Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE POWER OF VOWS (PART 1), OCTOBER 18TH, 2026

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THE POWER OF VOWS (PART 1), OCTOBER 18TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHT Vows fulfilled open doors of Amazing blessings from God. Hymn: THERE IS NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS TEXT: 1 SAM 1:1-28, 2:21; JUDGES 11:30-40; NUM 30:2; DEUT. 23:21; PS 50:14, 76:11; ECCL 5:1-7; MATT 5:33 INTRODUCTION: A vow according to Oxford Dictionary simply means a solemn promise especially to God. It could equally be a declaration, affirmation, agreement, a bond, an undertaking or an oath. It could take place within an individual either privately or publicly: especially when it comes to things of God. It could be an undertaking between persons, e.g. marriage vows. The use of vows was common in Bible times. However, vows must come out of one’s willingness and not out of compulsion, otherwise, it becomes fruitless and meaningless. When fulfilled it attracts the blessings of God, 1 Sam 2:21. Vows are sacred and should not be taken lightly. Our God is a covenant keeper. He demands nothing less than faithfulness. “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”, Eccl 5:4-5. Once it proceeds from your mouth, it becomes binding on you, the only way out is to fulfill your vow, no other alternative. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this lesson are to know, understand, consider and appreciate: 1. To know the meaning of a vow. 2. To know the importance of vow. 3. To know how vows generally should be made. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY THE TERM VOW? A vow is a solemn/sacred promise, an undertaking and a declaration. It could be regarded as an affirmation, an oath or a bond which an individual makes to God either privately or publicly when faced with a problem. It could equally be an undertaking between persons with a target in focus. Hannah came back to the temple to present Samuel to the Lord, just to fulfill her vow in 1 Sam 1:11. A vow is a promise to God of doing some good thing when prayers are answered. So, vows are sacred, when made to GOD, before GOD and in the assembly of His people. God is in heaven and we on earth, Eccl 5:2, any pledge or oath or undertaking made before Him is recorded in the Lord’s Book of Records. QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE LAWS THAT REGULATED THE EXECUTION OF VOWS? There are several laws for the regulation and due execution of vows. A man might devote himself or his children, to the Lord. If a man or woman vowed themselves, or their children to the lord, they were obliged to adhere strictly to His service according to conditions of the vow; if not, they were to be redeemed, Lev 27:2-3. Only if the person was poor, and could not procure the sum limited, the priest imposed a ransom upon him according to his abilities. If anyone had vowed an animal that was clean, he had not the liberty of exchanging it or of withdrawing (or redeeming) it, but as obliged to sacrifice it to the Lord or give it to the Priest, according to the manner of his vow. If it...

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GIVING (PART 3), OCTOBER 11TH, 2026

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GIVING (PART 3), OCTOBER 11TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHT: For the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measure to you again. Hymn: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE TEXT: MALACHI 3:10-12; MATT 6:1-4  INTRODUCTION: In the first lesson in this series, we examined what giving is and highlighted the attitude we should have towards it. Following that, we identified what to give and the reasons for dating so. In this concluding lesson we shall be looking at some fertile grounds unto which we can sow and the blessings derivable in obeying this injunction. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1. To identify areas in which we can practice giving. 2. To understand how not to give. 3. To identify some factors that discourage people from giving. 4. To examine the blessings of giving. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT ARE SOME AREAS WE CAN PRACTICE GIVING? There are so many areas we can sow into that can be considered as fertile grounds. These include: 1. Evangelism/Mission, Mark 10:29-30. Evangelism is the primary assignment the Lord committed to all believers. However, many of us are not able to do this work the way we ought to. There are those out there who have devoted their lives to ensure that the assignment is carried out as the Lord commanded. If we therefore give generously to support them, we are helping to fulfill the task we have been given and so will get the reward of obedience. 2. Needs of the Church, Mal 3:10. Any need in the house of God can be regarded as “God’s need” at the moment and when we contribute to meet such needs, we will be sowing on fertile ground that will yield the desired harvest in due season. 3. Needy Saints, Matt 10:40-42; Phil 4:17-19. Whenever we give to help a needy brother or sister whether known or unknown to us, we are actually giving to the Lord Himself as we see in Matt. 10:40-42. Anything we give in the name of the Lord will attract is due reward. 4. The Widows, Fatherless, Orphans and Aged, James 1:27. It is God’s desire that we show love to the widows, fatherless, orphans and the aged by giving to meet their needs. Anyone who gives to this category of people will be rewarded by Him. 5. The Poor, Ps 41:1-3; Prov 19:17. This is another very fertile ground that we can sow into which unfortunately we are neglecting so much. The Bible says in Prov 19:17 that he that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord. If any one is called upon to lend to the One who owns heaven and earth, it is a big opportunity which if we understand what it means, we will do all in our power to give. We should develop the right attitude towards the poor by giving to their need.  6. Ministries of the Gospel, 2 Cor 9:7-14. The Bible makes us to understand that we should not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. Thus, all due encouragement should be given to those who are laboring for our good. Those that labor daily for the good of our souls should not be deprived of care and sustenance. Let us remember always that those who preach the gospel should also live...

