Noah & Co

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, service times, about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. Well, from a young age, we learn a lot Well, from a young age, we learn a lot through something called pattern through something called pattern through something called pattern recognition. So, as little as two and recognition. So, as little as two and recognition. So, as little as two and three, we start to put together the three, we start to put together the three, we start to put together the skills that we need for reading skills that we need for reading skills that we need for reading comprehension and for math and for comprehension and for math and for comprehension and for math and for problem solving, things like that. Once problem solving, things like that. Once problem solving, things like that. Once we start to recognize patterns, it's we start to recognize patterns, it's we start to recognize patterns, it's helpful in that. And so I thought it helpful in that. And so I thought it helpful in that. And so I thought it might be great this morning if we just might be great this morning if we just might be great this morning if we just start off with a little pattern start off with a little pattern start off with a little pattern recognition. Can we do that together? recognition. Can we do that together? recognition. Can we do that together? I'll keep it super simple at first. I'll keep it super simple at first. I'll keep it super simple at first. We're just going to go shapes. Okay. We're just going to go shapes. Okay. We're just going to go shapes. Okay. Square pegs go in Square pegs go in Square pegs go in >> round.

>> round. >> round. >> No, they do not go in round holes. It >> No, they do not go in round holes. It >> No, they do not go in round holes. It was like 50/50, y'all. was like 50/50, y'all. was like 50/50, y'all. We got a lot of work to do. Okay, let's We got a lot of work to do. Okay, let's We got a lot of work to do. Okay, let's try let's try another one. This is a try let's try another one. This is a try let's try another one. This is a little easier, I think. If you're happy little easier, I think. If you're happy little easier, I think. If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. If and you know it, clap your hands. If and you know it, clap your hands. If you're happy and you know it, clap your you're happy and you know it, clap your you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. Perfect. You got the pattern. Now hands. Perfect. You got the pattern. Now hands. Perfect. You got the pattern. Now listen, as you get a little older and as listen, as you get a little older and as listen, as you get a little older and as we mature a little bit, the patterns get we mature a little bit, the patterns get we mature a little bit, the patterns get a little bit more complex. So for a little bit more complex. So for a little bit more complex. So for instance, I know at my age, every time instance, I know at my age, every time instance, I know at my age, every time I'm going to go to Taco Bell, I'm I'm going to go to Taco Bell, I'm I'm going to go to Taco Bell, I'm probably going to wind up with No, we're probably going to wind up with No, we're probably going to wind up with No, we're not going to say that out loud in church not going to say that out loud in church not going to say that out loud in church people. [laughter] people. [laughter] people. [laughter] I mean, I wasn't. You did. You're going I mean, I wasn't. You did. You're going I mean, I wasn't. You did. You're going to have to stand before God one day, so to have to stand before God one day, so to have to stand before God one day, so that's fine. that's fine. that's fine. How about this one? I think we can all How about this one? I think we can all How about this one? I think we can all relate to this one, or at least some of relate to this one, or at least some of relate to this one, or at least some of us in the room. us in the room. us in the room. M fan, M fan, M fan, >> UT fan, >> UT fan, >> UT fan, >> fan, >> fan, >> fan, >> loser. I just wanted to make sure we're >> loser. I just wanted to make sure we're >> loser. I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page. Okay, good. The all on the same page. Okay, good. The all on the same page. Okay, good. The pattern is there.

Pattern recognition is how we learn. It Pattern recognition is how we learn. It teaches us about principles. It teaches teaches us about principles. It teaches teaches us about principles. It teaches us about people. Patterns even teach us us about people. Patterns even teach us us about people. Patterns even teach us about God. How so? Well, we've been in about God. How so? Well, we've been in about God. How so? Well, we've been in this series through the book of the this series through the book of the this series through the book of the really the first 12 chapters of Genesis. really the first 12 chapters of Genesis. really the first 12 chapters of Genesis. We've been calling it beginnings. We've We've been calling it beginnings. We've We've been calling it beginnings. We've been going verse by verse. And so far, been going verse by verse. And so far, been going verse by verse. And so far, we've learned a lot about God through we've learned a lot about God through we've learned a lot about God through the individual stories that we've read the individual stories that we've read the individual stories that we've read and that we've studied in the first and that we've studied in the first and that we've studied in the first seven chapters of Genesis. But I think seven chapters of Genesis. But I think seven chapters of Genesis. But I think there's also something important for us there's also something important for us there's also something important for us to learn about God and even about to learn about God and even about to learn about God and even about ourselves through a pattern that we see ourselves through a pattern that we see ourselves through a pattern that we see in the chapters that we've already in the chapters that we've already in the chapters that we've already covered. And so what I want to do is covered. And so what I want to do is covered. And so what I want to do is just do at first a quick fly over of just do at first a quick fly over of just do at first a quick fly over of some of the the themes that we've some of the the themes that we've some of the the themes that we've already uncovered in this series before already uncovered in this series before already uncovered in this series before we get into our teaching text. Is that we get into our teaching text. Is that we get into our teaching text. Is that is that cool with everybody? Everybody is that cool with everybody? Everybody is that cool with everybody? Everybody great with that? All right, let's do it. great with that? All right, let's do it. great with that? All right, let's do it. So on the very first page of Genesis So on the very first page of Genesis So on the very first page of Genesis verse two, we saw that there were these verse two, we saw that there were these verse two, we saw that there were these waters. It said the spirit of God was waters. It said the spirit of God was waters. It said the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. We hovering over the face of the waters. We hovering over the face of the waters. We learned that these waters in the Hebrew learned that these waters in the Hebrew learned that these waters in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament, they always Bible or the Old Testament, they always Bible or the Old Testament, they always signify and represent evil or chaos.

signify and represent evil or chaos. signify and represent evil or chaos. Chaos early on is a major theme in the Chaos early on is a major theme in the Chaos early on is a major theme in the Bible. But what does God do? Well, he Bible. But what does God do? Well, he Bible. But what does God do? Well, he brings order to this chaos in seven brings order to this chaos in seven brings order to this chaos in seven days. He creates the earth. He separates days. He creates the earth. He separates days. He creates the earth. He separates the waters from the dry land. And he the waters from the dry land. And he the waters from the dry land. And he makes mountains, right? Mountains are makes mountains, right? Mountains are makes mountains, right? Mountains are super important in the Bible. They super important in the Bible. They super important in the Bible. They signify order. They signify God's signify order. They signify God's signify order. They signify God's presence. And so God plants a temple presence. And so God plants a temple presence. And so God plants a temple garden called Eden up on top of a garden called Eden up on top of a garden called Eden up on top of a mountain. And this act is called mountain. And this act is called mountain. And this act is called creation. Creation is another major creation. Creation is another major creation. Creation is another major theme. And as God creates this theme. And as God creates this theme. And as God creates this mountaintop temple garden, he also mountaintop temple garden, he also mountaintop temple garden, he also creates humans, right? In his own image. creates humans, right? In his own image. creates humans, right? In his own image. He puts male and female there as his He puts male and female there as his He puts male and female there as his representatives. He gives them a a representatives. He gives them a a representatives. He gives them a a priestly purpose which we said was to priestly purpose which we said was to priestly purpose which we said was to take the rule and reign of Yahweh of God take the rule and reign of Yahweh of God take the rule and reign of Yahweh of God to the rest of the world. They're to the rest of the world. They're to the rest of the world. They're supposed to do this through supposed to do this through supposed to do this through multiplication. So God tells them, "Be multiplication. So God tells them, "Be multiplication. So God tells them, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it." This is their and subdue it." This is their and subdue it." This is their commission. Commissioning another super commission. Commissioning another super commission. Commissioning another super important theme. But it isn't long important theme. But it isn't long important theme. But it isn't long before they eat the fruit of a tree that before they eat the fruit of a tree that before they eat the fruit of a tree that they are not supposed to eat from. They they are not supposed to eat from. They they are not supposed to eat from. They make this foolish decision to reject make this foolish decision to reject make this foolish decision to reject God's order and to choose their own God's order and to choose their own God's order and to choose their own authority over his authority. And by authority over his authority. And by authority over his authority. And by doing this, they bring sin or corruption doing this, they bring sin or corruption doing this, they bring sin or corruption into the world. Corruption, another into the world. Corruption, another into the world. Corruption, another extremely important theme. And the extremely important theme. And the extremely important theme. And the result of this corruption is a curse.

