noah that it says about Enoch? It says Noah that it says about Enoch? It says they both what? They both walked with they both what? They both walked with they both what? They both walked with God. So, what does walking with God look God. So, what does walking with God look God. So, what does walking with God look like for us? Well, it's opening up a like for us? Well, it's opening up a like for us? Well, it's opening up a Bible. It's spending time in prayer. Bible. It's spending time in prayer. Bible. It's spending time in prayer. It's getting in a small group to be It's getting in a small group to be It's getting in a small group to be around God's community. And the more around God's community. And the more around God's community. And the more that you and I work on walking with God, that you and I work on walking with God, that you and I work on walking with God, the stronger not only we become to pick the stronger not only we become to pick the stronger not only we become to pick up a hammer and start building boats up a hammer and start building boats up a hammer and start building boats actually that we'll even enjoy it. Uh we actually that we'll even enjoy it. Uh we actually that we'll even enjoy it. Uh we like it's okay with the ridicule and the like it's okay with the ridicule and the like it's okay with the ridicule and the loss of social status and all those loss of social status and all those loss of social status and all those kinds of risks because what we realize kinds of risks because what we realize kinds of risks because what we realize is obedience is way sweeter than is obedience is way sweeter than is obedience is way sweeter than disobedience.

disobedience. disobedience. So we just got to go find some gopher So we just got to go find some gopher So we just got to go find some gopher wood, whatever that is. So if you need wood, whatever that is. So if you need wood, whatever that is. So if you need even more help than that, and this is even more help than that, and this is even more help than that, and this is what I want to end on, there's a better what I want to end on, there's a better what I want to end on, there's a better even example than Noah. If we went back even example than Noah. If we went back even example than Noah. If we went back to the book of Hebrews, we would read to the book of Hebrews, we would read to the book of Hebrews, we would read after all these awesome guys and gals in after all these awesome guys and gals in after all these awesome guys and gals in Hebrews 11 about wonderful examples of Hebrews 11 about wonderful examples of Hebrews 11 about wonderful examples of faith, we'd get to the ultimate example faith, we'd get to the ultimate example faith, we'd get to the ultimate example of faith in Hebrews 12:es 1-2. And it of faith in Hebrews 12:es 1-2. And it of faith in Hebrews 12:es 1-2. And it says this, "Therefore, since we're says this, "Therefore, since we're says this, "Therefore, since we're surrounded by so great a cloud of surrounded by so great a cloud of surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every witnesses, let us also lay aside every witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which so which clings so weight and sin which so which clings so weight and sin which so which clings so closely." So he's talking about closely." So he's talking about closely." So he's talking about compromising with sin and let's run with compromising with sin and let's run with compromising with sin and let's run with endurance the race that's set before us. endurance the race that's set before us. endurance the race that's set before us. Like let's obey. How do we do that? Like let's obey. How do we do that? Like let's obey. How do we do that? Verse two, looking to Noah Verse two, looking to Noah Verse two, looking to Noah or to Moses or to Rahab or no, looking or to Moses or to Rahab or no, looking or to Moses or to Rahab or no, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of to Jesus, the founder and perfector of to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith. Why? Who for the joy that was our faith. Why? Who for the joy that was our faith. Why? Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, set before him endured the cross, set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and seated at the despising the shame and seated at the despising the shame and seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Y'all right hand of the throne of God. Y'all right hand of the throne of God. Y'all see that big deal? Cross and shame. see that big deal? Cross and shame. see that big deal? Cross and shame. Jesus himself shows us that he suffered Jesus himself shows us that he suffered Jesus himself shows us that he suffered the greatest cost of ridicule and shame the greatest cost of ridicule and shame the greatest cost of ridicule and shame and guilt by getting on a cross in our and guilt by getting on a cross in our and guilt by getting on a cross in our place. Like place. Like place. Like he didn't have a hammer in his hands.

