fromthepreacherspc

THE WAY OF CAIN

By Tom Moore

Inspiration declares, “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain…” (Jude 11). The word “woe” is a denunciation. Here Jude is condemning anyone who would go “the way of Cain,” that is, to travel his path to destruction. Cain was a man who had heart trouble, he wanted to do things his own way, without any or little concern for what God wanted.

Solomon taught, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Pro. 23:7). Jesus said, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Mat. 12:34-35). A man’s heart, in the Bible sense, is a man’s mind. A man is what he thinks. Therefore, we need to heed seriously Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” We must give every effort to keep our hearts or minds pure. Our destiny depends on it!

Because of the importance of our heart condition, let us consider the “Way of Cain,” and discover what his heart problem led to.

Cain’s heart problem lead to vain worship. “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering” (Gen. 4:3-5a). There are those today who contend that it doesn’t matter how we worship God so long as we do it some way. Many today, even in the church, are trying to change the New Testament pattern of worship. Many are trying to bring in the instrument, choirs, singing groups, hand clapping and hand waving, etc. Worshiping God is not commendable, unless it is pleasing unto God. Are we worshipping to please ourselves or God?

The Bible tells us that all worship is not pleasing unto the Lord. “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). Thus, there is
worship that is pleasing unto God and worship that is not. Jesus taught, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). As Nadab and Abihu found out, when unauthorized worship is preformed God is not held in reverence and not glorified (Lev. 10:3), and as a result, God is not pleased (Lev. 10:1-2). God had no respect for, nor approval, of Cain’s worship, for it was neither in truth (according to God’s commands) nor spirit (the right attitude). Cain’s attitude was: “Please me first, God second.”

Cain’s heart problem led to anger. “And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Gen. 4:5b). When Cain realized that his worship was not pleasing to God, he didn’t change – he got mad! Cain had no sorrow for sin. Cain was resentful and pouted, instead of being penitent. Too many are like this in the church today. Cain’s anger then shifted to his brother. Isn’t that the way people usually act, when they do wrong they get mad at somebody else. Anger and ill-will are like a swarm of killer bees, they attack the victim with no mercy. Cain had no reason to be angry, he had no one to blame but himself. “Be afraid of the sword for yourselves; For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, That you may know there is a judgment.” (Job 19:29). Solomon said, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools” (Eccl. 7:9). It is true that we will all get angry from time to time, but “be ye angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26). Uncontrolled anger leads to even more sin, and in the case of Cain it was murder.

Cain’s heart problem led to his refusal to listen to God. “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Gen. 4:7). The Lord warned Cain, but he refused to listen. Many today are refusing to heed the warning of God. The following could be said of many today: “Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not” (Jer. 5:21). We must heed the words of the prophet of old, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23).

Cain’s heart problem led to murder. “Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him” (Gen. 4:8). Cain’s heart problem grew worse and worse. It began with vain worship, moved to anger, and then to murder. Most people would be appalled at this action of Cain. But consider 1 John 3:15, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” Are we murderers?

Cain’s heart problem led to deceit and dishonesty. “Then the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? He said, I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper” (Gen. 4:9)? Evil hearts causes sin to multiply. Cain tries to cover his tracts, but “be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). You might be able to hid it for a while, but sooner or later it will be made manifest. Note to that when one lies about an action, he knows it is wrong, or he wouldn’t lie. Those who are involved in deceit and dishonesty are children of the devil (Jn. 8:44).

Cain’s heart problem led to punishment. “So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth” (Gen. 4:11-12). Cain failed to count the cost of his actions. He, like so many, forgot that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Paul said, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal. 6:7-8). Punishment awaits all the disobedient (Rom. 2:8).

Cain’s heart problem led to a heavy burden. “And Cain said to the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Gen. 4:13)! Unforgiven sin is a load too heavy for ANY man to bear. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mat. 11:28-30). Many realize this too late. Cain lived in the bitterness of Romans 6:23, instead of the blessings of Romans 8:1. Don’t try to bear the load yourself, it more than you can lift!

Cain’s heart problem led to separation from God. “And Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden” (Gen. 4:16). It was a sorrowful day for Cain when he left the presence of the Lord. Friends, this is where heart problems ultimately lead – away from God. “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain…” (Jude 11). May we never follow the way of  Cain.

WHAT OUR YOUTH REALLY NEED

There is much reason for concern today as to what our young people are being taught, and how they are being led.  Are they really being rooted and grounded in the faith?  Are they being taught the truth on the distinctive nature of the church, instrumental music, miracles, creation vs. evolution, authority of elders, the work and worship of the church—and a host of other crucial issues that separate the body of Christ from religions of man?  Beloved, just because we who are older in the faith may know the answers to these problems does not mean our youth automatically do!  Only by properly training our young people can we guard against their loss.  Entertainment and spiritual candy will not cut it!  Let’s look at four things today that our youth really need, things that I fear they are not getting in many places.

Our Youth Need Pure Bible Teaching!

