REALLY?
- Key Verse
- "Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days." (Genesis 7:23-24)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Having confidence in the accuracy and truth of God's Word is crucial to obeying it.
Reflections
If you are like me, some serious questions arise when you read this story. I encourage you to be honest about the questions and doubts you have as we journey through the Bible together. In my journey, two questions related to Genesis 7 are:
''Did this outlandish story REALLY happen?'' Several years ago during a deep time of questioning the reliability of God's Word, I explored and pressed into several biblical stories including the Genesis flood account. I investigated past opinions and looked at the geological record, historical accounts from around the world, and other passages of Scripture related to the flood, I concluded that the flood story in Genesis 6-9 is indeed true and consistent with the evidence. For me to trust and obey the Bible, it is crucial that I have confidence that it is true. If this is a burning question for you, great! Start exploring with a quick read http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers/features/worldwide-flood-evidence on a bit of the geological evidence relating to the flood. For more study, you can go http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab/really-a-flood-and-ark.
''Could God REALLY do this to His creation?'' If the flood really did happen, there isn't much relief! Often, my ideas about God are in conflict with what the Bible teaches me about Him. When honestly asking questions like this, I am often surprised by who God is and how little I know Him. Noah likely took decades to build the ark. During this time, he encouraged every man, woman and child he saw to repent, offering salvation from the flood on board the ark. God used Noah to try to warn the people, but they ignored and scoffed at the warning.This true story teaches us how much God despises sin, but also shows His loving desire to always provide the option of salvation, grace and freedom from sin's ultimate consequences. The flood wasn't a knee jerk decision on God's part; He announced it 120 years in advance (Genesis 6:3). I am fearful and drawn to a God that mixes love and justice like this. The ark is another indicator of what our salvation in Christ is like. Just wait until you grasp the grace of the promise He'll make in tomorrow's chapter!
Discussion Questions
1. Write down some of the stories or facts in the Bible that you find hard to believe.
2. How does your confidence that the Bible is true affect your relationship with God and your willingness to obey the Bible?
3. What positive role do doubt and hard questions play in the development of your faith?
4. What did you learn about God in this chapter that surprises you?
John Hall
January 9, 2012 06:30 AM
The 120 years, I believe, referred not to how long it took Noah to build the ark. Rather, it's the maximum lifespan of human beings after the flood. This would be supported by Guiness world records of longevity despite modern medical technology.
Ron Hunt
January 9, 2012 07:09 AM
Thanks for the reminder that an unexamined faith is no faith at all. My obedience is directly related to my confidence and conviction in God's power, might and His faithfulness.
Jaime Matute
January 9, 2012 09:55 AM
It's good to hear that our leadership has had times of doubt and that searching for answers is so rewarding. We all need to be reminded that God can handle our questions because He loves us. His word is true. Thanks, Chris.
Terry Melle
January 9, 2012 10:41 AM
I love the challenge to test our faith. God can withstand ALL scrutiny. The more we check Him out, the more astonished we are at who He is. And the more we love Him.
Pat Wilson
January 9, 2012 11:27 AM
This website may be helpful for those seeking confirmation that Biblical truth and scientific truth should (and do!) complement and reaffirm each other: http://www.reasons.org/interpreting-genesis/noahs-flood Reasons to Believe is an organization committed to the principle of Biblical inerrancy.
Tim Schroeder
January 9, 2012 01:55 PM
We base our faith on some pretty "outlandish" stories from the Bible -- stories (like people rising from the dead) that at first glance seem "impossible". Thanks for affirming that the Bible can be trusted, and means what it says, from cover to cover!
Kathy Foxworth
January 13, 2012 02:38 PM
Wow thanks Chris!! I love answersingenesis.org I have been there many times and love to see science and scripture line up. This has been a topic of discussion in our household for several months now. We don't like to admit that we have doubts and it is difficult sometimes to grasp the notion of a fearsome powerful God and His loving us so much at the same time.