Living East of Eden: The Story of Cain

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. >> So, the last few years there's been an >> So, the last few years there's been an explosion of popularity in these true explosion of popularity in these true explosion of popularity in these true crime series. You guys are probably crime series. You guys are probably crime series. You guys are probably watching some of them. watching some of them. watching some of them. And And long ago, y'all remember And And long ago, y'all remember And And long ago, y'all remember Dateline, 48 Hours? Like those were all Dateline, 48 Hours? Like those were all Dateline, 48 Hours? Like those were all the the hits on TV, but now there's all the the hits on TV, but now there's all the the hits on TV, but now there's all the streaming services. And they're the streaming services. And they're the streaming services. And they're coming out with one like every single coming out with one like every single coming out with one like every single week. You got like my my uh American week. You got like my my uh American week. You got like my my uh American Murder, uh Maternal Instinct, The Crash. Murder, uh Maternal Instinct, The Crash. Murder, uh Maternal Instinct, The Crash. Those are ones that just have come out Those are ones that just have come out Those are ones that just have come out in the last month. Some of y'all have in the last month. Some of y'all have in the last month. Some of y'all have already watched all that.

already watched all that. already watched all that. But that's for like the late-night But that's for like the late-night But that's for like the late-night binge, because then there's the the binge, because then there's the the binge, because then there's the the podcast that you can listen to on your podcast that you can listen to on your podcast that you can listen to on your morning commute. You've got Crime morning commute. You've got Crime morning commute. You've got Crime Junkies, you got My Favorite Murder, Junkies, you got My Favorite Murder, Junkies, you got My Favorite Murder, Morbid. I mean, what what is wrong with Morbid. I mean, what what is wrong with Morbid. I mean, what what is wrong with us? us? us? Like why do we get so fascinated with Like why do we get so fascinated with Like why do we get so fascinated with these true crime series, especially ones these true crime series, especially ones these true crime series, especially ones about murder? I mean, it This is about murder? I mean, it This is about murder? I mean, it This is entertainment? What are we doing here? entertainment? What are we doing here? entertainment? What are we doing here? Now, psychologists and the producers of Now, psychologists and the producers of Now, psychologists and the producers of all these have some theories about why all these have some theories about why all these have some theories about why we are so drawn to these true crime we are so drawn to these true crime we are so drawn to these true crime stories. stories. stories. Uh first of all, we just love a good Uh first of all, we just love a good Uh first of all, we just love a good adrenaline rush. So, all of these are adrenaline rush. So, all of these are adrenaline rush. So, all of these are the mysterious and they're thrilling. the mysterious and they're thrilling. the mysterious and they're thrilling. It's like a puzzle that's being put It's like a puzzle that's being put It's like a puzzle that's being put together. And anytime the pieces start together. And anytime the pieces start together. And anytime the pieces start coming together, there's this rush of coming together, there's this rush of coming together, there's this rush of excitement. And somehow, as the viewers, excitement. And somehow, as the viewers, excitement. And somehow, as the viewers, we feel like we're solving the crime. we feel like we're solving the crime. we feel like we're solving the crime. Like we're talking about it with people, Like we're talking about it with people, Like we're talking about it with people, looking it up online. I mean, like we looking it up online. I mean, like we looking it up online. I mean, like we are part of the the thing. are part of the the thing. are part of the the thing. But there's also this part of us that But there's also this part of us that But there's also this part of us that psychologists they they recognize that psychologists they they recognize that psychologists they they recognize that we actually have some comfort from it.

we actually have some comfort from it. we actually have some comfort from it. Like in a weird way when when other Like in a weird way when when other Like in a weird way when when other things happen to other people, things happen to other people, things happen to other people, especially when all the circumstances especially when all the circumstances especially when all the circumstances are crazy and bizarre and the people are crazy and bizarre and the people are crazy and bizarre and the people involved are crazy and bizarre, it involved are crazy and bizarre, it involved are crazy and bizarre, it actually helps us helps to assure us actually helps us helps to assure us actually helps us helps to assure us that this can't happen to us. You're that this can't happen to us. You're that this can't happen to us. You're like this is like a weird outlier. And like this is like a weird outlier. And like this is like a weird outlier. And so in a weird way we actually start to so in a weird way we actually start to so in a weird way we actually start to feel comfort and secure because this feel comfort and secure because this feel comfort and secure because this can't really happen to normal people can't really happen to normal people can't really happen to normal people like me. like me. like me. But there's another more sinister reason But there's another more sinister reason But there's another more sinister reason why we are drawn to stories like this. why we are drawn to stories like this. why we are drawn to stories like this. Psychologists will recognize that we Psychologists will recognize that we Psychologists will recognize that we have this curiosity about what runs have this curiosity about what runs have this curiosity about what runs through the mind of a killer through the mind of a killer through the mind of a killer and what it might say about us. and what it might say about us. and what it might say about us. Like we have this fascination with our Like we have this fascination with our Like we have this fascination with our own dark side. own dark side. own dark side. That that we don't really want to admit That that we don't really want to admit That that we don't really want to admit it. We don't want to say it out loud, it. We don't want to say it out loud, it. We don't want to say it out loud, but there is a part of us that can but there is a part of us that can but there is a part of us that can relate with the killer. Identify with relate with the killer. Identify with relate with the killer. Identify with the criminal in there. I mean, we all the criminal in there. I mean, we all the criminal in there. I mean, we all have signs. Like you have things in your have signs. Like you have things in your have signs. Like you have things in your life that your friends would say, "Yep, life that your friends would say, "Yep, life that your friends would say, "Yep, we saw it coming long ago. They were we saw it coming long ago. They were we saw it coming long ago. They were watching all these things and they kept watching all these things and they kept watching all these things and they kept calling it research for some reason. I calling it research for some reason. I calling it research for some reason. I don't know why."

don't know why." don't know why." So we all have it inside of us. Now I So we all have it inside of us. Now I So we all have it inside of us. Now I know that these these crimes that are know that these these crimes that are know that these these crimes that are being portrayed in these series are are being portrayed in these series are are being portrayed in these series are are heinous. I mean they're horrible things heinous. I mean they're horrible things heinous. I mean they're horrible things and we can never imagine ourselves going and we can never imagine ourselves going and we can never imagine ourselves going to the lengths of committing such a to the lengths of committing such a to the lengths of committing such a murder. murder. murder. But there is this part of us where we But there is this part of us where we But there is this part of us where we recognize that there's a there's a recognize that there's a there's a recognize that there's a there's a darkness. There's a streak within our darkness. There's a streak within our darkness. There's a streak within our own hearts that we own hearts that we own hearts that we don't really want to admit that it's don't really want to admit that it's don't really want to admit that it's there and but it is there. And sometimes there and but it is there. And sometimes there and but it is there. And sometimes we give in to it in in small minor ways. we give in to it in in small minor ways. we give in to it in in small minor ways. So we identify, we relate to the killer, So we identify, we relate to the killer, So we identify, we relate to the killer, the the the the the human capacity for evil that we the the human capacity for evil that we the the human capacity for evil that we recognize is is inside our own hearts. recognize is is inside our own hearts. recognize is is inside our own hearts. Well, on that sunny note, we're going to Well, on that sunny note, we're going to Well, on that sunny note, we're going to continue on our today. We're in the book continue on our today. We're in the book continue on our today. We're in the book of Genesis calling the series of Genesis calling the series of Genesis calling the series beginnings. I've been off for a few beginnings. I've been off for a few beginnings. I've been off for a few weeks from preaching, so firing away weeks from preaching, so firing away weeks from preaching, so firing away talking about murder today. talking about murder today. talking about murder today. But the reason is the because today But the reason is the because today But the reason is the because today we're looking at a passage we're looking at a passage we're looking at a passage that is a true crime series. It is the that is a true crime series. It is the that is a true crime series. It is the very first murder ever committed in the very first murder ever committed in the very first murder ever committed in the Bible. It's in Genesis 4, and so if you Bible. It's in Genesis 4, and so if you Bible. It's in Genesis 4, and so if you have a Bible, go ahead and grab it. Open have a Bible, go ahead and grab it. Open have a Bible, go ahead and grab it. Open to Genesis 4.

