440 - Noah, the Blessed One#
(JP Text Group - shalom organized)
Dear family, peace in the Lord, welcome to your arrival, today is the Lord's Day.
Let's start by reading this passage of scripture, Genesis 6:5-9:
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Let us pray together
Heavenly Father, thank you and praise you, thank you for preparing this wonderful time. We come before you once again, please lead us to gain strength from your words, no matter the circumstances, let you be our priority, and let your words become the standard in our lives. As we begin a new week, please guide me and lead me on the path ahead, help me to know you more in my life, and reveal and guide me through today’s words! In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen.
In the last days, many people and many things around us may be hard to understand, as they seem to drift further from the Bible, and many people are becoming increasingly unrecognizable. What should we do? Should we be discouraged and despair, or continue to believe in God? The story of Noah will bring us enlightenment and help.
The topic of sharing is: Noah, the Blessed One.
Noah was blessed because he believed in God. The people of that generation were ultimately destroyed, but only Noah and his family were preserved, and there must be a reason for that.
First, let’s look at the true situation of Noah's generation.
In Noah's time, the Bible tells us clearly: the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Is Noah's generation very similar to our current generation? The wickedness of man is great; some people, after gaining wealth and power, do not care about the lives of others, and many people think only about how to make money, with no sense of righteousness. This is what it means that every imagination of the thoughts of their heart is only evil. What is the fundamental reason for this? It is because they have turned away from God.
Man was created in the image and likeness of God, but while living on earth, man completely lost the likeness of God, as they were unwilling to live according to God's words. Therefore, God repented of making man on the earth; this repentance refers to God's sorrow in His heart, not that God regretted His actions.
Seeing man like this, our God is very sorrowful. He has given man opportunities, but man has rejected them. Ultimately, this Judge will execute judgment. Brothers and sisters, even under grace, Jesus died for our sins on the cross, does not mean that God has no right to judge! How is God's righteousness manifested? It is when the wickedness of man is full, God must act to judge and punish. If man is already full of wickedness and God still does not care, it shows His injustice. If man is willing to repent, God will still accept them; this is God's grace.
In Noah's generation, was there no one who acted according to God's words? Of course not. Verses 8-9 are our hope: 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
These two verses clearly explain why Noah was blessed. We need to break down the reasons for Noah's blessing in detail. First, we see that he was a man who had already received God's grace. The Bible says: But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. In that generation, among so many people, only Noah stood out and was accepted by God. How many people would there be in a generation? He was the only one who found grace in God's eyes. Why was that? Let’s look at the meaning of Noah's name: Comfort.
Genesis 5:28-29:
28 And Lamech lived a hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, “This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.”
When Lamech was a hundred eighty-two years old, although he was quite old, he did not live easily and had many toils. He named this son, placing hope in him, saying: because of this son, I can find comfort.
In this world, many parents also suffer greatly, and after having a son, they place their hopes on him, which is a kind of expectation and a form of reliance.
Why were the people of that generation so full of toil? It was because the ancestor Adam sinned and fell, and the ground was cursed. In the time of Eden, there was no curse, and various trees bore fruit in season, but after Adam sinned, everything changed. The ground was cursed, began to grow thorns and thistles, and people had to sweat to make a living. At the same time, there was mutual suspicion and hatred among people, leading to mutual murder, resulting in the earth being in a state of curse. This is the outcome and consequence of human rebellion and stubbornness.
Why was Noah different in that generation? Why could he be unlike those around him? The reason is that Noah believed in God, and his conduct was according to God's ways. This is also the secret of his blessing.
We should not look at how those around us live, nor should we look at how others in the church live. We should look at what God has given us in His words and live according to those words. Even if no one around us is willing to act according to God's words, if you are willing, you will surely be blessed like Noah.
Imagine, Noah also had needs for living on earth. He did not live on a mountaintop, isolated from people. He had children to raise and would interact with the people of that generation, such as buying food, etc. He was not living in a vacuum, cut off from the world. He lived among the people of his time, dealing with them in the same era. As such a person, he was able to be different because the standards he upheld were different from those of others.
