1400 Troy Road
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618-667-6708
secretary@ctcofc.net
Worship Service 9:30 AM
Bible Classes 11:00 AM
Special Activities 12:00 AM
Bible Class (Adult) 1:30 PM
Bible Classes (All Ages) 7:00 PM
God's people have always been challenged with tough times. The question is how did they respond and what were the results? Did they rely on God or try to figure it out themselves? As Christians, we need to be reminded that the rainbow follows the rain.
The world around Noah was focused on all things evil continuously (6:5) God was sorry that He made man (6:6). Destruction of man was coming and coming quickly (6:7). In Genesis 6:8, we are told that Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of God. Noah was instructed to build an ark that would eventually save him and his family (6:13-22). Sure enough, Noah was obedient and as the rains came down and the floods came up, he and his family were safe. Everything else that lived and breathed was destroyed (7:21-23). Notice verse 23, ONLY Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.
When they went into the ark, family, friends, neighbors, and all others were eating and drinking, marrying wives and were given in marriage and the flood came and destroyed them all (Luke 17:27). Now, there was nothing.
Noah and his family labored in obedience for many decades. They had to hold fast to God's commandments and trust that He would deliver them. Noah was a preacher of righteousness (II Peter 2:5) during construction and had to keep himself and his family from being distracted and falling into the wicked ways of the world. Along the way, his faithfulness condemned the world and became heir of righteousness according to faith (Heb. 11:7)
God promised them a new start when they exited the ark. Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (9:1). All living things were given into his hand (9:2). They could eat meat (9:3). No more earth destroying floods (9:11) When a cloud comes over the earth, the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud (9:14).
Consider some promises God has made us. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them (enemies); for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6) Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. (Is. 41:10) He calms the storm so the waves are still (Ps. 107:29). The Lord is good. A stronghold (defense/rock) in the day of trouble. And He knows those who trust Him (Nahum 1:7)
God provides hope in desperate situations. God was with Noah thru the storms; He provided safety and salvation on the ark thru the flood. He is the same God today as He was back then. So, when the storms of life roll thru, who do you trust? When there is trouble in the church, who do you depend on? When everything is crumbling around you, who builds you up? The answer—GOD. After the rain comes, can you see the rainbow?
God's people have always been challenged with tough times. The question is how did they respond and what were the results? Did they rely on God or try to figure it out themselves? As Christians, we need to be reminded that the rainbow follows the rain.
The world around Noah was focused on all things evil continuously (6:5) God was sorry that He made man (6:6). Destruction of man was coming and coming quickly (6:7). In Genesis 6:8, we are told that Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of God. Noah was instructed to build an ark that would eventually save him and his family (6:13-22). Sure enough, Noah was obedient and as the rains came down and the floods came up, he and his family were safe. Everything else that lived and breathed was destroyed (7:21-23). Notice verse 23, ONLY Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.
When they went into the ark, family, friends, neighbors, and all others were eating and drinking, marrying wives and were given in marriage and the flood came and destroyed them all (Luke 17:27). Now, there was nothing.
Noah and his family labored in obedience for many decades. They had to hold fast to God's commandments and trust that He would deliver them. Noah was a preacher of righteousness (II Peter 2:5) during construction and had to keep himself and his family from being distracted and falling into the wicked ways of the world. Along the way, his faithfulness condemned the world and became heir of righteousness according to faith (Heb. 11:7)
God promised them a new start when they exited the ark. Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (9:1). All living things were given into his hand (9:2). They could eat meat (9:3). No more earth destroying floods (9:11) When a cloud comes over the earth, the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud (9:14).
Consider some promises God has made us. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them (enemies); for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6) Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. (Is. 41:10) He calms the storm so the waves are still (Ps. 107:29). The Lord is good. A stronghold (defense/rock) in the day of trouble. And He knows those who trust Him (Nahum 1:7)
God provides hope in desperate situations. God was with Noah thru the storms; He provided safety and salvation on the ark thru the flood. He is the same God today as He was back then. So, when the storms of life roll thru, who do you trust? When there is trouble in the church, who do you depend on? When everything is crumbling around you, who builds you up? The answer—GOD. After the rain comes, can you see the rainbow?
