Depravity destroys and disobedience deserves punishment; but if we humble ourselves, forgiveness is granted to us through the Lord’s mercy. In the era of Noah, the people were destroyed due to there carnality, giving themselves into eating, drinking, and marrying. We must protect ourselves from the cultural-contaminations. Isaiah gives two reasons why the people of Israel failed many times; it was due to their disparagement to the commandments and the breaking of the pact, in other words, due to their disobedience to God’s word. Peter warns us about the deception, which provokes God’s wrath. Jesus Christ shows us that by obeying one must suffer in order for salvation; respecting authority and our pastors. To do good deeds, one needs God’s word and the Holy Spirit, since without Him we are powerless. Let’s not forget that the Lord has called us to preach his Word, to be light to the world.

The depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah: both old and young men demanded Lot to hand over the angels, so they can meet them in a carnally way. Lot instead offered his daughters, whom have not known man, but the old and young men of Sodom and Gomorrah refuse to calm down due to their depravity. The angles then told Lot to run away with his family for God will rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire (paraphrase of Gn 19: 4-24). Jonah, was sent to preach to Nineveh so they can repent for their sins. Instead, Jonah traveled to Tarshish, the ship he was traveling in was found in danger; Jonah understood he was being punished for his disobedience. For which he was thrown into the sea and God sent a fish to swallow the disobedient Jonah. Inside the fish’s belly, the distress Jonah, invoke and cried to the Lord saying, “yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

The waters compassed me about, even to the soul” he continues saying, “yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption … When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee”, this help him to declared the following,”They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy … Salvation is of the Lord” (Jon 2:4-10). Let’s look at what was occurring in time of Noah, before the great flood: mankind was giving themselves into eating, drinking, marriages. Noah entered the Ark but they didn’t understood, the great flood came and they were vanished. How does the cultural-contaminations appear? Well the prophet say, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant” (Is 24:5).

Hosea complements this by, “Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hos 4:1). Due to the previous events, Peter writes: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children … Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience” (Eph 5: 1-6). All across the bible, there are messages and recommendations about obedience. In the book of Hebrews one can read: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb 5: 8-9). We are wisely told in Hebrews 13:17 to obey and submit to our pastors, for they care for our souls. We are reminded in Titus 3:1 to obey and submit to authorities and to ready for every good deed. Let’s not forget about baptism, for Jesus tell his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mk 16:15:16).

Yes rebirth is necessary, the Lord tell us that we will be, “the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt a6:15-16). Let’s pray to God to give us the will and the power to do is his will, to glorify him and await His return. Amen.