Nowadays, many people become discouraged and weak when they see the corruption around them. When they see their pastor behaving poorly, they also become weak. This should not be the case. You believe in God, not in a particular pastor. When you see divisions in the church and many unfair things that discourage you, you should not become weak or angry. This is not how it should be.
People in the world are like this; being human, there will inevitably be weaknesses and problems. But you should look up to our God and His words. Noah's way of life was different from that of the people of his time; it was distinct because Noah held onto a pure faith. He adhered to God's words in his life, and we should do the same. Regardless of how those around us live, even if they do not believe in God, you should believe in God; even if they are weak and complain, you should live like Jesus in this world. Amen.
We should act according to God's words, and in doing so, you will see the beautiful outcomes that God's words bring. You will see God's blessings manifest in your life. If you always focus on the chaotic, the negative, and the pessimistic, you will end up not believing in anyone, including God, right? Therefore, you must hold onto your faith and guard your heart above all else. Do not allow the garbage of this world to remain in your heart. Keep your eyes clean and your heart pure. Hallelujah.
The second point: Noah was a righteous man.
Genesis 6:9 says: Noah was a just man.
Where is Noah's righteousness manifested? The book of Romans tells us: There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none that seeketh after God, no, not one! So why does it say here that Noah was a just man? How does God call us righteous? It is simple; when a person believes in God, God counts him as righteous.
For example, the Bible mentions Abraham, who was counted as righteous because he believed in God in his heart. In the Old Testament, because Jesus had not yet been crucified, they could be counted as righteous; we are in the New Testament, after Jesus has completed His work, so faith is counted as righteousness. Noah being called a righteous man is related to both his actions and his faith in God's eyes. He saw that the whole world and all flesh were corrupted, but in all this corruption, He saw one man who was different, still believing in God and obeying God's words.
Hebrews 11:7: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
This passage in Hebrews makes it very clear: Noah, by faith, believed in God. Even though the people of the entire generation rebelled against God, he did not doubt God and still believed that God existed. Because of his faith, he acted. Therefore, correct faith must produce correct actions. Because he believed in God, when God gave him words, he was willing to act according to God's words.
Whether a person believes in God can be seen in whether he is willing to act according to God's words. If a person says he believes in God but is unwilling to act according to God's words, he is still not believing. There are many people in the Bible who believe in God, including the devil. The difference between the devil and believers is that he is unwilling to act according to God's words and goes against God. God wants people to have life, but he takes away life; God hopes people can live in obedience to His words, but the devil lives in opposition to God's words. This is the distinction!
Do not say that we believe in God, yet our actions are worse than those who do not believe. What exactly are we believing in? Therefore, brothers and sisters, if you truly believe in God and believe that He loves us, you will definitely act according to God's words, and there will be a fundamental difference between you and the world. Just like the fruits of the Spirit do not contain hatred; since there is none of that inside, what comes out must be love, joy, and peace. Amen.
Believing in the Holy Spirit will surely produce the fruits of the Spirit. At that time, Noah believed in God, and when God gave him words, this was something he had never heard of before. For example, when God told Noah: The days of humanity will be one hundred and twenty years, so now you must build an ark; after the time is up, I will destroy this world! This was something he did not know about because, in that generation, the earth was surrounded by moisture, and people could live for a long time, over nine hundred years. At that time, there was no such thing as a great flood as we speak of today, so people did not believe it would rain. Why build such a large boat? Therefore, what God instructed Noah to do was not in line with the thinking of the people at that time. The key is whether people can believe what God says.
Abraham became the father of faith because God told Abraham: Leave your country, your family, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you; I will make you a great nation there, and I will bless you! Abram did not ask why he could not stay there, why he had to go there, or whether the place he was going to was good. He did not ask; he completely believed in God. So when he left his house, he did not even know where he was going. This is faith.
When a person believes like this, you do not ask why. Many times, because we do not understand certain things, we ask God why. Why does this happen to me? Why don’t you bless me? Why don’t you heal me? Actually, this is not right. If you believe in God, these questions can all be resolved. Amen. We should ask: Lord, what should I do? Hallelujah. We may not understand, but believing in God's words is definitely good for us! Continuously act according to God's words, and you will see the results. When you understand and look back, you will say: Oh, now I know God's intention! If everything must be explained clearly by God before we believe, that is not called faith; waiting until everything is clear before we believe is also not faith. Amen.