to Genesis 4. to Genesis 4. As you turn there, let me give you a As you turn there, let me give you a As you turn there, let me give you a little bit of a recap of where we've little bit of a recap of where we've little bit of a recap of where we've been in the story. So we're only a few been in the story. So we're only a few been in the story. So we're only a few chapters into the Bible, but it began chapters into the Bible, but it began chapters into the Bible, but it began with God creating the heavens and the with God creating the heavens and the with God creating the heavens and the earth with beauty and intentionality. earth with beauty and intentionality. earth with beauty and intentionality. And then he creates humanity, Adam and And then he creates humanity, Adam and And then he creates humanity, Adam and Eve, and he gives them a a a job, a Eve, and he gives them a a a job, a Eve, and he gives them a a a job, a purpose to their existence. He tells purpose to their existence. He tells purpose to their existence. He tells them to be fruitful and to multiply and them to be fruitful and to multiply and them to be fruitful and to multiply and to rule and subdue over the the earth. to rule and subdue over the the earth. to rule and subdue over the the earth. But we saw last week in chapter 3, very But we saw last week in chapter 3, very But we saw last week in chapter 3, very early on in the story, they choose to early on in the story, they choose to early on in the story, they choose to disobey God. disobey God. disobey God. They eat the fruit the of the one tree They eat the fruit the of the one tree They eat the fruit the of the one tree that they're not supposed to eat from. that they're not supposed to eat from. that they're not supposed to eat from. And when they do, it ushers in sin and And when they do, it ushers in sin and And when they do, it ushers in sin and brokenness into the world. brokenness into the world. brokenness into the world. And as a consequence, God removes them And as a consequence, God removes them And as a consequence, God removes them from the garden. He he moves them east from the garden. He he moves them east from the garden. He he moves them east of Eden. of Eden. of Eden. And when that happens, everything kind And when that happens, everything kind And when that happens, everything kind of falls apart. of falls apart. of falls apart. But there is hope. But there is hope. But there is hope. God makes a promise, and he actually God makes a promise, and he actually God makes a promise, and he actually makes this promise to the serpent, to makes this promise to the serpent, to makes this promise to the serpent, to Satan, the tempter of Adam and Eve, but Satan, the tempter of Adam and Eve, but Satan, the tempter of Adam and Eve, but it actually has everything to do with us it actually has everything to do with us it actually has everything to do with us and Adam and Eve as well. So this is and Adam and Eve as well. So this is and Adam and Eve as well. So this is what God says to the serpent.

what God says to the serpent. what God says to the serpent. It says, "I will put enmity between you It says, "I will put enmity between you It says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and the woman and between your offspring and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. and her offspring. and her offspring. He shall bruise your head, and you shall He shall bruise your head, and you shall He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." bruise his heel." bruise his heel." Now this has everything to do with what Now this has everything to do with what Now this has everything to do with what we're going to talk about in Genesis 4. we're going to talk about in Genesis 4. we're going to talk about in Genesis 4. Because God promised that there would be Because God promised that there would be Because God promised that there would be enmity, hostility between the woman and enmity, hostility between the woman and enmity, hostility between the woman and the serpent, and that hostility is going the serpent, and that hostility is going the serpent, and that hostility is going to continue on now with their offspring. to continue on now with their offspring. to continue on now with their offspring. The word for offspring in this passage The word for offspring in this passage The word for offspring in this passage is the seed. So, you have the seed of is the seed. So, you have the seed of is the seed. So, you have the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. the woman and the seed of the serpent. the woman and the seed of the serpent. But in the end, God promises that the But in the end, God promises that the But in the end, God promises that the seed of the woman will prevail over the seed of the woman will prevail over the seed of the woman will prevail over the serpent. That this seed, this offspring serpent. That this seed, this offspring serpent. That this seed, this offspring is going to take a heel shot for sure, is going to take a heel shot for sure, is going to take a heel shot for sure, but is going to deliver a head shot to but is going to deliver a head shot to but is going to deliver a head shot to the serpent. the serpent. the serpent. Now, Christians read this passage in Now, Christians read this passage in Now, Christians read this passage in Genesis 3 and and we recognize Now, we Genesis 3 and and we recognize Now, we Genesis 3 and and we recognize Now, we read the story we see Jesus all threaded read the story we see Jesus all threaded read the story we see Jesus all threaded throughout the Bible. We see that this throughout the Bible. We see that this throughout the Bible. We see that this this is a this is a the beginning this is a this is a the beginning this is a this is a the beginning whisper of what Jesus came to do, that whisper of what Jesus came to do, that whisper of what Jesus came to do, that crushed the head of the serpent.

crushed the head of the serpent. crushed the head of the serpent. Theologians call that passage the the Theologians call that passage the the Theologians call that passage the the protoevangelion, the the first gospel. protoevangelion, the the first gospel. protoevangelion, the the first gospel. It's the first whisper of of what God is It's the first whisper of of what God is It's the first whisper of of what God is going to do through Jesus. going to do through Jesus. going to do through Jesus. But now, the readers of Genesis But now, the readers of Genesis But now, the readers of Genesis originally, they don't read in light of originally, they don't read in light of originally, they don't read in light of Jesus cuz Jesus hadn't come yet. So, Jesus cuz Jesus hadn't come yet. So, Jesus cuz Jesus hadn't come yet. So, they read this passage and and they see they read this passage and and they see they read this passage and and they see it as setting up the battle line between it as setting up the battle line between it as setting up the battle line between good and evil. The good seed of the good and evil. The good seed of the good and evil. The good seed of the woman and the evil seed of the serpent. woman and the evil seed of the serpent. woman and the evil seed of the serpent. And as Adam and Eve now are fruitful and And as Adam and Eve now are fruitful and And as Adam and Eve now are fruitful and multiply and begin filling the earth multiply and begin filling the earth multiply and begin filling the earth with their descendants, the big question with their descendants, the big question with their descendants, the big question is, which side will they be on? is, which side will they be on? is, which side will they be on? Good or evil? Good or evil? Good or evil? And that's where we pick up in Genesis And that's where we pick up in Genesis And that's where we pick up in Genesis 4. So, let's go ahead and read the first 4. So, let's go ahead and read the first 4. So, let's go ahead and read the first few verses. few verses. few verses. It says, "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, It says, "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, It says, "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, 'I have gotten a man with the help of 'I have gotten a man with the help of 'I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.'" The name Cain means to get. the Lord.'" The name Cain means to get. the Lord.'" The name Cain means to get. And again, she bore his brother Abel. And again, she bore his brother Abel. And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now, Abel, his name means vapor, which Now, Abel, his name means vapor, which Now, Abel, his name means vapor, which already tells you that this dude ain't already tells you that this dude ain't already tells you that this dude ain't going to be around long.

going to be around long. going to be around long. Now, Abel was a keeper of sheep, so he's Now, Abel was a keeper of sheep, so he's Now, Abel was a keeper of sheep, so he's a shepherd. a shepherd. a shepherd. And Cain, a worker of the ground, he's a And Cain, a worker of the ground, he's a And Cain, a worker of the ground, he's a farmer. farmer. farmer. And in the course of time, Cain brought And in the course of time, Cain brought And in the course of time, Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of to the Lord an offering of the fruit of to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel also brought of the the ground. And Abel also brought of the the ground. And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their firstborn of his flock and of their firstborn of his flock and of their portions. So, they both bring this portions. So, they both bring this portions. So, they both bring this offering, this worship to God, and then offering, this worship to God, and then offering, this worship to God, and then we read how God responds or receives we read how God responds or receives we read how God responds or receives their offering. It says the Lord had their offering. It says the Lord had their offering. It says the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but regard for Abel and his offering, but regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering, he had no for Cain and his offering, he had no for Cain and his offering, he had no regard. So, Cain was very angry, and his regard. So, Cain was very angry, and his regard. So, Cain was very angry, and his face fell. face fell. face fell. So, Cain's not just angry, he is very So, Cain's not just angry, he is very So, Cain's not just angry, he is very angry. He's thinking, "Listen, this angry. He's thinking, "Listen, this angry. He's thinking, "Listen, this isn't fair. isn't fair. isn't fair. Like I brought an offering to God. Like Like I brought an offering to God. Like Like I brought an offering to God. Like I brought some things from the crops, I brought some things from the crops, I brought some things from the crops, like that I worked for. Like I bring like that I worked for. Like I bring like that I worked for. Like I bring this to God, and now God is not this to God, and now God is not this to God, and now God is not receiving them. He doesn't have regard receiving them. He doesn't have regard receiving them. He doesn't have regard for them." for them." for them." It seems like a pretty fair question It seems like a pretty fair question It seems like a pretty fair question about why God doesn't receive his about why God doesn't receive his about why God doesn't receive his offering the way that Cain hoped that he offering the way that Cain hoped that he offering the way that Cain hoped that he would. would. would. I mean, what's wrong with him and his I mean, what's wrong with him and his I mean, what's wrong with him and his offering?

