The Flood of Noah

from the February 23, 2010 eNews issue
http://www.khouse.org (visit our website for a FREE subscription)

There are many Christians who do not take the record of the Flood in Genesis seriously. They consign the account to a moral lesson without regarding the narrative as actual fact. Furthermore, most people do not fully understand the reason for the Flood because they haven't done their homework on the "days of Noah" that Jesus highlighted prophetically (Matt 24:37). Careful study will reveal that Satan had succeeded in creating a "gene pool" problem in his stratagems to thwart the plan of God.  But this discussion exceeds the space available in this brief review. Did It Really Happen? There is no question that tangible evidence indicates there was once a flood over the entire earth. Many competent books have chronicled the numerous fossils of sea animals found at extremely high altitudes all over the world, as well as fossils of land animals in arid areas below sea level. The evidences of a global, hydraulic catastrophe are ample in the many sources readily available.  Henry M. Morris and John C. Whitcomb's book, The Genesis Record, has become a classic.  There are many serious scientists that suspect that a water vapor canopy enveloped the pre-Flood earth, as this is hinted at in Scripture. There also are technical - and Scriptural - indications that favor a hydroplate theory that certainly justifies diligent inquiry by the serious student.  There are even informed conjectures that the Planet Mars may also have had a role, but these topics also exceed the space available here. Was The Ark Big Enough? Many people are skeptical about a literal ark having saved all the animals, etc. They are doubtful that it could have been big enough. (They don't really know how big it was, or how many animals were involved, but still they remain skeptical.) The ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits abeam, and 30 cubits high. The cubit was a measure intended to represent the distance between the elbow and the tip of the fingers, and is approximated by most scholars at about 18 inches. (Various cubits have been discovered ranging from 17 to 25 inches.) Assuming an 18-inch cubit, the ark would contain 1.5 million cubic feet, and would displace approximately 24,000 tons. This space approximates over 500 railroad cars and could contain 125,000 sheep or their equivalent. Since it has been estimated that there were about 18,000 species, and most of those would be smaller than a sheep, the space doesn't seem to be a real problem.
(Some scholars suggest that a 25-inch cubit might have been involved, which would almost triple that capacity.) Where Did It Rest? There is a "Mount Ararat" in eastern Turkey, right near the Armenian border and this is regarded by many as the Biblical site. There are numerous stories of sightings, but these expeditions have proven problematical at best. However, there are some textual problems to be considered. When Noah's descendants ultimately came to establish Babel (later Babylon) they came "from the east":

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there." -Genesis 11:1,2

From the Biblical text, it would seem that one should look for the ark east of Babylon - somewhere in Iran, not in Turkey which is slightly west of north of Babylon. It has yet to be actually found. I personally suspect that God still has a purpose for the ark. Perhaps that's why Noah was instructed to "pitch it within and without." You don't need to cover the craft with pitch on both sides of the hull except to preserve it. I suspect that it will be found in God's timing to provide a testimony, once again, to an unbelieving world of a coming judgment. When Did the New Beginning Start?

"And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat." - Genesis 8:4

Why did the Holy Spirit want us to know that the Flood ended on the 17th day of the 7th month? (If you are a normal, well-adjusted reader, when you come across a verse like this, you simply go on reading. However, if you have listened to my Bible studies, you are no longer a "normal, well-adjusted" reader! You remember that one of my premises is that every detail is here for our learning (Rom. 15:4) and that God always rewards the diligent!) This one takes a little digging. We know that the seven feasts of Moses are not only commemorative, they are also prophetic (Col. 1:17). Passover is, of course, prophetic of our Passover, Jesus Christ; who, as the Lamb of God, was offered on the 14th of Nisan. The morning after the Sabbath after Passover is the Feast of First Fruits (Lev. 23:11,15). and that particular Sunday morning some women were discovering the empty tomb: His resurrection was, indeed, the ultimate "first fruits." Three days in the tomb would indicate that He rose on the 17th of Nisan. When we examine the institution of Passover, God also instructed Moses to make that month, Nisan, the "beginning of months," (Exodus 12:2). Therefore, the Jews observe two calendars: the original (Genesis) one which begins at Rosh Hoshana, the 1st of Tishri, in the fall; and the religious one that begins on the 1st of Nisan, in the spring. So when you examine the "new beginning" of the world under Noah, it was on the very "anniversary-in-advance" of our "new beginning" in Jesus Christ! The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. One book. One Message. It's all about Him. This is another of the many inexhaustible evidences of an integrated, deliberate design that highlights that these 66 books we call the Bible, although penned by over 40 guys over almost 2000 years, are a single message - a message that features, on every page, the mission, the achievement, and the astonishing blessings of, by, and through our Lord Jesus Christ! [This article by Chuck Missler was first published in the February 2004 issue of the K-House Personal Update NewsJournal.]