result of this corruption is a curse. result of this corruption is a curse. Now, it might not be the kind of fairy Now, it might not be the kind of fairy Now, it might not be the kind of fairy tale curse that you might be thinking tale curse that you might be thinking tale curse that you might be thinking of. a curse as in God using poetic of. a curse as in God using poetic of. a curse as in God using poetic language calls out the consequences of language calls out the consequences of language calls out the consequences of their corrupt action. He condemns the their corrupt action. He condemns the their corrupt action. He condemns the serpent that deceived them. He informs serpent that deceived them. He informs serpent that deceived them. He informs them, "Hey, listen. Child birth is going them, "Hey, listen. Child birth is going them, "Hey, listen. Child birth is going to be painful and the ground that you're to be painful and the ground that you're to be painful and the ground that you're going to work is going to be going to work is going to be going to work is going to be unproductive." Curse is the last major unproductive." Curse is the last major unproductive." Curse is the last major theme that I want to highlight this theme that I want to highlight this theme that I want to highlight this morning. But the problem is is that that morning. But the problem is is that that morning. But the problem is is that that curse didn't end with a poem. It lived curse didn't end with a poem. It lived curse didn't end with a poem. It lived on in the multiplication of humanity as on in the multiplication of humanity as on in the multiplication of humanity as they scattered and multiplied and they scattered and multiplied and they scattered and multiplied and populated the earth. That curse, well, populated the earth. That curse, well, populated the earth. That curse, well, it went with them so far. Kind of a it went with them so far. Kind of a it went with them so far. Kind of a tragic tale, isn't it? Now, some of you tragic tale, isn't it? Now, some of you tragic tale, isn't it? Now, some of you are already thinking, what does all this are already thinking, what does all this are already thinking, what does all this have to do with pattern recognition? And have to do with pattern recognition? And have to do with pattern recognition? And hang on a second. Aren't we like in the hang on a second. Aren't we like in the hang on a second. Aren't we like in the story of Noah? Have been for the last story of Noah? Have been for the last story of Noah? Have been for the last couple weeks? Well, that's right. We couple weeks? Well, that's right. We couple weeks? Well, that's right. We have. But at the heart of Noah's flood have. But at the heart of Noah's flood have. But at the heart of Noah's flood story is what?

story is what? story is what? Waters. And a lot of chaos waters. And Waters. And a lot of chaos waters. And Waters. And a lot of chaos waters. And so as the chaos waters return, we see so as the chaos waters return, we see so as the chaos waters return, we see that we've now made one full cycle. So that we've now made one full cycle. So that we've now made one full cycle. So maybe this isn't just a progression of maybe this isn't just a progression of maybe this isn't just a progression of themes. Maybe this is a pattern. And themes. Maybe this is a pattern. And themes. Maybe this is a pattern. And scholars actually view this pattern scholars actually view this pattern scholars actually view this pattern established early on in the Hebrew Bible established early on in the Hebrew Bible established early on in the Hebrew Bible as a tool that we can use to interpret as a tool that we can use to interpret as a tool that we can use to interpret the rest of the Bible. And so as we get the rest of the Bible. And so as we get the rest of the Bible. And so as we get into our teaching text for today, this into our teaching text for today, this into our teaching text for today, this pattern is going to be super important pattern is going to be super important pattern is going to be super important for us and you'll see why. So let's pick for us and you'll see why. So let's pick for us and you'll see why. So let's pick up where we left off last week. Genesis up where we left off last week. Genesis up where we left off last week. Genesis chapter 8. You can turn in your Bibles, chapter 8. You can turn in your Bibles, chapter 8. You can turn in your Bibles, read along with me. Verse one says this, read along with me. Verse one says this, read along with me. Verse one says this, "But God remembered Noah and all the "But God remembered Noah and all the "But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were beasts and all the livestock that were beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind with him in the ark. And God made a wind with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters blow over the earth, and the waters blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. The fountains of the deep and subsided. The fountains of the deep and subsided. The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed. the windows of the heavens were closed. the windows of the heavens were closed. The rain from the heavens was The rain from the heavens was The rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from restrained, and the waters receded from restrained, and the waters receded from the earth continually."

the earth continually." the earth continually." At the end of 150 days, the waters had At the end of 150 days, the waters had At the end of 150 days, the waters had abaded. And in the seventh month, on the abaded. And in the seventh month, on the abaded. And in the seventh month, on the 17th day of the month, the ark came to 17th day of the month, the ark came to 17th day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. And the rest on the mountains of Ararat. And the rest on the mountains of Ararat. And the waters continued to abate until the 10th waters continued to abate until the 10th waters continued to abate until the 10th month. In the 10th month, on the first month. In the 10th month, on the first month. In the 10th month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the day of the month, the tops of the day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. All right, y'all. mountains were seen. All right, y'all. mountains were seen. All right, y'all. So, some pattern recognition. We got to So, some pattern recognition. We got to So, some pattern recognition. We got to use those skills. What do you see in use those skills. What do you see in use those skills. What do you see in these first five verses? We've already these first five verses? We've already these first five verses? We've already established that there's some chaos established that there's some chaos established that there's some chaos waters, right? But what else do we see? waters, right? But what else do we see? waters, right? But what else do we see? Well, we're starting to see some tops of Well, we're starting to see some tops of Well, we're starting to see some tops of some mountains here just peeking out some mountains here just peeking out some mountains here just peeking out above the water. We're starting to see above the water. We're starting to see above the water. We're starting to see some wind. Why does wind matter? Well, some wind. Why does wind matter? Well, some wind. Why does wind matter? Well, in the Hebrew language, wind is the same in the Hebrew language, wind is the same in the Hebrew language, wind is the same word as spirit. So, remember in verse word as spirit. So, remember in verse word as spirit. So, remember in verse two, the spirit of God was hovering over two, the spirit of God was hovering over two, the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Now, here the the face of the waters. Now, here the the face of the waters. Now, here the wind is blowing back these chaos waters. wind is blowing back these chaos waters. wind is blowing back these chaos waters. And there's some more stuff. If you read And there's some more stuff. If you read And there's some more stuff. If you read on in verses 6-2, you'll see Noah send on in verses 6-2, you'll see Noah send on in verses 6-2, you'll see Noah send out a raven and then a dove to check out out a raven and then a dove to check out out a raven and then a dove to check out to scope out this whole flood situation.

to scope out this whole flood situation. to scope out this whole flood situation. And after a couple 7day cycles, after a And after a couple 7day cycles, after a And after a couple 7day cycles, after a couple trips, this dove doesn't come couple trips, this dove doesn't come couple trips, this dove doesn't come back. She found some dry land. Let's back. She found some dry land. Let's back. She found some dry land. Let's keep reading in verse 13. keep reading in verse 13. keep reading in verse 13. In the 61st year, in the first month, In the 61st year, in the first month, In the 61st year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters the first day of the month, the waters the first day of the month, the waters were dry from off the earth. And Noah were dry from off the earth. And Noah were dry from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and removed the covering of the ark and removed the covering of the ark and looked and behold the face of the ground looked and behold the face of the ground looked and behold the face of the ground was dry. That's good news. In the second was dry. That's good news. In the second was dry. That's good news. In the second month, on the 27th day of the month, the month, on the 27th day of the month, the month, on the 27th day of the month, the earth had dried out. So, we've got some earth had dried out. So, we've got some earth had dried out. So, we've got some wind, right? We've got the ruach that's wind, right? We've got the ruach that's wind, right? We've got the ruach that's blowing on the face of the waters. We blowing on the face of the waters. We blowing on the face of the waters. We have a few seven-day cycles with the have a few seven-day cycles with the have a few seven-day cycles with the dove. We've got some chaos waters now dove. We've got some chaos waters now dove. We've got some chaos waters now receding, subsiding. We've got mountain receding, subsiding. We've got mountain receding, subsiding. We've got mountain tops beginning to be uncovered. And then tops beginning to be uncovered. And then tops beginning to be uncovered. And then we've got Noah and his family and a we've got Noah and his family and a we've got Noah and his family and a bunch of animals planted firmly and bunch of animals planted firmly and bunch of animals planted firmly and safely on some dry ground of a mountain. safely on some dry ground of a mountain. safely on some dry ground of a mountain. What's it sound like? It sounds like What's it sound like? It sounds like What's it sound like? It sounds like we're back to creation. we're back to creation. we're back to creation. The pattern continues, which if we're The pattern continues, which if we're The pattern continues, which if we're doing this whole pattern recognition doing this whole pattern recognition doing this whole pattern recognition thing right, means that there should be thing right, means that there should be thing right, means that there should be some kind of commissioning next. Well, some kind of commissioning next. Well, some kind of commissioning next. Well, let's see. Verse 15. And this is going let's see. Verse 15. And this is going let's see. Verse 15. And this is going to be a bunch of texts, so y'all hang to be a bunch of texts, so y'all hang to be a bunch of texts, so y'all hang with me here.

