Daniel Daly

Who I'd like to meet:

Anyone interested in learning Biblical Noahide Faith and especially anyone curious about joining our fellowship...

Haven Noahide Fellowship - Established 2007 www.myspace.com/noahides (Associated Noahide Books Website – http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com )

The Universal covenant of the Rainbow Torah (Genesis 1 - 11:9) is the covenant of Noah. Genesis 9:1-17 records mankind’s own special covenant with Almighty God.

Genesis 9:1-17

“And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying and I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 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., And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.”

Practical Noahide Living Principles

(Introductory Teaching for ‘Haven Noahide Fellowship’)

Contents

Part One – Maintaining a Godly Home

Part Two – Employment and Education

Part Three – Personal Ethics

Part Four – Duties Towards God

Part One – MAINTAINING A GODLY HOME

Authority

In a Noahide home it is always important to remember the basic principles of a Godly life and Godly living. Firstly, it is important to remember that the head of the Family is the Husband, and thus he is the ‘Authority’ figure in the family. As Genesis 3:16 reads, “To the Woman he said, ‘I will greatly increase your pain in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you.”

Decision Making

Because the husband is the head of the Family, ultimate responsibility in the decisions made in a Noahide family must rest with the husband. It is important to realize that Noahide faith is a ‘Patriarchal’ faith as God called ‘Noah’ and not a woman, and further the genealogies of scripture are based on ‘Patrilineal’ descent, and not ‘Matrilineal’ descent’ (Genesis 5 & Genesis 10).

Communication

In a Noahide household it is very important for the wife to bring to her husband’s attention all the concerns she has for the family. It is true that wisdom lies in the counsel of many voices, so for the husband to make proper decisions he needs to hear the worries and feelings of his wife and his children to gain the proper perspective to be able to make proper decisions. Often children can be overlooked when it comes to advice, but there is often common sense in the simplicity of childhood innocence which is a reservoir of advice that the husband must also consult to make the best decisions for his family. But, ultimately, through wise counsel the husband must make the decisions for the family. The key to all of this is to keep lines of communication OPEN.

The Husband’s Responsibilities

The Husband must provide for his family. He must do the necessary work in an appropriate occupation to ensure that his family is fed, clothed and housed (the three basic necessities or needs) and has a reasonable degree of entertainment available to them. Important decisions related to the welfare of the family are in the domain of the husband as the final authority, yet decisions on the general running of the household are to be left in the wife’s domain.

The Husband must be willing to satisfy the wife’s sexual desires as well, as likewise the wife must satisfy the husband’s sexual desires.

The Wife’s Responsibilities

The wife must work in the home under the Husband’s direction to ensure that the home life is pleasant for the husband when he returns from work and she must discipline the children to respect and obey their father. She must ensure a clean and tidy home, that clothing is cleaned regularly, that she manages the household budget which her husband gives her to buy the proper foods and other household items and that she prepares the food in a way that is pleasing to the whole family. The wife must also be responsible for her own personal hygiene and her children’s and often her husband’s as well as he may be largely concerned with his work responsibilities and not have the time to worry about all the minor details. It is the husband’s responsibility to ensure he works in an occupation to provide for his family, yet it is the wife’s responsibility to ensure he is clean, appropriately dressed and well fed for his employment to ensure that occupation continues. By the wife providing for the husband, the husband provides for the wife. It is very important for the husband to entrust a degree of responsibility to her wife as this is her right as a wife to be a ‘Help Meet’ for her husband, in the same way that Eve was a Help Meet for Adam. She has a right before God to play a role for her family and must be given a degree of important and valuable responsibility.

The wife must also satisfy her husband’s sexual desires, as he must look to hers as well.

Role Reversal

It is acceptable when circumstances are difficult for the wife to also work if the husband can not find work for himself. It is also acceptable for the wife to work if they need an extra income to be able to afford the necessities of life, including the payment of a home loan. The way society is structured it is often important these days for the wife to work in a part time or full time occupation as well as the husband. Although it is preferable for the husband to work as the sole ‘Bread Winner’, if the opportunities are not available, or circumstances require it, a reasonable degree of ‘Role Reversal’ is acceptable. It is ultimately the responsibility of both husband and wife to ensure their family is provided for.

