Choosing Life: God's Unchanging Hope Amidst Brokenness

Summary

Today, we witnessed the beauty of new life in Christ through baptism—a powerful reminder that God’s story is always unfolding, even in the midst of brokenness. The journey of Adam and Eve’s family in Genesis 4 shows us that, though humanity’s choices often lead to pain and tragedy, God’s purpose and plan remain unshaken. The story of Cain and Abel is not just a cautionary tale about human failure, but a revelation of God’s unchanging character. Even as the world seems to spiral downward, God remains the same—steadfast, patient, and always inviting us into conversation and redemption.

The heart of the matter is choice. From the very beginning, God has set before us two paths: life or death, blessing or curse, wisdom or folly. There is no third way. Our choices matter deeply, but they do not alter who God is or what He intends to accomplish. Even when we fail, God’s first response is not condemnation but conversation. He invites us to take responsibility, to confess, and to choose differently. The next decision is always the most important one, because God is always offering us a way back to Himself.

Progress in this world is a double-edged sword. The same hands that build cities, invent music, and create tools can also use those gifts for destruction. The legacy of Cain’s line is both creative and tragic, showing us that human potential can be harnessed for good or for evil. Yet, even as evil seems to progress, God’s plan for life and redemption is never thwarted. Death may ruin, but it does not rule—God always has the final word.

The blood of Abel cried out from the ground, but the blood of Christ speaks a better word—a word of deliverance, hope, and new birth. Just as God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth, to continue the promise, so too does He offer us new life in Christ. In a world filled with destruction, we are called to be people of hope, to choose the path of life, and to call upon the name of the Lord. The question for each of us is not just whether we believe in God, but whether we will let Him be our Father, and whether we will make the next right choice.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Unchanging Character in a Changing World
No matter how much the world digresses or how destructive human choices become, God remains the same—steadfast, patient, and always inviting us into relationship. Our failures do not alter His nature or His plan. He is the anchor in a world of chaos, offering hope and stability when everything else shifts. [31:25]

- The Power and Responsibility of Choice
Life is always distilled down to two choices: life or death, blessing or curse, wisdom or folly. God never removes our autonomy, even after failure. The most important decision is always the next one, and God’s invitation is to take responsibility, confess, and choose the path that leads to life. [44:54]

- Progress Can Be Used for Good or Evil
Human innovation—whether it’s technology, music, or tools—can serve either God’s purposes or destructive ends. The legacy of Cain’s descendants shows that our gifts and progress are not inherently good or evil; it’s our choices that determine their impact. We must continually ask ourselves how we are using what God has placed in our hands. [37:09]

- Death Does Not Have the Final Word
Though death and destruction seem to dominate the story of humanity, God’s word and promise always prevail. The blood of Abel cried out for justice, but the blood of Christ cries out for redemption. In every loss, every tragedy, and every failure, God’s voice is the one that ultimately determines the outcome. [53:42]

- Confession and Redemption Are Always Possible
Even after the gravest of sins, God initiates conversation, seeking confession and offering redemption. The story of Cain shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, but we must own our choices. When we confess, God removes our guilt and restores us, inviting us to participate in His story of hope and deliverance. [50:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Baptism Celebration and Testimonies
[13:52] - Transition to Worship
[14:30] - Introduction to Genesis 4
[30:27] - The Story of Cain and Abel
[32:47] - Consequences of the Fall and God’s Unchanging Purpose
[36:08] - The Double-Edged Sword of Progress
[39:16] - The First Offerings: Cain and Abel’s Choices
[41:12] - The Principle of Firstfruits and Heart Posture
[43:00] - God’s Conversation with Cain
[44:54] - The Importance of the Next Decision
[47:10] - The Tragedy of Cain’s Choice
[48:59] - The Progression of Evil and God’s Consistency
[50:40] - God’s Outrageous Grace and the Call to Confession
[53:42] - Death Does Not Have the Final Word
[54:31] - The Curse and Consequences for Cain
[57:59] - The Weight of Consequences and the Need for Reflection
[59:58] - God’s Mercy Even for Cain
[01:01:48] - The Legacy of Cain: Progress and Misuse
[01:05:35] - God’s Plan Continues Through Seth
[01:07:39] - Calling on the Name of the Lord
[01:09:21] - Christ as the Better Abel
[01:10:08] - Our Call: To Be People of Hope
[01:12:56] - The Next Decision: Will You Choose Life?
[01:13:46] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Story of Cain and Abel—God’s Unchanging Character and Our Choices

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### Bible Reading

- Genesis 4:1-26
(The story of Cain and Abel, their offerings, Cain’s response, God’s conversation with Cain, the consequences, and the birth of Seth.)

- Hebrews 12:24
(“…to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. What were the differences between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings to God? What does the text say about how God responded to each?
[[39:16]]

2. How did God respond to Cain after his offering was not accepted? What did God say to him?
[[43:00]]

3. What consequences did Cain face after killing Abel, and how did God show him mercy even after his sin?
[[54:31]]

4. According to Genesis 4, what new things did Cain’s descendants invent or create?
[[37:09]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “God’s first response is not condemnation but conversation.” Why do you think God chose to talk with Cain instead of immediately punishing him?
[[43:00]]

2. The pastor mentioned that “progress can be used for good or evil.” How does the story of Cain’s descendants show both sides of human progress?
[[37:09]]

3. The blood of Abel “cried out from the ground,” but the blood of Christ “speaks a better word.” What does this mean about the difference between justice and redemption?
[[53:03]]

4. The sermon says, “The most important decision is always the next one.” Why is the next choice so important in God’s eyes, even after failure?
[[44:54]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about God’s unchanging character in a world that is always changing. When have you felt like everything around you was shifting, and how did you experience (or struggle to experience) God as your anchor?
[[31:25]]

