I. Introduction
A. The book of Genesis is filled with shadows of the Gospel
- Every chapter has at least one aspect of the Gospel presented from the very first verse!
- It’s quite surprising that people missed it when it was written, and people still miss all the Gospel in it today. The Gospel did not begin in Matthew!
- This morning we will see the beginning of ALL the false religions throughout time
- And we will see the Gospel - the substitutionary death of the Lamb of God for the sins of sinful people
B. In chapter four of Genesis, God moves our attention to Adam and Eve’s HOME
- Adam and Eve were being forcibly removed and barred from the beautiful Garden in Eden
- Why? Because they had believed the devil’s lie, and disobeyed one simple commandment of God
- But amazingly, it did not cost them their souls - something had saved them!
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” - Genesis 3:21
- Covered by ANIMAL skins - the skins off of a living animal that was killed and its blood poured out in THEIR place!
“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” - 1 Peter 1:19
C. Adam and Eve Start a Family
- Two sons show us two types of people, and two types of worship
- They couldn’t be more different!
- Everyone in this room, and around the world, are followers of the faith of Abel, or are trying to do the works of Cain
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain.” - Jude 1:11
D. Jesus confirmed these events are actual and historically true (Matthew 23:34,35)
II. Message
A. The First Family (Genesis 4:1-5)
“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.” - Genesis 4:1-5
B. Two Brothers, Two Offerings
- Cain - Brought the fruit of the ground (his works)
- Abel - Brought the firstlings of his flock (a blood sacrifice)
C. Two Different Results
- God had RESPECT unto Abel and his offering
- God had NOT RESPECT unto Cain and his offering
D. The Difference
- Abel came by faith with a blood sacrifice
- Cain came with his best works, ignoring God’s pattern
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” - Hebrews 11:4
III. Conclusion
A. Worship is not “Do It Yourself”
B. God has a specific way He must be approached
C. Only through blood sacrifice can sin be atoned
D. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
E. Are you following Abel’s faith or Cain’s works?
For more information, contact Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig at www.biblebc.com