In what ways can we prepare for God's future judgments today? God’s Timetable: Seven Days, Forty Nights, Eternal Truths Genesis 7:4 says, “For seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.” A fixed period, a certain judgment—yet ample notice. The pattern still stands. Recognize and Believe the Warning • God announced judgment before it fell. • Today He has spoken again: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). • Accepting the warning is the first step in preparation. Respond with Obedient Faith • Noah “did all that the LORD had commanded him” (Genesis 7:5). • Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family.” • Saving faith is never passive; it builds, obeys, and arranges life around God’s word. Enter the Ark—Find Refuge in Christ • The ark prefigures Jesus, the only safe shelter from wrath (John 10:9). • Romans 8:1: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • Preparation begins by coming into Him through repentance and faith (Acts 3:19). Cultivate a Righteous Life • 2 Peter 2:5 calls Noah a “preacher of righteousness.” • Genuine faith produces visible holiness (Titus 2:11-14). • Daily choices—speech, entertainment, business ethics—either fortify or undermine your testimony. Proclaim the Coming Judgment • Noah’s hammer blows echoed a sermon: judgment is real, but salvation is available. • 2 Corinthians 5:11: “Since we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.” • Preparing for judgment includes lovingly warning neighbors, friends, and nations. Practice Patient, Expectant Watchfulness • Noah waited seven days inside the ark before the first drop fell—faith often requires waiting. • Jesus likened His return to “the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). • Live each day as though the door could close tonight: reconcile relationships, settle accounts, forgive freely. Invest in Eternal Treasure • Noah’s resources went into an ark that outlasted the world system. • Matthew 6:19-20 urges storing treasure in heaven. • Time, money, talents—aim them toward what survives the flood of final judgment. Rest in God’s Covenant Faithfulness • After the deluge, God set a rainbow, pledging mercy (Genesis 9:13-16). • Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new.” • Preparation is not panic; it is steady confidence that the Judge is also the Redeemer. Putting It All Together Believe His warning, enter His refuge, obey His commands, and invite others aboard. The rain is scheduled; the ark is ready. |
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