offering? offering? Well, look again at both of their Well, look again at both of their Well, look again at both of their offerings, and let's see if there's a offerings, and let's see if there's a offerings, and let's see if there's a difference here. difference here. difference here. So, Cain, he brings the fruit of the So, Cain, he brings the fruit of the So, Cain, he brings the fruit of the ground. He's a farmer, it's natural that ground. He's a farmer, it's natural that ground. He's a farmer, it's natural that he's going to bring the fruit from the he's going to bring the fruit from the he's going to bring the fruit from the ground. You have Abel, who's a shepherd. ground. You have Abel, who's a shepherd. ground. You have Abel, who's a shepherd. He's going to bring the firstborn of his He's going to bring the firstborn of his He's going to bring the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. Now, on flock and of their fat portions. Now, on flock and of their fat portions. Now, on the surface, maybe the deal is God just the surface, maybe the deal is God just the surface, maybe the deal is God just prefers meat over vegetables. Like he prefers meat over vegetables. Like he prefers meat over vegetables. Like he ain't about all that kale and quinoa ain't about all that kale and quinoa ain't about all that kale and quinoa that Cain keeps bringing him. He's like, that Cain keeps bringing him. He's like, that Cain keeps bringing him. He's like, "Bro, I am tired of this." "Bro, I am tired of this." "Bro, I am tired of this." But that's not it. But that's not it. But that's not it. It's not because God wants meat over It's not because God wants meat over It's not because God wants meat over vegetables. vegetables. vegetables. We see here a little bit closer that We see here a little bit closer that We see here a little bit closer that there is a difference in their heart there is a difference in their heart there is a difference in their heart in what they bring and why they bring in what they bring and why they bring in what they bring and why they bring it. it. it. See, Cain simply just brings some fruit See, Cain simply just brings some fruit See, Cain simply just brings some fruit from the ground. Right? Harvest season from the ground. Right? Harvest season from the ground. Right? Harvest season is over, everything is stored away, he's is over, everything is stored away, he's is over, everything is stored away, he's got his crops lined up, all his tools got his crops lined up, all his tools got his crops lined up, all his tools are back in the shed, and now he can are back in the shed, and now he can are back in the shed, and now he can see, "Okay, this is what I have," and he see, "Okay, this is what I have," and he see, "Okay, this is what I have," and he brings some of the fruit from that. brings some of the fruit from that. brings some of the fruit from that. It really doesn't take a whole lot of It really doesn't take a whole lot of It really doesn't take a whole lot of trust, not a lot of faith. None of that trust, not a lot of faith. None of that trust, not a lot of faith. None of that is required.

is required. is required. He's giving his last and his leftovers. He's giving his last and his leftovers. He's giving his last and his leftovers. He's made sure that he has what he needs He's made sure that he has what he needs He's made sure that he has what he needs before he gives anything to God. before he gives anything to God. before he gives anything to God. But Abel on the other hand, he gives the But Abel on the other hand, he gives the But Abel on the other hand, he gives the firstborn of his flock and of their fat firstborn of his flock and of their fat firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. So so picture like a shepherd. portions. So so picture like a shepherd. portions. So so picture like a shepherd. You have this season where you have all You have this season where you have all You have this season where you have all these baby little lambs are starting to these baby little lambs are starting to these baby little lambs are starting to get born and before this whole line of get born and before this whole line of get born and before this whole line of lambs that are getting born, he's lambs that are getting born, he's lambs that are getting born, he's starting to offer up the the first ones starting to offer up the the first ones starting to offer up the the first ones to God. to God. to God. Like he has no idea how many are going Like he has no idea how many are going Like he has no idea how many are going to be born that year. How many are going to be born that year. How many are going to be born that year. How many are going to be taken out by a predator or to be taken out by a predator or to be taken out by a predator or disease. So many unknowns. disease. So many unknowns. disease. So many unknowns. This doesn't bother Abel. This doesn't bother Abel. This doesn't bother Abel. He's not going to hold off and say, "Let He's not going to hold off and say, "Let He's not going to hold off and say, "Let me just wait till the very end of the me just wait till the very end of the me just wait till the very end of the year, kind of December 31st, count up year, kind of December 31st, count up year, kind of December 31st, count up how many I have and then I'm going to how many I have and then I'm going to how many I have and then I'm going to give all that I give a portion of that give all that I give a portion of that give all that I give a portion of that to God." to God." to God." But no, he brings to God his very first But no, he brings to God his very first But no, he brings to God his very first ones. ones. ones. And not just his first ones, but the And not just his first ones, but the And not just his first ones, but the best ones. He gives the the fat portion. best ones. He gives the the fat portion. best ones. He gives the the fat portion. This is the the choicest part. I mean, This is the the choicest part. I mean, This is the the choicest part. I mean, we're talking Wagyu Tomahawk steak.

we're talking Wagyu Tomahawk steak. we're talking Wagyu Tomahawk steak. Okay, the the one on the menu that's Okay, the the one on the menu that's Okay, the the one on the menu that's like $200 and you're wondering who in like $200 and you're wondering who in like $200 and you're wondering who in the world is buying a steak this much. the world is buying a steak this much. the world is buying a steak this much. Like Like Like that's what he's offering to God. I that's what he's offering to God. I that's what he's offering to God. I mean, just beautiful marbling. I mean, mean, just beautiful marbling. I mean, mean, just beautiful marbling. I mean, this is side of baked potato. Everything this is side of baked potato. Everything this is side of baked potato. Everything is perfect. is perfect. is perfect. This is what he's bringing to God. This is what he's bringing to God. This is what he's bringing to God. His first and his best. Not some sick His first and his best. Not some sick His first and his best. Not some sick little lamb that he knows isn't going to little lamb that he knows isn't going to little lamb that he knows isn't going to get anything in the market. get anything in the market. get anything in the market. It explains why God had regard for Abel It explains why God had regard for Abel It explains why God had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his and his offering, but for Cain and his and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. offering he had no regard. offering he had no regard. See, God could see through Cain's last See, God could see through Cain's last See, God could see through Cain's last and left over kind of offering. and left over kind of offering. and left over kind of offering. He could see what it was. It wasn't a He could see what it was. It wasn't a He could see what it was. It wasn't a declaration that God is first in his declaration that God is first in his declaration that God is first in his life. It's a declaration that Cain is life. It's a declaration that Cain is life. It's a declaration that Cain is first. He's watching out for number one. first. He's watching out for number one. first. He's watching out for number one. He makes sure that he has everything he He makes sure that he has everything he He makes sure that he has everything he needs before he gives an offering to needs before he gives an offering to needs before he gives an offering to God. God. God. And when Cain doesn't get the response And when Cain doesn't get the response And when Cain doesn't get the response from God that he felt entitled to, like from God that he felt entitled to, like from God that he felt entitled to, like God should be impressed with what I just God should be impressed with what I just God should be impressed with what I just given him. Well, then he gets angry, given him. Well, then he gets angry, given him. Well, then he gets angry, very angry.

very angry. very angry. He's not repentant at all. He doesn't He's not repentant at all. He doesn't He's not repentant at all. He doesn't change course and say, "Okay, well, let change course and say, "Okay, well, let change course and say, "Okay, well, let me just try again. I'm sorry for that, me just try again. I'm sorry for that, me just try again. I'm sorry for that, God." But, God." But, God." But, he's not repentant. He kind of digs his he's not repentant. He kind of digs his he's not repentant. He kind of digs his heels in. heels in. heels in. And yet, God is gracious to him. And yet, God is gracious to him. And yet, God is gracious to him. He doesn't punish him for the poor He doesn't punish him for the poor He doesn't punish him for the poor offering. offering. offering. Instead, he he speaks to him. Even in Instead, he he speaks to him. Even in Instead, he he speaks to him. Even in the midst of his anger, he moves towards the midst of his anger, he moves towards the midst of his anger, he moves towards the tension in their relationship, and the tension in their relationship, and the tension in their relationship, and he offers Cain a warning. he offers Cain a warning. he offers Cain a warning. A warning about what is going on in his A warning about what is going on in his A warning about what is going on in his heart and what might be happening to him heart and what might be happening to him heart and what might be happening to him at that very moment. at that very moment. at that very moment. Here's what they say as they go back and Here's what they say as they go back and Here's what they say as they go back and forth in verses 6 and 7. forth in verses 6 and 7. forth in verses 6 and 7. The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why is your face fallen? angry? And why is your face fallen? angry? And why is your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be If you do well, will you not be If you do well, will you not be accepted? accepted? accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is And if you do not do well, sin is And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for crouching at the door. Its desire is for crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it." you, and you must rule over it." you, and you must rule over it." So, God comes to Cain, urging him to do So, God comes to Cain, urging him to do So, God comes to Cain, urging him to do the right thing, to lay aside his the right thing, to lay aside his the right thing, to lay aside his selfish heart, to take himself out of selfish heart, to take himself out of selfish heart, to take himself out of the the center of his own world, and to the the center of his own world, and to the the center of his own world, and to trust God, let God be God in his life.

trust God, let God be God in his life. trust God, let God be God in his life. Because there's a warning about a a Because there's a warning about a a Because there's a warning about a a ravenous animal that is on the prowl. ravenous animal that is on the prowl. ravenous animal that is on the prowl. Sin. Sin. Sin. Sin is this crouching animal at the door Sin is this crouching animal at the door Sin is this crouching animal at the door wanting to pounce, ready to devour. wanting to pounce, ready to devour. wanting to pounce, ready to devour. And so, now Cain has a choice. And so, now Cain has a choice. And so, now Cain has a choice. Is he going to do well as God says and Is he going to do well as God says and Is he going to do well as God says and and submit another offering, turn to and submit another offering, turn to and submit another offering, turn to God, and submit his life to him? Or, God, and submit his life to him? Or, God, and submit his life to him? Or, is he going to not do well and allow sin is he going to not do well and allow sin is he going to not do well and allow sin to devour him, to rule over him? to devour him, to rule over him? to devour him, to rule over him? We see what happens. You probably We see what happens. You probably We see what happens. You probably already know. Verse 8. already know. Verse 8. already know. Verse 8. Cain spoke to Abel, his brother. We Cain spoke to Abel, his brother. We Cain spoke to Abel, his brother. We don't know what they said. They probably don't know what they said. They probably don't know what they said. They probably got into some words, maybe. And when got into some words, maybe. And when got into some words, maybe. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up they were in the field, Cain rose up they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. against his brother Abel and killed him. against his brother Abel and killed him. So, now we got the true crime. All So, now we got the true crime. All So, now we got the true crime. All right, here's the scene. The right, here's the scene. The right, here's the scene. The investigation is going to begin and just investigation is going to begin and just investigation is going to begin and just like Genesis 3, God asks Adam and Eve a like Genesis 3, God asks Adam and Eve a like Genesis 3, God asks Adam and Eve a question that he already knew the answer question that he already knew the answer question that he already knew the answer to, he does the same thing to Abel or to to, he does the same thing to Abel or to to, he does the same thing to Abel or to Cain.

