Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The story of Cain and Able in Genesis 4 leaves us wondering why God would count one sacrifice good and another not. Turns out God looks at the heart and cares little for sacrifice making faith the reason Abel's sacrifice was honored. Cain's motive grew from a bad attitude and a heart that was full of sin. Cain had already decided against Abel and allowed sin to grow inside of him to the point of murder. In James 1 and 2 we see how sin grows in a heart, how we are tempted when by our own evil desire we are dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death. Death comes when we live for ourselves - rebuking the royal law of God governing all human relationships which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. The unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, turning away from the cross and giving credit for Christ's miracles to the evil one. When we repent of sin and turn to Jesus he forgives us and counts us righteou