Biblical Covenants that shape our Faith. Gen. 9:1-17 , Gen. 12:1-2

“The Flood” “Not a cute Bible Story” The message of this story is threefold. First, The wickedness of man is very great Second, God's patience does come to an end Third, God didn’t give up his purpose in creating man. All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord" (Numbers 14:21).

"What is the Noahic Covenant?" Gen. 9:1-17 First, it is an unconditional covenant. The promise is based upon God’s faithfulness alone. Second, it was made to Noah and all his descendants as well as “every living creature”. (Genesis 9:8-10). Third, it was sealed with a sign, the rainbow. (Genesis 9:12-13).

God’s Covenant with Abraham: God Selects for himself a people. Gen. 12: 1-3 God’s promise to Abraham . There are 3 main features to this Covenant: 1. The promise of land (Genesis 12:1). Chap. 13:14-18. 2. The promise of descendants (Genesis 12:2). Chap. 15:1-6 3. The promise of blessing and redemption (Genesis 12:3) The sealing of that covenant can be seen in Gen. 15: 7-18. God gave Abraham the rite of circumcision as the sign of the Covenant. Genesis 17:1–14 So why Circumcision? A symbolic means to always restrain Abraham’s desire to achieve God’s purposes through his own effort (i.e. his “flesh”).

So, what do these covenants meant to us today? In the Covenant with Noah we see the seriousness of God’s judgment of sin. We see God’s faithfulness to keep his covenant and never flood the earth again. With Abraham we see God’s heart and desire to be known by His people. That God is searching for Men and women that are willing to walk by faith and be used for His glory. And just like with Noah and Abraham God wants to be active in our lives. He wants to use us to reflect His love , mercy , righteousness and holiness to a world that does not know him. In short, these 2 covenants tell us 1 major truth about our God. HE IS FAITHFUL!