Brownwood is described by many as the buckle of the Bible belt. At one time, the city had more churches per capita than any other town in Texas. It is home to Howard Payne University, a school affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which trains ministerial students before they head to seminary.
Despite the many good things about Brownwood in terms of churches, outreach, civic and benevolent organizations, many people still struggle in their personal lives. One doesn't have to look far to find people who are hurting.
People need the Lord. However, if we are going to lead people to the Lord, we must turn to the Lord ourselves. Series starts Jan. 1. Scripture references will be from Nehemiah.
In Genesis 4, Cain brought God an offering of the fruits of the ground, but Abel brought the firstlings of his flock. The Bible says that God had respect unto Abel and his offering, but unto Cain and his offering God had no respect.
Many people have theorized why God respected Abel's offering, but not Cain's. Popular reasons include that Cain's vegetables weren't of the highest quality. Others theorize that Abel's sacrifice of lambs was a blood sacrifice, which God preferred over Cain's vegetable offering. The truth is that the Bible doesn't really support either of those positions.
However, Hebrews 11:4 says "By Faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice." What separated Abel's offering from Cain's is that Abel's sacrifice was made by faith. Abel had faith in God. Cain did not.
What, then, is faith? Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:6, which says "But without faith it is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
Faith means that you believe God exists. It doesn't just mean that you believe that there is a higher power or divinity, but that you believe in the God of the Bible. Given the fact that both Cain and Abel interacted with God, I think it is safe to say both men believed in God's existence.
Faith also means trusting God. In Hebrews 11:6, it says you must believe God rewards those who seek Him. You may believe God exists, but do you trust Him? Do you trust Him to save you? To protect you? To provide for you? Do you trust Him? Or like Cain, do you harbor resentment for God?
Resentment toward God hinders faith, and leads to conflict with God and His people... and that's a conflict no one will win. Cain went on to kill Abel, and God took vengeance on Cain. If you harbor resentment toward God, you will sin against Him... in fact you are already in sin.
On the other hand, if others are persecuting you for your faith, know that they are not fighting you... they are fighting God. That is a fight they cannot win.
