Clearbranch UMC
ClearBranch is a United Methodist Church serving the Trussville/Argo area of northeast Jefferson County, Alabama.
Our Mission is to ENGAGE people through relational ministry,
to EQUIP disciples for Christ,
and to EMPLOY their gifts through missions.
The Vision of Clearbranch UMC is Transformed Lives offering the Transforming Love of Christ
Series: Faith Powered
Sermon Title: Sacrifice Leverage Worth Repeating
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:4 (NRSV)
4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Big Idea:
What does the gift make of you?
Not about POSITION
Genesis 4:1-2a (CEB)
Genesis 4:1-2a (CEB)
1 The man Adam knew his wife Eve intimately. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have given life to a man with the Lord’s help.” 2a She gave birth a second time to Cain’s brother Abel.
Not about PROFESSION
Genesis 4:2b-5a (CEB)
Genesis 4:2b-5a (CEB)
2b Abel cared for the flocks, and Cain farmed the fertile land. 3 Some time later, Cain presented an offering to the Lord from the land’s crops 4 while Abel presented his flock’s oldest offspring with their fat. The Lord looked favorably on Abel and his sacrifice 5a but didn’t look favorably on Cain and his sacrifice.
It is about RESPONSE
Genesis 4:5b-8 (CEB)
Genesis 4:5b-8 (CEB)
5b Cain became very angry and looked resentful. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why do you look so resentful? 7 If you do the right thing, won’t you be accepted? But if you don’t do the right thing, sin will be waiting at the door ready to strike! It will entice you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Challenge Questions:
How can you leverage the positions in which you've been placed?
How can you leverage the professions in which you've been placed?
How will you respond when life doesn't go your way?
Worship Set:
The Lion and the Lamb;
It is Finished;
Blameless;
What a Beautiful Name;
God You're So Good