Though young people have special trials and temptations peculiar to their age, the answer is not entertainment and pabulum!  The answer to overcoming sin is the same for everybody: “By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer” (Psalm 17:4).  Concerning the righteous man, the Psalmist says, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (Psalm 37:31).  How do we overcome sin and temptation?  By hiding God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).  Our youth need to be taught the Bible so that they will be strengthened in faith (Romans 10:17) and mature as Christians (I Peter 2:1-2; II Peter 3:18), rather than be tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) and destroyed (Hosea 4:6).  “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9).  We must not be afraid to teach our young strong Bible sermons.  They need to hear these things to build a strong church for the future.

Our Youth Need To Be Taught To Respect Authority

A failure to respect authority is disastrous (Leviticus 10:1-2; II Samuel 6).  God has placed authority in the home (Ephesians 6:1), in governments (Romans 13:1-7), and in the church (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28), and failure to respect any of these is sinful.  Even when we do not agree with the expedient decisions of those in authority, we must respect them and not rebel.  One reason ancient Israel went from “scarlet to dunghill” (Lamentation 4:5) is that “the faces of elders were not honored” (Lamentation 5:12).  Our youth need to be taught to respect those in authority, even when they disagree with them.

Our Youth Need to be Taught to Consider the Consequences of Their Actions

Being able to look ahead, and to understand thevalue of Bible Study, properly chosen friends, selecting a Christian mate, andso forth, is true wisdom.  Paul tells us that “whatsoever a man sows, that shallhe also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Moses’ comment in Deuteronomy 32:29 is priceless: “Oh, that they were wise, that they would understand this, that theywould consider the latter end.”  Ouryouth need to be drilled to look ahead, think ahead, plan ahead—“If I dothis, what will be the result?”  We willotherwise one day look back and ask ourselves, “What reward did I get fromthose things of which I am now ashamed?” (Romans 6:21).  The attitude of “Well, I’ll do what I want towhen I want to do it and nobody is going to stop me” will lead straight to thepig-pen (Luke 15:16).  In Ecclesiastes11:9, Solomon says, in essence: “Go ahead, youth, enjoy ourselves.  Live it up. Follow your heart and whatever your eyes see that you want, go after it.”  But then comes the punch line: “But know thou, that for all these things Godwill bring thee into judgment.” Learning to consider the results is something we all need to do.  But, prayerfully, many of our youth will learn it while yet young.

Our Youth Need A Good Example from Parents and Old Christians

Paul wrote, “Noneof us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7).  Christian parents are spiritual criminals when they smoke, drink, curse, lie, dress immodestly, etc., in front of their children.

These parents may think such is having no effect upon their children, but they could not be more wrong.  Parents are to raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), and are a large part of that is setting the proper example.

We need more parents like Abraham, who God said “will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord” (Genesis 18:19).  We need more fathers like Joshua, who declared that he and his house would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).  We need more mothers like Hannah, who said concerning her son, “I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life” (I Samuel 1:11).  We need fewer parents like Eli, whose “sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (I Samuel 3:13); or like Aaron, whose flippant attitude toward God’s laws rubbed off on his sons (see Exodus 32:24; Leviticus 10:1-2).  When we have mothers like Lois and Eunice, we will have sons like Timothy (II Timothy 1:5; 3:14,15).

Children, with their implicit, unconditional trust in their parents, will learn early to love the things Mom and Dad love, and hate the things Mom and Dad hate.  Thus, when Christian parents show that their first love is God and His Word, likely the children will learn to love spiritual things, too.  If we show, even subconsciously, that we are more interested in the world and earthly junk than the Lord’s cause, do not be surprised if the children grow up the same way.  “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  Our youth need the proper example in lifestyle and attitude from older Christians.

An important question for us to consider is, “How ought the Christian to exercise care in forming political opinions?” One need not look very hard to see that our nation is in trouble, and that changes must be made. Our nation has fallen into an all time low in sin and immorality. Our economy is suffering and welfare recipients are increasing an alarming rate. People are losing their homes and small businesses are in trouble. How can we change the current trend!

Solomon, in the long ago, declared, “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Pro. 14:34). “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness” (Pro. 16:12). The Psalmist affirmed, “Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psa. 33:12). “The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, Even all the nations that forget God” (Psa. 9:17). Remember, “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). It is easy to see that America as a whole has forgotten God and has refused righteousness. This is our nation’s number one problem.

America must return to its Christian roots and righteousness must be the foundation of a Christian’s political opinions. Remember, “Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness” (Ps. 119:172). The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Scripture declares, “My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 Jn. 3:7). Thus, as we form our political opinions the word of God must be our guide.

As we develop our political opinions our major concerns should not be the budget, the welfare system, tax reform, health care, etc. – We need to be concerned with moral issues!  We must be concerned with righteousness. The scriptures give us insight into the type of men we should be looking for to rule our nation. “Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens” (Exo. 18:21). “When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh…The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it” (Pro. 29:2, 4). It is easy to see that our political leaders should be men of truth and God-fearing. Therefore, our political opinion should not be based on our “pocketbooks” but on the righteousness of God.