Cain. Cain. Then the Lord said to Cain, Then the Lord said to Cain, Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?" "Where is Abel, your brother?" "Where is Abel, your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my He said, "I do not know. Am I my He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" Ooh. brother's keeper?" Ooh. brother's keeper?" Ooh. Not repentant at all. Not repentant at all. Not repentant at all. Then none doesn't apologize. He's still Then none doesn't apologize. He's still Then none doesn't apologize. He's still going to stay hidden. He's going to kind going to stay hidden. He's going to kind going to stay hidden. He's going to kind of see if God can figure this one out. of see if God can figure this one out. of see if God can figure this one out. And the Lord said, "What have you done? And the Lord said, "What have you done? And the Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is The voice of your brother's blood is The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground. crying out to me from the ground. crying out to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, And now you are cursed from the ground, And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened up its mouth to receive which has opened up its mouth to receive which has opened up its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. your brother's blood from your hand. your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no When you work the ground, it shall no When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You longer yield to you its strength. You longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." And so, this is his the earth." And so, this is his the earth." And so, this is his punishment. This is the consequence. punishment. This is the consequence. punishment. This is the consequence. Now, later on in the Old Testament law, Now, later on in the Old Testament law, Now, later on in the Old Testament law, the consequence for murder the consequence for murder the consequence for murder was the death penalty. I mean, this was was the death penalty. I mean, this was was the death penalty. I mean, this was a a capital offense. a a capital offense. a a capital offense. But, notice that God doesn't give Cain But, notice that God doesn't give Cain But, notice that God doesn't give Cain what he deserves. what he deserves. what he deserves. I mean, there's still punishment. I mean, there's still punishment. I mean, there's still punishment. There's still consequence, but he There's still consequence, but he There's still consequence, but he doesn't give Cain all that he deserves.

doesn't give Cain all that he deserves. doesn't give Cain all that he deserves. But still, the punishment is enough that But still, the punishment is enough that But still, the punishment is enough that Cain says to God, Cain says to God, Cain says to God, "My punishment is greater than I can "My punishment is greater than I can "My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me away bear. Behold, you have driven me away bear. Behold, you have driven me away from the ground and from your face I from the ground and from your face I from the ground and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth and whoever and a wanderer on the earth and whoever and a wanderer on the earth and whoever finds me will kill me." finds me will kill me." finds me will kill me." And the Lord said to him, "Not so. And the Lord said to him, "Not so. And the Lord said to him, "Not so. If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord put a mark on Cain lest any who found put a mark on Cain lest any who found put a mark on Cain lest any who found him should attack him. So, notice that him should attack him. So, notice that him should attack him. So, notice that Cain is still preoccupied with himself. Cain is still preoccupied with himself. Cain is still preoccupied with himself. Didn't repent. He's not sorry for it. Didn't repent. He's not sorry for it. Didn't repent. He's not sorry for it. He's worried, "Okay, what's going to He's worried, "Okay, what's going to He's worried, "Okay, what's going to happen to me now? Is someone else going happen to me now? Is someone else going happen to me now? Is someone else going to to come after me?" to to come after me?" to to come after me?" See, Cain had a choice between good and See, Cain had a choice between good and See, Cain had a choice between good and evil. And he decided to let his anger, evil. And he decided to let his anger, evil. And he decided to let his anger, his resentment build up. He proves that his resentment build up. He proves that his resentment build up. He proves that he is of the seed of the serpent. He he is of the seed of the serpent. He he is of the seed of the serpent. He allows sin to rule over him, to devour allows sin to rule over him, to devour allows sin to rule over him, to devour him, and he kills his brother. him, and he kills his brother. him, and he kills his brother. And yet, even in all of the back and And yet, even in all of the back and And yet, even in all of the back and forth between him and the Lord, God forth between him and the Lord, God forth between him and the Lord, God doesn't give Cain what he deserved.

doesn't give Cain what he deserved. doesn't give Cain what he deserved. Despite his lack of repentance, God, in Despite his lack of repentance, God, in Despite his lack of repentance, God, in his grace, makes sure that the Cain's his grace, makes sure that the Cain's his grace, makes sure that the Cain's not going to be attacked in as a revenge not going to be attacked in as a revenge not going to be attacked in as a revenge for his murder of his brother against for his murder of his brother against for his murder of his brother against Abel. Someone else out there might want Abel. Someone else out there might want Abel. Someone else out there might want to try to get back at him. And so, God, to try to get back at him. And so, God, to try to get back at him. And so, God, in his grace, gives him a mark. Now, we in his grace, gives him a mark. Now, we in his grace, gives him a mark. Now, we don't know exactly what that mark is. don't know exactly what that mark is. don't know exactly what that mark is. Maybe he just like gives him like a pair Maybe he just like gives him like a pair Maybe he just like gives him like a pair of jorts that he's going to permanently of jorts that he's going to permanently of jorts that he's going to permanently wear, and everyone just knows, "Don't wear, and everyone just knows, "Don't wear, and everyone just knows, "Don't mess with the guy with the short jorts mess with the guy with the short jorts mess with the guy with the short jorts over there." Like, you know, God's going over there." Like, you know, God's going over there." Like, you know, God's going to get you if you do. But, whatever it to get you if you do. But, whatever it to get you if you do. But, whatever it is, like the jorts there are a sign or a is, like the jorts there are a sign or a is, like the jorts there are a sign or a mark of God's grace upon him. You never mark of God's grace upon him. You never mark of God's grace upon him. You never thought someone would say that, but they thought someone would say that, but they thought someone would say that, but they are. are. are. The point is, God still moves towards The point is, God still moves towards The point is, God still moves towards Cain. Still has grace upon him, even Cain. Still has grace upon him, even Cain. Still has grace upon him, even after the murder of Abel, offering after the murder of Abel, offering after the murder of Abel, offering grace, looking for a repentant heart. grace, looking for a repentant heart. grace, looking for a repentant heart. But, Cain continues to reject God, to But, Cain continues to reject God, to But, Cain continues to reject God, to run from him, run from him, run from him, and instead chooses to let sin rule over and instead chooses to let sin rule over and instead chooses to let sin rule over him. him. him. And the impact isn't just on him, And the impact isn't just on him, And the impact isn't just on him, and him having to be will be a wanderer and him having to be will be a wanderer and him having to be will be a wanderer on earth, but actually now all of his on earth, but actually now all of his on earth, but actually now all of his descendants after him start to spiral descendants after him start to spiral descendants after him start to spiral down.

down. down. We see that starting in verse 16. We see that starting in verse 16. We see that starting in verse 16. Then Cain went away from the presence of Then Cain went away from the presence of Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord. So, he goes away, and he the Lord. So, he goes away, and he the Lord. So, he goes away, and he settles in the land of Nod east of Eden. settles in the land of Nod east of Eden. settles in the land of Nod east of Eden. Cain knew his wife, and she conceived Cain knew his wife, and she conceived Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And when he built a and bore Enoch. And when he built a and bore Enoch. And when he built a city, he called the name of the city city, he called the name of the city city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. He after the name of his son, Enoch. He after the name of his son, Enoch. He doesn't name it after the Lord, but he doesn't name it after the Lord, but he doesn't name it after the Lord, but he names it after him and his own names it after him and his own names it after him and his own descendants. And it says, "To Enoch was descendants. And it says, "To Enoch was descendants. And it says, "To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, Methushael fathered Lamech." Methushael fathered Lamech." Methushael fathered Lamech." And Lamech took two wives. And if you And Lamech took two wives. And if you And Lamech took two wives. And if you were back If you were here a couple were back If you were here a couple were back If you were here a couple weeks ago with Genesis 2, we see that weeks ago with Genesis 2, we see that weeks ago with Genesis 2, we see that that God ordained that marriage was that God ordained that marriage was that God ordained that marriage was between one man and one woman for the between one man and one woman for the between one man and one woman for the life. Now we see Lamech is already life. Now we see Lamech is already life. Now we see Lamech is already subverting that. Takes two wives. The subverting that. Takes two wives. The subverting that. Takes two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name name of the one was Adah, and the name name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other was Zillah. of the other was Zillah. of the other was Zillah. Who goes on to become part of the Who goes on to become part of the Who goes on to become part of the Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang Clan. Some of y'all, you know, you may not Some of y'all, you know, you may not Some of y'all, you know, you may not know that. First female member, know that. First female member, know that. First female member, whatever.