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GIVING (PART 2), OCTOBER 4TH, 2026

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GIVING (PART 2), OCTOBER 4TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod loves a cheerful giver. TEXT: PHIL. 4:10-20; MAL. 3:7-12 INTRODUCTION: On part 1 of our study on giving, we laid more emphasis on having the right attitude towards giving to make it acceptable and rewarding. And this second part, attempt will be made to identify what to give and the various kinds of giving in the scripture. Giving is not just an act but a lifestyle of the kingdom, just like prayer, and standing on the word of God for growth, nourishment and blessing. It is an important part of our worship of God. Since giving is one of the measures of our spiritual maturity, it is very important that we understand the various kinds of giving. This is necessary because God judges our mind and attitude before, during and after giving. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what should motivate us to give. To identify what we are to give. To know the benefits of giving. BIBLE TRUTH:  QUESTION 1) WHAT SHOULD BE THE MOTIVATING FACTOR IN OUR GIVING? JOHN. 3:16; 15:13; 1 COR. 13:1-3 The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. The greatest factor that can motivate any giving that God will accept is love. Without love even if we give all that we have, it will amount to nothing in the sight of God (1 Cor. 13:1-3). So, we must make love the basis of any giving we want to be involved in, otherwise, that reward that God gives for every giving that is with the right motive will be lost. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE WE EXPECTED TO GIVE? As children of God, we are expected to give all that we have to him. However, for the purpose of clarity, we shall identify some of the things we are to give. 1.) Self, 2 Cor. 8:5: Like the Corinthians, we should first and foremost give ourselves to God because whatever we give will not be acceptable to God unless we first give ourselves to him, and recognition of the fact that all that we have come from his hands. (2 Cor. 4:7).  2.) Tithes and offerings, Mal. 3:7-12; Luke. 21:1-4; 1Cor. 16:1-2: Tithe is 10 percent of our income and it belongs to God while offering is something we offer to God voluntarily and happily. Many people do not see the need to give their tithes to God because they do not understand the word of God in the benefits attached to it. Many people tend to emphasize tithe while being silent on offering when considering this book of the Bible. It is necessary to point out here that both are very important and should be given adequate attention. The only difference between tithe and offering is that tithe is specifically define one tenth of our income while offering is left at the givers discretion which could even be more than tithe. 3.) Forgiveness: Mark. 11:25- 26; Matt. 5:23-29: Forgiveness is something we all owe one another. Unforgiving spirit hinders our blessing and defiles our relationship with God. It also gives substance to our offerings; at times our giving is not accepted because we failed to forgive. Matt. 5:23-24. When you sow forgiveness, God opens His arms for you and pours out His grace upon you....

