Angels

The Right Kind of Sacrifice

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“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. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”

Genesis 4:2–5

All over the world people are trying to reach God in their own way, rather than coming to Him through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This problem dates all the way back to the first two children born into the world, Cain and Abel. The story shows us the evil power of hatred, but it also shows us the folly of thinking we can come to God on our own terms. He alone has the right to demand and dictate how we worship Him.

The story of Cain’s rejected offering also raises the question as to why Abel brought the right sacrifice while his brother did not. The answer is simple—Abel believed what God said and acted accordingly. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4).

This obedient faith is essential both to our salvation and to our Christian life. Many people do foolish things and claim to be acting in faith. But in the Bible, faith is always shown as acting according to what God has said. We can fully believe every promise He has made, because none of them have ever failed. And faith is always active, never passive. If we are not acting as God directs, we are not living in faith.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Acceptance with God only comes when we approach Him in faith as He commands.

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I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. --Psalm 34:1 Have you ever wondered why we are commanded to offer praise continually as believers? First, when we praise the Lord, it encourages others. Psalm 34:2 says, “My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” I think you’d be amazed at how people, Christian and non-Christian alike, respond to something as positive as honest and sincere praise to God when something good or bad happens to you. Second, praising God naturally brings fellowship. Psalm 34:3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!” There is a closeness… a bond… that is created when you’re praising God together. And last, praising the Lord gives you power for your day-to-day life. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” I don’t know what you may be facing today, be it a temptation you can’t let go of or a sin you can’t escape. Whatever it is, praise will help bring you out of it! God responds to your honest, genuine praise of Him. So I urge you to make praise a habit, like our Scripture verse for today suggests, no matter what you may be going through.   START TODAY! GIVE GOD PRAISE FOR THE GOOD AND BAD IN YOUR LIFE!