Children’s Responsibilities

Children should obey and honour their parents. Parents must love and provide for their children and not treat them harshly but with love and mercy remembering they are only children and are slowly learning about God, his rules and society as a whole. Further, it is important for the father and mother to realize that they are responsible for their children UNTIL they are married. It is not based on AGE but based on MARRIAGE. Genesis 2:24 reads, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.’ This clearly shows that children are meant to live under their parent’s responsibility until they are married. A Successful marriage is God’s way of indicating that a person has become mature enough to provide for themselves and a family.

Part Two – EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION

Choice of Occupation Before the flood people had to work very hard to gain their daily bread because the earth was ‘Cursed.’ Genesis 3:17-19 reads, “To Adam he said, ‘Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘you must not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

However, as children of Noah, we have been born into a household of faith which has been shown God’s grace. Genesis 5:28-29 reads, “When Lamech had lived 182 years he had a son. He named him ‘Noah’ and said, ‘He will comfort us in the labour and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the LORD has cursed.”

And thus, after the flood God said in Genesis 9:21-22 “The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart. ‘Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done, ‘As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.’

What this means for us as children of Noah is that we no longer have to strive to the degree humanity did prior the flood to provide for ourselves and our family. God has promised not to curse the ground again, so therefore we have been shown God’s grace. As such, we may choose an occupation before God knowing that if we pray to God for our choice of occupation and study and work hard to gain the necessary qualifications for our occupation, God has promised NOT TO CURSE our ability to feed our family and provide for ourselves. God knows that we are sinful from our youth and often betray God and others by not keeping the faith. But God has shown all the children of Noah grace by promising to never curse the ground again. Therefore, when we as children of Noah are working to gain our daily bread for our family, we can simply rest in the promises of God and trust that if we do our part, God will do his part and have us provided for.

Proper Study and Success

It is fundamental to a Noahide way of life, both for individual success and family success, for Noahides to gain an education in the Noahide Bible (Genesis 1 – 11:9) and also to then, as they grow, to learn from the scholastic institutions that God has placed in their society. Here are two of my personal Noahide proverbs:

“To succeed – Persevere” &

“Take advantage of the opportunities given to you”

It is a truth that to gain good success in life you WILL need something of an education. Noahide children need to be trained by their parents from youth to value their education greatly, as it is the pathway to success in life. I can not stress greatly enough how important a good education is to success in life.

When you choose a course of eduction, to be successful in this eduction YOU MUST PERSEVERE. So many people who are not successful or failures in life are that way BECAUSE they did not persevere long enough or hard enough. It is very very important to persevere to the best of your abilities. Success in life can be gained no other way than devoted perseverance. So, if you are engaged in scholastic studies YOU MUST PERSEVERE with these studied and be very FAITHFUL and DILIGENT to HONESTLY pass all the requirements in the course of study. You should not slacken off or take it easy because that inevitably leads to failure in life. You must Persevere, study and work hard.

Further, you need to be constantly aware and focused in life of taking advantage of all the opportunities which God, our heavenly father, will send your way in life. God is a God of blessings, but very often we need to work hard and pay close attention to all the potential blessings God could have for us. You need to be creative and imaginative. Become aware of society around you and learn the very best you can of how your own society works. I encourage many visits to the local library to read all sorts of literature which teach how your own society works and all of the programs and opportunities which society makes available for you. Take your time to look for ‘FREE’ education classes, as well as ‘LOW COST’ classes. In these environments ASK QUESTIONS all the time to people to gain as much information as you can in life. Very often opportunities will come along in life if you go out of your way to try and find these opportunities.

The fundamental lesson is this. To have success in life you need to work hard, study hard, and persevere and learn to take advantages of all the opportunities available for you, and to seek out these opportunities.

Work Ethics

When you gain employment in life, it is very important that you keep this particular job and work the very best that you possibly can in this position to improve your reputation and gain a good reference from your employer. You need to be honest in all of your working life and never take things from the office or the work environment which do not belong to you. You need to work all the required hours and even offer your employer to work extra hours if you can afford to. If there is a lot of competition in your workplace, offer to do extra hours free of charge.

