Cain & Abel
-Cain's offering was rejected by God because it wasn't Cain's best and wasn't from his heart.
-Cain was jealous of Abel because God accepted his offering that met God's standards.
-Cain killed his brother Abel and tried to hide the murder from God.
-Because God is just, Cain was punished. However, God is merciful and God did not take Cain's life.
Questions:
1. How do you react when you feel unaccepted? Do you complain, quit, or try harder to do the right thing? Cain complained and went with revenge.
2. What we learn about humanity in this story?
-We try to hide from our sins (just like Adam and Eve in the garden).
-We get jealous.
-We have the choice to do what is right, but sometimes don't listen to God.
Noah and the Flood
-The entire human race was completely evil ALL the time. Except for Noah, who with his family, were spared by God because they were in a close relationship with God.
-The flood washed over the earth and only the animals and people on board the Ark were spared.
-Immediately after exiting the ark, Noah made a sacrifice to God.
-The rainbow was God's covenant to not flood the entire earth again.
Questions:
1. What saved Noah? His obedience. God provides a way for those who follow his will.
2. How does God feel about humans?
-Disappointment and anger that we corrupt ourselves.
-Compassion to save Noah and humanity and the promise not to flood the entire earth again.
3. What do we need to do to be more obedient and productive for God?
-Look at how we use our time, talents, money, career, relationships. Do we trust and let God lead us in all these aspects of our lives? Or do we get selfish, complain, make excuses, and complain?
Ultimately, our choices reflect our level of trust and obedience. More on this in the following weeks as we look at Abraham and Moses and the concept of idolatry.
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