Ark of the Covenant on SermonAudio

When God looked upon the earth and saw that "all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth" (Genesis 6:12), how did one man find grace in His eyes? Read verse 9 and ask what the words on either side of "perfect in his generations" (Genesis 6:9) tell a reader that phrase means. Then ask whether Noah walked with God because he knew a flood was coming, or whether he had no idea at all. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8)

This sermon explores the theme of enduring suffering with hope by examining 1 Peter 3:17-22, identifying the atonement and the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the two primary sources of comfort for believers. The text emphasizes that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice for sin removes the guilt and fear associated with unjust persecution, while His ascension to the right hand of God assures believers of their ultimate security and victory over all powers. By drawing parallels between the salvation of Noah's family through the flood and the spiritual salvation found in baptism, the message highlights that believers are kept safe in Christ, even more secure than those in the ark. The sermon concludes by encouraging the audience to look to the finished work of the resurrected Lord, finding strength and peace in the knowledge that their hope is anchored in His eternal sovereignty rather than in their present circumstances.

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Psalm 34:11) **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the theological concept of the fear of the Lord, defining it not as slavish dread but as a godly habit of reverence, awe, and submission produced by the Holy Spirit. Drawing primarily from Psalm 34, the message emphasizes that this fear is the foundation of true religion and wisdom, illustrated through biblical narratives such as David's handling of the Ark and the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. The exposition highlights God's sovereignty and the necessity of aligning worship and conduct with His revealed will, contrasting the security of those who fear Him with the peril of the wicked. By examining multiple passages in Proverbs, the teaching underscores that humility and reverence lead to life, honour, and spiritual satisfaction, urging believers to maintain a constant awareness of God's presence in their daily lives.

This update explores recent scientific discoveries regarding a boat-shaped rock formation on Mount Ararat, suggesting it may be Noah's Ark, and uses this as a catalyst to discuss the theological parallels between the pre-flood era and the present day. It highlights the widespread wickedness, sexual perversion, and biological mixing of kinds described in Genesis 6 as characteristics that are recurring in modern society through technology and cultural shifts. The Pastor emphasizes the literal nature of biblical prophecy, noting that the announcement of the potential discovery coincided with Rosh Hashanah, the date the Ark is said to have landed, reinforcing the idea that God keeps His promises and warnings. This serves as a pastoral call to recognize the coming judgment and the necessity of finding salvation in Christ, who is depicted as the ultimate ark of escape for believers. Questions Has Noah's Ark really been found, or is the Durupınar formation still just a possible site? Does the Bible actually say Noah's Ark landed on Mount Ararat, or does it say the "mountains of Ararat"? What evidence makes researchers think the boat-shaped formation in Turkey could be Noah's Ark? How closely do the measurements of the Durupınar formation match the dimensions God gave Noah in Genesis? What have ground-penetrating radar and core samples reportedly found inside the formation? Why did God tell Noah to put pitch on both the inside and outside of the Ark? Could preservation have been part of the reason? When Jesus said the last days would be "as the days of Noah," what similarities should Christians actually be watching for? What's the strange mixing described in Genesis 6.

OSBC Sunday Service: Genesis 6:13-22 - "By Faith Noah Constructed an Ark" by Pastor Justin Herron

Sinners need to be led by Jesus Christ to their spiritual rest.

And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. 19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. 20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: 21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. 23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness. 24 ¶ And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. 25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 28 ¶ And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.

This sermon examines the transition from the period of the Judges to the early monarchy, focusing on Samuel's role as a prophet who calls Israel to genuine repentance rather than mere military victory. The central message highlights that God's chastening of His people through the loss of the Ark and the threat of the Philistines serves to expose the depth of their idolatry and spiritual decay. Samuel's intercession and the people's corporate response—putting away foreign gods and serving the Lord alone—demonstrate that true revival requires a transformation of the heart, not just external ritual. The narrative culminates in the divine victory at Mizpah, where God's thunder confounds the enemy, leading Samuel to set up the stone of Ebenezer as a memorial of God's help. This account serves as a timeless reminder that God's glory is preserved even when His people stumble, and that faithful reliance on His Word and presence brings deliverance from spiritual and physical enemies.

This sermon explores the critical importance of placing trust and faith in God rather than in physical objects, titles, or human strength, using historical examples from Israel to illustrate the dangers of misplaced devotion. By examining the stories of Samson, the Ark of the Covenant, and the brazen serpent, the message highlights how believers can inadvertently turn God's provisions into idols when their hearts are not fully aligned with His will. The preacher emphasizes that true spiritual strength comes from a deep, personal relationship with Christ and a diligent study of Scripture, which serves as a living sword and heart keeper for the believer. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, urging the audience to examine their own hearts to ensure their faith is rooted in truth rather than outward appearances or ritualistic habits. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to a perfect heart that seeks God's wisdom, enabling believers to be effective witnesses and soldiers in God's army.

Lord's Day 27

The Israelite's neglect of the ark of the covenant and the worship of God had devastating consequences, as we see from 1 Chronicles 13.

