Revised Standard? New beginning
Genesis 7-9/Matthew 5-7
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
7:1-4 Finally, the day came when the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I consider you alone to be righteous. Take along seven pairs of each animal that I have approved for eating and for sacrifice, and take one pair of each of the others. Then select seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that every kind of living creature will survive the flood. One week from today I will begin forty days and forty nights of rain. And I will wipe from the earth all the living things I have created.”
NT
5:3-12 “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.”
5:21-22 “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”
OT Flash Points
Noah was blessed and survived the Flood
Because he listened to God’s voice and was obedient to His instructions
God’s reason for preserving Noah
• Preserves His Creation for regeneration
• God saw Noah as righteous
Rainbow = “Don’t Despair”
Canaan’s fate was “judgment for …” Fill in the blank outloud
Ham
NT Flash Points
Who are the people God blesses?
The ones who listen to God’s voice and obey His instructions
“You have heard – But I say… this is what I meant”
Imperative: Build your life on a firm foundation
Perspective
Can God revise your thinking?
Your affinities?
Today?
Determine to give your utmost for His highest
Do, say, think – all for His glory [to reveal Him in the natural world]
Let Him pour fresh springs through you each and every day