Throughout the Bible, we see two kinds of children - one “good” and the other “bad”. Chapter 4 of the Book of Genesis gives us the story of Cain and Abel. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains what led Cain to sin against God and his brother and the consequences that followed. Abel’s sacrifice is accepted because, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. This does not mean that God rejects Cain; He goes out of His way to seek the sinner to try and help Cain. 

From the beginning, God warns His children about temptation, the importance of self-mastery, and spiritual warfare. God wants to alert Cain about the temptation that’s within and he must master negative feelings like anger, fury, envy, and desire for revenge; if not, satan has won over you. 

You are given free will and may make a choice but you have to take the consequences of the choice. After the desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin. Once sin is grown, it gives birth to death. When Adam sinned, the ground was cursed; when Cain sinned, he was cursed. The judgment of Cain came swift and terrible. There is a cycle of evil just like there’s a cycle of love. Forgiveness releases evil from the earth.

Bible References:

Gen. 4:3 - Cain’s offering of the fruitGen. 4:4 - Abel’s offering of the first-born of the flockGen. 4:5-7 - They must conquer themselvesHeb. 9:22 - Without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sinHeb. 11:4 - A better offeringGen. 15 - Abraham’s offering; a sign of acceptance with fireLev. 9 - Moses and Aaron’s offering accepted with fire1 Kings 18 - Elijah’s offering accepted with fire Rom. 9:14 - God chooses whom He choosesJer. 16:17-18 - Nothing is hidden from the LordPs. 139 - God reads us like an open book1 Pt. 5:8-9 - The enemy prowls aroundJer. 17:9-10 - About the human heartMatt. 5:5 - Meek ones will rule the earthJas. 1:15 - Person falling into sinGen. 4:7-9 - Cain kills Abel and lies about itGen. 4:11 - Cain is cursedJohn 8:44 - Satan is a liar and murdererGen. 4:12 - Cain will be a fugitive Is. 57:20-21 - Wicked cannot restGen. 4:13-15 - Cain doesn’t accept the punishmentHeb. 12:14 - Without holiness, no one will see GodIs. 59:2 - Sin separates us from GodGen. 4:24 - Avenging CainMatt.18:22 - Refuting LamechDuet. 30:15-20 - Two ways of lifePs. 1 - Way of the wicked and justProv. 8:32-38 - Choose the Lord’s wayMatt. 7:13-14 - Narrow way or the broad waySir. 15:11-20 - Commentary on Gen. 3 and 4

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you through the origin story of God’s people shown to us in the Book of Genesis. Here is an opportunity to explore the early history of God’s people. With historical and Scriptural references, each session will open your eyes to the mystery of God’s creation. 

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

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