he didn't have a hammer in his hands. he didn't have a hammer in his hands. Someone else had a hammer and nailed him Someone else had a hammer and nailed him Someone else had a hammer and nailed him to us some wood so that you might be to us some wood so that you might be to us some wood so that you might be reconciled to God through his work. That reconciled to God through his work. That reconciled to God through his work. That you might be a servant of God. That you you might be a servant of God. That you you might be a servant of God. That you might serve God. He took our shame and might serve God. He took our shame and might serve God. He took our shame and our condemnation and our guilt and gave our condemnation and our guilt and gave our condemnation and our guilt and gave us forgiveness. us forgiveness. us forgiveness. And then he says this, I'm going to And then he says this, I'm going to And then he says this, I'm going to invite you into a certain kind of life. invite you into a certain kind of life. invite you into a certain kind of life. It's a life in the kingdom and it looks It's a life in the kingdom and it looks It's a life in the kingdom and it looks very different than the world. In fact, very different than the world. In fact, very different than the world. In fact, let me give you a visual image. Jesus let me give you a visual image. Jesus let me give you a visual image. Jesus says in Matthew chapter 16, he says in says in Matthew chapter 16, he says in says in Matthew chapter 16, he says in verses 24 and 25, if anyone would come verses 24 and 25, if anyone would come verses 24 and 25, if anyone would come after me. Okay, cool. I want to be a after me. Okay, cool. I want to be a after me. Okay, cool. I want to be a Christian. What do I do? Let him deny Christian. What do I do? Let him deny Christian. What do I do? Let him deny himself. himself. himself. What about comfort? What about What about comfort? What about What about comfort? What about convenience? Yeah, let him deny himself convenience? Yeah, let him deny himself convenience? Yeah, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. and take up his cross and follow me. and take up his cross and follow me. Forever would save his life will lose Forever would save his life will lose Forever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my it, but whoever loses his life for my it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. So Jesus says, "You sake will find it. So Jesus says, "You sake will find it. So Jesus says, "You want to follow me? It's going to cost want to follow me? It's going to cost want to follow me? It's going to cost you something. you something. you something. You got to pick up a cross." And for us, You got to pick up a cross." And for us, You got to pick up a cross." And for us, that cross might look hammer-shaped. It that cross might look hammer-shaped. It that cross might look hammer-shaped. It might look like building a boat in the might look like building a boat in the might look like building a boat in the desert. It might look like God calling desert. It might look like God calling desert. It might look like God calling us to do something that everyone else us to do something that everyone else us to do something that everyone else thinks is crazy. But we know deep down thinks is crazy. But we know deep down thinks is crazy. But we know deep down inside while obedience may cost us inside while obedience may cost us inside while obedience may cost us something, doesn't cost us near as much something, doesn't cost us near as much something, doesn't cost us near as much as disobedience does. So let's just do as disobedience does. So let's just do as disobedience does. So let's just do this. Would you bow your head and close this. Would you bow your head and close this. Would you bow your head and close your eyes with me? [clears throat] I just want to give you some time before I just want to give you some time before we sing together we sing together we sing together about how we abide in God in Christ.

about how we abide in God in Christ. about how we abide in God in Christ. Just to voice your own prayer to heaven. Just to voice your own prayer to heaven. Just to voice your own prayer to heaven. Lord, where are you calling me to build Lord, where are you calling me to build Lord, where are you calling me to build a boat? Were you calling me to step up a boat? Were you calling me to step up a boat? Were you calling me to step up and step out? and step out? and step out? Were you calling me to forsake comfort Were you calling me to forsake comfort Were you calling me to forsake comfort and convenience and control in order and convenience and control in order and convenience and control in order might I in order that I might follow you might I in order that I might follow you might I in order that I might follow you into the life that you have for me? into the life that you have for me? into the life that you have for me? Where do I need to pick up my cross? Father God, we're grateful for Noah Father God, we're grateful for Noah that you do something through him that's that you do something through him that's that you do something through him that's really unique and yet at the same time, really unique and yet at the same time, really unique and yet at the same time, he's an example. he's an example. he's an example. He didn't talk a good game. He just He didn't talk a good game. He just He didn't talk a good game. He just picked up a hammer and started building picked up a hammer and started building picked up a hammer and started building what you commanded him to build. Despite what you commanded him to build. Despite what you commanded him to build. Despite likely the mockery and the lampooning, likely the mockery and the lampooning, likely the mockery and the lampooning, the making fun of and the loss of his the making fun of and the loss of his the making fun of and the loss of his social status, he decided that following social status, he decided that following social status, he decided that following you was better than it all. Lord, there you was better than it all. Lord, there you was better than it all. Lord, there may be friends of mine in this room in may be friends of mine in this room in may be friends of mine in this room in in and and me, Lord included, where in and and me, Lord included, where in and and me, Lord included, where there's still places in our lives that there's still places in our lives that there's still places in our lives that we're not willing to give up because we we're not willing to give up because we we're not willing to give up because we like comfort and convenience and like comfort and convenience and like comfort and convenience and control. Whatever it is, control. Whatever it is, control. Whatever it is, we don't want to lose our social status.

we don't want to lose our social status. we don't want to lose our social status. We don't want to lose the clout that we We don't want to lose the clout that we We don't want to lose the clout that we have. We just want to kind of have you have. We just want to kind of have you have. We just want to kind of have you in the world, too. Lord, I pray that you in the world, too. Lord, I pray that you in the world, too. Lord, I pray that you would move our hearts to be reminded would move our hearts to be reminded would move our hearts to be reminded that obedience may cost us a lot, but that obedience may cost us a lot, but that obedience may cost us a lot, but disobedience costs us more. That we disobedience costs us more. That we disobedience costs us more. That we would learn to love you. but we would would learn to love you. but we would would learn to love you. but we would grow in walking with you. So that grow in walking with you. So that grow in walking with you. So that swinging the hammer, building the ark, swinging the hammer, building the ark, swinging the hammer, building the ark, so to speak, following you, picking up so to speak, following you, picking up so to speak, following you, picking up our cross is something we do not just our cross is something we do not just our cross is something we do not just out of duty, but we do it like Jesus out of duty, but we do it like Jesus out of duty, but we do it like Jesus with joy. So Lord, we pray that today with joy. So Lord, we pray that today with joy. So Lord, we pray that today that we would abide in you, in you and that we would abide in you, in you and that we would abide in you, in you and us in Christ's name. Amen.