Related Links:

  •   The Flood of Noah - Koinonia House
  •   Old Testament Bible Studies - Koinonia House

Comment (1)

                                                                          MY CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below

with tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tear,

for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

for it's beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,

but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.

So, be happy for me dear ones, for you know I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above:

"My undying love!"

After all, "love" is the gift more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,

for I can't count the many blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

Comment (0)

ETERNAL INK  (The actual account of a dream) by Craig F. Pitts

    I dreamed I was in heaven
    Where an angel kept God's book.
    He was writing so intently
    I just had to take a look.

    It was not, at first, his writing
    That made me stop and think
    But the fluid in the bottle
    That was marked ETERNAL INK.

    This ink was most amazing,
    Dark black upon his blotter
    But as it touched the parchment
    It became as clear as water.

    The angel kept on writing,
    But as quickly as a wink
    The words were disappearing
    With that strange ETERNAL INK.

    The angel took no notice,
    But kept writing on and on.
    He turned each page and filled it
    Till all its space was gone.

    I thought he wrote to no avail,
    His efforts were so vain
    For he wrote a thousand pages
    That he'd never read again.

    And as I watched and wondered that
    This awesome sight was mine,
    I actually saw a word stay black
    As it dried upon the line.

    The angel wrote and I thought I saw
    A look of satisfaction.
    At last he had some print to show
    For all his earnest action.

    A line or two dried dark and stayed
    As black as black can be,
    But strangely the next paragraph
    Became invisible to see.

    The book was getting fuller,
    The angel's records true,
    But most of it was blank, with
    Just a few words coming through.

    I knew there was some reason,
    But as hard as I could think,
    I couldn't grasp the significance
    Of that ETERNAL INK.

    The mystery burned within me,
    And I finally dared to ask
    The angel to explain to me
    Of his amazing task.

    And what I heard was frightful
    As the angel turned his head.
    He looked directly at me,
    And this is what he said...

    I know you stand and wonder
    At what my writing's worth
    But God has told me to record
    The lives of those on earth.

    The book that I am filling
    Is an accurate account
    Of every word and action
    And to what they do amount.

    And since you have been watching
    I must tell you what is true;
    The details of my journal
    Are the strict accounts of YOU.

    The Lord asked me to watch you
    As each day you worked and played.
    I saw you as you went to church,
    I saw you as you prayed.

    But I was told to document
    Your life through all the week.
    I wrote when you were proud and bold,
    I wrote when you were meek.

    I recorded all your attitudes
    Whether they were good or bad.
    I was sorry that I had to write
    The things that make God sad.

    So now I'll tell the wonder
    of this ETERNAL INK,
    For the reason for its mystery
    Should make you stop and think

    This ink that God created
    To help me keep my journal
    Will only keep a record of
    Things that are eternal.

    So much of life is wasted
    On things that matter not
    So instead of my erasing,
    Smudging ink and ugly blot

    I just keep writing faithfully and
    Let the ink do all the rest
    For it is able to decide
    What's useless and what's best.

    And God ordained that as I write
    Of all you do and say
    Your deeds that count for nothing
    Will just disappear away.

    When books are opened someday,
    As sure as heaven is true;
    The Lord's ETERNAL INK will tell
    What mattered most to you.

    If you just lived to please yourself
    The pages will be bare,
    And God will issue no reward
    For you when you get there.

    In fact, you'll be embarrassed,
    You will hang your head in shame
    Because you did not give yourself
    In love to Jesus' Name.

    Yet maybe there will be a few
    Recorded lines that stayed
    That showed the times you truly cared,
    Sincerely loved and prayed.

    But you will always wonder
    As you enter heaven's door
    How much more glad you would have been
    If only you'd done more.

    For I record as God sees,
    I don't stop to even think
    Because the truth is written
    With God's ETERNAL INK.

    When I heard the angel's story
    I fell down and wept and cried
    For as yet I still was dreaming
    I hadn't really died.

    And I said: O Angel tell the Lord
    That soon as I awake
    I'll live my life for Jesus
    I'll do all for His dear sake.

    I'll give in full surrender;
    I'll do all He wants me to;
    I'll turn my back on self and sin
    And whatever isn't true.

    And, though the way seems long and rough
    I promise to endure
    I'm determined to pursue the things
    That are holy, clean and pure.

    With Jesus as my helper,
    I will win lost souls to Thee,
    For I know that they will live with Christ
    For all eternity.

    And that's what really matters
    When my life on earth is gone
    That I will stand before the Lord
    And hear Him say, well done.

    For is it really worth it
    As my life lies at the brink?
    And I realize that God keeps books
    With His ETERNAL INK.

