We are reading the Bible in 90 days and choosing foundational texts along the way. Moses wanted the people to be set apart from all other nations through their devotion, their ritual, and their sacrifice.

While our offerings are different in 2026, the core principles are the same, and you will hear that in the recording today.

Find Simpsonville United Methodist on Facebook to see the readings for each day.

a1_01_04_26_#27_Genesis 4:1-16_Cain and Abel_90 Days

{ILS} Park Bench in Good Will Hunting

• The scene was the therapist Sean correcting the patient Will

• Will had disrespected Sean deeply, insulting his life and late wife

• Sean told Will - “I slept on it last night…you’re smart but you don’t know everything, because you haven't seen it”

• Beautiful spot along the Charles River in Boston - Quiet Reflection

{SCR} Genesis 4:1 {THREE} The man Adam knew his wife Eve. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have given life to a man with the Lord’s help.” 2 She gave birth a second time to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel cared for the flocks, and Cain farmed the fertile land. 3 Some time later, Cain presented an offering to the Lord from the land’s crops 4 while Abel presented his flock’s oldest offspring with their fat. The Lord looked favorably on Abel and his sacrifice 5 but didn’t look favorably on Cain and his sacrifice. Cain became very angry and looked resentful. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why do you look so resentful? 7 If you do the right thing, won’t you be accepted? But if you don’t do the right thing, sin will be waiting at the door ready to strike! It will entice you, but you must rule over it.”

{MPT} Cain couldn’t possibly know what what was required

• Years of preparing the land

• Years of gathering and herding animals

• 18 months of child bearing

• Decades of child care & it all of it was with the Lord’s Help

{MPT} A limited perspective caused Cain to choose anger

• Cain’s dream was that the work he did would be celebrated

• • The “sin that is waiting” is the desire to be praised above all others

  • The expectation leads to deep anger and resentment

  • The pain for the creator is the human knows nothing of what has already been done before they took action

{SCR} Genesis 4:8 {TWO} Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 The Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s guardian?” 10 The Lord said, “What did you do? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 You are now cursed from the ground that opened its mouth to take your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you farm the fertile land, it will no longer grow anything for you, and you will become a roving nomad on the earth.”

{MPT} Cain’s fatal flaw became fatal for his brother

• Rather than consider the reason Cain feels anger…

• • Cain chooses to target and eliminate his perceived cause of the anger

  • • Was it about work ethic? No. Both brothers worked

    • Was it about willingness? No. Both brothers offered

    • Cain’s anger must find a local, tangible recipient

• Cain reduces Abel to one characteristic

• • would rather kill his brother than work to understand him

{SCR} Genesis 4:13 {TWO} Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Now that you’ve driven me away from the fertile land and I am hidden from your presence, I’m about to become a roving nomad on the earth, and anyone who finds me will kill me.” 15 The Lord said to him, “It won’t happen; anyone who kills Cain will be paid back seven times.” The Lord put a sign on Cain so that no one who found him would assault him. 16 Cain left the Lord’s presence, and he settled down in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

{MPT} The punishment is more than he can bear

• Fascinating - those people that tease, push, bully - never can take it

• • Cain will now get an education in the work that preceded him

  • • What an incredible thing it was that plants grew underground

  • In this cycle, the perpetrator screams they are the victim

  • • Worst fear, someone like them

• Rachel Stevens - the Tragic plot embryo

We read, compare, and contrast the stories of Jesus' family in the days leading up to his birth. Matthew's version and Luke's version focus on very different themes and we take time to identify and discuss them.

12_7_25_#23_Isaiah 9:1-7_The Wonderful Counselor

{ILS} The Wizard

• 1939 & 2024 - Both equally driven by

• • Self Interest

  • Deception

  • Manipulation

• Takes the vulnerabilities you shared and flip them to their benefit

• • We unfortunately have experienced this pain in all phases of life

  • • That is why Isaiah’s description of a leader is so promising

  • The context of both Wizard of Oz and Isaiah - - - the present is troubled but there is a leader that is capable

{SCR} Isaiah 9:1 Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he honored the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. 3 You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy.

They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

{MPT} Humbling and Honoring

• Note in this image, the interest to be etched in stone as a victor

• • Sometimes we get humbled like Zebulun and Naphtali

  • Sometimes we get elevated like Gideon vs the Midiantes

  • War requires that one be humbled and one be elevated

  • • Inevitable like a see-saw

  • When we get humbled or elevated…

…What would the wonderful counselor say?

• He does not want war

{MPT} Darkness and Light

• Note in this image, the darkness is complete, envelops the room

• • Sometimes we bring the darkness on ourselves

  • Other times the darkness is heaped on us

  • In the midst of it, we imagine the darkness may never end

• Wonderful Counselor knows

• • the slightest light in pitch black changes everything

{SCR} Isaiah 9:5 Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire.

