Hebrews 11:4-6 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Modern definition of faith: a belief in an idea or deity, especially without evidence or proof. Big Idea: Faith is the only path to God’s approval and reward Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith, he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. Genesis 4:1-5 The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have had a male child with the LORD’s help.” She also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground. In the course of time, Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. Genesis 4:3 In the course of time, Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the LORD. Genesis 4:4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering… Genesis 4:5 …but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. Do you give to the Lord like Abel? Do you give like Cain? Our faith should outlast our lives. Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. Genesis 5:21-24 Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. And after he fathered Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters. So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:24 …they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Enoch was close to God. Ask the Lord to give you that desire to draw close to Him! Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Modern definition of faith: a belief in an idea or deity, especially without evidence or proof. The God we serve does keep his promises. We serve a God who keeps his promises. Pleasing God involves faith, trust, seeing evidence that God keeps his promises, and drawing near to him because of it.