WORLDS

Our world is composed of numerous worlds interconnected by shared needs and desires. The world of Adam and Eve was the only true world where two individuals could coexist harmoniously. However, as their family expanded, other worlds emerged, leading to collisions between different realms. Tragically, when Cain’s world collided with Abel’s, both individuals perished in the ensuing catastrophe. Abel’s world was obliterated in physical form, while Cain’s world gradually succumbed to the aftermath of the destruction.   

Cain’s world was shaped by Cain’s own needs and desires, while Abel’s world was created by God’s. Abel’s world never threatened or endangered Cain’s world, while Cain’s world was always at odds with Abel’s. To believe that Cain and Abel were best friends and that their recorded fight was the first altercation would be naive and unassuming.

Genesis 4:3  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

Genesis 4:4   And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

The word’s in Genesis 4:3 “And in process of time it came to pass” eludes to an amount of immeasurable time.  It had to be an amount of time which Abel learned to raise sheep and Cain learned to till the ground.  The idea of these word’s are confirmed in Genesis 38:12;  

Genesis 38:12   And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 

 Judges 11:4 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.  

There are many other scriptures which mention the same phrase denoting an unknown passage of time, but, this passage of time could have the elusion to the life time God has given to a man.  According to the 70 years that is allotted to man Psalms 90:10; 

Psalms 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

By God as man’s normal life span, the phrase “And in the process of time” at least could be imagined fairly as some time from 0 years to 70 years.

If we imagine that Cain and Abel had from 0 to 70 years to grow the amount of hatred to allow and excuse Cain to kill Abel.  Cain’s world was guided by Cain’s self centered ambivalence toward Abel.  Somewhere during the time of Cain’s birth and the death of Abel, Cain had learned and experienced the effect of Satan.  How do we know this with certainty, because of the outcome of Cain’s action.  

Mathew 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Cain’s actions revealed his allegiance and the company he kept. His world was controlled by Satan, and according to Jesus, Cain loved Satan more than his brother Abel. Cain couldn’t bear the thought of Abel sharing his world. He built mental and emotional defenses against God, his family, and love. Hatred, disdain, and self-centeredness overpowered his brotherly love and adoration. Instead of allowing his world to merge with Abel’s, Cain repelled and disregarded everything his parents taught him. This gradual process was fueled by small, insignificant words and actions that offended Cain over time.  

The offenses would have been misinterpreted and become fodder for Cain’s paranoid tendencies. He must have been influenced by someone who could infiltrate his thoughts, transforming Cain from a servant of God’s will into Satan’s servant. Cain’s own human frailty and misguided thoughts played a significant role in this transformation.

Cain’s world was enveloped in the teachings and experiences of Adam and Eve, just as Abel shared theirs. Despite being brothers, Cain and Abel were not twins. Their timelines and experiences diverged until Abel’s birth.  

In my opinion, Cain was at least ten to twenty years older than Abel. This is because Cain had a wife.  

Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

The wife would have been the offspring of Adam and Eve, the sister of Cain, and of childbearing age, which would have been around 13 years or older.

I believe their trades were different due to their ages. Cain was taught to be a farmer, tilling the ground to provide for the family’s food. Abel, on the other hand, was taught to attend to long-term needs by raising sheep, which provided food and clothing. 

Cain and Abel’s offerings for sacrifice were vastly different, a result of natural causes and effects, or simply time and chance.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Cain’s sacrifice was initially welcomed by God for several years because Abel was deemed too young to sacrifice due to their ages. Cain’s sacrifice was pleasing to God for a while until Abel offered his first lamb to God. After that, everything changed for Cain.

The attention bestowed upon Abel by God, Adam, and Eve might have been greater and more unhindered than that given to Cain. Gathering the correct stock, acquiring information for the proper care and feeding of the sheep, and overseeing the herd would have involved a significantly larger number of people in the duty of herd care compared to farming. Consequently, many more of Cain and Abel’s brothers and sisters would have been under Abel’s authority. Cain’s jealousy and resentment could have been intensified by Abel’s success and acceptance as a leader surpassing him, not to mention the future respect paid to Abel for his offering to God. Cain’s world would have been in turmoil due to his own deception, leading to murder being premeditated and committed in his heart long before the actual act. Cain willfully sinned, knowing he could have done good, but chose not to.     

