the city of Ur. In ancient inscriptions the gulf is called a river. Halley’s Bible Handbook has some interesting observations on this. Suffice it to say, it was a perfect area, beyond description. How sad that man allowed temptation to take root in his heart, and succumbed to the devil. He constantly seeks to do the same today. This is why we need to “ put on the whole armour of God” that we may be able to withstand his constant attacks. We have seen that ever since the time of the Garden of Eden there has been conflict between God and the devil. Evil has always sought to thwart righteousness. We note this right from the start with the book of Genesis where we find the beginnings of everything listed in the Bible. There is the beginning of sin, redemption and creation, as well as many other aspects of life and our faith. In it all we can observe how Satan takes a personal interest in man’s worship of God. The devil’s first general thrust was aimed at keeping the Lord Jesus Christ from coming into the world. The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, as the name signifies, was to support and sustain any life that had already been imparted. It was not the purpose of God that man should eat of this fruit and then live forever in a pitiful, sinful state w i t hou t any hope of reconciliation with the Lord. The human race must experience the grace of God, by faith, in order to be redeemed to the Creator. SATAN A TTACKS 1st FAM ILIES
Cherubim, or celestial angelic beings of heaven, were placed at the Garden entrance on either side as Adam and Eve were driven out. There they turned back any who would approach by using a flaming sword according to Deuteronomy 4:24. This was another of the divine purposes showing man that he could not expect true happiness or righteousness while the wrath of God was in force upon him. These revelations were not designed to drive Adam to despair but to instill within him a faith that would cause him to look for the promised seed, Christ, who would be a new and a living way to God. Adam and Eve wandered off into the unknown. Children blessed their union. When Cain was born it would seem that the parents thought him to be the promised seed. They named him "Acquisition” , “ I have gotten a man from the Lord” , or “ Cain” . Both he and his brother Abel followed their father in farming. While Cain tilled the soil Abel took care of the sheep. Being alone with the flocks, Abel seemed to be quiet and contemplative, while Cain was aggressive and impatient. From Adam’s example, they both learned how, when and why God wished to be worshipped. It is a very definite, internal, soulful, spiritual experience. How a Christian worships is often noticed by other people. It is particularly watched by the devil who is concerned with our genuiness. Beginning with Genesis 4:3 we see true worship brought to our attention. Here Cain brings of the fruit of the ground as his offering to the Lord. Abel, however, Page 4 3
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