You need to pay attention to all the work STANDARDS and REGULATIONS of your workplace. If you do not know what they are you must ask questions to learn about them. And don’t forget to ask for literature to help you understand your own responsibilities in the work place.

Part Three – PERSONAL ETHICS

Being obedient to God

Genesis 2:16 reads, “And the LORD God commanded the man….” Further Genesis 6:22 “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

It is very important in our own sense of personal ethical behaviour as Noahides that we OBEY God. Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden because they DISOBEYED God. Therefore, to merit a reward in the life to come (the Afterlife, the Hereafter, the World To Come), we must always have it in our heart to be obedient to Almighty God. The core of sin is disobedience or rebellion against God. Sin leads to death. The core of life is therefore found in obedience to God which leads to life. Therefore the fundamental lesson of life is obedience to Almighty God and his laws and principles as shown in the Rainbow Torah (Genesis 1 – 11:9).

The basis of ethics

Ethics consist of a mindset or array of attitudes which are wholesome, good, moral and holy. Good ethics lead to a holy life, based on ideas of Godliness which is imitating our holy creator. God is holy so likewise we should emulate him and be holy ourselves, especially as we are made in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). The array of ethical principles can also be called ‘Virtues.’

Here is a list of principle virtues which need to be the framework for the living of a moral and ethical life.

Kindness: Treat people kindly, with respect and have mercy and compassion upon them. Be friendly to them and do favours for them. Say kind words to them and bless people wherever you have a good opportunity to do so. Be kind to people in their old age, remembering they have lived a long life and contributed much value to society. Rising in the presence of the aged is also appropriate behaviour and shows your kindness and respect towards them.

Honesty: Always tell the truth, even when it is difficult and hurts. Do not hide behind a shield of lies as one lie leads to another. Be truthful and honest with people. Further, do not steal from other people but live honestly, earning your own reward for your own work. Honesty is one of the core principles of holiness.

Faithfulness: Be committed to someone who is a friend to yourself. Stand by that person, even when times are difficult. Do not be a ‘Fair Weather’ friend, which is a friend who disappears when you are having a hard time. Be a faithful friend at all times, even when it is difficult and costs you something. Further, even in difficult times in life it is very important to remain faithful to God and trust him as this shows your faith in him is genuine.

Decency: Be a decent person. Be sexually moral in your conduct and behave in a way which does not bring shame to yourself or your family. If you have been misbehaving and feel guilt, it is a good sign that you have not been behaving decently. Decent means to be a respectful member of society. Speak words which are sensible and uplifting to other people. Do not shout out inappropriately. Do not swear. Do not be violent with people. Do not degrade people or say unkind things about them. Do not slander a person’s good name. All of these principles come forth from a heart which is learning to be a decent person. Decency is the underlying principle of Holiness.

Applying Ethics

There is an endless list of potential virtues which Noahides could and should master and put into place in their life. Following God means to work at our own sense of personal ethics and apply these principles to our life. Often God will teach you particular ethical principles which he thinks are important for you to learn, mainly because they may be lacking somewhat in your life.

Ultimately, when you are put into a situation where ethical behaviour is needed, to be able to know what the right thing to do is remember the basic principles of ethics and apply them in a way which you believe is honest and which would meet God’s approval. It is important not to be double-minded or hypocritical in your judgement, but be completely fair and honest, not giving favour where it should not be given, but being just.

Part Four – DUTIES TOWARDS GOD

Study of the Rainbow Torah Children of Noah – mankind today – are all descended from the patriarchal figures shown in scripture until the end of Genesis 11:9 which is the Tower of Babel incident. Because of this, ALL mankind is obligated by the principles of the Rainbow Torah as God delivered this faith to the ancient ancestors of EVERYBODY. As a child of Noah and a member of Haven Noahide Fellowship, it is important that study of the 'Rainbow Bible' became regular part of your routine. Daily study is recommended, or at least every other day.

Religious Duties

The principles of our duty towards God are found in the Basic Doctrinal Statement of Faith, as shown following.