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GIVING (PART 1), SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026

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GIVING (PART 1), SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026

Hymn: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE… CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is more blessed to give than toreceive. TEXT: 2 COR. 8:1-5; LUKE.6:38, 21:1-4 INTRODUCTION:To give is to pass something into someone’s hand or careor to hand over something as a present to someone. Onemay give something to someone in anticipation of a returnof something else while others may give out of love andconcern without expecting anything from the person towhom he/she has giving such thing. Giving is like a seedsowed which must germinate in due season, however thequality of the fruit a seed brings forth is determined by thequality of the seed. Since failure to give does not attract anyreward, it is proper that we develop the right attitudetowards giving to enable us get the right reward from thegreat rewarder and giver of all good things. This is whatthis lesson tries to highlight. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) To understand the starting point of giving.2.) To discuss some ways in which God demonstratesgiving.3.) To explain some ways the Bible describes giving. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1) WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OFCHRISTIAN GIVING?The starting point of Christian giving is to give oneselftotally to the Lord. Giving is an act of grace whichrepresents one of the forms of worship and show ofgratitude, when it is done by first offering oneself as asacrifice to the Lord. This is self-denial which will giveChrist a first place in one’s life. Many people give withoutthe right motive and as such the attract the wrath of Godinstead of his blessings to themselves. If we truly giveourselves to Christ and allow him have absolute controlover our lives, we will give him the best that we have andnot that which is worthless. Some people like to give thingsthat are of no value to them to God, it is not proper to giveas offering to the Lord, Moneys that Bus conductors/driversand traders or even banks have rejected. Such givingreveals a lack of knowledge of whom God is to theindividual and how he should be appreciated. We shouldsolemnly make a fresh – surrender of ourselves and all wehave on to the Lord Jesus Christ, sanctifying our contributions to God’s honor by First giving ourselves toGod. QUESTION 2) DISCUSS SOME WAYS IN WHICHGOD DEMONSTRATES GIVING AND THECHALLENGES DISPOSED TO US.Sacrificially, John. 3:16; Rom. 8:32:God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.It pleased God to give Jesus for us. He gave him up tosuffer and die for us. It is so wonderful that God should solove such a sinful world as to give his only begotten son,not one out of so many. Only himself (God) could do sucha thing and this is real sacrifice that is beyond humancomprehension. Because of this unique gift of God, wenow have life in abundance. Therefore, in appreciation ofthis, we should Also be willing to give our all freely to him. Unconditionally, Matt. 5:44-48:It is human to give to people one hopes to receive fromagain. They could even borrow to give in such a situation.But when given to a person that cannot reciprocate or givefor a course that we are not certain they will pay us backimmediately or later, we become very reluctant to give.This is not supposed to be so. The Scriptures enjoin us togive when the person cannot give back to...

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DAILY TRANSFORMATION, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2026

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DAILY TRANSFORMATION, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2026