James 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Cain’s world was transformed within his own mind. Nothing had changed outside of his own perception. Cain had decided that he would be better off without Abel sharing his world. So, he premeditated the death of his brother and executed his killing blow through deception, getting close enough to make his kill certain.

Cain was aware of the sacrifices required to appease God, yet he chose to remain outside the bounds of God’s expectations.  

Cain’s sacrifice was undoubtedly not the first one in Genesis 4. Both Cain and Abel were aware of the requirements for a sacrifice to God. While Abel might have approached Cain to obtain a vegetable sacrifice, after raising sheep and being impressed to offer a lamb, Abel went beyond the minimum requirement.  

Genesis 4:4  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:   

Not only did Abel offer an accepted sacrifice, but he also brought “of the fat thereof.” Abel’s offering was more than Cain’s, who only fulfilled a requirement. Abel gave from his heart to please his God, while Cain gave nothing more than what was expected. Cain knew that Abel would continue to give from his heart, which was Abel’s greatest treasure.    

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  

Cain’s treasure lay within himself, and he had no intention of giving anything more than was necessary.    

Genesis 4:5  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Cain, consumed by wrath, which biblically signifies DEATH, was deeply depressed. He yearned for revenge and was utterly despondent because he had been shown a path that contradicted his own desires and needs. Unable to retaliate against God, Cain turned his attention to his brother, intending to destroy him. In his mind, if Abel had not been present to impress God, Cain would still be favored by the divine.  

Cain’s world and Abel’s collided in a catastrophic trajectory, spiraling out of control and into the embrace of death and sorrow. Satan seized control of Cain’s world, and he lost his love for his brother.

Abel is eagerly awaiting the Second Resurrection. Cain, however, has ended his life in the eternal Judgment of the Lake of Fire. Cain’s world and his offspring became Satan’s world, which he continued to rule over until the age of Noah and the Great Flood.  

We each inhabit and have control over our own world. Our neighbors are brothers in Christ, whether they are believers or non-believers. If we emulate Jesus’ actions during his earthly life, which he lived according to God’s will, we share his eternal world. Consequently, we can share our worlds with those who share theirs with Jesus. Our goal should be to create a unified world where we serve God through Jesus Christ. To achieve this, we must adhere to the commandment our Lord gave to all mankind, which serves as the foundation of salvation.

Matthew 22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Written by: Charles E. Cohenour Jr.

The Plans of God

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 

Psalm 40:5 KJVMany, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

As servants of the Lord, we possess the divine knowledge that God has meticulously crafted the destinies of each of His servants. Before the very foundations of the world were laid, God’s plan for humanity unfolded as He pleased. Ephesians 1:4 beautifully illustrates that the plans for each of us are intricately intertwined with those of our fellow servants who have dedicated their lives to serving Him. 

Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1 Peter 4:10 , Ephesians 4:16 From each corner of the world, each of us affects one another in servitude to God. 

1 Peter 1:4 (KJV) 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Ephesians 4:16 (KJV) 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

In Romans 12:5, while God is not predestined nor does he predestinate who will be saved, there are directives known as commandments that determine and shape our destiny.  

Romans 12:5 (KJV) 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

These commandments are meticulously crafted to shape and mold humanity, not merely for the arrival of Jesus as the Messiah. Moreover, they serve as a guiding principle to instill love, morality, servitude, and a godly lifestyle within us. Our responsibility is to acquire knowledge, adhere to this code of life, and impart it to those with whom we share our lives. 

Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of raising a child, as stated in Proverbs 22:6. 

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Children are accountable for their obedience to their parents, as mentioned in Colossians 3:20. 

Colossians 3:20 (KJV) 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Children are obligated to their parents throughout their lives to listen to their wisdom and knowledge. In return, parents are obligated to demonstrate godly leadership and refrain from provoking their children to disobedience. Refer to Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:21 for further guidance.  

