The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other non-biblical examples of people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know.
Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.
As we explore the lives of these faith heroes, we will discover that faith is not merely a belief; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficulties, and live a life of purpose. This week we look at the life and faith of Noah. Hebrews 11:7 NLT It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
The story of Noah and the Ark is one of the most iconic narratives in the Bible. It's a tale of faith, obedience, and God's judgment. In this study, we'll delve into the life of Noah and examine the characteristics of his faith that allowed him to stand out in a world drowning in sin.
Included with these notes are two more heroes of faith not mentioned in scripture but still heroes of faith, Mary Jones and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hebrews 11:7 NLT It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
Genesis 6:9-22 NLT [9] This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. [10] Noah was the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. [11] Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. [12] God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt. [13] So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! [14] “Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. [15] Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. [16] Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper. [17] “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. [18] But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. [19] Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. [20] Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. [21] And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.” [22] So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.
Noah's Faith: A Beacon in a Storm
Introduction
The story of Noah and the Ark is one of the most iconic narratives in the Bible. It's a tale of faith, obedience, and God's judgment. In this study, we'll delve into the life of Noah and examine the characteristics of his faith that allowed him to stand out in a world drowning in sin.
Genesis 6:5-7 NIV [5] The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. [6] The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. [7] So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”
Noah's Righteousness in a Corrupt World
Genesis 6:8-9 NIV [8] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. [9] This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
This shows that Noah was directly opposite his contemporaries who are described as wicked. Despite the pervasive wickedness around him, Noah remained steadfast in his relationship with God. His righteousness was not a mere act of self-righteousness but a genuine reflection of his faith.
Obedience in the Face of Doubt
Genesis 6:14-17 NIV [14] So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. [15] This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. [16] Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. [17] I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish.
When God revealed His plan to destroy the world with a flood and instructed Noah to build an ark, it must have seemed absurd.
Noah obeyed without question. His obedience was a testament to his trust in God's word, even when it defied human logic. This act of obedience demonstrates the depth of his faith and his willingness to submit to God's will.
Here are a few reasons why Noah would have had to have a strong faith and belief in what God said would come to pass and how He, God had made a way for Noah’s family to escape death.
Lack of Understanding: Noah and his contemporaries probably didn't have the scientific understanding of Earth's systems that we do today. The idea of a worldwide flood would have been completely foreign to them.
Genesis 2:5-6 NIV [5] Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, [6] but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground.
We don't read anything about rain until after the ark is completed
Genesis 6:22 NIV [22] Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Genesis 7:1-4 NIV [1] The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. [2] Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, [3] and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. [4] Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.”
Impossibility: Building an ark large enough to house two of every species would have been a massive undertaking, even with modern tools and technology. It's hard to imagine how Noah could have accomplished this task with the resources available to him at the time.
Doubt: Given the lack of evidence for such a catastrophic event, it's understandable that Noah and his family might have doubted God's plan. It would have required a great deal of faith to believe that something so extraordinary could happen.
Despite the challenges, Noah followed God's instructions and built the ark. This act of obedience is often seen as a symbol of faith and trust in God's plan.
Patience and Perseverance
Building the ark was a massive undertaking, likely spanning many years. It required immense patience and perseverance. Noah's unwavering commitment to the task, despite the potential for ridicule and doubt, shows the strength of his faith. It's likely that Noah, as a preacher of righteousness, faced opposition and skepticism from those who didn't believe in the impending flood. His actions of building a massive ark in the absence of any immediate threat would have been seen as unusual and perhaps foolish to many. His persistence in the face of adversity is a valuable lesson for all believers.
A Test of Patience: The construction of the ark and the waiting period before the flood must have been a test of Noah's faith. It required patience, perseverance, and a continued trust in God's timing. His steadfastness in the face of uncertainty is a powerful example for those who may face similar trials.
Hope in the Midst of Despair
The world around Noah was a place of hopelessness and despair. Yet, Noah's faith gave him hope. He believed in God's promise of a new beginning, even when it seemed impossible. His hope was rooted in his trust in God's character and His faithfulness.
Genesis 6:17-22 NIV [17] I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. [18] But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. [19] You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. [20] Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. [21] You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” [22] Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Conclusion
Noah's faith is a powerful example for believers today. His righteousness, obedience, patience, perseverance, and hope serve as a beacon in a world often characterized by doubt, fear, and despair. By studying Noah's life and faith, we can be inspired to deepen our own relationship with God and to trust in His promises, no matter the circumstances.
A Symbol of Hope: The ark becomes a tangible representation of God's promise of salvation. Noah's faith is anchored in the belief that God will preserve life and bring about a new beginning. His obedience to God's instructions is a testament to his unwavering hope.
Discussion Questions:
How can we cultivate a righteous character in a world filled with sin?
What lessons can we learn from Noah's experience regarding the importance of righteousness and moral integrity?
What challenges do we face in obeying God's commands?
How can we maintain hope in the midst of trials and tribulations?
How can we discern God's will for our lives and strengthen our faith?