{MPT} Fuel and Fire

• this image of a bonfire is dramatically different than the tiny candle

• • Fire this size has the power for destruction

  • • When i smell a large fire, reminds me of my childhood church

    • It reminds me of letting the dog out one night - Table Rock

• But in this case, the thing being destroyed is clothing for war

• • The fire here is calling each person to peace, to a new purpose

{SCR} Isaiah 9:6 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.7 There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.

{MPT} Wonderful Counselor

• Self Interest - Sacrifice

• Deception - Truth

• Manipulation - Empowerment

The fire in this photo is calling each person to peace, to a new purpose

• To face the world with the following

A divided nation, a frightening army on the way, darkness looming, but the people hear a message of relentless hope.

- - -

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation

and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you

as people rejoice at the harvest,

as warriors rejoice

when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,

you have shattered

the yoke that burdens them,

the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle

and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning,

will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.

{ILS} Little Round Top at Gettysburg Battlefield

• Desperate pursuit for the mountain high ground for an advantage

• Hundreds of lives lost up and down the hill

• July 2nd, 1863 it felt as if it was the only territory that would ever matter

• • I will kill anyone I see to get it or keep it

{SCR} Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

{MPT} A shoot will come up from the stump

• Two things are true

• • Humans are destructive

  • • Of other humans

    • Of nature

    • Of themselves

  • God’s creation is resilient

• Jesse was the grandson of Ruth and Boaz

• • Ruth survived a season of complete death, no food & illness

  • her faith and persistence started a new story for her and MIL

• Jesse was a farmer and the father of David, who would become king

• • King David built up his nation

  • also tore it down, boy, he created a lot of stumps

{SCR} Isaiah 10:6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the snake’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

{MPT} We will not harm nor destroy on his holy mountain

• We are no longer talking about King David or anyone like him

• • We are not taking lives in order to live

  • We will be led by an individual unlike any other

  • We will look upon creation and be in awe

• This is Pretty Place, YMCA Camp Greenville, Cleveland SC

• • Youth retreats

  • Worship services Looking upon creation - Covenant

  • Weddings

{SCR} Isaiah 10:10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

{MPT} His resting place will be glorious

• Life’s struggles

• Life’s duties

• Life’s sin and pain

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

{ILS} Paddling to the other side

• It may be interesting but will be a serious commitment of time & energy

• Time and energy commitment does not hit until the journey home

Potentially Sailing to the other side - Actual sea of Galilee

• The crowds wanted to see this person everyone is describing

• Going to the other side is a decision you would not take lightly

• Villages your parents would say “Dont visit” on the other side

{SCR} John 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “I assure you that you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate all the food you wanted. 27 Don’t work for the food that doesn’t last but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Human One will give you. God the Father has confirmed him as his agent to give life.”

{MPT} The Hope For More Food

• I’m interested in Jesus’ take that people have followed him for more food

• • The feeding of the 5000 was just before this story

  • They just ate, so we could guess they now want to rest

  • But if we consider our pets, if they eat breakfast first, they hover

  • If you ask my sisters that I just saw on Friday, by the table…hoping

• Think of some critical times people in the Bible wanted more food

• • Joseph and his brothers - famine

  • Mother in law and daughter in law - Naomi and Ruth - famine

  • Daniel captured by Babylonians - won’t eat the unclean food

• Jesus wants to shift the hope for daily food, to spiritual nourishment

• • Difficult task given the food insecurity in that region, at that time

  • Our challenge with food is “where do you want to eat?”

{SCR} John 6:28 They asked, “What must we do in order to accomplish what God requires?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is what God requires, that you believe in him whom God sent.”

{MPT} The Hope For Accomplishment

• This picture is a simple sketch of Peter acknowledging Jesus as King

• • On his knees in reverence

  • The disciples looking on - curiosity, astonishment, i wish i had…

  • The keys to the message that will be given to people

  • The rock upon which Jesus will build the new church and stormy sea

• Why did I share this with you and point out these details?

• • The significant accomplishment of knowing and stating Jesus is king

  • Followers want to know what will be on the test and want to be right

• Jesus responds to the question of the crowd, “WHAT MUST WE DO?

• • “I want you to believe”

  • Unfortunate request from the crowd

{SCR} John 6:30 They asked, “What miraculous sign will you do, that we can see and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” 32 Jesus told them, “I assure you, it wasn’t Moses who gave the bread from heaven to you, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 The bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

{MPT} The Hope For A Sign - one of the most famous signs in the Bible

• This week Jonathan Harris was my guest on the podcast

• • framed the question - people asked what must we do…believe…prove

  • Jonathan answered - “someone must do something”

• Jesus’ hope for us - consider the bread & the cup

• • That we would gather to offer ourselves to others