with me here. with me here. Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons ark, you and your wife, and your sons ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons wives with you. Bring out and your sons wives with you. Bring out and your sons wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with with you every living thing that is with with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, birds and animals, and you of all flesh, birds and animals, and you of all flesh, birds and animals, and every creeping thing that creeps on the every creeping thing that creeps on the every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may swarm on the earth earth, that they may swarm on the earth earth, that they may swarm on the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the and be fruitful and multiply on the and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." earth." earth." So Noah went out and his sons and his So Noah went out and his sons and his So Noah went out and his sons and his wife and his sons wives with him. Every wife and his sons wives with him. Every wife and his sons wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every beast, every creeping thing, and every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth bird, everything that moves on the earth bird, everything that moves on the earth went out by families from the ark. Then went out by families from the ark. Then went out by families from the ark. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took Noah built an altar to the Lord and took Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of some of every clean animal and some of some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt every clean bird and offered burnt every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the offerings on the altar. And when the offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, "I will never Lord said in his heart, "I will never Lord said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of man. again curse the ground because of man. again curse the ground because of man. For the intention of man's heart is evil For the intention of man's heart is evil For the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever from his youth. Neither will I ever from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature again strike down every living creature again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, as I have done. While the earth remains, as I have done. While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall summer and winter, day and night shall summer and winter, day and night shall not cease." So what is this? Well, this not cease." So what is this? Well, this not cease." So what is this? Well, this is some priestly work that Noah is doing is some priestly work that Noah is doing is some priestly work that Noah is doing here. Noah is making a sacrifice, right?

here. Noah is making a sacrifice, right? here. Noah is making a sacrifice, right? He's interceding to God on behalf of the He's interceding to God on behalf of the He's interceding to God on behalf of the whole world, which is what a priest whole world, which is what a priest whole world, which is what a priest would typically do in a temple, but Noah would typically do in a temple, but Noah would typically do in a temple, but Noah is doing this on top of a mountain. is doing this on top of a mountain. is doing this on top of a mountain. Let's keep going. Chapter 9, verse one. Let's keep going. Chapter 9, verse one. Let's keep going. Chapter 9, verse one. And God blessed Noah and his sons and And God blessed Noah and his sons and And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, here it is, be fruitful said to them, here it is, be fruitful said to them, here it is, be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. You and multiply and fill the earth. You and multiply and fill the earth. You skip down to verse six. He says, "For skip down to verse six. He says, "For skip down to verse six. He says, "For God made man in his own image, and you God made man in his own image, and you God made man in his own image, and you be fruitful and multiply, increase be fruitful and multiply, increase be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in greatly on the earth and multiply in greatly on the earth and multiply in it." You guys seeing this? God made man it." You guys seeing this? God made man it." You guys seeing this? God made man in his own image. He says, "Be fruitful in his own image. He says, "Be fruitful in his own image. He says, "Be fruitful and multiply." Three different times. and multiply." Three different times. and multiply." Three different times. There's some temple work being done on There's some temple work being done on There's some temple work being done on the top of a mountain. God is using some the top of a mountain. God is using some the top of a mountain. God is using some of the exact same language and some of of the exact same language and some of of the exact same language and some of the exact same imagery that he did in the exact same imagery that he did in the exact same imagery that he did in Genesis chapter 1 and 2 with Adam and Genesis chapter 1 and 2 with Adam and Genesis chapter 1 and 2 with Adam and Eve. Now in Genesis 8 and9 with Noah and Eve. Now in Genesis 8 and9 with Noah and Eve. Now in Genesis 8 and9 with Noah and his family, he's assigning value to his family, he's assigning value to his family, he's assigning value to human life. He's calling them to their human life. He's calling them to their human life. He's calling them to their priestly work. He's telling them to be priestly work. He's telling them to be priestly work. He's telling them to be fruitful and multiply. If I didn't know fruitful and multiply. If I didn't know fruitful and multiply. If I didn't know any better, I would say that this is in any better, I would say that this is in any better, I would say that this is in fact a commission. And so if pattern fact a commission. And so if pattern fact a commission. And so if pattern recognition is serving us well, then we recognition is serving us well, then we recognition is serving us well, then we now have made one full cycle in the now have made one full cycle in the now have made one full cycle in the Bible on chaos, creation, and Bible on chaos, creation, and Bible on chaos, creation, and commission. The problem is that if we commission. The problem is that if we commission. The problem is that if we are in a patterned cycle, well then what are in a patterned cycle, well then what are in a patterned cycle, well then what comes next may not be so good.

comes next may not be so good. comes next may not be so good. Verse 18, let's skip down to verse 18. Verse 18, let's skip down to verse 18. Verse 18, let's skip down to verse 18. The sons of Noah who went forth from the The sons of Noah who went forth from the The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the father of Canaan. the father of Canaan. the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah. And These three were the sons of Noah. And These three were the sons of Noah. And from these the people of the whole earth from these the people of the whole earth from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed. Noah began to be a man were dispersed. Noah began to be a man were dispersed. Noah began to be a man of the soil. And he planted a vineyard. of the soil. And he planted a vineyard. of the soil. And he planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and became drunk He drank of the wine and became drunk He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. What? I recently heard someone describe this I recently heard someone describe this scene as after saving the world, Noah scene as after saving the world, Noah scene as after saving the world, Noah needed a drink. needed a drink. needed a drink. So he places the longest cocktail order So he places the longest cocktail order So he places the longest cocktail order ever. He plants a vineyard, works the ever. He plants a vineyard, works the ever. He plants a vineyard, works the vineyard, grows the grapes, crushes the vineyard, grows the grapes, crushes the vineyard, grows the grapes, crushes the grapes, fermentss the wine, and then grapes, fermentss the wine, and then grapes, fermentss the wine, and then overserves himself, overserves himself, overserves himself, which sounds funny, which sounds funny, which sounds funny, but this turn in the story is actually but this turn in the story is actually but this turn in the story is actually quite tragic. Like if this were a movie, quite tragic. Like if this were a movie, quite tragic. Like if this were a movie, the music would start to get ominous.

the music would start to get ominous. the music would start to get ominous. The skies would start to grow dark where The skies would start to grow dark where The skies would start to grow dark where they once had been bright and shiny as they once had been bright and shiny as they once had been bright and shiny as the earth had dried out. And the camera the earth had dried out. And the camera the earth had dried out. And the camera angle would go from the cosmic collapse angle would go from the cosmic collapse angle would go from the cosmic collapse of the floodwaters and then zoom in on of the floodwaters and then zoom in on of the floodwaters and then zoom in on the home of Noah and his sons. And Noah the home of Noah and his sons. And Noah the home of Noah and his sons. And Noah who started off so strong, right? He he who started off so strong, right? He he who started off so strong, right? He he was the guy only portrayed really as a was the guy only portrayed really as a was the guy only portrayed really as a righteous and obedient servant of God. righteous and obedient servant of God. righteous and obedient servant of God. Even he's not finishing well. In fact, Even he's not finishing well. In fact, Even he's not finishing well. In fact, he follows the same pattern as his he follows the same pattern as his he follows the same pattern as his ancestors Adam and Eve. He sees the ancestors Adam and Eve. He sees the ancestors Adam and Eve. He sees the fruit of the vine and he takes it and fruit of the vine and he takes it and fruit of the vine and he takes it and drinks it in a similarly foolish act. drinks it in a similarly foolish act. drinks it in a similarly foolish act. And you might say, "What's the big deal, And you might say, "What's the big deal, And you might say, "What's the big deal, Tanner? So he got a little drunk and got Tanner? So he got a little drunk and got Tanner? So he got a little drunk and got naked in his tent. You know, it just naked in his tent. You know, it just naked in his tent. You know, it just sounds like college." Well, remember pattern recognition, Well, remember pattern recognition, right? In the Bible, if waters mean right? In the Bible, if waters mean right? In the Bible, if waters mean chaos, well, drunkenness, well, it means chaos, well, drunkenness, well, it means chaos, well, drunkenness, well, it means foolishness. foolishness. foolishness. The drunkard is always connected and The drunkard is always connected and The drunkard is always connected and tied to the fool in the scriptures.