Remember, God's will for your life is unique and personal. It may involve challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected paths. But by seeking His guidance and trusting in His love, you can discover a fulfilling and meaningful purpose.
While there is no single formula, here are some common approaches:
Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in quiet reflection, seeking guidance from God. Prayer can help you connect with God on a personal level and listen to His voice.
Scripture Study: Read the Bible regularly and meditate on its teachings. The Bible provides wisdom and guidance for living a godly life.
Seek Counsel: Talk to trusted spiritual leaders, mentors, or friends who can offer guidance and support. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see things more clearly.
Intuition and Inner Peace: Pay attention to your inner feelings and instincts. Often, God speaks to us through our hearts and minds. If something feels right and brings you a sense of peace, it may be in line with God's will.
Trust and Surrender: Ultimately, discerning God's will involves trusting in His plan and surrendering to His guidance. Remember, God loves you and wants the best for you.
How does Noah's story inspire you to be more obedient to God's commands?
What challenges do you face in maintaining your faith during difficult times?
How can the concept of hope, as exemplified by Noah, strengthen your spiritual walk?
The Construction of the Ark: The Ark was a massive undertaking. What does it say about Noah's faith and obedience that he was willing to spend years building something that seemed impossible?
The Flood as a Judgment: What does the flood teach us about the consequences of sin?
Overall, the flood story teaches us that sin has serious consequences but that there is also hope for redemption. It emphasizes the need for repentance, righteousness, and trust in God's mercy.
The Promise of the Rainbow: After the Flood, God made a covenant with Noah and all living creatures.
Genesis 9:8-17 NIV [8] Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: [9] “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you [10] and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. [11] I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” [12] And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: [13] I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. [14] Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, [15] I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. [16] Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” [17] So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
What does the rainbow symbolize? How does it offer hope for the future?
The rainbow is a powerful symbol of hope, grace, and God's enduring love. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always the promise of a brighter future.
Promise of Hope: The rainbow represents God's promise of hope and renewal. It assures us that He will not bring another destructive flood to the Earth.
Sign of God's Grace: The rainbow is a visible sign of God's grace and mercy. It reminds us that even in the face of sin and judgment, God offers forgiveness and new beginnings.
Obedience to God's Will: What steps can we take to be obedient to His plan?
Hope for the Future: Despite the destruction of the Flood, there was hope for a new beginning. How can we find hope in the midst of our own struggles?
Conclusion
Noah's faith was a beacon of light in a dark world. His story serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him. By studying Noah's life, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of faith and the power of obedience.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful example of someone with strong faith in God. His deep religious convictions played a central role in his activism and his fight for racial justice.
Born Michael King Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929. Growing up in a prominent Baptist family, King was deeply influenced by his father's ministry and his mother's commitment to social justice.
King was a Baptist minister, and his sermons often drew inspiration from biblical teachings. He believed that God called him to lead the Civil Rights Movement, and his faith provided him with the courage and perseverance to face immense challenges and hardships.
King attended Morehouse College, my college, a historically Black college in Atlanta, where he studied sociology. He later earned a doctorate in philosophy from Boston University, focusing on theology.
King often drew inspiration from biblical teachings and Christian principles, and he believed that his work was a divine calling.
King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, is a powerful testament to his faith. In the speech, he invokes the ideals of freedom and equality, drawing on biblical imagery and language to inspire hope and unity.
King's faith also helped him to endure the hardships and challenges he faced during the Civil Rights Movement. He remained steadfast in his belief that God would ultimately deliver justice and equality.
Early Career and the Montgomery Bus Boycott: King emerged as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-1950s. In 1955, he was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, a group formed in response to the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long campaign of nonviolent resistance that ultimately led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference: In 1957, King helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a coalition of civil rights organizations. As president of the SCLC, King became a national figure and a leading voice for racial justice.
The March on Washington and the "I Have a Dream" Speech: One of King's most famous moments came in 1963, when he led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. At the march, King delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, a powerful call for racial equality and unity. The speech helped to galvanize support for the Civil Rights Movement and is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history.
The Selma to Montgomery March: In 1965, King led the Selma to Montgomery March, a protest march aimed at securing voting rights for African Americans in Alabama. The march was met with violence from state troopers, but it ultimately helped to build public support for the Voting Rights Act, which was passed by Congress later that year.
The Vietnam War and the Poor People's Campaign: In the late 1960s, King began to speak out against the Vietnam War. He argued that the war was unjust and that it diverted resources from domestic programs aimed at helping the poor. King also launched the Poor People's Campaign, a nonviolent protest movement aimed at addressing economic inequality and poverty in the United States.
Assassination and Legacy: King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. His death was a national tragedy, but his legacy of nonviolent resistance and his commitment to racial justice continues to inspire people around the world.
Dr. King's faith in God was central to his activism. He often drew inspiration from biblical teachings and Christian principles, and he believed that his work was a divine calling. In his speeches and writings, King frequently emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and nonviolence.
King's faith also helped him to endure the hardships and challenges he faced during the Civil Rights Movement. He remained steadfast in his belief that God would ultimately deliver justice and equality.