Noah believed in God; he had a heart of reverence for God. So when God told him to build the ark, he built it. He did not ask God why it had to be built this way or why the animals had to come in. He did as God instructed him. Amen. Even if the people of that generation did not understand, he would still do it. What was the final result? His whole family was saved, and because of this faith, he condemned that generation. Why? Because he believed, this is what made him a righteous man at that time.
When we tell others that Jesus is God, not everyone believes. When we say: This world will one day be destroyed, and Jesus will come again to take us! Not everyone believes, and some may even mock us for this. You must believe like this, regardless of whether those around you believe, and you will inherit the righteousness that comes from faith, just like Noah. Amen.
Before the flood judgment came, Noah already believed in God, and those who were destroyed had already heard the message of judgment from Noah, but they did not believe and ultimately perished! We are the same; we tell the world that Jesus will come again, but there are still people who do not believe. The outcome will be the same as those in Noah's generation because Noah believed in God, even if it did not conform to his reasoning, even if it was different from the people of that generation, he was still willing to live according to God's ways, ultimately escaping judgment and being preserved. Amen.
Noah was a perfect man. Why did God say Noah was a perfect man? Our idea of a perfect person is someone who does not sin, is morally upright, and is broad-minded. However, the Bible says: In that generation, Noah was a perfect man, which does not mean Noah did not sin or was not weak. As we read the Bible, we know that when the new generation came, Noah also sinned. So what does God mean by a perfect man? It means that compared to the people of that generation, Noah was different; his behavior was different, and his thoughts were different. Noah believed in God and acted according to God's words, while the people of that generation did not believe in God and acted against God's words.
Genesis 6:11-12:
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Brothers and sisters, this is the state of the people of Noah's generation. The whole world was corrupt before God! Think about it, is this current generation not particularly similar to that generation? The earth is filled with violence, and God sees that the world is corrupt. Many people think only of themselves, have no family ties, and even act unscrupulously for money. These things have emerged, and the earth's behavior has become corrupt, but Noah was different.
So brothers and sisters, those who believe in Jesus should know that we are a group of people who are different from the world, set apart for God. You must believe that you are loved by God, that you are different from the world, and that you do not belong to this world. Your reference standard and living standard is the Bible, the words of God. Amen. Therefore, do not imitate this world, but act according to God's words. Noah was like this.
Genesis 6:22: Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Did you see that? Since God said Noah was a perfect man, it is reflected in that when God gave words to the people of that generation, others did not believe and did not take God's words seriously. But Noah, when God commanded him, he did as he was told. Do not say you do not know what God's words are; the Bible is very clear. If you say you do not know how to act according to God's words in your life, read the New Testament letters more; they are very detailed. If you read and do not understand, fine, listen to our sermons in order, and you will definitely understand.
Noah was able to continuously believe and uphold God's words in that crooked, evil, and rebellious generation, which was indeed not easy. Imagine how out of place he must have felt in that generation, right? Brothers and sisters, in the eyes of others, he might have seemed like an oddball. Today, many who believe in Jesus are looked down upon by the world, seen as different, as if they are holding onto ancient traditions, and many do not understand, thinking they are clinging to things from thousands of years ago. This is not the case; we act according to God's words because God's truth does not change. Amen.
Noah believed in God, so he did as God said. God told him to build the ark, and he built it. God told him how to build it, and he did it that way. This is why he was blessed! Brothers and sisters, do not always say: I know, I am a blessed person, I am a beloved child of God! Yet your actions and what you do are in opposition to God; you are still not blessed.
Noah was different; he did what God said, regardless of how others opposed him. Perhaps the people of that generation not only did not believe in God but also mocked Noah. They followed their own desires and spoke boastful words because the people at that time were quite accomplished. But Noah was different; his mouth was likely full of praise for God. He was always praising the Creator's power and was a grateful person, speaking good words to others and sharing the gospel with them.
Brothers and sisters, Noah continuously told others what God had told him, and he also expressed God's grace in his life. As a result, the people of that generation may have mocked him and not believed him, but Noah still upheld his purity. This is different. Amen. Many people become discouraged and fall away because of the corruption of those around them who believe in the Lord. You should not be like this; you believe in Jesus, only Jesus. He is righteous and perfect, while those around you have problems and shortcomings. Therefore, do not focus on people. Hallelujah!