    Should all my life be focused
    On things that turn to dust?
    From this point on I'll serve the Lord;
    I can, I will, I must!

    I will NOT send blank pages
    Up to God's majestic throne
    For where that record's going now
    Is my eternal home.

    I'm giving all to Jesus
    I now have seen the link
    For I saw an angel write my life
    With God's ETERNAL INK.

Comment (0)

Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man,"

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Comment (1)

A Birthday In Heaven
© 2005 Written by Kris Smith

I heard you crying yesterday
And felt your heart-sent love
So I’m sending you this message
Now, from Heaven up above.

You’re wondering if I’ll celebrate
My birthday (way up here)
I know you’re missing me today
I feel your essence near.

God planned a special day for me
He told me with a wink
He’d ordered me a special cake
(It’s Angel food, I think)

I’m getting lots of hugs from God
He’s really good at that
And every time that I walk by
He gives my head a pat

Balloons will fill the streets for me
They float up through the clouds
And we have lots of clowns up here
That make us laugh out loud

There is a birthday carousel
Jeweled horses ride the wind
With music playing oh so sweet…
The magic never ends

I’ve made so many friends, you see
We laugh and play and sing
We ride our bikes and play jump rope
And sleep in Angel’s wings

We’ll have our cake and ice cream
And open gifts, surprise!
But we don’t blow out our candles here
Instead, they light the skies

Comment (4)

2Cr 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. Hbr 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

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Heaven is a real place…we will go by God’s grace…there I will see my little Noah’s face. My precious little boy, Noah James 3 months ago today. I miss seeing those sparkling eyes and his sweet smile. I miss hearing his cute voice saying adorable things and new words and little giggles and that contagious laugh. I miss feeling his hand in mine and carrying him all wrapped up in a towel or his snuggles and cuddles. I miss smelling his soft and sweet skin and hair. I miss singing and reading to him and dancing with him. I miss getting him ready to go out and combing his cute hairdo. I miss his presence, his pure, and big soft heart. Noah acted with a servant’s heart…always trying to help and always trying to make others smile or laugh. He is a compassionate little boy and always very forgiving. He has always loved people, not being very shy, but rather independent, strong, brave and even fearless. His life here may have seemed short to some, but it was full and complete, he was all done. Jesus called Him to his heavenly home and Noah was ready to go, with his shoes on and all. He must have heard His Abba's voice, seen His glory and felt his peaceful presence. I am sure that he ran without hesitation into the arms of his “Abba”. I’m sure it was an awesome moment filled with perfect love, total joy and cheer. I’m sure The Lord has assured Noah that we will be there soon too. We will be reunited one glorious day, not to worry, just rejoice and play. That day will come…I know that now, with great certainty. Noah reminds me everyday to view life with an eternal perspective…not to fear and to live for Jesus…every step I am moving closer to heaven, our eternal home.
I think Noah would say to me, “ You were right Mama, this place is grand, it is so awesome here… I am having a fantastic time meeting my eternal brother and sisters, this place is filled with perfect love and there is true freedom… no one is bad or sad or worried here… so please don’t get lost on the way here…stay focused on your destiny and run, take the straight path, the narrow gate, its the only way here. I’m with Jesus… the one and only… Jesus... He cares for me of course and its really safe here…so don’t worry about a thing or be sad for me… I’m not missing anything… He is coming for you too very soon, so be ready… he loves you so much, more than you know. He has cleared the way, he will lead you where you need to go, stay tuned in to hear the Holy Spirit guiding you…when times get rough or tough…don’t give up… stand strong in the faith that you taught me…Come home, Mama, Come Home Dada, Come Home Dylan, Myles and Baby Ben. I am waiting here for you!! I can’t wait to see you again... oh yeah and try to bring as many people as you can, tell them how to get here so they won’t get lost, they won’t want to miss out. There is room for whoever wants to come…Our Heavenly Father has a big, big house!!!! ☺
I'm not sure how much time has past... its different here... there is are no schedules.... But I do miss you all. I love you. See you in His perfect timing, Love your son Noah James xoxox

P.S: I told Jesus how you and Daddy love Him so much and read His word all the time and how you named me after Noah who built the ark, saving his family and civilization from the flood and He already knew about that… HE KNOWS EVERYTHING!!! How cool is that?! Jesus is so amazing!!! I am in total awe all the time… I am sure it will be this wonderful forever and ever!! ☺

Comment (2)

In what sense has God numbered our days? Has He really set the date in stone? Does He know the day when we will die?

God has numbered our days in the sense that He is the Giver and the Taker of life, as seen in Job 1:21, “…Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away…” Notice the conclusion of this verse, “…Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We can praise the Lord that He knows all things, knows all about us, and this includes the day of our death.