whatever. whatever. So these are Cain's descendants. So these are Cain's descendants. So these are Cain's descendants. And to highlight how far they end up And to highlight how far they end up And to highlight how far they end up going downward the spiral, the writer of going downward the spiral, the writer of going downward the spiral, the writer of Hebrew then records this little Hebrew then records this little Hebrew then records this little limerick, this little jingle that that limerick, this little jingle that that limerick, this little jingle that that Lamech down here at the bottom is Lamech down here at the bottom is Lamech down here at the bottom is apparently singing around his house to apparently singing around his house to apparently singing around his house to his wives. Here's what he says. his wives. Here's what he says. his wives. Here's what he says. Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Lamech, listen to what I say." And Lamech, listen to what I say." And Lamech, listen to what I say." And here's his little jingle. here's his little jingle. here's his little jingle. "I have killed a man for wounding me, a "I have killed a man for wounding me, a "I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. young man for striking me. young man for striking me. If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is 77-fold." Lamech's is 77-fold." Lamech's is 77-fold." In other words, Lamech is bragging about In other words, Lamech is bragging about In other words, Lamech is bragging about how he's been taking this how he's been taking this how he's been taking this disproportionate revenge on anyone who disproportionate revenge on anyone who disproportionate revenge on anyone who might offend him. Right? He's the guy might offend him. Right? He's the guy might offend him. Right? He's the guy who just like he goes to a bar, he gets who just like he goes to a bar, he gets who just like he goes to a bar, he gets bumped a little bit, he follows that guy bumped a little bit, he follows that guy bumped a little bit, he follows that guy out to his car and just takes him out. out to his car and just takes him out. out to his car and just takes him out. Like just total over the top. This is Like just total over the top. This is Like just total over the top. This is how bad Lamech has gotten. how bad Lamech has gotten. how bad Lamech has gotten. And all this is to show how the seed of And all this is to show how the seed of And all this is to show how the seed of the serpent and the ruling power of sin the serpent and the ruling power of sin the serpent and the ruling power of sin grows in the human heart if you let it.

grows in the human heart if you let it. grows in the human heart if you let it. And it leads down a path of destruction. And it leads down a path of destruction. And it leads down a path of destruction. A downward spiral. A downward spiral. A downward spiral. And we're honest, we know a little bit And we're honest, we know a little bit And we're honest, we know a little bit about what that's like. about what that's like. about what that's like. Like as much as we don't want to admit Like as much as we don't want to admit Like as much as we don't want to admit it, there is a little bit of Cain in all it, there is a little bit of Cain in all it, there is a little bit of Cain in all of us. of us. of us. Just like the villains in the true crime Just like the villains in the true crime Just like the villains in the true crime series, series, series, there's this uncomfortable level of there's this uncomfortable level of there's this uncomfortable level of relatability that we have with them. relatability that we have with them. relatability that we have with them. And humans have always wrestled through And humans have always wrestled through And humans have always wrestled through this. This innate what seems to be an this. This innate what seems to be an this. This innate what seems to be an innate innate innate capacity within the human heart for capacity within the human heart for capacity within the human heart for evil. evil. evil. Psychologist Carl Jung said, "Everyone Psychologist Carl Jung said, "Everyone Psychologist Carl Jung said, "Everyone carries a shadow, carries a shadow, carries a shadow, and unless it is embodied in the humans and unless it is embodied in the humans and unless it is embodied in the humans in the individual's conscious life, the in the individual's conscious life, the in the individual's conscious life, the blacker and denser it is." blacker and denser it is." blacker and denser it is." Or Alexander Solzhenitsyn in his famous Or Alexander Solzhenitsyn in his famous Or Alexander Solzhenitsyn in his famous work The Gulag Archipelago, he said, work The Gulag Archipelago, he said, work The Gulag Archipelago, he said, "The line separating good and evil "The line separating good and evil "The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between passes not through states, nor between passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties classes, nor between political parties classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human either, but right through every human either, but right through every human heart and through all human hearts."

heart and through all human hearts." heart and through all human hearts." See, they're simply describing something See, they're simply describing something See, they're simply describing something that that everyone has kind of that that everyone has kind of that that everyone has kind of recognized in themselves. Something that recognized in themselves. Something that recognized in themselves. Something that the Apostle Paul said way before them. the Apostle Paul said way before them. the Apostle Paul said way before them. Here's what he said in Romans 3. Here's what he said in Romans 3. Here's what he said in Romans 3. As it is written, "None is righteous, no As it is written, "None is righteous, no As it is written, "None is righteous, no not one. not one. not one. No one understands, no one seeks for No one understands, no one seeks for No one understands, no one seeks for God." Then he says in verse 23, "For all God." Then he says in verse 23, "For all God." Then he says in verse 23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory have sinned and fall short of the glory have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." of God." of God." See, this is true of all of us. See, this is true of all of us. See, this is true of all of us. Like if there is ever a character in a Like if there is ever a character in a Like if there is ever a character in a true crime story that we kind of true crime story that we kind of true crime story that we kind of resonate with and say, "You know, I kind resonate with and say, "You know, I kind resonate with and say, "You know, I kind of understand how he he felt or she felt of understand how he he felt or she felt of understand how he he felt or she felt cuz sometimes it's ladies, how they felt cuz sometimes it's ladies, how they felt cuz sometimes it's ladies, how they felt and I understand why they did what they and I understand why they did what they and I understand why they did what they did." It would be Cain. did." It would be Cain. did." It would be Cain. Like we understand that. Like we understand that. Like we understand that. If you think back to the story from his If you think back to the story from his If you think back to the story from his perspective, see if you don't relate to perspective, see if you don't relate to perspective, see if you don't relate to it at least a little bit. it at least a little bit. it at least a little bit. He brings this offering to God that he He brings this offering to God that he He brings this offering to God that he thinks is pretty good. Like God should thinks is pretty good. Like God should thinks is pretty good. Like God should be impressed. God should bless him. God be impressed. God should bless him. God be impressed. God should bless him. God owes this to him because of what he just owes this to him because of what he just owes this to him because of what he just brought to him as an act of worship.

brought to him as an act of worship. brought to him as an act of worship. But instead, But instead, But instead, when God confronts him on his when God confronts him on his when God confronts him on his half-hearted worship, well, then he half-hearted worship, well, then he half-hearted worship, well, then he pouts and he gets all angry. pouts and he gets all angry. pouts and he gets all angry. And if we're honest, we get how Cain And if we're honest, we get how Cain And if we're honest, we get how Cain feels because we would feel the same feels because we would feel the same feels because we would feel the same way. way. way. I mean, sometimes we view our obedience I mean, sometimes we view our obedience I mean, sometimes we view our obedience to God, our worship of God the same way to God, our worship of God the same way to God, our worship of God the same way that Cain did. that Cain did. that Cain did. He offered to God He offered to God He offered to God based on what he thought of himself. based on what he thought of himself. based on what he thought of himself. He offered something that he thought was He offered something that he thought was He offered something that he thought was valuable to to him, but didn't really valuable to to him, but didn't really valuable to to him, but didn't really consider what might be valuable to God consider what might be valuable to God consider what might be valuable to God from his own heart. from his own heart. from his own heart. And he thought it was pretty good. And he thought it was pretty good. And he thought it was pretty good. And we do the very same thing. And we do the very same thing. And we do the very same thing. Like you might think to yourself, "You Like you might think to yourself, "You Like you might think to yourself, "You know what? I'm a pretty good person. know what? I'm a pretty good person. know what? I'm a pretty good person. Like God should be impressed with what Like God should be impressed with what Like God should be impressed with what I'm bringing to the table. I'm bringing to the table. I'm bringing to the table. Like I I come to church. I come to Like I I come to church. I come to Like I I come to church. I come to church on a holiday weekend. church on a holiday weekend. church on a holiday weekend. Pay my taxes. I put my grocery cart Pay my taxes. I put my grocery cart Pay my taxes. I put my grocery cart away. I mean, I try to drive the speed away. I mean, I try to drive the speed away. I mean, I try to drive the speed limit. limit. limit. Try to be a good neighbor, a good Try to be a good neighbor, a good Try to be a good neighbor, a good spouse, a good parent. I mean, I I'm I'm spouse, a good parent. I mean, I I'm I'm spouse, a good parent. I mean, I I'm I'm bringing a lot to the table here, God." bringing a lot to the table here, God." bringing a lot to the table here, God." And when I come to worship you, whether And when I come to worship you, whether And when I come to worship you, whether it's with my money, or my time, or my it's with my money, or my time, or my it's with my money, or my time, or my presence, like this should be enough.

