Genesis 7 lingers in the devastating details of the flood in order to deepen our appreciation for the mercy of God. Noah is not the hero of this story; God is. God gathers the animals, God shuts the door, and God preserves every creature within from the rising waters. 1 Peter 3 says the ark is a picture of baptism, which saves us because of the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus himself reminds us in Matthew 24 that his own return will come as unexpectedly as the flood—therefore we must not delay to hide ourselves by faith in the ark of his mercy.
When Waters Prevail
Genesis 7:1-24
October 15, 2023 • Walter Henegar • Genesis 7
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One For All
November 19, 2023 • Walter Henegar • Genesis 11:10—12:3
God's call of Abram sets the mold for the entire Bible: One man is chosen in order to bless the whole world. This blessing doesn't just save individuals; it builds a flourishing society. And Abram's participation in the blessing is entirely free, yet it costs him everything.
Expansive Grace
November 12, 2023 • Walter Henegar • Genesis 11:1–9
The tower of Babel is a powerful picture of human cooperation gone wrong—and of God’s overruling grace to make things right. It’s not really about pride and folly as much as the drive to find security and identity apart from God. When we resist being drawn with God into the thrilling diversity of his world, we find that: we’re always exhausted, our fear never goes away, we’ve got company, it doesn’t work, and it scares people away.
Drunk History
November 5, 2023 • Walter Henegar • Genesis 9:18—10:32
Noah’s drunken final chapter reminds us that all of us are shaped by the models around us, especially our families, but that God always works through fallible people. Ultimately, Jesus is re-gathering people from all the scattered descendants of Noah into his new family where grace reigns.