The biblical account of the Great Flood in Genesis 7:6-24 offers a profound look at the intersection of divine judgment and human history. In this sermon, Pastor Drew Webb addresses the historical specificity of the Genesis narrative, noting how Moses utilized precise dates and durations—such as Noah being 600 years old and the rain lasting 40 days—to distinguish this account from the mythological flood stories found in Sumerian, Akkadian, and Greek traditions. Unlike the capricious gods of the Ancient Near East, the God of the Bible is shown to be acting with holy purpose against a world ensnared by persistent sin.
A major focus of this study is the "persistence of sin" and the long warning provided by the construction of the ark. Scholars estimate that Noah may have spent over 75 years building the vessel, serving as a visible beacon of righteousness in a dark generation. Despite this massive, multi-decade testimony, the surrounding culture remained unrepentant, highlighting the deep, internal grip of sin that requires a work of the Holy Spirit to overcome.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of biblical origins, this sermon provides a robust defense of the Flood as a historical event. By examining the narrative as a rebuttal to the false gods of antiquity, we gain insight into why Noah’s obedience was so radical. This resource is essential for anyone studying the book of Genesis, the historical reliability of the Bible, or the theological implications of God’s judgment in the Old Testament.