Haven Noahide Fellowship

Basic Doctrinal Statement of Faith

Introduction

Haven Noahide Fellowship’s doctrine is drawn from the Rainbow Torah (Genesis 1 - 11:9). It aims to set forth the legal responsibilities of the Children of Noah as elaborated in the Rainbow Torah. The Rainbow Torah is directly relevant to all mankind as all mankind is descended from the historical figures portrayed in this holy book, concluding with the immediate offspring of Noah, from whom all Noahide nations spring forth.

PRINCIPLES OF FAITH FOR THE CHILDREN OF NOAH FROM THE RAINBOW TORAH (GENESIS 1 – 11:9)

Noahides follow a day-based calender based on Lunar Months and Solar Years.Genesis 1:14 'And God said 'Let there be lights in the dome of

the sky to separate day from night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.

Noahides have permission to eat vegetation. Genesis 1:29 ‘And God said: “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant upon the earth, and all the trees that have in themselves the ability to sow their own kind, to be food for you,’

After God's own example, in a Noahide Calendar it is acceptable for Noahides to likewise observe the seventh day Sabbath of RestGenesis 2:2 'And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.

Noahides should obey God Genesis 2:16 ‘And he commanded him, saying: “From every tree of Paradise, you shall eat.’

Noahides should Marry. Genesis 2:21-24 ‘And so the Lord God sent a deep sleep upon Adam. And when he was fast asleep, he took one of his ribs, and he completed it with flesh for it. And the Lord God built up the rib, which he took from Adam, into a woman. And he led her to Adam. And Adam said: “Now this is bone from my bones, and flesh from my flesh. This one shall be called woman, because she was taken from man.” For this reason, a man shall leave behind his father and mother, and he shall cling to his wife; and the two shall be as one flesh.’

Noahides should wear clothing, practicing a degree of modesty. Genesis 3:10 'He said,'I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked;' Genesis 3:21 'And the Lord God made garments of skin for the man and for his wife, and clothed them'

Noahides should make offerings. Biblically, the offerings should be either the 'Firstfruits' of your Harvest offerings, or of only ‘Clean’ animals. It is also acceptable to make other types of offerings out of your lifes work or income to God as modern day equivalents. Genesis 4:3-4, 8:20 ‘Then it happened, after many days, that Cain offered gifts to the Lord, from the fruits of the earth. Abel likewise offered from the firstborn of his flock, and from their fat. And the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his gifts.’

‘Then Noah built an altar to the Lord. And, taking from each of the cattle and birds that were clean, he offered holocausts upon the altar.’

Noahides should resist impulses towards sin.Genesis 4:6-7 'The LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.'

God has the right to punish Noahides for their sin.Genesis 4:13 'Cain said to the LORD, 'My punishment is more than I can bear.'

Noahides should call on the name of God for assistance and in worship. Genesis 4:26 ‘To Seth also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to invoke the name of the Lord.’

Noahides should keep Genealogies Genesis 5 & 10 ‘This is the book of the lineage of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him to the likeness of God. He created them, male and female; and he blessed them. And he called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. Then Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years. And then he conceived a son in his own image and likeness, and he called his name Seth. And after he conceived Seth, the days of Adam that passed were eight hundred years. And he conceived sons and daughters. And all the time that passed while Adam lived was nine hundred and thirty years, and then he died.’

Noahides should be pacifists, not practicing violence, as God views violence as corruption. Genesis 6:11 'Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence.'

Noahides may eat meat, yet may not consume blood. Genesis 9:3-4 ‘And everything that moves and lives will be food for you. Just as with the edible plants, I have delivered them all to you, except that flesh with blood you shall not eat.’

Noahides should not kill. Murderers are put to death by own family. Genesis 9:5-6 ‘For I will examine the blood of your lives at the hand of every beast. So also, at the hand of mankind, at the hand of each man and his brother, I will examine the life of mankind. Whoever will shed human blood, his blood will be poured out. For man was indeed made to the image of God.’

