The Ark of Salvation

Genesis 6:11-17 and Noah’s Ark The earth was corrupt and filled with violence. God saw the corruption of all flesh. God told Noah the end of all flesh had come. God would destroy them with the earth. Noah was instructed to build an ark of gopher wood, with rooms, and to pitch it within and without. God would bring a flood to destroy all flesh with the breath of life. God would establish a covenant with Noah, his sons, wife, and sons’ wives to enter the ark. Jesus Christ and Salvation Before the foundation of the earth, Jesus was with God. John 1:1 states the Word was God and with God. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, referring to Jesus Christ. Man was created perfect in God’s image but became corrupt through sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent, leading to sin entering the world. Everyone needs to be saved. Many people build their “ark” on worldly things, which provide temporary happiness but will ultimately fail. Build hopes on eternal things. Nehemiah’s story is an example of opposition when building for God. Sandalot mocked Nehemiah and those building. Like Nehemiah, Christians face mockery for their faith. Noah’s Ark as a Metaphor for Salvation People likely mocked Noah for building an ark, as they had never seen rain. Similarly, people mock those who worship God. God established a covenant with Noah. Noah preached to get on the ark before the flood came. The door of the ark is open now for those who are not saved. Accept the extended hand of mercy to enter the “ark.” Revelation speaks of the river of life and abundant life in heaven. John saw the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. Old Testament covenants required animal sacrifices, which were imperfect. God sought one worthy to come to earth and found Jesus. John wept because no one was found worthy to open the seals, but a lamb (Jesus) was found worthy. Jesus ministered to the world, but his own people did not receive him. The door to salvation is open now, but there will come a time when it is too late. Like Noah preaching before the flood, Christians must share the gospel. A fire drill experience served as an analogy. People are looking for a sign to be saved, but when the trumpet sounds, it will be too late. During the fire drill, people were running everywhere, similar to what will happen when the Lord returns. You can’t find grace from family. Put hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for salvation. He could have come off the cross but chose to give his blood. He was placed in a borrowed tomb, signifying his temporary stay. He rose on the third day and appeared in the flesh. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only hope. Without it, preaching would be in vain. Jesus is alive and interceding for us. Testimony of salvation as a 15-year-old boy. Growing up Methodist, the gospel wasn’t heard in the same way as in the Baptist church. Being dunked in the river doesn’t save you, only the blood of Jesus Christ does. The Lord knew the heart and saved the lost soul. The passing of Alvin Davis, a mentor, led to seeking salvation. Alvin Davis was a hero and taught Sunday school for 40 years. It doesn’t matter if you can read the Bible front to back, you must be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. His sudden death was a shock. Crying out to God at Alvin’s grave. Prayed to God for an hour and a half. The Lord saved his soul at the graveyard. All that was needed was to ask the Lord into the heart. If your heart is far from Him, He won’t hear you. If your heart’s intent is to get right with the Lord, He will hear you. Prayed at the altar for any sin to be taken away. Didn’t want to be a hindrance to anyone. Being saved by Alvin’s grave is something that will be carried for the rest of life. It wasn’t the rock or the grave that saved, but God coming into the heart. Noah preached about the coming flood, warning people to get on the ark or perish. The next flood will be with fire, not water. The fiery furnace example. Those who threw others into the furnace were slain by the heat. Faith was strong enough to walk into the furnace, knowing God would take care of them. Judgment and Choice The fiery furnace is where God will throw his enemies. God doesn’t send you to hell; it’s your own choice. The devil tempts, but it’s your own will that decides. The ark (Jesus) has come, and the door is still open. The Lord stands at the door and knocks. There is no hope in anything in this world except Jesus Christ. If you are lost, get saved before it’s too late. Nothing in this life gives hope and joy like Jesus Christ. The covenant with Noah is the covenant through Jesus Christ, who came to be the sacrifice for our sins. Praying for those who are lost to be saved before it’s everlasting too late.