2. God gave Cain a chance to take responsibility and confess before things got worse. Is there an area in your life right now where God might be inviting you to have an honest conversation with Him instead of hiding or doubling down? What would it look like to respond?
[[43:00]]

3. The story shows that our choices matter, but they don’t change who God is. Is there a past failure or regret that you feel still defines you? How does God’s invitation to “make the next right choice” challenge or encourage you?
[[44:54]]

4. The sermon pointed out that human progress—like technology, music, or tools—can be used for good or evil. What is something in your life (a talent, resource, or opportunity) that you need to re-examine to make sure it’s being used for God’s purposes?
[[37:09]]

5. The blood of Christ “speaks a better word” than the blood of Abel. How does knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice offers hope and new life change the way you see your own story, especially in the face of loss or brokenness?
[[53:03]]

6. The sermon asked, “Are you just believing in God, or are you letting Him be your Father?” What’s the difference in your own experience? What would it look like to move from one to the other?
[[01:11:29]]

7. The pastor said, “The most important decision is always the next one.” What is one specific “next right choice” you feel God is putting before you this week? How can the group support you in making it?
[[44:54]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust His unchanging character, take responsibility for their choices, and walk in the hope and new life Jesus offers.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Unchanging Character in a Changing World
In a world that seems to be constantly digressing and filled with chaos, it is a profound comfort to know that God never changes. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, regardless of the choices humanity makes or the circumstances that surround us. While our progress can lead to both good and evil, God’s character, His faithfulness, and His plan remain steadfast. No matter how much the world shifts, God is our anchor and our hope, inviting us to find Him in every story, even in the midst of tragedy. [32:47]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded today that God’s character and love for you have not changed, even as your circumstances have?


Day 2: The Power and Consequence of Our Choices
Every day, we are faced with choices that shape our lives and destinies. Scripture and life both reveal that there are ultimately only two paths: one that leads to life and one that leads to death. God gives us the freedom to choose, but He also calls us to take personal responsibility for our decisions. Even when we fail, God does not remove our ability to choose again; instead, He invites us into conversation, urging us to make the next right decision. The most important decision you will ever make is always the next one. [44:54]

Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.

Reflection: What is one decision you are facing today where you need to intentionally choose the path that leads to life, rather than the path that leads to destruction?


Day 3: God’s Invitation to Confession and Redemption
God’s first response to our failure is not condemnation, but conversation. He approaches us, even in our worst moments, with questions that invite us to confess, take responsibility, and receive His grace. When we own our failures and bring them to God, He removes our guilt and offers us redemption. This is the outrageous nature of God’s mercy: even when we have done the unthinkable, He still seeks us out, longing to restore us and move us forward into new life. [50:40]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there something you need to confess to God today, trusting that He will meet you with grace and not condemnation?


Day 4: Death Does Not Have the Final Word
Though death and destruction may seem to rule in our world, God alone has the final say. The story of Cain and Abel shows that even when evil appears to triumph, God’s purposes continue and His plan for life prevails. The blood of Abel cried out from the ground, but the blood of Christ speaks an even better word—one of redemption and hope. No tragedy, failure, or loss can overrule the victory and authority of God. [53:42]

Genesis 4:10-12 (ESV)
And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust that God, not your circumstances or failures, will have the final word?


Day 5: Calling on the Name of the Lord—A New Beginning
Even in the midst of violence, loss, and brokenness, God offers a new beginning. After the tragedy of Abel’s death, God provided Seth, and through him, people began to call on the name of the Lord. This marks the start of a new relationship with God, where anyone can choose to step onto the path of life, hope, and deliverance. No matter your past, you can call upon the Lord today and become part of His story of redemption. [01:07:39]

Genesis 4:25-26 (ESV)
And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to intentionally call on the name of the Lord today, inviting Him to begin something new in your life?

Quotes

But you see in this scene, God doesn't change. Okay? And God says to him, now listen, if you'll do what is right, won't you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must rule over it. [00:44:44] (00:00:17 seconds)  #sinLurksButYouMustRule Edit Clip

The single most important decision any human being will ever make is the next one. And God is looking at Cain and saying, listen, you messed up, bro. But I'm not taking away your power to choose. I'm not taking away your autonomy. I'm not shutting you down. What I'm saying to you is, you still have the ability to choose. And what I would say to you is, choose the right thing. [00:45:09] (00:00:25 seconds)  #powerToChooseRight Edit Clip

Death will never have the final word. God will. God always has the final word in every season and every situation. And when you pull that out of that text and drop that down into your life, you can look at any situation you find yourself in right. Self -caused or caused by the broken circumstances of this world and know something. This does not have final say. God does. My poor performance does not get final say. God does. Nothing gets final say but God Almighty. [00:53:45] (00:00:32 seconds)  #godHasFinalWord Edit Clip

There's a lot of death and heartache and ruin, but it's still God who rules. While there's all this wickedness going on this path of destruction, there's also so much life on the path of deliverance. There's two stories being told in this world. One, you see on the news every night. One, you only find as you read God's Word. You've got to know there is another story, and we've got to decide which story do we want to be a part of. [01:06:16] (00:00:29 seconds)  #twoPathsOneGod Edit Clip

The very first time in Scripture, we see a group of people realize how relational God really is. And that even in the midst of all this violence and destruction and all these other things, you don't have to participate in that. You can participate in this. That in the midst of this insanity, God's still available. That you can call out to Yahweh, the holiest name of God. We can call upon the name of the Lord. [01:07:32] (00:00:37 seconds)  #callUponTheLord Edit Clip