The Sign of the Covenant is the Rainbow. God will never send another flood. Genesis 9:8-17 ‘To Noah and to his sons with him, God also said this: “Behold, I will establish my covenant with you, and with your offspring after you, and with every living soul that is with you: as much with the birds as with the cattle and all the animals of the earth that have gone forth from the ark, and with all the wild beasts of the earth. I will establish my covenant with you, and no longer will all that is flesh be put to death by the waters of a great flood, and, henceforth, there will not be a great flood to utterly destroy the earth.” And God said: “This is the sign of the pact that I grant between me and you, and to every living soul that is with you, for perpetual generations. I will place my arc in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the pact between myself and the earth. And when I obscure the sky with clouds, my arc will appear in the clouds. And I will remember my covenant with you, and with every living soul that enlivens flesh. And there will no longer be waters from a great flood to wipe away all that is flesh. And the arc will be in the clouds, and I will see it, and I will remember the everlasting covenant that was enacted between God and every living soul of all that is flesh upon the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This will be the sign of the covenant that I have established between myself and all that is flesh upon the earth.”

Noahide should avoid drunkardness as this can lead to embarassing situations. Genesis 9:20-22 'Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brother's outside.'

Noahides should unite as a people under the Kingdom of God - NOT under a human authority. Genesis 11:1-9 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.'

Haven Noahide Fellowship - Email Sermons Ministry

.. If you would like to receive the regular email mini-sermons which Haven Noahide Fellowship sends out from time to time, please email: danielthomasandrewdaly@live.com.au with a request to receive the mini- sermons. This does NOT imply you are joining the fellowship at all, and there is no implied obligation. It simply suggests you are curious about Biblical Noahide Faith and want to learn more. There is no cost, and unsubscribing from the emails is as simple as a request to remove your name from the list. The emails are centred around biblical noahide faith, but I occasionally draw upon other sources, including Jewish and Christian and Secular when the information is deemed of use to the fellowship and those receiving the emails.

Haven of the Soul

Lyrics by Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

A Hymn of Haven Noahide Fellowship

El Shaddai, God of truth

El Shaddai, God of love

Your light it burns so brightly in my soul

El Shaddai, Father of peace

El Shaddai, Father of Glory

Our fathers praised you in the days of old

You are my God, my resting place

You are my God, my saving Grace

Father of the human race

You have a heart of Gold

You are my God, my love most true

You are my God, and only you

Father of Eternity, the Haven of the Soul

El Shaddai, righteous judge

El Shaddai, king above

Your sovereignty lasts till the end of time

El Shaddai, eternal Lord

El Shaddai, your word’s your sword

You punish sin and every evil crime

You are my God, beloved one

You are my God, bright as the sun

Shepherd of humanity

Bring me into your fold

You are my God, perfections heart

You are my God, I’ll not depart

The rock on which I stand, the Haven of the Soul

Who I'd like to meet:

All people interested in learning about Noahide Faith - the Covenant of Noah from Genesis 9:1-17, which applies to all the children of mankind.

Two Noahide Stories

"Elam and Asshur's Lesson"

Grandpa Noah was in the vineyard one fine day, picking grapes. Young Elam and Asshur, his grandsons through Shem, were also busy picking some grapes. Just then, Elam yelled out. ‘Grandpa Noah! Quick! There is a Lion,’ said Elam, pointing to a lion which was approaching them. Noah told Elam and Asshur to stand behind him, and he reached for his spear. The Lion came closer and closer. The situation was tense. And, suddenly, it sprang at Noah. Yet, brave Grandpa Noah, spear in hand, pierced the Lion in the heart, and it died, slowly bleeding to death. Elam looked at the dying Lion. ‘It might make good food, Grandpa. What do you think?’ Noah looked down at the dying Lion. ‘Lion’s are unclean animals, young Elam. The covenant our great God has made with us does permit us to eat unclean animals, yet I feel it is perhaps not always for the best. And, of course, we may never eat the blood of any animal.’ Asshur looked at his Grandpa. ‘Why can’t we eat the blood?’ Noah came over to Asshur, scruffed him on the head, and replied. ‘The life is in the blood young Asshur. It is what sustains and gives us life. God has forbidden us eating it because of that reason.’ ‘I see,’ replied Asshur.