Ephesians (KJV) 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Colossians 3:21 (KJV) 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Employees are obligated to obey and adhere to the leadership of their employers in all matters, as per the teachings of God. Employers are expected to be just and fair in the working conditions under which employees must perform their duties. Refer to 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

1 Timothy 2:2 (KJV) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

1 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

As members of a church, we are obligated to honor those who have been entrusted with authority over us by God, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:17. 

Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 

We are to accept the teachings of our ministry, as imparted by God, and trust and obey the judgment of our leaders, as we would Christ himself. Refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (KJV) to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Leaders must pray and diligently study the Word of God. They must be steadfast in all godliness. Refer to 1 Timothy 3:8-13 for further guidance.  

1 Timothy 3:8 (KJV) 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 

1 Timothy 3:9 (KJV) 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 

1 Timothy 3:10 (KJV) 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

1 Timothy 3:11 (KJV) 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 

1 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 

1 Timothy 3:13 (KJV) 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Pastors are to shepherd the church with love and servitude, as if they were serving the very essence of God. They are to love the saints and care for each other’s well-being in the world, just as they do within the church. They are to love the saints and care for each other’s well-being in the world, just as they do in the church. Refer to Acts 20:28 and 1 Timothy 3:2.

Acts 20:28 (KJV) 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV) 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

The responsibilities of a pastor extend beyond the church congregation and encompass each individual member of his flock, whom God has entrusted to his care. As per Exodus 18:21.

Exodus 18:21 (KJV) 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Likewise, the saints are called to love and cherish their God-given pastors, who represent Christ and his ministry. The congregation is responsible for caring for and providing for the pastors to the best of their abilities, both financially and spiritually. Additionally, the saints have a specific obligation that God has planned for them, as outlined in 1 Timothy 5:17-20. 

1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV) 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

1 Timothy 5:18 (KJV) 18 Timothy 5:17-20 (KJV) the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

1 Timothy 5:19 (KJV) 19 an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

1 Timothy 5:20 (KJV) 20 that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Salvation is an obligation to those who are lost. There are people who have yet to hear the good news about Christ as their Savior. Each one of us is commanded to spread the gospel of Christ to the “lost.” Refer to Acts 1:8 and James 5:20.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jas 5:20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

These duties and actions are integral to the execution of God’s plans. Our obedience to God’s will is the continuation of the plans He initiated from the very beginning. Through dutifully adhering to His commands, we actively contribute to the realization of God’s plans. Refer to 1 John 3:22, Mark 12:33, and Hebrews 10:38 for further insights.

1 Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Mar 12:33  And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Heb 10:38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Disobedience by Adam had a profound impact on all of humanity, enraging God. Refer to Romans 5:12 for further insight. 

Rom 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Obedience to Jesus has saved humanity from God’s wrath, as mentioned in Romans 5:18.  

Rom 5:18  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Moreover, each one of us possesses the power to shape the future of humanity collectively. Every time you obey God and diligently implement His teachings, you triumph over the world for the Lord. The Lord eagerly awaits our transformation into His likeness. Refer to John 14:6 for further insight. 

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Doing so helps us fulfill God’s plans for humanity and the world. Each step we take toward God is another piece of the plan coming to fruition. Our responsibility is not only to transform ourselves but also to assist others in their transformation, enabling them to follow Jesus. Refer to John 12:44-45 and Galatians 3:27 for further insights.

Joh 12:44  Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

Joh 12:45  And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

Gal 3:27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Our impact on a single person can have a profound and far-reaching effect, spreading worldwide. A single act of kindness, bestowed upon us by God through the gospel of peace, has the extraordinary power to transform the hearts of men. Within each of us flows the River of Life, an abundant source of life that we can freely share with everyone we encounter as a devoted follower of God. 

God’s ultimate goal is the salvation of humanity and the complete elimination of sin from the world. Through the teachings guided by the Holy Spirit, sinful individuals undergo a transformative process, becoming children of God. Our responsibility is to have faith and diligently adhere to God’s divine plans.

Written by: Charles E. Cohenour Jr. 1/20/2016