Fourth, Noah was a man who walked with God.
2 Peter 2:5 says: And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
The Old Testament records two people who walked with God: one is Enoch, who was taken up while alive, and the other is Noah. Everyone knows about Enoch; he walked with God for three hundred years and had sons and daughters, and was ultimately taken by God. What does walking with God for three hundred years signify? It means that for those three hundred years, he believed in God's words and was willing to act according to God's words. Ultimately, he was taken up without seeing death.
God writing this down proves that Enoch was a different person. Are you willing to let these two people be your life examples? You must make a firm decision to walk with God, and your life will surely be abundant, and your living will definitely be blessed. Hallelujah! This is related to faith, and this faith will certainly lead to actions.
So Enoch and Noah are the two saints recorded in the Bible who walked with God. Their testimonies are different. Enoch did not experience death but was taken up alive, while Noah entered a new world after the old world was destroyed. This testimony is powerful, and from Noah, a new world began. Noah is a key figure in the transition between the old and new worlds. This testimony is enough for Noah to speak about for a lifetime, isn’t it? Think about it, Noah and his family began a new world. It is no exaggeration to say that all people in the world today are descended from Noah's family.
Man being flesh, my spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. After God spoke these words, He commanded Noah to build the ark. Why did God mention this time? It was actually to give people a chance to repent, right? If God wanted to destroy the world at that time, He could have done it directly or taken Noah away directly. But God always has a heart of mercy. Through this series of saving methods, He hoped that the people of that generation could repent and turn back. He also told Noah to build the ark to establish their faith before the destruction, allowing Noah and his family to spread this gospel. Therefore, the task of building the ark fell on Noah. Noah knew that humanity's days were numbered; this was also God's final time for the world.
We certainly know and can guess that during the time Noah was building the ark, he must have taken the opportunity to explain the message of judgment to the people of that generation. Unfortunately, the people of that generation did not believe him. They might have said: Is this family of believers crazy? What are they doing building a boat here? How could they build such a large boat? And there are animals that need to come in; what are you trying to do? No one understood what Noah and his family were doing. Even when Noah told them that the end of the world was coming, they did not believe.
Brothers and sisters, this is the reason why the people of that generation were ultimately destroyed: they did not believe in God, they acted according to their own desires, and were arrogant! Brothers and sisters, the end of the world is also approaching. As we get closer to the end of all things, people in the world are increasingly resembling those in Noah's generation, with new forms of sin emerging daily and the degree of evil increasing day by day. They are all storing up God's wrath, waiting for the day of judgment to come.
It is the same, brothers and sisters. Since we know this day is coming, what should we do? First, we must guard our hearts and place our hope in God's words. We must believe that the day of Jesus Christ's second coming is near, and perhaps our generation will see this day! Brothers and sisters, since we know that this day is so close, how should you live? Should you pursue fame and profit like the world, or should you uphold God's words and live to store up treasures in heaven for the future and spread the gospel?
Therefore, set a plan for yourself to make life meaningful. Do not be like the people of Noah's generation, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, and ultimately being destroyed, with everything gone. How regrettable! This is where we should be vigilant, while also seeing that Noah was blessed because he believed in God and obeyed God.
Sharing the second major point: The current state of the world.
Matthew 24:37-44:
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
This passage of scripture is Jesus telling us what will happen before His second coming. It accurately tells us: As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. What were the days of Noah like? We have just shared: the world was corrupt, and the thoughts of people's hearts were only evil, centered on themselves, completely disregarding God and casting aside God's words. When Noah told them that in a short time, the flood would destroy that generation, they did not believe. In the days before the flood, people were eating, drinking, and marrying as usual. What does this mean? It means that the people of the world were doing what they normally did.
Noah's words had no effect on them; they might even have made Noah and his family the subject of ridicule. So dear family, you possess the life of Christ. When you tell the gospel to those around you, if they do not believe, do not be angry; have compassion for them, for they do not know what kind of God He is and do not understand their own end.