tied to the fool in the scriptures. tied to the fool in the scriptures. A and if drunkenness is connected to A and if drunkenness is connected to A and if drunkenness is connected to foolishness, a lack of wisdom, a lack of foolishness, a lack of wisdom, a lack of foolishness, a lack of wisdom, a lack of the fear of the Lord as the Bible calls the fear of the Lord as the Bible calls the fear of the Lord as the Bible calls it, well then nakedness is equated with it, well then nakedness is equated with it, well then nakedness is equated with shame. shame. shame. Remember when Adam and Eve ate the Remember when Adam and Eve ate the Remember when Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they realized they were naked and fruit, they realized they were naked and fruit, they realized they were naked and they were ashamed. they were ashamed. they were ashamed. And so Noah And so Noah And so Noah laying naked in his tent, out cold laying naked in his tent, out cold laying naked in his tent, out cold drunk, foolish drunk, foolish drunk, foolish and ashamed. and ashamed. and ashamed. What is this? This is corruption all What is this? This is corruption all What is this? This is corruption all over again. over again. over again. And [snorts] even more sadly, as in the And [snorts] even more sadly, as in the And [snorts] even more sadly, as in the case of Adam and Eve, this corruption case of Adam and Eve, this corruption case of Adam and Eve, this corruption doesn't end with Noah. It's transferred doesn't end with Noah. It's transferred doesn't end with Noah. It's transferred to his children. Look at verse 22. to his children. Look at verse 22. to his children. Look at verse 22. And Ham, the father of Canaan, this is And Ham, the father of Canaan, this is And Ham, the father of Canaan, this is Ham is Noah's son. The father of Canaan Ham is Noah's son. The father of Canaan Ham is Noah's son. The father of Canaan is or Canaan is Ham's grandson, saw the is or Canaan is Ham's grandson, saw the is or Canaan is Ham's grandson, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two nakedness of his father and told his two nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their took a garment, laid it on both their took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and shoulders, and walked backward and shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father.

covered the nakedness of their father. covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and Their faces were turned backward, and Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's they did not see their father's they did not see their father's nakedness. nakedness. nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew When Noah awoke from his wine and knew When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, what his youngest son had done to him, what his youngest son had done to him, he said, "Cursed be Canaan, a servant of he said, "Cursed be Canaan, a servant of he said, "Cursed be Canaan, a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers." servants shall he be to his brothers." servants shall he be to his brothers." He also said, "Blessed be the Lord, the He also said, "Blessed be the Lord, the He also said, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem, and let Canaan be his God of Shem, and let Canaan be his God of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant." After the let Canaan be his servant." After the let Canaan be his servant." After the flood, Noah lived 350 years. All the flood, Noah lived 350 years. All the flood, Noah lived 350 years. All the days of Noah were 950 years and he died. days of Noah were 950 years and he died. days of Noah were 950 years and he died. So what what actually happened here? So what what actually happened here? So what what actually happened here? Scholars have a few different Scholars have a few different Scholars have a few different interpretations based on some of the interpretations based on some of the interpretations based on some of the language of this text, some of those language of this text, some of those language of this text, some of those terms like covering and uncovering the terms like covering and uncovering the terms like covering and uncovering the father's nakedness, as well as some of father's nakedness, as well as some of father's nakedness, as well as some of the context clues from other biblical the context clues from other biblical the context clues from other biblical passages. Here's kind of the breakdown. passages. Here's kind of the breakdown. passages. Here's kind of the breakdown. At best, in an honor shame culture, him At best, in an honor shame culture, him At best, in an honor shame culture, him is subverting his father's authority and is subverting his father's authority and is subverting his father's authority and shaming him by intentionally looking at shaming him by intentionally looking at shaming him by intentionally looking at his father while he lay drunk and naked.

his father while he lay drunk and naked. his father while he lay drunk and naked. But at worst, this may be something But at worst, this may be something But at worst, this may be something worse. The author may have intentionally worse. The author may have intentionally worse. The author may have intentionally left it vague, but it might be a further left it vague, but it might be a further left it vague, but it might be a further act of sexual perversion, something act of sexual perversion, something act of sexual perversion, something that's motivated by a play for power, that's motivated by a play for power, that's motivated by a play for power, for authority, and even domination. for authority, and even domination. for authority, and even domination. Whichever interpretation the author Whichever interpretation the author Whichever interpretation the author originally meant, either way, here's the originally meant, either way, here's the originally meant, either way, here's the sad part is that the tragedy sad part is that the tragedy sad part is that the tragedy in this story is the pattern continues. in this story is the pattern continues. in this story is the pattern continues. And this story ends with yet another And this story ends with yet another And this story ends with yet another curse. curse. curse. And in much the same way that Adam and And in much the same way that Adam and And in much the same way that Adam and Eve's son, Cain, if you remember that Eve's son, Cain, if you remember that Eve's son, Cain, if you remember that story, was affected by the curse after story, was affected by the curse after story, was affected by the curse after they ate the forbidden fruit, Ham's son, they ate the forbidden fruit, Ham's son, they ate the forbidden fruit, Ham's son, Canaan is cursed. Canaan is cursed. Canaan is cursed. And he bears the consequences of his And he bears the consequences of his And he bears the consequences of his father's corrupt actions. father's corrupt actions. father's corrupt actions. So here's kind of the tragic bottom line So here's kind of the tragic bottom line So here's kind of the tragic bottom line here. here. here. The floodwaters subside, but sin The floodwaters subside, but sin The floodwaters subside, but sin doesn't.

doesn't. doesn't. Sin doesn't. It remains in the human Sin doesn't. It remains in the human Sin doesn't. It remains in the human heart. And as a consequence of sin, Noah heart. And as a consequence of sin, Noah heart. And as a consequence of sin, Noah seems to be stuck in this cycle of seems to be stuck in this cycle of seems to be stuck in this cycle of corruption, curse, and chaos. Not just corruption, curse, and chaos. Not just corruption, curse, and chaos. Not just him, but even his children as well. him, but even his children as well. him, but even his children as well. And although this is a a story from the And although this is a a story from the And although this is a a story from the ancient near east, ancient near east, ancient near east, kind of hits close to home in 2026, kind of hits close to home in 2026, kind of hits close to home in 2026, doesn't it? Because each of us can doesn't it? Because each of us can doesn't it? Because each of us can recognize the patterns and the cycles of recognize the patterns and the cycles of recognize the patterns and the cycles of sin in our own lives. Think about sexual addiction. Think about sexual addiction. Maybe somebody introduced you to some Maybe somebody introduced you to some Maybe somebody introduced you to some images or an experience for the first images or an experience for the first images or an experience for the first time, but then it wasn't the last time, time, but then it wasn't the last time, time, but then it wasn't the last time, and now you're stuck with this feeling and now you're stuck with this feeling and now you're stuck with this feeling of repeating the same mistakes over and of repeating the same mistakes over and of repeating the same mistakes over and over and over again. Things that maybe over and over again. Things that maybe over and over again. Things that maybe felt good for a moment, but then left felt good for a moment, but then left felt good for a moment, but then left you feeling empty. you feeling empty. you feeling empty. Or think about substance abuse. Maybe Or think about substance abuse. Maybe Or think about substance abuse. Maybe you had a model or an example in your you had a model or an example in your you had a model or an example in your life. Someone who couldn't quite say no life. Someone who couldn't quite say no life. Someone who couldn't quite say no or who didn't know when to stop.