They dragged the Lion to the edge of the Vineyard and placed stones over the body to hide it from vultures.

‘What was it like before the flood?’ Elam asked his grandfather. Noah, wiping the sweat from his brow, looked down at his young grandson. ‘They were violent times, young Elam. Violent times. People hated each other. They stole from each other rampantly – nobody’s possessions were ever safe. And even some of the wicked men worshipped carved idols made of animals and sea creatures, even the stars and moon. They worshipped these idols and mistakenly believed that these were the spirits of life who ruled the world. Often, such men insulted those of the LORD who tried to teach them the right way, even insulting the glory of the LORD. They blasphemed his holy name and despised our ancient traditions. Men would sleep with other Men’s wives, and even with each other which the LORD hates. It was, young Elam, in truth the most immoral of times in our history. And because of this – because the wickedness was so great – God judged the world and sent the great flood.’ Elam nodded, soberly taking in that information.

‘Grandpa,’ began Asshur. ‘What can we do to make sure the world never becomes like that again?’ Noah looked at him firmly. ‘The LORD commands us to make Law Courts. To have judges who judge our communities to ensure that we obey God and live in peace with each other. My child, we must have mercy and patience with those who transgress God’s holy laws, as he is merciful and patient with us. But, if they continue to disobey, we must punish them to preserve the law, order and peace in the world. By doing such we bring happiness to the world – we continue to make it a better place – returning it to the glory of Eden. Dear Grand-children. Every time you look at the Rainbow, think on these laws, and with your children and your children’s children, teach them, everlastingly so, to be faithful to God and the laws of holiness.’ Elam and Asshur looked up at their wise grandfather, smiled, and returned to picking grapes. And another day passed in the life of Noah and those who God had redeemed from the rest of mankind.

THE END

“The Raven and the Dove”

The Raven sat on the branch, contemplating the scene below. Three tireless workers, and the older father figure, toiling away, working on the big boat. The raven heard the term, often, 'Ark of Salvation', which it seemed to understand as referring to the Ark but, as Raven's were not as smart as humans, was not quite sure.

The Dove, sitting up the branch a little, also surveying the scene, turned to the Raven and asked. 'Why is the boat so big? Are they planning on travelling far, do you think?'

The Raven considered the question before responding 'God only knows.'

Months came and went, and the Raven and the Dove, having come aboard the Ark, were up near the side window, which the old man had opened that day, as it had finally stopped raining. 'Freaky,' said the Raven, looking out. 'There is water everywhere.'

'It is all the rain, dear Raven,' replied the Dove. 'You know, Dove, if this is the only boat and all the others have drowned, then I don't think I will ever leave the boat. It will probably end in no good, if you know what I mean. Leave this boat and who knows what trouble you could get in to.' The dove considered the Raven's point, yet replied. 'I will take my chances. I mean, how possibly bad could it be? What, would they kill me or something?' 'Maybe,' said the Raven. 'But this God thing the old man speaks about, I think he sent all the rain. You better not be too cocky, or he will punish you as well.' 'Oh, I am not worried. There are plenty of doves here, and I think we will be fine.' 'Whatever,' said the Raven.

And time passed.

And the old man opened the window, and let the Raven go. The Raven flew out and looked all around, finding no safe land anywhere, so returned to the Ark. The old man took him back in, and petted his head lovingly. The Raven looked at the dove. 'I am never leaving, you know. Never leaving the old man. He has taken care of us when everything else was destroyed.' The dove nodded, starting to understand.

A little later on the Dove was released, found an olive leaf, but in considering the words of the Raven returned to be safe and sound.

Yet, in the testing of the dove, the dove was released again, and decided, because of the newness of the world - how it had been refreshed - that it would leave the man and take its chances. It would see just were its own freedom in life could take it.

Yet the Raven remained. And as years past, and as the communities of Ravens and Doves grew once more, the Raven kept in mind the lesson of the Ark and the Flood and, seeing the Old man's descendants sacrifice doves regularly, it wondered to itself just how long it would take before the Dove realized that, at the end, when the second and final punishment came, that there would be only one safe place then, and that was with the old man and the Ark.

THE END