This sermon examines the account of Noah's flood in Genesis 7:6 through 8:19, emphasizing the historical reliability of Scripture against allegorical interpretations. Pastor Ryan argues that the New Testament consistently treats Genesis 1-11 as literal history, reinforcing the truth of a global flood that demonstrates God's severe judgment on sin. Through a detailed analysis of the chiasmic structure and timeline, the message highlights the intensity of God's wrath, evidenced by the waters prevailing for 150 days, and the subsequent recession of the waters as an act of covenant faithfulness. The narrative serves as a typological picture of Christ as the ark of salvation, urging listeners to repent and trust in God's promise to remember and preserve His people amidst judgment.

This sermon examines the life of Noah as a profound example of faith and grace in a corrupt world, centering on the declaration that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. It contrasts the ungratefulness and disobedience of humanity, beginning with Eve in the Garden of Eden, with Noah's consistent walk with God and his obedience to build the ark. The text presents the ark as a type of Christ, the sole refuge from divine judgment, emphasizing that salvation is received by faith rather than by works. The preacher urges listeners to recognize the urgency of the coming judgment and to live in gratitude and obedience, securing their souls in the one true door of salvation.

Matthew 24:39 'and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.' The sermon emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment by drawing parallels between the global flood in Noah's day and the future fiery judgment of the world. It warns that life will continue normally until the sudden arrival of Christ, leaving no time for last-minute repentance. The preacher argues against skeptical views of the biblical account, affirming the historical reality of the flood as a type of God's wrath against sin. Central to the message is the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate refuge and atoning sacrifice for believers. The text concludes with an urgent call to flee to Christ and trust in His finished work before it is too late.

Review of the 6 pieces of tabernacle furniture: the ark, the table of shewbread, the candlestick, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and the laver. All picture Christ in wonderful ways.

David's attempt to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. Though the celebration begins joyfully, Uzzah is struck down for touching the ark, reminding everyone that God is holy and must be approached according to His commands. David initially responds with fear, but later brings the ark properly, with reverence, sacrifice, and glad worship.

Genesis 9:1-17 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. 8 ¶ And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. 12 ¶ And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Human wisdom makes futile attempts to answer the important question of how an angry God may be placated. Divine revelation is needed. Also, here is a warning to all believers against spiritual carelessness and irreverence in the handling of holy things.

This sermon expounds on 1 Corinthians 1:30 to demonstrate that Christ is the sole source and means of sanctification for believers. The preacher outlines five ways Jesus serves as our sanctification: He is its author who purchased it, its source who supplies grace, its example of holy living, its ultimate goal of conformity to His image, and its motive rooted in His love. Emphasizing that salvation is entirely by grace and found only in Christ, the message encourages both sinners and saints to rely completely on Him for wisdom, righteousness, and holiness. The preacher concludes by illustrating how Jesus functions as the Ark of safety, providing all necessary sustenance and protection for believers to endure to the end.

NUMBERS—IN THE WILDERNESS This message introduces the book of Numbers as more than a record of censuses and wilderness travel; it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the danger of unbelief. The Hebrew title, "In the Wilderness," captures the heart of the book as Israel moves from one generation numbered at Sinai to another generation numbered near the Promised Land. Between those two censuses, an unbelieving generation dies in the wilderness while Joshua and Caleb are preserved because they trusted the Lord. The great lesson is that people may fail God, but God will never fail His purpose or His promise. Using Romans 15, 1 Corinthians 10, John 5, 1 Peter 1, Jude, and Hebrews, the message explains that the events of Numbers were preserved for the learning, warning, comfort, and hope of Newer Testament believers. Israel becomes a series of spiritual case studies showing what happens when people obey, rebel, complain, lust, doubt, or trust God. Their wilderness experience teaches that outward deliverance is not the same as inward salvation, that proximity to the things of God does not equal faith in God, and that true rest is ultimately found not in a land but in Jesus. The message also emphasizes that God orders His people around His presence, assigns different responsibilities within the body, and expects holy things to be handled according to His revealed Word rather than human convenience or good intentions. The Levites, the tabernacle, the firstborn, the ark, the cloud, and the promised inheritance all contribute to the unfolding revelation that points toward Jesus—the Redeemer, Mediator, Rock, and true Rest of His people…

This sermon examines King David's determination to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, highlighting his desire to place God at the center of his rule rather than on the periphery. The message contrasts David's reverent approach with Israel's historical neglect of the Ark, illustrating the consequences of treating God's presence as a mere object of superstition. By analyzing David's psalm of thanksgiving, the text outlines key spiritual disciplines including gratitude, testimony, singing, and the pursuit of God's glory. These Old Testament principles are applied to the New Covenant, where Jesus Christ supersedes the Ark as the ultimate means of access to God's throne. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to cultivate a heart of faith and reverence, actively seeking God's presence and maintaining a constant awareness of the eternal covenant through which they are beneficiaries of divine grace.

Audio only. This message was recorded in our Fellowship Hall which does not have video capability at this time.

Genesis 8:13-22 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried. 15 ¶ And God spake unto Noah, saying, 16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. 17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. 18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. 20 ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.