or who didn't know when to stop. or who didn't know when to stop. Here, drink this. Here, take this, they Here, drink this. Here, take this, they Here, drink this. Here, take this, they said. And you did. said. And you did. said. And you did. And it didn't help. And it didn't help. And it didn't help. And you swore, well, I'll never drink And you swore, well, I'll never drink And you swore, well, I'll never drink that much. I'll never take that much that much. I'll never take that much that much. I'll never take that much until you hit rock bottom. And then the until you hit rock bottom. And then the until you hit rock bottom. And then the cycle just repeated over again. cycle just repeated over again. cycle just repeated over again. Even subtle sins like mom's Even subtle sins like mom's Even subtle sins like mom's perfectionism or dad's workcoholism or perfectionism or dad's workcoholism or perfectionism or dad's workcoholism or your big brother or big sister's your big brother or big sister's your big brother or big sister's obsession with popularity. The pattern obsession with popularity. The pattern obsession with popularity. The pattern began with someone but somewhere along began with someone but somewhere along began with someone but somewhere along the way we picked up where they left off the way we picked up where they left off the way we picked up where they left off and now we make our own foolish choices. and now we make our own foolish choices. and now we make our own foolish choices. We feel our own sting of shame and now We feel our own sting of shame and now We feel our own sting of shame and now we are Noah. We are him. we are Noah. We are him. we are Noah. We are him. And as for the Canaan in our lives, And as for the Canaan in our lives, And as for the Canaan in our lives, well, our children are the ones who well, our children are the ones who well, our children are the ones who inherit the consequences, aren't they? inherit the consequences, aren't they? inherit the consequences, aren't they? It's no secret that our kids are more It's no secret that our kids are more It's no secret that our kids are more likely to struggle with the same things likely to struggle with the same things likely to struggle with the same things that we do. that we do. that we do. Parents, we know experientially that our Parents, we know experientially that our Parents, we know experientially that our families don't get the filtered, families don't get the filtered, families don't get the filtered, polished, put together version of us polished, put together version of us polished, put together version of us that maybe others do. They get the real that maybe others do. They get the real that maybe others do. They get the real us.

us. us. Like with all of our brokenness and all Like with all of our brokenness and all Like with all of our brokenness and all of our corruption, of our corruption, of our corruption, we can put ever put whatever facade on we can put ever put whatever facade on we can put ever put whatever facade on that we want to for the watching world. that we want to for the watching world. that we want to for the watching world. But when we get home and the door is But when we get home and the door is But when we get home and the door is closed and the walls come down and they closed and the walls come down and they closed and the walls come down and they see it all. see it all. see it all. Children, teens, and young adults in the Children, teens, and young adults in the Children, teens, and young adults in the room, I don't have to tell you that you room, I don't have to tell you that you room, I don't have to tell you that you see the best and the worst of your see the best and the worst of your see the best and the worst of your appearance. And it doesn't matter what appearance. And it doesn't matter what appearance. And it doesn't matter what parts that you'd like to pretend aren't parts that you'd like to pretend aren't parts that you'd like to pretend aren't there. Those models, those examples, there. Those models, those examples, there. Those models, those examples, those patterns are hard not to follow. those patterns are hard not to follow. those patterns are hard not to follow. Maybe you swear I'll never be like them. Maybe you swear I'll never be like them. Maybe you swear I'll never be like them. But then you wake up at 35 and you But then you wake up at 35 and you But then you wake up at 35 and you realize just how much of their path you realize just how much of their path you realize just how much of their path you have followed. have followed. have followed. And hear me say this, And hear me say this, And hear me say this, and there are so many beautiful and there are so many beautiful and there are so many beautiful exceptions to this rule. exceptions to this rule. exceptions to this rule. I've seen them firsthand in my own I've seen them firsthand in my own I've seen them firsthand in my own family. family. family. But generally But generally But generally sin patterns repeat themselves not just sin patterns repeat themselves not just sin patterns repeat themselves not just in our lives but in the lives of those in our lives but in the lives of those in our lives but in the lives of those that we love.

So in all this mess So in all this mess and in light of this text that we read, and in light of this text that we read, and in light of this text that we read, we're kind of left to wonder, will the we're kind of left to wonder, will the we're kind of left to wonder, will the pattern just continue? pattern just continue? pattern just continue? Like will we enter back into the cycle a Like will we enter back into the cycle a Like will we enter back into the cycle a third time? Are we all just headed back third time? Are we all just headed back third time? Are we all just headed back for the chaos waters? for the chaos waters? for the chaos waters? But out of the two chapters given to me But out of the two chapters given to me But out of the two chapters given to me to teach today, there's about 10 really to teach today, there's about 10 really to teach today, there's about 10 really important verses that I've kind of kept important verses that I've kind of kept important verses that I've kind of kept in my pocket until now. So, let's go in my pocket until now. So, let's go in my pocket until now. So, let's go back to verse eight of chapter nine. And back to verse eight of chapter nine. And back to verse eight of chapter nine. And I want you to see these verses. Then God said to Noah and to his sons Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, with him, with him, "Behold, I establish my covenant with "Behold, I establish my covenant with "Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and you and your offspring after you, and you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with with every living creature that is with with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every you, the birds, the livestock, and every you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as beast of the earth with you, as many as beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. It is for every came out of the ark. It is for every came out of the ark. It is for every beast of the earth. I establish my beast of the earth. I establish my beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you that never again shall covenant with you that never again shall covenant with you that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of all flesh be cut off by the waters of all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood and never again shall there be the flood and never again shall there be the flood and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God a flood to destroy the earth. And God a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant said, "This is the sign of the covenant said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every that I make between me and you and every that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you for all living creature that is with you for all living creature that is with you for all future generations.

future generations. future generations. I've set my bow in the cloud, and it I've set my bow in the cloud, and it I've set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between shall be a sign of the covenant between shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds me and the earth. When I bring clouds me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in over the earth, and the bow is seen in over the earth, and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant the clouds, I will remember my covenant the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every that is between me and you and every that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the living creature of all flesh. And the living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood waters shall never again become a flood waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. to destroy all flesh. to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will When the bow is in the clouds, I will When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting see it and remember the everlasting see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living covenant between God and every living covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the creature of all flesh that is on the creature of all flesh that is on the earth. God said to Noah, "This is the earth. God said to Noah, "This is the earth. God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have sign of the covenant that I have sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh established between me and all flesh established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." that is on the earth." that is on the earth." Now, what we just read is pretty Now, what we just read is pretty Now, what we just read is pretty important. It's the first official of important. It's the first official of important. It's the first official of many covenants that are in the Bible. A many covenants that are in the Bible. A many covenants that are in the Bible. A covenant, if you're not familiar, is covenant, if you're not familiar, is covenant, if you're not familiar, is simply an agreement. It's a promise simply an agreement. It's a promise simply an agreement. It's a promise that's made. Sometimes they can be that's made. Sometimes they can be that's made. Sometimes they can be conditional between a couple parties. conditional between a couple parties. conditional between a couple parties. But they can also be unconditional. And But they can also be unconditional. And But they can also be unconditional. And that's what we see here. God is making that's what we see here. God is making that's what we see here. God is making an unconditional promise to every an unconditional promise to every an unconditional promise to every creature, all flesh, future generations, creature, all flesh, future generations, creature, all flesh, future generations, that he will never destroy the world that he will never destroy the world that he will never destroy the world with a flood again. No matter what.

with a flood again. No matter what. with a flood again. No matter what. No matter what. No matter what. No matter what. You sure, God? Because in the very next You sure, God? Because in the very next You sure, God? Because in the very next verse, we just watched Noah and his son verse, we just watched Noah and his son verse, we just watched Noah and his son do some pretty corrupt stuff. Oh, but do some pretty corrupt stuff. Oh, but do some pretty corrupt stuff. Oh, but see, I think that's actually the point. see, I think that's actually the point. see, I think that's actually the point. See, God made this covenant right after See, God made this covenant right after See, God made this covenant right after the commission and right before the the commission and right before the the commission and right before the corruption. And spoiler alert, the corruption. And spoiler alert, the corruption. And spoiler alert, the corruption doesn't stop with Ham or corruption doesn't stop with Ham or corruption doesn't stop with Ham or Noah. It gets worse and worse. Noah. It gets worse and worse. Noah. It gets worse and worse. Corruption after corruption after Corruption after corruption after Corruption after corruption after corruption. But even after all those corruption. But even after all those corruption. But even after all those years, years, years, there still hasn't been a cosmic there still hasn't been a cosmic there still hasn't been a cosmic collapse, collapse, collapse, a flood that destroys everything and a flood that destroys everything and a flood that destroys everything and everyone. So what does that tell us? everyone. So what does that tell us? everyone. So what does that tell us? Well, it's like God is saying this. Well, it's like God is saying this. Well, it's like God is saying this. Yeah. No matter what. Yeah. No matter what. Yeah. No matter what. No matter what. No matter what. No matter what. See, here's what we learn from the See, here's what we learn from the See, here's what we learn from the pattern recognition of this tragic story pattern recognition of this tragic story pattern recognition of this tragic story about God and about his character. It's about God and about his character. It's about God and about his character. It's this.