I share this with you so that you may understand Noah's feelings. Noah firmly believed that soon, if they did not enter the ark, all would die. Yet the people of that generation did not believe; they ate, drank, married, and conducted their affairs as usual, completely unconcerned about life and their own lives, until the day Noah entered the ark. This was a time marker. What does it mean? It means that before the flood came, Noah had already entered the ark.
Revelation has made it very clear that there will be disasters in the last days, but before these things happen, God will take us up into the air and hide us in a secret place. We will see the real disasters beginning in the world. Now, before that day comes, we should, like Noah, preach righteousness and tell this gospel to the world, while also preparing ourselves. Brothers and sisters, before the flood came, Noah was preparing the ark. Should we not prepare ourselves now? Equip ourselves with God's words so that we can stand firm in the days of tribulation, holding God's words in our hearts, so that no matter the circumstances, we still have hope. This is what we need to prepare.
At the same time, we must prepare our hearts to wait for the Lord's return. Others may not believe, but you must believe like this. Others are profit-driven and self-centered; you must be different from them because you are a beloved child of God. God has already told you the end of the world and has informed you what the world will be like before Christ's second coming. This has been said many times in the Bible: Before the Son of man comes again, there will be many earthquakes, plagues, famines, and diseases. These things will occur on a large scale, and there will be various wars between nations. These are all signs before the Son of man returns.
Now, looking back at our world, what moment have we reached? Do you still want to continue eating, drinking, marrying, and waiting for death? Your spirit must be alert. Amen. Do not wait until the Son of man comes, and everything is over. At that time, there will be no opportunity to preach the gospel, nor will there be a need to prepare yourself!
Look at how verse 39 says: And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.
Did those people not realize they were wrong, thinking they could enter the ark? Unfortunately, it was too late. So brothers and sisters, you must tell this gospel to the world. Even if they do not believe, one day they will know that what we say is true. Amen. Do your best to save souls; this is the most worthwhile thing for us to do. Equip yourself as much as possible, believing in God in various circumstances and holding onto God's words.
How many believers are still living in the stage of just being satisfied with bread? Because God has not fulfilled their prayers, they say: I do not want to believe anymore; I am weak; I want to fall! Because the current environment is quite bad: Lord, I do not want to believe anymore; I do not believe you exist! What kind of heart is this? Therefore, you should keep this message in your heart. Amen.
Imagine, during the time Noah was building the ark, was he thinking about what to do with his house? Should he renovate it? Should he save more treasures? Should he buy more land? Was Noah thinking about these things? How should you prepare yourself?
Verses 40-41: 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
What does this mean? When the Son of man comes, the world at that time will seem no different from other days. Two people will be working in the field; one who believes will be taken, and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and the other left. This means that if your family does not believe, you will be taken, and they will be left behind. If you believe in your company, you will be taken, and the unbeliever will be left behind. It is very simple; this is related to faith.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
This point must be vigilant. If someone tells you a very specific day, do not believe him; that is wrong. Although we do not know the exact day, we can see from this world that the day He comes is indeed near. We must be vigilant and pray, preparing ourselves. Amen.
Verse 44: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Why do many people still focus on earthly matters, trying to earn more wealth for themselves, thinking that the Lord's coming is not so fast? But it is clearly stated here: In such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh! Should we really adjust our focus in life? Are you preparing yourself to earn more in this world, or are you preparing for eternal life? You must be vigilant. Hallelujah!
If you are truly preparing treasures for future eternal life, does it matter if someone says something unpleasant? Isn’t it? We can forgive them because they do not understand what we are doing; they do not know. Therefore, you must hold onto God's words. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-10:
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Peter makes it very clear here: The end of all things is at hand. Now, when we say this, it is not just that it seems near; it is truly near.
Look at this world; this time it is really near. What should we do? Be sober and watch unto prayer. Amen. Hold onto God's words and arrange our time primarily around God's words. Nowadays, people are getting busier and busier, so busy that they have no time to draw close to God, no time to meditate on God's words. Therefore, many people suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and mania due to excessive pressure and worry. The reason is that they do not know the blessings God has prepared for them and are still trying hard to be blessed but are unwilling to draw from God's grace.
