When it comes to giving our offering we are reminded about the offerings of Cain in Abel in the book of Genesis 4:3-6.
Cain and Abel were born after their parents had been banished from the Garden of Eden. Giving in Faith
When it comes to giving our offering we are reminded about the offerings of Cain in Abel in the book of Genesis 4:3-6.
Cain and Abel were born after their parents had been banished from the Garden of Eden.
When the day came to make an offering to God
God accepted Abel's offering with favor, but He rejected Cain's offering. It wasn't due to a preference of meat over vegetables, but rather that Abel had brought the best that he possibly could, and had done it with faith. How do we know this? Turn your Bibles to Hebrews 11:4.
“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did.” His sacrifice was better not because of the sacrifice itself, but because he gave in faith.
Cain brought his offering grudgingly. The very same offering would have been accepted if it had been the best that he could do, and if he had offered it with faith.
Cain looked at God as one who is mighty and strict and requiring him to obey, or he will be punished.
Abel looked at God as his Master who loved him, and obeyed God's commands with faith.
This is why the writer of Hebrews Abel an example of a man with faith in the book of Hebrews.
“And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” Hebrews 11:4
With this in mind, let us then:
Whatever we give: our time, or money --- we sacrifice our comfort and welfare for the work of God.
Whatever we give: whether you do the work of visiting the sick, spreading the good news, or giving to those who are in need. It begins as a SACRIFICE, then the more we do it, the closer we come to Christ. Then we will realize that the Holy Spirit is working with us. Then heavenly joy comes to your heart. Then you long for the Holy Spirit in our life, and and look forward for the next opportunity to serve and to give.
If you want to learn more about the Gospel and have that desire to make Jesus Christ as the foundation of your faith and your life, I invite you to study the lessons that we offer at http://www.tobechristian.org.
If you happen to be in Las Vegas, please give me a call. My number is 702-249-2553 or 702-656-2241. All I ask is one hour study each day, for 3 or 4 days. Many of those who truly seek the truth have heard about Jesus Christ, but they needed to know and hear His words that will give them faith. We will study the Gospel using a Seeker's Guide that will help you connect the dots and discover the mystery of the Gospel.
TERRY B DENIS