Practically Spiritual
by Rev. Dr. Ty Sweeting |
Faith Makes the Difference
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain's. Through this he received approval as righteous, [with] God giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.
- Hebrews 11:4
What was the real difference between the offerings of Cain and Abel in the story of the first human family? The answer is a simple one, but it's not that Cain's grain was innately inferior the grain Abel offered. Not at all. In fact, God said to Cain in the account in Genesis, " Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:6-7a)
Even if we read the story literally, the more likely fact is that Cain had probably been resentful of his younger brother for years. I've seen this dynamic happen in families when a second child enters the family dynamic. I've also seen it happen in church life when an individual is singled out for some honor or special attention.
Anger and resentment gnaw that the core of the human spirit. Left to fester, they only grow and deepen. The antidote to this spiritual gangrene is the open and honest communication of genuine spiritual community. In truth, it could well have altered the course of events in our story of the first human family.
It wasn't innate quality in particular about Abel's gift that made it superior to that of his brother; it was the quality of the heart from which it was given and the faith with which it was offered that distinguished it from the offering of Cain.
May we in today's world, and in the church learn from the tragedy that befell these two brothers. May we resolve to always deal directly and honestly with one another, even when our neighbor's truth is sometimes difficult for us to hear. Then we will be on a healthier and more productive spiritual journey, one that will lead from blessing to blessing, into God's future and our own. The voice of faith never dies, but rather it continues speaking, always.
| "Practically Spiritual" is a weekly devotional by our own Rev. Dr. Ty Sweeting. Visit his blog |
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Sunday Services - 9:55 am
4425 SW 19th St., Topeka, KS
785-272-1442
Directions & Map
Other nearby MCC Churches
This Sunday
September 5
Sermon:
"The Eternal Choice"
Rev. Dr. Ty Sweeting,
preaching
Discipleship 101 begins Wednesday, September 8, 6:30 pm.
For all wanting to deepen their faith & understanding of what it is to follow Jesus. See Stacy or Celena to sign up.
Discipleship 102 begins Thursday., September 9, 6:30 pm.
For those who have taken Discipleship 101. See Stacy or Celena to sign up.
Over the Rainbow Bible Study
Thursday, September 2, 4pm. at the church.
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News and Events...
| Topeka AIDS Project (TAP) Pantry Needs: |
vegetable beef soup
canned tomatoes
canned fruit
h'burg, chicken, tuna helpers
bag dried beans
spaghetti sauce/noodles
chunky soups
mandarin oranges
granola bars
microwave popcorn |
pineapple
pears
fruit cocktail
rice
peanut butter
boxed cereal
sloppy joes
chili
pop tarts
peas
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| (Loaves & Fishes Collection on Sept 5)
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Feed My Sheep:
A free meal for any and all who wish a good hearty meal and time to relax with friends.
Menu: taco salad.
Saturday, September 11,
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Topeka AIDS Project (TAP) Gala
The annual fundraiser includes many new additions this year, featuring a one-of-a-kind runway show. Individual tickets: $35.00 general admission; $50.00 VIP admission. Tables: $400. -$750. (8 to a table). Available at TAP office or see Phil for info.
Saturday, September 11
Fall Garage Sale
Thursday-Saturday, September 23, 24, 25. See Wayne to coordinate drop off of items.
American Tribal Style Bellydance |
Cyndi
Cyreigna Elliott, instructor. No requirements as to age, body type
or gender! 6pm-7:30pm.
Mondays, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Phoenix Room. |
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