Legacy: Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy continues to inspire people around the world. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence has had a profound impact on society.
Mary Jones
The story of a young girl who saved for six years and walked twenty-five miles to own a Bible in her own language.
Many years ago, a little girl lived with her mother in a small grey stone cottage in the Welsh countryside. Her home was in a green valley in the shadow of a mountain, and from there you could sometimes see the sea in the far distance. Her father was a weaver who worked very hard to support his family but sadly he died when Mary was young.
‘Mary, Mary!’ called a distant voice.
‘Coming, Mother …’ Mary Jones knew what was expected of a nine-year-old girl. Without grumbling, she would do her share of the chores around her home. She would scrub the floors, feed the chickens, cook and help to keep the house tidy.
On Sunday mornings, Mary dressed in her Sunday best, would walk to the little chapel in the village two miles away. At the front, the minister would open a large, black, leather-bound book. As he began to read, Mary would marvel at the wonderful words and store them up in her heart. After the service, she would go cautiously up to look at the impressive book. There were two words printed in gold on its cover. Mary guessed that these said ‘Holy Bible’ because she had heard the minister mention the name of the book. The words inside looked odd to her. ‘How can anyone ever make sense of these squiggles?’ she thought. ‘Oh, how I wish I could read this book for myself, or even have one for my own!’
Then, on Sunday morning, the minister, announced that a school was to open in the village. Mary was excited. ‘Now I can learn to read,’ she said, ‘and make sense of those strange marks in the book at chapel.’
The schoolmaster, Mr. Evans, and his wife moved into a farmhouse not far from Mary’s home. Mary worked extra hard to finish her chores quickly so that she could go to the Evans’ house to learn to read. Her parents saw how hard their daughter worked at both schoolwork and her duties at home.
Months passed and seasons changed, until at last Mary was asked to read from the chapel Bible one Sunday morning. She was not very tall, so a special wooden box for her to stand on so that she could see the words properly. Now the squiggles were no longer strange to her. She read perfectly. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were very proud of their daughter.
After the service, Mary rushed up to her mother. ‘I must have a Bible, I must have a Bible!’ she cried. Her mother gently placed his hand on her shoulder. ‘But Mary, Bibles are expensive, and we haven’t much money.’
‘I know, I know, that’s why I am going to save up for one, and I don’t care how long it takes me. I’ll do jobs for other people, I’ll save all my pennies, I’ll do anything just to have my own Bible.’
And that is exactly what Mary did. For six long years she saved all she could until the day came when she had enough money to buy a Bible. Mr. Evans had told her that there was a man in a town called Bala who had a number of Bibles. Mary, now fifteen, told her mother that she was going to walk to Bala.
Her mother exclaimed, ‘Daughter, that’s nearly twenty-five miles away!’ But there was no changing Mary’s mind – she had waited too long for that. So, with her purse of money and some bread and cheese tied up in a bundle, she set off. The journey to Bala seemed endless. Mary followed many paths, crossed valleys and streams and found her way around hills. As her weariness grew and her aching limbs seemed almost too much to bear, she muttered words of encouragement to herself. ‘Come on, Mary, not much further now,’ she thought. Eventually she came to the brow of a hill, from which she could see the edge of a town. Dusk was falling, and candlelight had begun to flicker in cottage windows. Mary's heart pounded with excitement. Here was Bala at last! She recognized it from Mr. Evans’ clear description. With renewed energy and a new determination, she set off again down the hill.
Mary asked for directions to find Mr. Charles. After knocking on several doors and asking for directions, she found his house. She ran up the garden path and knocked loudly on the large oak door.
As it was opened, Mary made her request for a Bible, the words tumbling over themselves in her eagerness: ‘I’ve walked twenty-five miles to get here, I’ve saved up for six years to buy a Bible, I’ve got the money here, you can count it if you like – please can I have a Bible?’
Mr Charles was taken aback. ‘You had better come in and tell me all about it, but first you must have something to eat. You must be famished.’ He smiled kindly and beckoned the housekeeper to take Mary to the kitchen.
After she had eaten, Mary told Mr. Charles everything. He was moved by her account. And he held out to her a brand new Bible. Mary stared at it for a long moment before taking it with both hands. Then she expressed her heartfelt thanks The next morning, Mary, clutching her treasured possession, said goodbye to Mr. Charles and started on her way home. She arrived to a grand reception. It seemed as if everyone was there. Her mother threw her arms around her and hugged her. Nearby stood Mr. Evans and the minister, smiling broadly and clapping their hands. Everyone was cheering and wanted Mary to show them her Bible. As she held the book up for all to see, she murmured a few quiet words. ‘Thank you, Jesus, thank you Mr. Charles,’ she said.
In his study, Mr. Charles remembered how the young girl had disappeared over the brow of a hill still holding the new Bible to her chest. He began to think of all the other Mary Joneses who must be wanting Bibles, not only in Wales but in England, Scotland, Ireland, and even in other more distant lands.
In 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed by Thomas Charles and other important men in response to needs which stories like that of Mary Jones had brought to light.
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