God in his love and mercy hasn't gone God in his love and mercy hasn't gone back on his covenant. Even though we go back on his covenant. Even though we go back on his covenant. Even though we go back to our corruption, back to our corruption, back to our corruption, God hasn't gone back on his covenant. God hasn't gone back on his covenant. God hasn't gone back on his covenant. Despite us going back to our corruption, Despite us going back to our corruption, Despite us going back to our corruption, not even the worst patterns of not even the worst patterns of not even the worst patterns of corruption and curse can revoke God's corruption and curse can revoke God's corruption and curse can revoke God's covenant love for us. In fact, in some covenant love for us. In fact, in some covenant love for us. In fact, in some ways, our brokenness actually ends up ways, our brokenness actually ends up ways, our brokenness actually ends up revealing the depths of his love. revealing the depths of his love. revealing the depths of his love. Can I say that again for some of us in Can I say that again for some of us in Can I say that again for some of us in the room that need to hear it today? the room that need to hear it today? the room that need to hear it today? Your brokenness does not revoke God's Your brokenness does not revoke God's Your brokenness does not revoke God's covenant love for you. It reveals it. The author of Genesis is showing us that The author of Genesis is showing us that nothing can separate us from the nothing can separate us from the nothing can separate us from the covenant love of God. His covenant love covenant love of God. His covenant love covenant love of God. His covenant love runs deeper than even the curse of sin. You say, "Tanner, that's great." You say, "Tanner, that's great." But you don't know what I've done. You're right. I don't. You're right. I don't. But I know what Jesus did.

But I know what Jesus did. But I know what Jesus did. See, every covenant has a sign. See, every covenant has a sign. See, every covenant has a sign. Kind of like the wedding ring that you Kind of like the wedding ring that you Kind of like the wedding ring that you slipped on the finger of your spouse slipped on the finger of your spouse slipped on the finger of your spouse when you made covenantal vows to them on when you made covenantal vows to them on when you made covenantal vows to them on your wedding day. And the sign of this your wedding day. And the sign of this your wedding day. And the sign of this covenant was a bow in the clouds. It's a covenant was a bow in the clouds. It's a covenant was a bow in the clouds. It's a rainbow. rainbow. rainbow. made of water and light, but bent into made of water and light, but bent into made of water and light, but bent into the shape of an instrument of violence, the shape of an instrument of violence, the shape of an instrument of violence, like a bow and arrow. like a bow and arrow. like a bow and arrow. Only this bow is not aimed down at the Only this bow is not aimed down at the Only this bow is not aimed down at the earth, ready to punish it for its earth, ready to punish it for its earth, ready to punish it for its corruption again. No, it's aimed up into corruption again. No, it's aimed up into corruption again. No, it's aimed up into the heart of heaven. the heart of heaven. the heart of heaven. Why? Well, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 tells Why? Well, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 tells Why? Well, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 tells us that all of God's promises, including us that all of God's promises, including us that all of God's promises, including his covenants, may all find their yes in his covenants, may all find their yes in his covenants, may all find their yes in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So the covenant that we see today and So the covenant that we see today and So the covenant that we see today and the many that come after it in the Bible the many that come after it in the Bible the many that come after it in the Bible all point to a greater covenant, all point to a greater covenant, all point to a greater covenant, an unconditional covenant that is to an unconditional covenant that is to an unconditional covenant that is to come, one that Jesus would call the new come, one that Jesus would call the new come, one that Jesus would call the new covenant of his blood. And much later in covenant of his blood. And much later in covenant of his blood. And much later in the biblical story, there would be the biblical story, there would be the biblical story, there would be another instrument of violence. Not a another instrument of violence. Not a another instrument of violence. Not a bow this time, but a cross.

bow this time, but a cross. bow this time, but a cross. And on it would hang a righteous servant And on it would hang a righteous servant And on it would hang a righteous servant of God, obedient, kind of like Noah, but of God, obedient, kind of like Noah, but of God, obedient, kind of like Noah, but this time obedient to the point of this time obedient to the point of this time obedient to the point of death, a new kind of Noah, one who would death, a new kind of Noah, one who would death, a new kind of Noah, one who would not be found corrupt, but who would not be found corrupt, but who would not be found corrupt, but who would remain righteous, Jesus. remain righteous, Jesus. remain righteous, Jesus. And through his priestly purpose, which And through his priestly purpose, which And through his priestly purpose, which was a sacrificial death on top of a was a sacrificial death on top of a was a sacrificial death on top of a mountain, interceding to God on behalf mountain, interceding to God on behalf mountain, interceding to God on behalf of the world, he made a promise that of the world, he made a promise that of the world, he made a promise that those stuck in the cycle of corruption those stuck in the cycle of corruption those stuck in the cycle of corruption and curse wouldn't have to face the and curse wouldn't have to face the and curse wouldn't have to face the chaos waters of hell. No, the new chaos waters of hell. No, the new chaos waters of hell. No, the new covenant of Jesus blood would interrupt covenant of Jesus blood would interrupt covenant of Jesus blood would interrupt the chaos cycle once and for all. the chaos cycle once and for all. the chaos cycle once and for all. Jesus covenant, the new covenant of his Jesus covenant, the new covenant of his Jesus covenant, the new covenant of his blood is an unconditional promise that blood is an unconditional promise that blood is an unconditional promise that no matter what you've done and no matter no matter what you've done and no matter no matter what you've done and no matter who you are, who you are, who you are, that if you receive his gift of mercy, that if you receive his gift of mercy, that if you receive his gift of mercy, his gift of grace by your faith, you can his gift of grace by your faith, you can his gift of grace by your faith, you can be be be you can be made new.

That's really good news That's really good news because that's exactly what we need, because that's exactly what we need, because that's exactly what we need, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? Think about it. When you get stuck in Think about it. When you get stuck in Think about it. When you get stuck in those cycles, those repeated patterns of those cycles, those repeated patterns of those cycles, those repeated patterns of sin in your life, sin in your life, sin in your life, when mom's struggles become your when mom's struggles become your when mom's struggles become your struggles and dad's vices become your struggles and dad's vices become your struggles and dad's vices become your vices, and when the things that you try vices, and when the things that you try vices, and when the things that you try to quit come back stronger, and when you to quit come back stronger, and when you to quit come back stronger, and when you are in this repeated pattern of falling are in this repeated pattern of falling are in this repeated pattern of falling down and then pulling yourself up by down and then pulling yourself up by down and then pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and getting back up and your bootstraps and getting back up and your bootstraps and getting back up and then just trying harder, just trying to then just trying harder, just trying to then just trying harder, just trying to make it through another day. You don't make it through another day. You don't make it through another day. You don't just need to make it through. You need just need to make it through. You need just need to make it through. You need something more. You need to be made new. something more. You need to be made new. something more. You need to be made new. And that's where the new covenant of And that's where the new covenant of And that's where the new covenant of Jesus blood pulls you from the pattern Jesus blood pulls you from the pattern Jesus blood pulls you from the pattern that you were stuck in and sets you on a that you were stuck in and sets you on a that you were stuck in and sets you on a new trajectory. No longer stuck in the cycle of sin. No longer stuck in the cycle of sin. See, the new covenant is not just a See, the new covenant is not just a See, the new covenant is not just a promise to curb the chaos waters, but to promise to curb the chaos waters, but to promise to curb the chaos waters, but to conquer them. conquer them. conquer them. Through Jesus death on the cross, he Through Jesus death on the cross, he Through Jesus death on the cross, he defeated chaos. He defeated the powers defeated chaos. He defeated the powers defeated chaos. He defeated the powers of Satan and sin and evil. The cycle is of Satan and sin and evil. The cycle is of Satan and sin and evil. The cycle is interrupted. And not only are we spared interrupted. And not only are we spared interrupted. And not only are we spared from the chaos, we're recreated.

