HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
A Fresh Start (Genesis 8:15-22; 9:1, 11-16)

1) First Thoughts
a. At one time or another most people find themselves in a place where they long for a fresh start, a second chance, a new beginning.
b. Fresh starts often mean going through an interim period – one of those times of life when we find ourselves between what was and what may be.
2) Understand the Context
a. Noah and his family spent more than a year in the ark. Upon leaving they were charged with replenishing the earth. God also affirmed the sanctity of human life. He then revealed to Noah (and us) the nature of His covenant.
3) Explore the Text
a. A New Start (8:15-19)
i. Notice how Noah waited upon the Lord. (Psalm 37:9)
ii. God’s salvation of Noah through the flood corresponds to our salvation in Jesus as symbolized by baptism in water. (I Peter 3:18-21)
iii. A future fresh start. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. ~ II Peter 3:13
b. A New Altar (8:20)
i. First mention of the word altar – an act of worship. Noah had the fear of the Lord. …: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ~ Matthew 10:28
ii. Demonstrated for his family the priority of worshiping God. (fathers).
iii. Our sacrifices are expressions of gratitude to God for __________.
iv. Our sacrifices are signs of our devotion to God.
c. A New Promise (8:21-22; 9:1, 11-16)
i. God was pleased. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ~ Eph. 5:2
ii. The Noahic Covenant – between God and “every living creature” … “for perpetual generations”. The token – a rainbow.
iii. God offers all people a new life through faith in Jesus Christ.
4) Memory Verse:
a. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. ~ Genesis 9:16