MQY5ZVMDAOMGG42FBUPP5R4FUY Hymn: “When we walk with the Lord” CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believer’s daily transformation should prove that he is still a son, beloved of God. INTRODUCTION:Human beings grow and maintain their size as a result ofnourishment and God’s sovereign providence. An importantfeature of every human being is a definite life cycle consisting ofbirth, growth, maturity, old age and death. Sometimes, prematuredeath cuts off the third and the fourth stages ultimately reducingthe life cycle. There is no growth or life when dead.To grow is to increase in size by assimilation of nourishment or anatural process. It is to progress towards maturity; to sprout anddevelop; to flourish or thrive. This process of growing is alsocalled transformation, that is, the act of changing in form orappearance, nature and/or character of an individual.As we have already seen, feeding is a prerequisite to growth andtransformation; and feeding must be of nourishing food. For thephysical transformation, nourishing food is what is called“balanced diet”. And scientists and many other educated personscan list combinations of foods that would achieve a balanceddiet. However, for spiritual transformation, the meal is different,yet it must also be balanced. And just as disease can scuttlegrowth and development in the physical, there are “diseases” thataffect spiritual growth and development. For whatever reason,the implication of not growing is that the individual has longdied. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what daily transformation means. To know how to be transformed daily. To study the effects of our little beginnings on ourentire future. To know the importance of daily transformation. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BEDAILY TRANSFORMED?Science has shown that growth is continuous; rather than asudden and final event, it is gradual, and in normal cases,steady process of maturity until death. The child of Godwas once dead in sin, a sinner. His name was not in thebook of life. Against him were many offences written, eachof which sentenced him to death in hell fire. He was notknown in heaven as God’s child. The devil had andcontrolled him. But one day, the Lord Jesus Christ foundhim and opened his eyes to see that He had since paid forhis ransom from the slavery of sin and the devil. Hebelieved the Lord and asked Him to forgive his sins. Theseed of God germinated in his life and the Lord had givenbirth to a new son. Something great had happened inheaven and there was a loud ovation as he looked up fromhis prayers for forgiveness as the God of the Universepronounced him “discharged and acquitted”. He asked himto go and sin no more. Because the seed of God germinatedin the child of God, he must grow on a daily basis (not at once), getting better all the time. He must blossom. Hemust mature.To be transformed daily is summarized as follows: -I was a liar yesterday, today and forever I do not lie again. -I was a thief three days ago, I no more steal. -I was a prostitute before, now my mind is changed againstit and I do not practice it anymore. -I was a murderer, but I have left it behind me. -I was a witch, but the Lord saved me.Why is this so?….because the saved soul is given power (John 1:12) tolive for God and he continues to know more and moreabout God.…..because the word of life dwells...

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (V): MURMURING, SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2026

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (V): MURMURING, SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believer should not murmur against or Christian leaders. Hymn: “Christian, seek not yet repose.” TEXT: EX.15:22-24; 16:12; 17:3; 1 COR.10:1-12; NUM.14:2-4; 27-39. INTRODUCTION:This 5th lesson under the series Wilderness Experiences focuses on murmuring, one of the negative traits displayed by Israel in the wilderness as they journeyed towards the promised land.Israel murmured against God and His appointed leaders. Among things, they murmured over food, water, etc. A major occasion on which they murmured was when ten of the twelve spies sent by Moses brought an evil report about the promised land. The people murmured and accused God of bringing them into the land to kill them. According to them “…Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died inthis wilderness! …… were it not better for us to return into Egypt?And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.” (Num.14:2-4). Their murmuring displeased God and He pronounced judgement upon the men who brought the evil report and those who believed them. Murmuring is still common among the believers today like the Israelites, wemurmur when we are exposed to any little trial. When there is a lack of food, or lean finances etc. some believers do not hesitate to accuse God of not caring for them. Sometimes they utter words that are unexpected of believers. As believers we must exercise discipline over our words, thoughts and deeds. We should avoid murmuring and its close associates of grumbling and complaining. They are not traits expected of a believer. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what it means to murmur.To understand the implications of murmuring.To know some of the situations that made Israel to murmur.To know that a believer is not expected to murmur.To know how to avoid murmuring. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD MURMUR?In our context, murmur can be explained as an expression of discontent. It carries with it complaining and grumbling.Murmuring therefore implies a feeling of dissatisfaction towards somebody. Hence when Israel murmured against God, they were actually showing discontentment or disaffection for His ways. Their murmuring appeared to indicate that they were no longer willing for Him to lead them. They suggested by their murmuring that they no longer believed in His ability to take them to the promised land. These were the grave implications of their murmuring.Given this understanding, it must be appreciated that murmuring against God and those appointed by Him tolead His people is as grave an offence today as it was with Israel in the wilderness. Murmuring is therefore a trait that the believer must prayerfully overcome. QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SITUATIONS THAT MADE ISRAEL TO MURMUR?EX.15:23-24; 16:2-8; DEUT.1:23-28Most times, Israel’s murmurings centered on material things. They murmured for water, food etc. As theyjourneyed to the promised land, when they got to Marah and could not drink of the waters of Marah because of their bitterness, the people murmured against Moses saying “What shall we drink”. (Ex.15:23-24).Also, when they came to the wilderness of sin which is between Elim and Sinai, the people murmured overprovision of food (bread). They said unto Moses and Aaron “Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt,...