We must be careful in investigating the political candidates and in developing our political views. Christians must be involved. “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the wicked, and love them that hate Jehovah? For this thing wrath is upon thee from before Jehovah” (2 Chr. 19:2). Will we just sit back and do nothing and allow the wicked to rule? Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” If Christians do not speak out against the immoral injustices of our nation – who will?

Can our political opinions be a source of division in the church?  It can, but we can avoid this by seeking God’s righteousness and His kingdom first (Mat. 6:33). Remember, righteousness is the core issue as we develop our political opinions. “O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

PARENTAL INSTRUCTION

Tom Moore

It seems that almost on a daily basis we learn of school shootings, physical threats, gang activity, drug use, teen pregnancy, and suicide. What is the problem? Has our world gone mad? I believe that at the very root of the problem is that the youth of America have little or no respect for authority. How do we solve this problem? Beloved, the solution starts at home! We need parents who will teach and children who are made to listen and obey.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, And chains about thy neck” (Pro. 1:8-9). Here it is clearly seen that parents have responsibility toward their children, and the children have a responsibility toward their parents.

Notice that both the father and the mother are to be involved in the teaching and training of the children. “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates” (Dt. 6:4-9).

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Concerning Abraham, the Lord said, “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Gen. 18:19). Such needs to be true of every father and mother of our day – commanding obedience of the children.

Children are to “hear” and “not forsake” the instruction of their parents. Volume upon volume could be written about children who have messed up their lives because they would not heed to the instruction of their parents. Hearing to the Hebrew meant more than just listening and remembering, for if one does not follow the instructions he has not heard. What about the mess Rehoboam made of his life? Solomon instructed him but he did not heed the wise instruction of his father. It is sad that our youth always want to learn the hard way. If only they would heed the instruction of those wiser than themselves they would save themselves many difficulties. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6:1).

Notice the benefits that come to obedient children, “For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, And chains about thy neck.” This is a way of saying that wisdom looks good on you and will always look good on you. Obedience to parental instruction will be a thing of great beauty and a value to one’s life. Parental teaching is not a heavy burden. It is of great value and should be worn proudly.

A FATHER SPEAKS

By Tom Moore

I am a father and a grandfather, and believe it or not, I was once a youth. I have experienced growing up from two vantage points: 1) from that of a youth, and 2) from a loving and concerned father. Thus, from my experiences of growing up, and from my experiences of seeing my children grow into adulthood, I have six valuable pieces of advice that I pray our youth of today will consider seriously as they grow into maturity.

Choose your friends wisely. It is my belief that the choosing of friends is one of the most critical areas in a young person’s life. Whom we choose to associate with will have an enormous and lasting impact on our lives. This is why Paul said, “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupt good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33; NKJ). In like manner, Solomon declared, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Solomon wished that his son would “walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous” (Proverbs 2:20). Precious young people, you need to choose friends who will help you get to heaven—not hinder you. Something is wrong when our best friends are people of the world. Should not our best friends be those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1)?

Listen carefully and honestly to your parents. Believe it or not, our parents have a great deal of wisdom. It may come as a shock to many youth, but parents were once young as well. Parents remember what it was like to have to deal with the issues of growing up. I know that many things have seemed to change, but in reality only the cover has changed—underneath the cover the issues are the same. The issues of modesty, premarital sex, substance abuse, peer pressure, popularity, “keeping up with the Jones,” and the like, are basic difficulties in every generation. So young people, listen carefully to the advice and wisdom of your parents. “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverb 4:20-22).

Marry a Christian. A crucial mistake that too many young people make is marrying someone who is not a Christian. When we are dating and looking for our soul mate, we need to be looking for someone who will help us go to heaven. Sometimes this is difficult when you are in a smaller congregation with few of your age from which to choose. This is why I believe it is important for Christian young people from various congregations to spend time with each other. Time can be spent together in summer Bible camp, Summer Youth Series, Bible Bowl, and various other kinds of youth gatherings. Young people, you do not need to be in a hurry to date or get married—there is plenty of time. Be sure you make your choice looking toward eternity and not the here and now. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Be a student of God’s word. Of the youthful Timothy it was said, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). One of the reasons that our youth make the wrong choices in life is they are spiritually uninformed. Parents play a major role in the instructing of their children, but the youth of God must also take personal responsibility for learning the word of God. Making good grades in school is important—but learning the word of God is much more important. Knowledge of math or chemistry will not help you make good moral decisions and will not prepare you for heaven. Remember these words of inspiration, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17).

Be a leader—not a follower. Another fatal mistake that many young people make is following and not leading. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Instead of following their peers away from the Lord, our youth must be leading their peers to the Lord. Be a trendsetter! Be a good example! Help your friends by leading them to Christ.

Remember the law of the harvest. The apostle Paul declared, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7-8). One cannot avoid the law of the harvest. Many young people have made horrible mistakes in their life, and were forgiven of their sins, but they still had consequences to endure—and some for the rest of their life. Be very careful with every decision you make knowing that each choice we make has consequences. Choose carefully and wisely.

This father deeply loves his children, grandchildren, and all young people, and prays they will heed his words of advice!