from the chaos, we're recreated. from the chaos, we're recreated. We're made new because this new covenant We're made new because this new covenant We're made new because this new covenant is not merely a promise of protection. is not merely a promise of protection. is not merely a promise of protection. It's a promise of new creation. It's a promise of new creation. It's a promise of new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, and we read 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, and we read 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, and we read this earlier, that if anyone is in this earlier, that if anyone is in this earlier, that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Christ, he is a new creation. Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new The old has passed away. Behold, the new The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come. has come. has come. Followers of Jesus, can I tell you Followers of Jesus, can I tell you Followers of Jesus, can I tell you today, you are given a new nature. today, you are given a new nature. today, you are given a new nature. You're given a new identity. You're given a new identity. You're given a new identity. Your old life is no more. Now, you may Your old life is no more. Now, you may Your old life is no more. Now, you may still experience the consequences of still experience the consequences of still experience the consequences of your old sins, but you are not defined your old sins, but you are not defined your old sins, but you are not defined by them. by them. by them. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. And listen, anyone who is a new creation And listen, anyone who is a new creation And listen, anyone who is a new creation has been saved from something and is has been saved from something and is has been saved from something and is saved for something. And so, we've all saved for something. And so, we've all saved for something. And so, we've all been given a new commission. been given a new commission. been given a new commission. After Jesus rose from the dead, he After Jesus rose from the dead, he After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples and he gave appeared to his disciples and he gave appeared to his disciples and he gave them what we now call the great them what we now call the great them what we now call the great commission.

commission. commission. Right? He said, "Go into all the world." Right? He said, "Go into all the world." Right? He said, "Go into all the world." And he said, "Be fruitful and multiply, And he said, "Be fruitful and multiply, And he said, "Be fruitful and multiply, not more humans. Go be fruitful and not more humans. Go be fruitful and not more humans. Go be fruitful and multiply more new creations. multiply more new creations. multiply more new creations. Take the good news. Take the rule and Take the good news. Take the rule and Take the good news. Take the rule and reign of Yahweh to the ends of the reign of Yahweh to the ends of the reign of Yahweh to the ends of the earth. Take the good news and tell earth. Take the good news and tell earth. Take the good news and tell everybody about the new covenant of my everybody about the new covenant of my everybody about the new covenant of my blood." blood." blood." And those who are new creations with And those who are new creations with And those who are new creations with their new commission now are no longer their new commission now are no longer their new commission now are no longer stuck in the old cycle of corruption. In stuck in the old cycle of corruption. In stuck in the old cycle of corruption. In fact, because of Jesus sacrifice, fact, because of Jesus sacrifice, fact, because of Jesus sacrifice, we can be made righteous. we can be made righteous. we can be made righteous. Righteous. We have right standing with Righteous. We have right standing with Righteous. We have right standing with God. God. God. How how can we if I know who who I was? How how can we if I know who who I was? How how can we if I know who who I was? If I know who I am, how could I be made If I know who I am, how could I be made If I know who I am, how could I be made right with God? right with God? right with God? By his grace, By his grace, By his grace, by his mercy, by his blood. by his mercy, by his blood. by his mercy, by his blood. And every day he invites us to become And every day he invites us to become And every day he invites us to become more and more like Jesus by the power of more and more like Jesus by the power of more and more like Jesus by the power of the ruach, the spirit living in us.

You say, "How does this work?" You say, "How does this work?" Well, new creations Well, new creations Well, new creations are freed from the curse of sin. are freed from the curse of sin. are freed from the curse of sin. In fact, Galatians 3:13 says that Christ In fact, Galatians 3:13 says that Christ In fact, Galatians 3:13 says that Christ has redeemed us. That he has bought us has redeemed us. That he has bought us has redeemed us. That he has bought us back from the curse of sin. Watch this. back from the curse of sin. Watch this. back from the curse of sin. Watch this. by becoming a curse for us. by becoming a curse for us. by becoming a curse for us. He died to set us free. He died to set us free. He died to set us free. And so what does this pattern And so what does this pattern And so what does this pattern recognition teach us about God's recognition teach us about God's recognition teach us about God's character, about his love? It teaches us character, about his love? It teaches us character, about his love? It teaches us that God's covenantal love alone can that God's covenantal love alone can that God's covenantal love alone can interrupt the chaos cycle in our lives. interrupt the chaos cycle in our lives. interrupt the chaos cycle in our lives. And that instead of new chaos, we find And that instead of new chaos, we find And that instead of new chaos, we find new creation and a new commission. new creation and a new commission. new creation and a new commission. Instead of the same old corruption, we Instead of the same old corruption, we Instead of the same old corruption, we can live righteously. Instead of living can live righteously. Instead of living can live righteously. Instead of living under a curse, we can walk in freedom. under a curse, we can walk in freedom. under a curse, we can walk in freedom. And no matter who you are or what you And no matter who you are or what you And no matter who you are or what you have done, God's covenant love is enough have done, God's covenant love is enough have done, God's covenant love is enough for you. Friends, God's covenant to Noah is Friends, God's covenant to Noah is complete in Jesus. We don't have to fear complete in Jesus. We don't have to fear complete in Jesus. We don't have to fear the cycle of corruption will lead us the cycle of corruption will lead us the cycle of corruption will lead us back into the chaos waters. God has made back into the chaos waters. God has made back into the chaos waters. God has made a way through the waters in Christ.

a way through the waters in Christ. a way through the waters in Christ. for us to be new creations. And this doesn't mean that you're not And this doesn't mean that you're not going to struggle. going to struggle. going to struggle. I am in a fight with sin every single I am in a fight with sin every single I am in a fight with sin every single day. How about you? day. How about you? day. How about you? This doesn't mean that snap your fingers This doesn't mean that snap your fingers This doesn't mean that snap your fingers and you're going to be a perfect parent. and you're going to be a perfect parent. and you're going to be a perfect parent. I am a massive parental work in I am a massive parental work in I am a massive parental work in progress. How about you parents in the progress. How about you parents in the progress. How about you parents in the room? room? room? This doesn't mean that you won't still This doesn't mean that you won't still This doesn't mean that you won't still have to fight the same generational sin have to fight the same generational sin have to fight the same generational sin patterns that we face. We live in a patterns that we face. We live in a patterns that we face. We live in a world that's corrupted by the curse. But world that's corrupted by the curse. But world that's corrupted by the curse. But as followers of Jesus, we don't live as followers of Jesus, we don't live as followers of Jesus, we don't live under a curse. We live under a covenant. under a curse. We live under a covenant. under a curse. We live under a covenant. Amen. Amen. Amen. We live as new creations with a new We live as new creations with a new We live as new creations with a new commission under the new covenant of commission under the new covenant of commission under the new covenant of Jesus blood. And so just a question for you this And so just a question for you this morning. Some of you have been hanging around Some of you have been hanging around here exploring faith trying to figure here exploring faith trying to figure here exploring faith trying to figure out what it is that you believe about out what it is that you believe about out what it is that you believe about this whole Jesus thing. And you should this whole Jesus thing. And you should this whole Jesus thing. And you should know that this is a safe place for you know that this is a safe place for you know that this is a safe place for you to do that. But while you've been to do that. But while you've been to do that. But while you've been searching, you've been stuck in this searching, you've been stuck in this searching, you've been stuck in this chaos cycle and you're just trying to chaos cycle and you're just trying to chaos cycle and you're just trying to pull yourself out of it with your own pull yourself out of it with your own pull yourself out of it with your own strength and your own might. Can I tell strength and your own might. Can I tell strength and your own might. Can I tell you something?

you something? you something? Jesus is inviting you today to give up. He's inviting you today to surrender and He's inviting you today to surrender and to finally let him make you new. to finally let him make you new. to finally let him make you new. Will today be the day that you say, "I Will today be the day that you say, "I Will today be the day that you say, "I give up. I need to be a new creation." And for those of you who have been made And for those of you who have been made new, followers of Jesus in the room, you're made new, but you've slowly just you're made new, but you've slowly just been drifting back into those old been drifting back into those old been drifting back into those old patterns, those old cycles of sin. You patterns, those old cycles of sin. You patterns, those old cycles of sin. You might be saying, Tanner, I don't feel might be saying, Tanner, I don't feel might be saying, Tanner, I don't feel very new right now. very new right now. very new right now. Can I remind you this morning that you Can I remind you this morning that you Can I remind you this morning that you are? are? are? Can I remind you of the truth that you Can I remind you of the truth that you Can I remind you of the truth that you are a new creation in Christ? that the are a new creation in Christ? that the are a new creation in Christ? that the old has passed away. Behold, the new has old has passed away. Behold, the new has old has passed away. Behold, the new has come. You have a new nature. You have a come. You have a new nature. You have a come. You have a new nature. You have a new identity in Christ. You say, "Well, new identity in Christ. You say, "Well, new identity in Christ. You say, "Well, then what do I do about it? How do I then what do I do about it? How do I then what do I do about it? How do I live like that?" Well, maybe it's live like that?" Well, maybe it's live like that?" Well, maybe it's it's time for just an honest assessment it's time for just an honest assessment it's time for just an honest assessment of your life.

