NEW BEGINNINGS PART 1
 
The subject of New Beginnings is one of the most supernatural and encouraging subjects I have had the privilege of studying. As I was reading the story of Noah's flood I remembered that I did indeed write an article on the whole account leading up to the flood. If you are interested here is the link for you to view.
 
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/nov2005/bobd112.htm
 
 
When the Holy Spirit showed me this subject of new beginnings it was refreshing.It's what should prop a Christian to say I'm glad I am a believer in Jesus Christ because not only do I have a new beginning but I am pursuing new beginnings.
 
God was very precise regarding the Ark and the flood. He gave mankind 120 years to repent. He was very specific on the building of the measurements of the Ark. This gives me comfort because every time God tells us to do something it is for a specific reason and purpose. We as Christians quote Romans 8:28 all the time in that God works everything out for the good for those that love Him but we tend to forget the last part of the verse which says "and are called according to His purpose in Jesus Christ." Sometimes the movies portray Noah as a nut but nothing could be farther from the truth. He had to preach,construct,convert and teach his family,manage workers,gather all the animals to and in the Ark exactly,manage the operations in the Ark,watch in a very specific way through a dove,and start a new life after getting off the Ark. Noah was one of the most intelligent characters in the entire Bible and the thing about him is he endured a lot during his many years of living. He was a man that was not only used by God but he was truly tested. Obviously Noah made the hall of faith in Hebrews 11. God was not just specific on these issues but it is very interesting to me that there were nine generations from Adam to Noah. Nine is a number that speaks of an end, a conclusion as it were. God completing a matter. Nine is also the number of the fruit of the Spirit.It is interesting to me that this story speaks of judgment and then Noah and his family did bear fruit. A brand new creation started after the eight people (Noah and his family). God is exact and that as Christians should give us comfort because unlike a false theology that is going around  today God is in perfect control.
 
I just wanted to give you a background about the story of Noah and the flood which is really about protection from God's wrath,watching for new beginnings and the experience of something brand new, and that's what I want to key in on. It is very interesting on what God showed me to our approach as Christians in the subject of new beginnings.1st Peter 3:20 says 8 people were saved from the flood as they chose to go into the Ark. You have to remember these 8 people populated the world. 8 is the number of new beginnings. Just remember the word "new" as you read this article. Eight is the number of new birth and I'm going to explain that a little deeper as the article progresses. In the case of the eight people-new creation,remember new is the opposite of old. You might say isn't that a little obvious? Just keep reading the article and you will see by experience that it is a not for all practical purposes.
 
There are so many things interesting about this story and I am ultimately going to relate Noah's account to our Christian life. The correlation is uncanny. I talked a little about the number 8 and how it relates to the story of Noah; however, to take this one step further what about the number 888 and how it relates to this account. 888 means in the Bible "the first resurrection of the saints." That's the rapture or the Blessed Hope, Is it not amazing that the very name of Jesus (Issues) equals 888. This will be our new beginning (8) after the rapture (888,the first resurrection of the saints) into the loving arms of Jesus Christ Himself (888). Ham the son of Noah sinned after everybody departed from the Ark and a curse was placed upon him; however I think it is very interesting that Noah,Shem, and Japheth's names add up to 888. The numeric value was a type of Jesus Christ and they spoke of a new beginning. Even the rainbow although it was a promise by God Himself never to destroy the world with a flood again spoke of a new beginning. When you see your neighborhood get flooded with rain and you see a rainbow don't you think of a beautiful new beginning? I do.
 
Everything of the flood speaks of New Beginnings starting with Noah sending out a dove to look for hints and clues for a new beginning to actual concrete scriptures not doomful ends. So what Is am trying to say is not only is the biblical principle in the model of the story of Noah, it is directly spoken of in scripture. This is for part 2 and the reason why I think the 2nd series in this subject is going to be so interesting is because I am going to relate this model in the Old Testament to our hope that we have in Jesus Christ. It's amazing what the Lord showed me on this but I also believe it will be a joyful relief as I share with you these precious truths of our new beginning in Jesus Christ. Regardless as to how long you have been a Christian the Bible says we received a new beginning in Jesus Christ when we accepted Him into our hearts as personal Savior. We are to be pursuing new beginnings in our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ. There is a difference between the two. I will most certainly explain this in part two. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your heart not only will you have the privilege of coming to know Jesus Christ but just like the model in the story of Noah you will escape God's wrath which I believe is coming on this planet pretty soon. If you already are a believer in Jesus Christ  part 2 will explain "New beginnings" as it relates to you. Lord willing that will be out very soon.
 
Bob D.