presence, like this should be enough. presence, like this should be enough. What else could you want from someone? What else could you want from someone? What else could you want from someone? And yet, God then says, "Tell me about And yet, God then says, "Tell me about And yet, God then says, "Tell me about your heart." your heart." your heart." Like are you Are you giving me Like are you Are you giving me Like are you Are you giving me half-hearted worship? half-hearted worship? half-hearted worship? Are you living for yourself while Are you living for yourself while Are you living for yourself while bringing me your last and leftovers? bringing me your last and leftovers? bringing me your last and leftovers? Or are you living your life fully Or are you living your life fully Or are you living your life fully devoted to me, giving me your first and devoted to me, giving me your first and devoted to me, giving me your first and best? best? best? Well, see, at that question, we might Well, see, at that question, we might Well, see, at that question, we might protest a little. protest a little. protest a little. We might get a little angry at that. We might get a little angry at that. We might get a little angry at that. Pastor Tim Keller, in commenting on this Pastor Tim Keller, in commenting on this Pastor Tim Keller, in commenting on this passage, he he says this about Cain. He passage, he he says this about Cain. He passage, he he says this about Cain. He says, "Cain is like the average person says, "Cain is like the average person says, "Cain is like the average person in church today. in church today. in church today. He's not a drug dealer. He's not running He's not a drug dealer. He's not running He's not a drug dealer. He's not running a prostitution ring. He's not doing a prostitution ring. He's not doing a prostitution ring. He's not doing anything very scandalous. anything very scandalous. anything very scandalous. He's a half-hearted person who wants to He's a half-hearted person who wants to He's a half-hearted person who wants to have his cake and eat it, too. have his cake and eat it, too. have his cake and eat it, too. Who wants to come to church, wants to be Who wants to come to church, wants to be Who wants to come to church, wants to be moral, and sort of pay God off. moral, and sort of pay God off. moral, and sort of pay God off. But when it comes right down to living But when it comes right down to living But when it comes right down to living your life, he wants to do it his way. your life, he wants to do it his way. your life, he wants to do it his way. Isn't that true of us sometimes?

Isn't that true of us sometimes? Isn't that true of us sometimes? See, Cain is the villain that we can See, Cain is the villain that we can See, Cain is the villain that we can identify with. identify with. identify with. We can relate to him in some way. We can relate to him in some way. We can relate to him in some way. Like we like to decide what's good for Like we like to decide what's good for Like we like to decide what's good for us, what obedience is going to look like us, what obedience is going to look like us, what obedience is going to look like for us, what worship is going to look for us, what worship is going to look for us, what worship is going to look like for us. We get to decide what can like for us. We get to decide what can like for us. We get to decide what can be God's and what can be mine, what I be God's and what can be mine, what I be God's and what can be mine, what I get to keep. get to keep. get to keep. And while we might not go out and murder And while we might not go out and murder And while we might not go out and murder someone else or do anything heinous, someone else or do anything heinous, someone else or do anything heinous, we do understand how Cain could feel the we do understand how Cain could feel the we do understand how Cain could feel the way that he felt. way that he felt. way that he felt. And we can imagine how good it might And we can imagine how good it might And we can imagine how good it might feel to get even when we've been feel to get even when we've been feel to get even when we've been wronged. wronged. wronged. To get revenge when we've been rejected. To get revenge when we've been rejected. To get revenge when we've been rejected. To get a little bit angry when things To get a little bit angry when things To get a little bit angry when things don't go our way. don't go our way. don't go our way. You see, one thing that all villains You see, one thing that all villains You see, one thing that all villains have in common is have in common is have in common is they're viscerally selfish. they're viscerally selfish. they're viscerally selfish. Like they exist to to get what they Like they exist to to get what they Like they exist to to get what they want. want. want. They are running after their their They are running after their their They are running after their their desires and their impulses. And they desires and their impulses. And they desires and their impulses. And they don't care who is hurt along the way. don't care who is hurt along the way. don't care who is hurt along the way. And that's why it's so horrifying and And that's why it's so horrifying and And that's why it's so horrifying and yet so relatable to watch some of these yet so relatable to watch some of these yet so relatable to watch some of these true crime stories unfold because deep true crime stories unfold because deep true crime stories unfold because deep down in our hearts, there is an down in our hearts, there is an down in our hearts, there is an unrelenting selfishness that we know is unrelenting selfishness that we know is unrelenting selfishness that we know is crouching at our door, crouching at our door, crouching at our door, waiting to devour us.

But there is good news in all of this. But there is good news in all of this. Because the story of Cain and Abel Because the story of Cain and Abel Because the story of Cain and Abel doesn't just tell us about our own doesn't just tell us about our own doesn't just tell us about our own brokenness, all the kind of messed up brokenness, all the kind of messed up brokenness, all the kind of messed up sinful things going on in our hearts. It sinful things going on in our hearts. It sinful things going on in our hearts. It also is a story about the character of also is a story about the character of also is a story about the character of God God God and how he responds to the messed up and how he responds to the messed up and how he responds to the messed up sinful things that go on in our hearts. sinful things that go on in our hearts. sinful things that go on in our hearts. You see, the most scandalous part of You see, the most scandalous part of You see, the most scandalous part of this whole story to me isn't that Cain this whole story to me isn't that Cain this whole story to me isn't that Cain murdered Abel, right? That is a terrible murdered Abel, right? That is a terrible murdered Abel, right? That is a terrible crime. crime. crime. But what's most troubling But what's most troubling But what's most troubling to me to me to me is that it seems like God lets Cain get is that it seems like God lets Cain get is that it seems like God lets Cain get away with it. away with it. away with it. I mean, there are consequences. He is I mean, there are consequences. He is I mean, there are consequences. He is punished, but he doesn't get all that he punished, but he doesn't get all that he punished, but he doesn't get all that he deserved. deserved. deserved. Like he doesn't get the death penalty. Like he doesn't get the death penalty. Like he doesn't get the death penalty. I mean, this is a open and closed case. I mean, this is a open and closed case. I mean, this is a open and closed case. I mean, capital murder, premeditated, I mean, capital murder, premeditated, I mean, capital murder, premeditated, first degree. I mean, no deliberation first degree. I mean, no deliberation first degree. I mean, no deliberation needed here. This is easy. needed here. This is easy. needed here. This is easy. Over and over again Over and over again Over and over again God graciously gives Cain the God graciously gives Cain the God graciously gives Cain the opportunity to repent. Despite how open opportunity to repent. Despite how open opportunity to repent. Despite how open and closed it was, despite how clear it and closed it was, despite how clear it and closed it was, despite how clear it is that he is guilty, God is gracious to is that he is guilty, God is gracious to is that he is guilty, God is gracious to him.

him. him. At any moment, Cain could have changed At any moment, Cain could have changed At any moment, Cain could have changed course. course. course. Like any moment, he could have decided Like any moment, he could have decided Like any moment, he could have decided that he's no longer going to live as a that he's no longer going to live as a that he's no longer going to live as a seed of the serpent. He wants to live as seed of the serpent. He wants to live as seed of the serpent. He wants to live as the seed of the woman and be part of the seed of the woman and be part of the seed of the woman and be part of God's plan of redemption to to crush the God's plan of redemption to to crush the God's plan of redemption to to crush the head of the serpent. head of the serpent. head of the serpent. It just goes to show It just goes to show It just goes to show how God extends mercy and grace to how God extends mercy and grace to how God extends mercy and grace to anyone and everyone, no matter who they anyone and everyone, no matter who they anyone and everyone, no matter who they are. are. are. Even if they are the worst of the worst Even if they are the worst of the worst Even if they are the worst of the worst offenders. offenders. offenders. So, Cain doesn't get what he deserved So, Cain doesn't get what he deserved So, Cain doesn't get what he deserved because God doesn't treat sinners because God doesn't treat sinners because God doesn't treat sinners according to their sins. according to their sins. according to their sins. Get that. God doesn't treat sinners Get that. God doesn't treat sinners Get that. God doesn't treat sinners according to their sins. according to their sins. according to their sins. It's a gracious statement. It's a gracious statement. It's a gracious statement. See, if God did that See, if God did that See, if God did that well, that would mean that the serpent well, that would mean that the serpent well, that would mean that the serpent would win. would win. would win. But God promised way back in Genesis But God promised way back in Genesis But God promised way back in Genesis 3:15 that the serpent's head would be 3:15 that the serpent's head would be 3:15 that the serpent's head would be crushed, that evil wouldn't win. crushed, that evil wouldn't win. crushed, that evil wouldn't win. See, just when we think that all hope is See, just when we think that all hope is See, just when we think that all hope is lost, that there's these two sons, but lost, that there's these two sons, but lost, that there's these two sons, but then one, the righteous one, his life is then one, the righteous one, his life is then one, the righteous one, his life is over. He gets killed, and the one that over. He gets killed, and the one that over. He gets killed, and the one that we have left, well, this is now the seed we have left, well, this is now the seed we have left, well, this is now the seed of the serpent. That's what we have.