Are there some vineyards growing the Are there some vineyards growing the wine of corruption in your life that you wine of corruption in your life that you wine of corruption in your life that you need to cut down? Maybe there's some generational sin Maybe there's some generational sin patterns that you've been trying to patterns that you've been trying to patterns that you've been trying to break on your own. Maybe it's time to get some help. Maybe it's time to get some help. We need each other. We need each other. We need each other. And some sin patterns go so deep into And some sin patterns go so deep into And some sin patterns go so deep into your family and even into yourself that your family and even into yourself that your family and even into yourself that it may be really helpful, it might even it may be really helpful, it might even it may be really helpful, it might even be necessary for you to reach out to a be necessary for you to reach out to a be necessary for you to reach out to a trained pastor or Christian counselor or trained pastor or Christian counselor or trained pastor or Christian counselor or even therapist to help do this. Take the even therapist to help do this. Take the even therapist to help do this. Take the old nature that's fighting back and old nature that's fighting back and old nature that's fighting back and confront it with the new nature of who confront it with the new nature of who confront it with the new nature of who you truly are. Because that's what happens. Our old Because that's what happens. Our old nature starts to flare back up and say, nature starts to flare back up and say, nature starts to flare back up and say, "I'm in charge here." And we got to take "I'm in charge here." And we got to take "I'm in charge here." And we got to take the truth of the gospel, the truth of the truth of the gospel, the truth of the truth of the gospel, the truth of who we are in Christ, and confront that who we are in Christ, and confront that who we are in Christ, and confront that with it. It needs to make its way not with it. It needs to make its way not with it. It needs to make its way not just from our head of what we believe, just from our head of what we believe, just from our head of what we believe, but down into our hearts, down into our but down into our hearts, down into our but down into our hearts, down into our lives. And so, if it runs deep, you may lives. And so, if it runs deep, you may lives. And so, if it runs deep, you may have to do the deep work.

Maybe for some of you, there's some Maybe for some of you, there's some subtle cycles that you just keep kind of subtle cycles that you just keep kind of subtle cycles that you just keep kind of finding yourself drifting off into. The finding yourself drifting off into. The finding yourself drifting off into. The book of James tells us, "Confess your book of James tells us, "Confess your book of James tells us, "Confess your sins to one another that you may be sins to one another that you may be sins to one another that you may be healed. healed. healed. Some of you in this room have never Some of you in this room have never Some of you in this room have never experienced the freedom of looking in experienced the freedom of looking in experienced the freedom of looking in the face of a trusted brother or sister the face of a trusted brother or sister the face of a trusted brother or sister in Christ and saying, "Hey, this is what in Christ and saying, "Hey, this is what in Christ and saying, "Hey, this is what I'm struggling with right now. I'm struggling with right now. I'm struggling with right now. If you don't know what that feels like, If you don't know what that feels like, If you don't know what that feels like, the freedom that comes with that, you the freedom that comes with that, you the freedom that comes with that, you need to need to need to maybe for some of you, you need to maybe for some of you, you need to maybe for some of you, you need to develop a rhythm of prayer in your life develop a rhythm of prayer in your life develop a rhythm of prayer in your life where you can take these things to God. where you can take these things to God. where you can take these things to God. Just about every morning, I sit before Just about every morning, I sit before Just about every morning, I sit before the Lord and I just say, "What do you the Lord and I just say, "What do you the Lord and I just say, "What do you see? What do you see in me? see? What do you see in me? see? What do you see in me? And he begins to reveal the things that And he begins to reveal the things that And he begins to reveal the things that are broken, the things that are corrupt, are broken, the things that are corrupt, are broken, the things that are corrupt, the things from the old nature that are the things from the old nature that are the things from the old nature that are trying to fight back. And he begins to trying to fight back. And he begins to trying to fight back. And he begins to speak his truth over me again through speak his truth over me again through speak his truth over me again through his word. Friends, we can learn a lot about Friends, we can learn a lot about ourselves through pattern recognition, ourselves through pattern recognition, ourselves through pattern recognition, but we can learn even more about the but we can learn even more about the but we can learn even more about the character and the nature and the love of character and the nature and the love of character and the nature and the love of God when he interrupts our patterns of God when he interrupts our patterns of God when he interrupts our patterns of chaos with his covenantal love.

chaos with his covenantal love. chaos with his covenantal love. And so you and I are new creations. And so you and I are new creations. And so you and I are new creations. Let's live like it. Let's live like it. Let's live like it. And let's take the invitation, the And let's take the invitation, the And let's take the invitation, the commission to take the good news of commission to take the good news of commission to take the good news of God's covenantal love to the ends of the God's covenantal love to the ends of the God's covenantal love to the ends of the earth. earth. earth. Amen. Amen. Amen. Would you bow with me? Would you bow with me? Would you bow with me? I want to give you just a few moments of I want to give you just a few moments of I want to give you just a few moments of quiet prayer to respond to God, to just quiet prayer to respond to God, to just quiet prayer to respond to God, to just to talk to God, honestly. And maybe for to talk to God, honestly. And maybe for to talk to God, honestly. And maybe for some of you in this room, you some of you in this room, you some of you in this room, you your heart was stirred as I started to your heart was stirred as I started to your heart was stirred as I started to talk about what it looks like to be a talk about what it looks like to be a talk about what it looks like to be a new creation and to be made new. And new creation and to be made new. And new creation and to be made new. And you're you're saying, "That's what I've you're you're saying, "That's what I've you're you're saying, "That's what I've been needing. That's what I've been been needing. That's what I've been been needing. That's what I've been waiting for." waiting for." waiting for." I'm going to give you a few moments to I'm going to give you a few moments to I'm going to give you a few moments to be still and quiet before the Lord, but be still and quiet before the Lord, but be still and quiet before the Lord, but I just want you to talk to him to tell I just want you to talk to him to tell I just want you to talk to him to tell him, "Man, I'm tired of doing this thing him, "Man, I'm tired of doing this thing him, "Man, I'm tired of doing this thing on my own. It's not working. I need you. on my own. It's not working. I need you. on my own. It's not working. I need you. I need to be made new. I receive your I need to be made new. I receive your I need to be made new. I receive your grace and your love by faith that it's grace and your love by faith that it's grace and your love by faith that it's enough for me, and I want to be a part enough for me, and I want to be a part enough for me, and I want to be a part of your kingdom and take that covenant of your kingdom and take that covenant of your kingdom and take that covenant love to the ends of the earth."

love to the ends of the earth." love to the ends of the earth." For others of you in the room, For others of you in the room, For others of you in the room, as I've been talking about patterns of as I've been talking about patterns of as I've been talking about patterns of sin and cycles of chaos, maybe for you, sin and cycles of chaos, maybe for you, sin and cycles of chaos, maybe for you, you recognize you recognize you recognize things have popped up in your mind and things have popped up in your mind and things have popped up in your mind and in your heart. God is speaking to you. in your heart. God is speaking to you. in your heart. God is speaking to you. Would you just take a moment and just Would you just take a moment and just Would you just take a moment and just confess those to the Lord, surrender confess those to the Lord, surrender confess those to the Lord, surrender them to him, them to him, them to him, and receive once again the promise of and receive once again the promise of and receive once again the promise of new creation. And give all of us just a new creation. And give all of us just a new creation. And give all of us just a moment to be still and quiet, to talk to moment to be still and quiet, to talk to moment to be still and quiet, to talk to God. God. God. And I'll close this in prayer.

Father, our hearts are filled with Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude this morning. It's the kind of covenant love that It's the kind of covenant love that doesn't give up on us. doesn't give up on us. doesn't give up on us. for the kind of covenant love that is for the kind of covenant love that is for the kind of covenant love that is enough for us enough for us enough for us and for the death and resurrection and and for the death and resurrection and and for the death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus that made a way for ascension of Jesus that made a way for ascension of Jesus that made a way for us to be new creations in Christ. We're us to be new creations in Christ. We're us to be new creations in Christ. We're filled with gratitude. But for your mercies that are new But for your mercies that are new today, just as they were yesterday, just today, just as they were yesterday, just today, just as they were yesterday, just as they are tomorrow, as they are tomorrow, as they are tomorrow, we say thank you we say thank you we say thank you and we give ourselves to you, the and we give ourselves to you, the and we give ourselves to you, the covenantal God, and say, "Have your way in our lives." and say, "Have your way in our lives." In the name of Jesus, we pray. In the name of Jesus, we pray. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.