God knows His plan for us, from beginning to end. He does record our existence and has predestined the day of our death. Notice Psalm 139:16 as the psalmist says of God, “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written , the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” This verse shows that God “saw” us or knew of us before we were conceived in our mother’s womb and our existence is written in His “book”…it may be a “stone” book, but we can’t be sure. We do know that God is omniscient (all-knowing) and has set the date of our conception, birth, death, along with knowing all the days in-between. He is an awesome God!

Christian's unanimous agree that God does control mortality.  The monotheistic belief of Christians at large would indicate that God gives life at conception and gives eternal life at death to those who believe in Jesus Christ and have put their faith in Him in their earthly life.

The Scripture tells us that Christ warned: "My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready." John 7:6.

Jesus told the story of the rich fool, who had a bumper crop come in, which he greedily wanted to build bigger storage barns to keep. He didn't care about helping others, nor to be "rich toward God." Christ related: "God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?", to which He concluded: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20,21.

Job had all his wealth, his children and his health taken away, but God refused to allow Satan to take his life. Satan accused Job: "But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face." God answered: "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life." Job 2:5,6. Christian believers see this as God's complete control of our mortality.

King David had said: "Thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb." And: " I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16. He indicated his confidence that God was in control of his life from before conception.

Many consider Moses to be wise in saying: "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:9-12.


Isaiah 38:5 (NASB) [Isaiah]"Go and say to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David," I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. Jehovah-Elohim added 15 years to Hezekiah's life.
And of course Paul writing to the Corinthians wrote in, "1 Corinthians 15:54 "But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory [Jesus Christ. verse 57]"

The angel of the Lord killed 185,000 men in one night. (1 Kings 19:35, Isaiah 37:36) Ananias and Sapphira were killed by the Holy Spirit in Acts 5. James 5:20 (NASB) "let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death." Sin is a grievance against God, It is assumed that God can kill sinners.
Be reminded that God also knows of our “life after death”, be it heaven or hell. He gives us the opportunity to prepare for our eternity through personal faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. In the midst of God’s providential plan, He has allowed for “choice”. Each human being has the option of choosing their eternal destiny by responding to God’s love. Notice John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Therefore, with the question of God’s of us answered, the question remains…has the “day” come when you made peace with our Creator, God, through personal faith in Jesus Christ? If not, you can get right with God today.

As Christians, we can understand that the Bible declares an all-knowing God and that our “days” are known to Him. But, what do we do with that understanding? Not knowing how many days we have left, we are to live each day as if it’s our last day on earth. This means spending each day wisely and acknowledging the Lord each day, i.e. spending time in prayer, in God’s Word, in worship of Him, in serving Him, in loving others, and in making a positive impact on our generation for Him! This is reflected in Psalm 90 with truths like, from (v. 1) …from everlasting to everlasting, You are God…”, from (v.12) – “…so teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom…”, and, from (v. 17) “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.”

May God bless you as you spend your life wisely for Him!

Comment (0)

Noah loved books. We would spend hours looking through them. When he was still in his crib, we had it by our book self, he would pull the books (with no pictures)into his crib and look through them. He never ripped the pages so I let him and his cribs would be full of them and he would be smiling when I went in to pick him up. I remember a recent time that he picked up a book off my night stand and said, "Bible.". Although I have a Bible usually on my nightstand, it was not actually the Bible, but it blessed me to know that he thought that it must be a Bible if its on my night stand. The funny thing is, although I taught him from the Bible I never heard him use the word "bible". I don't remember telling  him, this is my bible by my bed. He picked that up on his own, I guess. What a smart little guy!!!

Comment (2)

Yesterday was an awesome day; I witnessed The Lord Almighty's power to change hearts and save many peoples lives. Many  people came to the saving knowledge of God's grace at church services in the morning and many people were baptized at the beach later in the day!!!

I know that Noah was celebrating in heaven with all of God's children and His angels!!

Our Lord is mighty to save and He is so merciful and gracious to us all. Oh, how His love is greater than anything or anyone else!!  There in none greater in all the universe! What a tremendous blessing to witness  people turning  and surrendering their life to their Maker and receiving His free gift of eternal life!!! Praise The Lord and cry out for joy precious people!!! I can see why Jesus has not returned yet, why he is taking so long as some say, He is  truly long-suffering and patient desiring  that all  have a chance to come to Him . He is more gentle than any person, more powerful than all humanity combined. How majestic is His goodness,righteousness, justice and holiness?!! His ways are perfect and true, far above us!! May The King of Kings' kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Amen!! Love to all who are faithfully praying for his supernatural work. 

My  sweetheart Noah is in His presence, praising Him face to face! How awesome it must be to behold Jesus Christ in person!!! To see Him as He is and be with Him forever. Looking forward to that day!!!!

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