of the serpent. That's what we have. of the serpent. That's what we have. There's one. There's one. There's one. We actually have some hope. There's a We actually have some hope. There's a We actually have some hope. There's a glimmer of hope at the end of the glimmer of hope at the end of the glimmer of hope at the end of the chapter. chapter. chapter. Verse 25 and 26. Verse 25 and 26. Verse 25 and 26. It says, "Adam knew his wife again, and It says, "Adam knew his wife again, and It says, "Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, she bore a son and called his name Seth, she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, 'God has appointed for me for she said, 'God has appointed for me for she said, 'God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for another offspring instead of Abel, for another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.'" Cain killed him.'" Cain killed him.'" To Seth also a son was born, and he To Seth also a son was born, and he To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh, different from called his name Enosh, different from called his name Enosh, different from Enoch, that uh that Cain bore. Enoch, that uh that Cain bore. Enoch, that uh that Cain bore. And at that time people began to call And at that time people began to call And at that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord. upon the name of the Lord. upon the name of the Lord. You see, God had a plan of redemption You see, God had a plan of redemption You see, God had a plan of redemption all along. all along. all along. That hope is not lost, that there is a That hope is not lost, that there is a That hope is not lost, that there is a seed of the woman that we will pick up seed of the woman that we will pick up seed of the woman that we will pick up on that will prevail over the seed of on that will prevail over the seed of on that will prevail over the seed of the serpent, that good will overcome the serpent, that good will overcome the serpent, that good will overcome evil, evil, evil, so that all to who turn to him and so that all to who turn to him and so that all to who turn to him and believe in him will be saved from the believe in him will be saved from the believe in him will be saved from the ravenous animal of sin that is crouching ravenous animal of sin that is crouching ravenous animal of sin that is crouching at the door, ready and waiting to devour at the door, ready and waiting to devour at the door, ready and waiting to devour you. you. you. But spoiler alert, But spoiler alert, But spoiler alert, the seed of the woman that comes to the seed of the woman that comes to the seed of the woman that comes to crush the head of the serpent crush the head of the serpent crush the head of the serpent isn't Seth.

isn't Seth. isn't Seth. And it's not Enosh or any of the And it's not Enosh or any of the And it's not Enosh or any of the immediate descendants that we'll see immediate descendants that we'll see immediate descendants that we'll see listed out as we go forward into Genesis listed out as we go forward into Genesis listed out as we go forward into Genesis 5. 5. 5. The true redemption and salvation The true redemption and salvation The true redemption and salvation wouldn't come until later when God sends wouldn't come until later when God sends wouldn't come until later when God sends his son, Jesus, born of a woman, his son, Jesus, born of a woman, his son, Jesus, born of a woman, the son of God, the seed of the woman, the son of God, the seed of the woman, the son of God, the seed of the woman, to live the sinless life that you and I to live the sinless life that you and I to live the sinless life that you and I were meant to live, and in a scandalous were meant to live, and in a scandalous were meant to live, and in a scandalous twist, twist, twist, his life is taken. his life is taken. his life is taken. He is murdered and put up on a cross in He is murdered and put up on a cross in He is murdered and put up on a cross in the ultimate true crime murder story. the ultimate true crime murder story. the ultimate true crime murder story. See, Jesus comes See, Jesus comes See, Jesus comes as the better Abel, as the better Abel, as the better Abel, whose life was unjustly taken from him, whose life was unjustly taken from him, whose life was unjustly taken from him, but on the third day was raised from the but on the third day was raised from the but on the third day was raised from the dead. dead. dead. So that all who who share in the the So that all who who share in the the So that all who who share in the the broken humanity of Cain, like you and broken humanity of Cain, like you and broken humanity of Cain, like you and me, all of us me, all of us me, all of us might be made might be made might be made free, redeemed, saved by faith in this free, redeemed, saved by faith in this free, redeemed, saved by faith in this one who rose over sin and hell and death one who rose over sin and hell and death one who rose over sin and hell and death forever.

forever. forever. The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 5, The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 5, The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 5, "For while we were still weak, at the "For while we were still weak, at the "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." right time Christ died for the ungodly." right time Christ died for the ungodly." That's you and me. That's you and me. That's you and me. "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners," that's you while we were still sinners," that's you while we were still sinners," that's you and me, "Christ died for us." and me, "Christ died for us." and me, "Christ died for us." So in Christ, So in Christ, So in Christ, God doesn't treat sinners according to God doesn't treat sinners according to God doesn't treat sinners according to their sins. their sins. their sins. He doesn't treat us according to what we He doesn't treat us according to what we He doesn't treat us according to what we deserve. deserve. deserve. Instead, Instead, Instead, he offers us mercy he offers us mercy he offers us mercy and grace and grace and grace and time to turn to him, to be forgiven and time to turn to him, to be forgiven and time to turn to him, to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship and restored to a right relationship and restored to a right relationship with him. with him. with him. So you might be asking, well then well So you might be asking, well then well So you might be asking, well then well how do we have this right relationship how do we have this right relationship how do we have this right relationship with him? How do we have forgiveness and with him? How do we have forgiveness and with him? How do we have forgiveness and restoration? restoration? restoration? Well, Well, Well, it's the same way that God it's the same way that God it's the same way that God the same thing that God offered to Cain the same thing that God offered to Cain the same thing that God offered to Cain time and time again, repentance and time and time again, repentance and time and time again, repentance and faith, faith, faith, to turn away from sin and turn towards to turn away from sin and turn towards to turn away from sin and turn towards Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. See, maybe today God is exposing some See, maybe today God is exposing some See, maybe today God is exposing some things in your own life and your own things in your own life and your own things in your own life and your own heart.

heart. heart. You recognize there's some bitterness, You recognize there's some bitterness, You recognize there's some bitterness, some envy, some lust, some greed, some some envy, some lust, some greed, some some envy, some lust, some greed, some pride, selfishness. There's stuff that's pride, selfishness. There's stuff that's pride, selfishness. There's stuff that's going on in you that needs to be to going on in you that needs to be to going on in you that needs to be to brought be brought out to the light. brought be brought out to the light. brought be brought out to the light. Maybe there's some sin in you that that Maybe there's some sin in you that that Maybe there's some sin in you that that you've been hiding for years and no one you've been hiding for years and no one you've been hiding for years and no one else knows about, but you and I both else knows about, but you and I both else knows about, but you and I both know it is devouring you. know it is devouring you. know it is devouring you. It's waiting for you, just crouching. It's waiting for you, just crouching. It's waiting for you, just crouching. So what will you do? So what will you do? So what will you do? Will you respond like Cain who continued Will you respond like Cain who continued Will you respond like Cain who continued to reject God's offer of grace and to reject God's offer of grace and to reject God's offer of grace and instead to let choose sin to to choose instead to let choose sin to to choose instead to let choose sin to to choose sin, let it rule over you and devour sin, let it rule over you and devour sin, let it rule over you and devour you? you? you? Or will you do what Cain was never Or will you do what Cain was never Or will you do what Cain was never willing to do willing to do willing to do and repent? and repent? and repent? See, repentance begins when we stop See, repentance begins when we stop See, repentance begins when we stop trying to make excuses, start stop trying to make excuses, start stop trying to make excuses, start stop saying, you know, saying, you know, saying, you know, it's just who I am, it's kind of my it's just who I am, it's kind of my it's just who I am, it's kind of my personality, it's just one of my quirks, personality, it's just one of my quirks, personality, it's just one of my quirks, or everybody does it, it's not that big or everybody does it, it's not that big or everybody does it, it's not that big of a deal, or I only kind of do this of a deal, or I only kind of do this of a deal, or I only kind of do this because something else that someone else because something else that someone else because something else that someone else does. does. does. But we're willing to come to God and and But we're willing to come to God and and But we're willing to come to God and and recognize that God, I I agree with you recognize that God, I I agree with you recognize that God, I I agree with you about my sin.

about my sin. about my sin. My brokenness, my bitterness, my my My brokenness, my bitterness, my my My brokenness, my bitterness, my my pride, my lust, my addiction. pride, my lust, my addiction. pride, my lust, my addiction. And I recognize what it's doing to me. And I recognize what it's doing to me. And I recognize what it's doing to me. And I can only imagine what it's really And I can only imagine what it's really And I can only imagine what it's really going to do to me that I don't even have going to do to me that I don't even have going to do to me that I don't even have an imagination for now. an imagination for now. an imagination for now. It is bringing me on a path of It is bringing me on a path of It is bringing me on a path of destruction, a downward spiral, but I'm destruction, a downward spiral, but I'm destruction, a downward spiral, but I'm ready to leave it all behind. ready to leave it all behind. ready to leave it all behind. I'm ready to turn to you in faith and I'm ready to turn to you in faith and I'm ready to turn to you in faith and ask you that you would forgive me and ask you that you would forgive me and ask you that you would forgive me and wash me clean. wash me clean. wash me clean. You see, the the gospel You see, the the gospel You see, the the gospel in repentance, the goal the goal of in repentance, the goal the goal of in repentance, the goal the goal of repentance isn't just about stopping repentance isn't just about stopping repentance isn't just about stopping behavior that we don't really want to do behavior that we don't really want to do behavior that we don't really want to do anymore. It is about letting Jesus take anymore. It is about letting Jesus take anymore. It is about letting Jesus take the rightful place on the throne of our the rightful place on the throne of our the rightful place on the throne of our heart, that he is our savior and he is heart, that he is our savior and he is heart, that he is our savior and he is our Lord. our Lord. our Lord. See, the good news of Jesus See, the good news of Jesus See, the good news of Jesus is that when you put your faith in him is that when you put your faith in him is that when you put your faith in him and you begin to follow him and you say, and you begin to follow him and you say, and you begin to follow him and you say, I am a Christian, I want to trust in I am a Christian, I want to trust in I am a Christian, I want to trust in Jesus, then he Jesus, then he Jesus, then he gives you a new heart, gives you a new heart, gives you a new heart, a whole new nature. a whole new nature. a whole new nature. Like no longer do you watch some true Like no longer do you watch some true Like no longer do you watch some true crime story, which you stop watching crime story, which you stop watching crime story, which you stop watching that stuff anyway, it's all garbage, but that stuff anyway, it's all garbage, but that stuff anyway, it's all garbage, but no longer do you watch that and kind of no longer do you watch that and kind of no longer do you watch that and kind of identify with the killer.