Many people are busy, spinning like a top, but God has a better method: spend time before God to receive His wisdom and strength. He will prepare everything you need in your life, and you will already be a blessed person.
Why can’t we act according to God's words? Many believers never read the Bible; how can they understand where God's intentions are? How can they gain God's wisdom? Many people listen to sermons, hearing one person’s sermon here, another person’s there, picking what they like to hear. How can they grow healthily? It is like a child who only likes to eat snacks; their body will suffer.
In our preaching, I encourage everyone to listen in order because it is interconnected. I also encourage everyone not to listen to too many people; just find someone you trust and follow them continuously. The most important thing is to establish your relationship with God, to read the Bible, to meditate, and to build a vertical relationship with our God. This is important.
Be sober and do not allow any information to enter your heart. Amen. Watching and praying will help you know what time it is now. What is most important? To love one another fervently. In the last days, there is a lack of trust between people, mutual attacks, rejection, and hatred; this is the norm. But we must love one another; this is the pattern of Christians!
As we approach the last days, those who love one another are the true believers because love covers a multitude of sins. It is easy to hate others because they are unfair to us and make us feel wronged. We can all hate, but even when we are wronged, if we can still give out love, it reveals God's glory. This is a reward, and this is something only the blessed can do. Otherwise, what is the difference from the world? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; this is something the law can achieve. But Christ is not like this. The reason the children of God are blessed is that they know Jesus gave His life for us, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. We receive this love of Christ, so we give out love, and this love can cover a multitude of sins. Amen.
If the love of Christ increases in this world, sin will decrease. Conversely, if the love of Christ is not manifested, sin will become more evident. The hope of the unbelievers will only decrease and become smaller, right? Therefore, Christians are very important. The church is a lighthouse in the dark world at the end. If this lighthouse does not shine and cannot give out the love of Christ, the world will truly lose its direction. Amen.
Therefore, we must love one another in the love of Christ, without grudging. Each one should serve one another according to the gift received. What does this mean? Serving one another means that when you see someone weak or fallen, you go and help them stand up, rather than attacking them for their weaknesses or trying to correct their mistakes. Mutual destruction is what the world does. We should not be like this; we should serve one another according to the gifts received, centering on Jesus, serving others, not for the sake of gaining praise from others or profiting from them, but to glorify Jesus and spread the love of Christ. This is being a good steward of God's manifold grace. This is not the law, but something we willingly do after understanding it, just like Noah willingly built the ark after being blessed, even though the people of that generation did not understand. He still willingly did so. Hallelujah!
May every brother and sister have this heart in the last days, to uphold and act according to God's words. No matter how those around us live, God's words are our standard. When the actions of those around us do not align with the words of the Bible, we do not follow their patterns. Amen. When those around us are weak and complaining, we should joyfully praise our Lord, letting our mouths and hearts be filled with God's joy. Hallelujah! Because we have hope, we believe that this God is real. No matter how this generation develops, we must believe that our Lord is still reigning. People cannot surpass heaven. Amen. We must believe like this, believing that we are blessed people, and let this grace flow through you!
As we often say, we are channels of blessing, and God is the source of blessing. Let this source connect with you, not to the world, which would be sewage, but to God, so that what flows through this channel is the water of life, which can bring hope to people! Thank the Lord. May God's joy and peace fill you in the new week. You are already a blessed person; go and do blessed things!
Let us pray together
Heavenly Father, thank you and praise you. Thank you for giving us such words at the beginning of this new week. In the last days, there are many things around us that discourage us and make us weak. But Lord, I do not look at this world because I belong to you. You have already set me apart from the world. I am your beloved child, and you love me. So as this new week begins, I receive strength from you. Let me give out this love and strength in my company and family. You have given me, so I can give out. Let me serve one another with the gifts I have received, believing that I am a good steward of God's grace. Please use me. I want to be blessed like Noah, willing to experience you more in this generation.
No matter where I go, you are with me. The Holy Spirit dwells in my heart and will bless the work of my hands. Please be gracious to me, let my mouth be a source of encouragement for others, and let the places where my feet tread become blessed ground. I am also willing to reach out my hand to bless more people, and I believe they will receive this blessing! Thank you and praise you. Please use me to manifest your glory. All glory be to you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.