Church – Page 102

This morning I preached a sermon on Cain & Abel titled “Wander & Create”. Here are 33 highlights:

Today I preached mostly out of the Old Testament – all the way back – to Genesis.
Cain was the oldest son to Adam & Eve. Abel was the second born son.
When Cain & Abel grew up Cain became a farmer, and Abel became a shepherd.
Cain & Abel both loved God. They worshipped Him.
Cain was a proud farmer – maybe too proud. He thought all of his crops were great.
Cain proudly brought forth some of his self-proclaimed great crops to God.
God was not enthused. He was not impressed.
Abel was more independent than his older brother Cain.
Abel did his own thing. He was the quiet one. He was the shy guy.
Abel didn’t seem to have a relationship with his mom like Cain did.
Abel had a closer relationship to God. He knew what would impress God.
Abel brought forth the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock.
Abel – the second born – brought forth the best portions of the firstborn.
Abel got it right. The LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.
Cain was shocked and stunned. He was dejected and felt rejected. He got angry.
Cain produced the first temper-tantrum in the Creation.
Cain was like a modern-day sassy and rebellious backtalking teenager.
Cain was warned by God to do what is right, and subdue his sin.
Cain didn’t listen to God. He was manipulated by Satan – just like his mom.
The rage within intensified. It soon controlled and consumed Cain.
Cain murdered Abel. It was the first act of violence – the first murder scene.
God confronted a guilty and defiant Cain.
God banished Cain from Eden forever – making him a homeless wanderer.
God gave Cain grace. He marked Cain. He vowed to protect Cain.
Anyone who kills Cain will be avenged sevenfold and feel the wrath of God.
God gave Cain a second chance at life.
God wanted Cain to realize his deadly sins of the past, and repent.
God wanted Cain to rely on Him for guidance and direction in a new life.
God wanted Cain to see his full potential in a new land.
God wanted the same for each of us while we were slaves to the world.
The God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament.
He’s the same God today. He’s loving. He’s forgiving. He’s compassionate.
Receive God’s grace today. It’s abundant. It’s everlasting. His grace is sufficient.

Today – the 2ND Sunday of October – is traditionally recognized as Pastor Appreciation Day, and we didn’t forget. We honored our Lead Pastor Bob and his lovely wife Julie with a card, a gift, a song, and a gratitude of thanks for all they do to lead us to Christ.

Incidentally we’re about to embark on a major renovation of our sanctuary that you see in the photo above. That includes doubling the size of our stage and raising it by about 9 inches, replacing the large pulpit with a modern acrylic podium, completely redoing the stage background with dark covering / shading, purchasing large flat-screen TVs for both ends of the stage, removing all of the ceiling fans and replacing all of the lighting above, replacing all of the wooden pews with portable chairs, and replacing the red carpet. The entire color scheme of our sanctuary will change to a darker tone. Needless to say our sanctuary will be a construction zone for the next many months, but once it’s all done we’ll have the look and feel of a 21ST Century Church. God’s church. God’s glory.

I’ve updated my SERMONS page here on my blog site. I believe I’m preaching my sermon on Cain & Abel next Sunday titled “Wander & Create”. I’m also writing my next sermon after that on the first 10 verses of James 4. That’s titled “War & Peace”. Here’s an excerpt that I wrote last night:

The devil wants to be closer to you – just like he used to be. He wants to be in your heart – just like he used to be. He wants to manipulate you – just like he used to do. He wants you to carry out his sinful actions – his dirty deeds – just like you used to do.

You must resist the devil and his temptations. You must declare war on the devil. When you do – he will flee from you – temporarily. Oh he’s not giving up on you. The devil never gives up. He’ll just go away for a little while, and then eventually come up and come back with a new strategy that exploits your vulnerabilities – your weaknesses.

That’s why you must submit yourself to God. Declare God as the sole authority in your life. When you do that you draw closer to God, and you move further away from Satan.

I like several verses in Psalm 16:

Keep me safe – O God, for I have come to You for refuge. (Psalm 16:1)
I said to the LORD, “You are my Master ! All the good things I have are from You.” (Psalm 16:2)
I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. (Psalm 16:8)