identify with the killer. identify with the killer. To relate to the criminal in there To relate to the criminal in there To relate to the criminal in there because that's not you anymore. because that's not you anymore. because that's not you anymore. When you become a follower of Jesus, you When you become a follower of Jesus, you When you become a follower of Jesus, you are now a new person. are now a new person. are now a new person. You're not a guilty criminal, the curse You're not a guilty criminal, the curse You're not a guilty criminal, the curse of sin is is done. of sin is is done. of sin is is done. The darkness inside you has been shined The darkness inside you has been shined The darkness inside you has been shined on by the light of Jesus and now you are on by the light of Jesus and now you are on by the light of Jesus and now you are a new person. a new person. a new person. The Holy Spirit, the power of God now is The Holy Spirit, the power of God now is The Holy Spirit, the power of God now is living in you and giving you the ability living in you and giving you the ability living in you and giving you the ability to to resist the the crouching ravenous to to resist the the crouching ravenous to to resist the the crouching ravenous animal of sin that seeks to devour and animal of sin that seeks to devour and animal of sin that seeks to devour and destroy you. destroy you. destroy you. You are a son or daughter of the king, You are a son or daughter of the king, You are a son or daughter of the king, redeemed and loved. redeemed and loved. redeemed and loved. So, wherever you find yourself today, So, wherever you find yourself today, So, wherever you find yourself today, whether you are a long-time follower of whether you are a long-time follower of whether you are a long-time follower of Jesus who has repented and turned back Jesus who has repented and turned back Jesus who has repented and turned back to Jesus a million times and today is to Jesus a million times and today is to Jesus a million times and today is just a million one. just a million one. just a million one. Or maybe this is the very first time Or maybe this is the very first time Or maybe this is the very first time where you realize, I need something else where you realize, I need something else where you realize, I need something else outside of me. Like I need Jesus to save outside of me. Like I need Jesus to save outside of me. Like I need Jesus to save me and I want to give my life to him. me and I want to give my life to him. me and I want to give my life to him. You should know this.

You should know this. You should know this. God welcomes you. God welcomes you. God welcomes you. When you are tired of living for When you are tired of living for When you are tired of living for yourself, you're tired of of a cycle of yourself, you're tired of of a cycle of yourself, you're tired of of a cycle of sin, Jesus welcomes you. sin, Jesus welcomes you. sin, Jesus welcomes you. And he's not going to hold your sin And he's not going to hold your sin And he's not going to hold your sin against you any longer because he put it against you any longer because he put it against you any longer because he put it up on the cross with Jesus. Instead, up on the cross with Jesus. Instead, up on the cross with Jesus. Instead, he's going to meet you with grace and he's going to meet you with grace and he's going to meet you with grace and mercy and love. So, would you run to him mercy and love. So, would you run to him mercy and love. So, would you run to him today? today? today? I'm going to invite you to bow with me. I'm going to invite you to bow with me. I'm going to invite you to bow with me. And for those of you today that maybe And for those of you today that maybe And for those of you today that maybe today is the first day that you are today is the first day that you are today is the first day that you are going to trust in Jesus and give your going to trust in Jesus and give your going to trust in Jesus and give your life to him, well, there is no better life to him, well, there is no better life to him, well, there is no better moment than right now. moment than right now. moment than right now. No better day than today. No better day than today. No better day than today. And so, if you want to give your life to And so, if you want to give your life to And so, if you want to give your life to him, him, him, then in the quietness of your own heart, then in the quietness of your own heart, then in the quietness of your own heart, prayers from your own words, you can prayers from your own words, you can prayers from your own words, you can come to God and say something like, come to God and say something like, come to God and say something like, Father, I realize that I have sinned Father, I realize that I have sinned Father, I realize that I have sinned against you. against you. against you. That I have sinned and fallen short of That I have sinned and fallen short of That I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. the glory of God. the glory of God. And it has separated me from you and it And it has separated me from you and it And it has separated me from you and it is taking me down a path of destruction is taking me down a path of destruction is taking me down a path of destruction and I don't want it anymore.

and I don't want it anymore. and I don't want it anymore. And so, I I to you. And so, I I to you. And so, I I to you. I trust in Jesus. I declare my faith in I trust in Jesus. I declare my faith in I trust in Jesus. I declare my faith in him that his life, his death, his him that his life, his death, his him that his life, his death, his resurrection was for me. resurrection was for me. resurrection was for me. That I could be resurrected to new life That I could be resurrected to new life That I could be resurrected to new life and experience all that you have for me. and experience all that you have for me. and experience all that you have for me. Not because of my goodness, but because Not because of my goodness, but because Not because of my goodness, but because of the goodness of Jesus on my behalf. of the goodness of Jesus on my behalf. of the goodness of Jesus on my behalf. Would you be my Lord and my savior? And if you prayed a prayer like that, And if you prayed a prayer like that, well then the good news is that Jesus well then the good news is that Jesus well then the good news is that Jesus has brought you home. And now is the time to begin walking And now is the time to begin walking with him. with him. with him. To live the life of continual repentance To live the life of continual repentance To live the life of continual repentance and faith. Over and over again receiving and faith. Over and over again receiving and faith. Over and over again receiving the mercy that God has for you as you the mercy that God has for you as you the mercy that God has for you as you continue to grow into his likeness. Father, we thank you for your patience. Father, we thank you for your patience. Your grace towards us. Your grace towards us. Your grace towards us. Your willingness to forgive over and Your willingness to forgive over and Your willingness to forgive over and over and over again. To welcome us home. over and over again. To welcome us home. over and over again. To welcome us home. Even in those moments when we find Even in those moments when we find Even in those moments when we find ourselves pulling away, rejecting you ourselves pulling away, rejecting you ourselves pulling away, rejecting you just in the small little corners of our just in the small little corners of our just in the small little corners of our hearts or in the big ways where we were hearts or in the big ways where we were hearts or in the big ways where we were full on running from you. That you offer full on running from you. That you offer full on running from you. That you offer us us us the invitation to return.

the invitation to return. the invitation to return. And so for some of us in this room And so for some of us in this room And so for some of us in this room today, today, today, we're returning. we're returning. we're returning. We've known you at some point, but yet We've known you at some point, but yet We've known you at some point, but yet we find ourselves slipping and running we find ourselves slipping and running we find ourselves slipping and running from you and not putting you at the from you and not putting you at the from you and not putting you at the center of our life and giving you our center of our life and giving you our center of our life and giving you our first and our best. And so God, we first and our best. And so God, we first and our best. And so God, we return. return. return. We trust in you once again. Would you We trust in you once again. Would you We trust in you once again. Would you restore us and forgive us and make us restore us and forgive us and make us restore us and forgive us and make us new once again? new once again? new once again? And I do also pray for those in this And I do also pray for those in this And I do also pray for those in this room who are still wrestling with what room who are still wrestling with what room who are still wrestling with what they believe they believe they believe about Jesus, about who they are and how about Jesus, about who they are and how about Jesus, about who they are and how you want to relate to them. I pray that you want to relate to them. I pray that you want to relate to them. I pray that you would stir in their hearts you would stir in their hearts you would stir in their hearts >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> some questions, a curiosity >> some questions, a curiosity >> some questions, a curiosity about the God of the universe who came about the God of the universe who came about the God of the universe who came to live among them, to be the the son of to live among them, to be the the son of to live among them, to be the the son of God, the seed of the woman. And that they would eventually at some And that they would eventually at some point through the power of your spirit point through the power of your spirit point through the power of your spirit moving in them, turn to you and give moving in them, turn to you and give moving in them, turn to you and give their life to you and find that there is their life to you and find that there is their life to you and find that there is no better way to live, no better no better way to live, no better no better way to live, no better relationship they could have on this relationship they could have on this relationship they could have on this earth than to know the God of the earth than to know the God of the earth than to know the God of the universe loves them.

universe loves them. universe loves them. So, would you draw them? So, would you draw them? So, would you draw them? Undeniably draw them. Whether it's in Undeniably draw them. Whether it's in Undeniably draw them. Whether it's in this moment or this week or this year, this moment or this week or this year, this moment or this week or this year, God, would you draw your children to God, would you draw your children to God, would you draw your children to yourself? yourself? yourself? And we give you all the thanks and the And we give you all the thanks and the And we give you all the thanks and the praise for your glory, for your mercy, praise for your glory, for your mercy, praise for your glory, for your mercy, for your love for us. for your love for us. for your love for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.