Dear OBC Family,

As we come to Memorial Day weekend, we will take our time remembering that God remembered (Gen. 8:1).

Indeed, in a world awash with sin, sorrow, loss, and longing, we sometimes wonder—aloud or in quiet desperation—does God remember? If God is for us, why does it seem like he is so long in coming, answering prayer, or changing circumstances? Equally, if our sin has resulted in consequences that we cannot fix, we might wonder –will God come and repair the damage?

To all these questions and more, we cannot deny the fact that life in a fallen world is hard. And when we come to God’s Word, we need to remember that God does not forget his promises or his people. Instead, he always comes to save, repair, and restore at just the right time.

This Sunday, we will see just that, as 8 image-bearers on the ark are brought safely through the flood. After nearly a year, God brings Noah, his family, and the animals out of the ark and into a new world. And in this context, God begins again.

To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Genesis 8–9. This will be our third trip through the story of Noah and this time we will focus on God’s renewal of creation. Please pray for our time together, that we might delight in the God who remembers and who makes all things new.

We also invite you to return in the evening for our screening of Is Genesis History? Mountains After the Flood at 6:00pm.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 8:1-9:7)

Consider the text for this week. What stands out to you?

How long was the ark occupied? Consider the time from the beginning of the flood until they disembarked.

What is Noah’s first action after disembarking? How does relate to Genesis 4? And what does that teach us?

Consider the parallels between Genesis 1 and this morning’s text. What is repeated or modified when you compare God’s blessing and instructions to Adam and then to Noah?

Consider the promise of God (8:21–22). What kind of assurance does this provide?

What is revealed about mankind’s condition? What is affirmed about the image of God?

How is mankind’s relationship with creatures changed?

Where do you see judgment followed by renewal in the Scriptures?

What does renewal for the saints look like today? What does the Scripture promise about judgment and New Creation in the future?

How ought we to respond to this text?