Noah’s Generation, today.

Introduction

JAB ONE

Here’s an illustration that highlights the danger of ignoring warning signs:

A man is driving through a mountain pass on a beautiful day. As he approaches a curve, he sees a sign that says, “Danger: Road Closed Ahead, Bridge Out.” He glances at the sign, but the weather is so perfect, and everything looks fine, so he decides to keep driving.

A little further down the road, he sees another sign: “Turn Back Now! Bridge Out!” Again, he ignores it, thinking, "There’s no way something could be wrong. I’ve driven this route many times before.”

Finally, he reaches the edge of the bridge, which has completely collapsed into the river below. His only choice now is to slam on the brakes and hope he can stop in time—or suffer the consequences of driving into disaster.

In life, God often places warning signs in our path—whether through His Word, the counsel of others, or circumstances.

However, like the man driving through the mountains, we can be tempted to ignore them,

assuming things are fine because nothing has gone wrong yet.

But just like that collapsed bridge, disaster can be just around the corner if we disregard God’s signs.

**Application:**

In my assignment as Pastor I have seen too many people ignore the warning signs.

One image that is burned in my heart and mind was someone trapped in the chains of sin. I asked if he would like for me to join him, repenting of that life of sin and turn to Jesus.

His response: “nah, I’m alright.”

He was facing irreversible consequences. Just as the driver could have avoided danger by heeding the signs, we can avoid spiritual disaster by paying attention to God’s Word and the warnings He provides.

When God places signs in our lives, they’re there for a reason—to protect us and guide us safely forward.

JAB TWO

Here’s a story about being different in a good way:

Once there was a young eagle named Elijah, who was raised among chickens. As a baby eagle, he had fallen from his nest and was discovered by a farmer, who took him in and placed him in the chicken coop. Elijah grew up scratching the dirt, pecking at seeds, and clucking like the chickens around him. He didn't know any different, but something inside him always felt a little off.

One day, an older eagle spotted Elijah from high up in the sky. The elder eagle swooped down and observed Elijah behaving just like a chicken. “What are you doing down here, pecking the ground?” asked the older eagle.

Elijah looked up in surprise and replied, “I’m a chicken, this is what we do.”

The elder eagle laughed gently and said, “No, you are not a chicken. You’re an eagle, meant to soar high in the sky, not scratch around on the ground.”

Elijah was confused. “But I’ve always lived with chickens. I can’t fly like you.”

The older eagle encouraged him, “You were made for more than this. You have great wings, a strong beak, and sharp eyes. You just have to try.”

With some hesitation, Elijah stretched his wings for the first time and flapped them. To his surprise, he felt his body lifting off the ground. At first, he flew low and unsteadily, but with the encouragement of the older eagle, he soared higher and higher until he was gliding above the clouds.

From that moment on, Elijah realized that being different was a gift. He wasn’t meant to be like the chickens—he was designed to be an eagle, with the ability to fly and see the world from new heights. His differences gave him the ability to do things that others couldn’t.

The lesson: In life, we sometimes try to blend in with others, but God has given us unique gifts and purposes. Being different is not a weakness, but a strength. When we embrace the unique way God has made us, we can soar to heights we never imagined, fulfilling the purpose He has for us.

HOOK

Jesus warned us about the days we are living in. He called them the “days of Noah.” We read about His statement in Luke 17:26 ““Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man:”

Evil Days.

We will look at this verse a little deeper, but Jesus warned us that before his return the world will become like two specific periods of time found in Genesis.

Days of Noah

Days of Lot (Sodom & Gomorrah)

The book of Hebrews illustrates to us what life was like for Noah…

Hebrews 11:7 (NKJV)

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Luke 17:26–27 NKJV

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Noah walked with God.

He began to seek God (v.8)

He responded to God’s grace (v8)

He resolved His faith (Hebrews 11:7)

Declared Righteous by faith

His relationship was wholehearted (v.9)

He was consistent in His walk with God.

Noah Witnessed to Others (Heb 11:7)

Compare God’s description of Noah to others.

Neighbors: corrupt, violent, wicked, evil.

Noah: just, perfect, walking with God.

Maybe consider explaining how Genesis 6 sets the stage for understanding faithfulness in times of widespread disobedience. You could tie Noah's righteousness in the midst of a corrupt world to the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith, against societal norms, focusing on how faithfulness is both a belief in God and a commitment to act according to His will. This mirrors Christ's unwavering commitment to God’s plan, setting an example for us to follow.

Peter says he was a preacher of righteousness. (2 Peter 2:5 “and if he didn’t spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others, when he brought the flood on the world of the ungodly;” )

He warned others of sin.

Perhaps delve into how Genesis 7:1–7 exemplifies obedience through action, with Noah building the ark as commanded by God. You might highlight the significance of obeying God's instructions even when it does not make sense from a human perspective. This act of faithfulness not only saved Noah and his family but also prefigures the salvific work of Christ, who obeyed the Father to the point of death. Thus, Noah’s obedience serves as a call for believers to trust and obey God, especially in challenging times.

Invited them into the ark.

No converts except his family.

How discouraging must it have been for Noah.

Noah Won His Family.

Genesis 7:1 “Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation.”

This was the most important work.

What would it be like if only your family was your fruit?

Not a great preacher, but a great practicer.

Not a great financier, but a great father.

What a day for Noah as his family entered the ark.

CONCLUSION

This is not an easy time to be a Father.

Remember Noah’s Pursuit.

Walk with God

Keep our witness for Christ

Expect our families to follow our lead.