Get Connected
Click here to fill out the Get Connected Card
Message Notes
What is Authentic, Biblical Faith?
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” —Hebrews 11:1
“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” —Hebrews 11:4
“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, ‘I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.’ And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground.” —Genesis 4:1-2
True worship will always involve three things:
- Intimacy
Worship is about a relationship!
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.’” —Genesis 1:26
Obedience
Sacrifice
“In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.” —Genesis 4:3-4
“And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.” —Genesis 4:4-5
What was the Difference Between Cain and Abel’s Offering to God?
- Cain’s offering was given out of pride, closed fists, and a hardened heart.
“We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.” —1 John 3:12
“Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.” —Jude 1:11
- Abel’s offering was given out of humility, open hands, and a heart of true worship.
“It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts.” —Hebrews 11:4 (NLT)
“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.” —Genesis 4:4
“And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” —Hebrews 11:4
“Love the Lord God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all of your strength, all of your mind.” —Luke 10:27