Forgiven!

A recent acquisition is an “Experiencing God” calendar, and having shared in this course within the church fellowship some time ago, it is good to be reminded of its key teachings. Henry Blackaby, the author, followed by his sons, has brought out many related books that I would highly recommend for anyone wanting a closer walk with God.

This morning’s verse was Genesis 4:11, which brought an important aspect on forgiveness.

Cain had killed his brother, Abel, and God asked him, “Where is your brother, Abel?”

Cain replied, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.

V11. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”(Genesis 4:9-12)

What condemnation! What consequences to sin! Who can live under such conviction? Then comes verse 15. “If anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no-one who found him would kill him.

Henry Blackaby notes that God works amidst evil! Cain thought his sin and the life adjustment God called him to meant the end of a relationship with God. Lovingly, God worked with Cain to protect him and show him new life possibilities. Because you once raised Cain does not mean you can no longer experience God.

The Seven Realities of Experiencing God are:

1.       God is always at work around you.

2.       God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.

3.       God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

4.       God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and his ways.

5.       God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

6.       You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

7.       You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

The prayer for anyone who, like Cain, has sinned, is: - Understanding Father, You know I have sinned and failed You. Make clear to me once more that You are at work and still inviting me to join in. Forgive my sin. Amen.

Remember, you need to be in a relationship with Him before you can join Him in His work!