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (IV): TEMPTING GOD, SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2026

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (IV): TEMPTING GOD, SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believer tempts God when he takes God’s grace for granted and disobeys Him. HYMM: “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.” TEXT: MATT.4:6-7; 1 COR.10:1-14; NUM.21:4-9 INTRODUCTION:This fourth lesson in the series on the Wilderness experiences ofIsrael focuses on how the Israelites tempted God on their way tothe promised land. As they journeyed in the wilderness, thechildren of Israel were very slow in learning God’s ways. Amajor consequence of this was that they were disobedient andrebellious. From time to time, they did one thing or the other thatprovoked God’s judgement upon them. One of such occasionswas the incident recorded in our lesson text (Num. 21:4-9). Thepeople spoke against God and Moses as they journeyed fromMount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, and said “Wherefore haveye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For thereis no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth thislight bread”. (Num.21:5). They implied by their statement thatGod lacked the ability to cater for/look after them in thewilderness and to bring them to the promised land. They forgotthe provision of water and bread earlier on. Their complaintprovoked God’s judgement and He sent fiery serpents into theirmidst. The serpents bit them and many of them died. However,when they cried out to Him, because of His love and mercy, itmade a provision for them to receive healing from the serpents Lesson Objectives:1.) To know what it means to tempt God.2.) To know the ways Israel tempted God.3.) To know some of the ways believers tempt God today.4.) To appreciate the consequences of tempting God.5.) To understand how a Christian can avoid tempting God. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TEMPT GOD?The word tempt has several meanings in the dictionary. Ofall these, the one that appropriately explains what it meansto tempt God is when the tempt is said to mean provoke ordefy. Therefore, to tempt God implies provoking Him ordefying His authority. The Lord says in scripture that“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt notmake unto thee any graven image…..”(Ex.20:3-6).Therefore, when a man begins to worship idols, he istempting God and provoking Him to jealousy and God willvisit His judgement upon such an individual. It is importantto acknowledge here that truly God is kind and merciful.He does not delight in the death of the wicked. However,when any human being takes to idolatry, that individual issuggesting that there is another creator other than theAlmighty God. This amounts to asking God to proveHimself. It also implies challenge to His authority orcomplete defiance of His authority which will definitelyattract His judgement either now on earth or in eternity. QUESTION 2.) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH ISRAEL TEMPTED GOD?Israel tempted God in the wilderness in very many ways.When they felt they had no water to drink, they murmuredagainst Moses (Ex.17:2-7). They accused Moses ofbringing them into the wilderness to kill them. In saying so,they were doubting God’s ability to provide for them. Bythis action, they were tempting God. On another occasionwhen they felt Moses delayed in returning from God’spresence, they asked Aaron to make a calf for them andbegan to worship the golden calf (Ex.32:1-6). By theiraction, they tempted God. Other ways in which Israeltempted God in the wilderness included unbelief (Ex.17:7),rebellion...

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (III): SEXUAL IMMORALITY, AUGUST 30TH, 2026 

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE (III): SEXUAL IMMORALITY, AUGUST 30TH, 2026 

CENTRAL THOUGHT  Sexual immorality robs the believer of peace and attracts God’s Judgement.  HYMN: “I gave my life for thee.”  TEXT: EX.20:14; NUM.25:1-13; 1 COR.10:1-11  INTRODUCTION:   This third lesson in the series “Wilderness Experiences” focuses on sexual immorality. In their journey toward the promised land, the children of Israel encountered many enemies. A major aim of these enemies was to destroy them and prevent them from actualizing God’s plan for them. The Moabites were one of such enemies. Moabites were counseled by Balaam that the only way they could get Israel to offend God was to make them commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab. The Moabites then invited Israel to their ungodly feasts (sacrifices) and the men of Israel committed whoredom with the daughters of the land. This brought God’s judgement upon Israel and twenty four thousand (24,000) of them died in one day.  Sexual immorality still remains a major way the enemy tempts believers today. Sexual immorality robs the believer of his spiritual strength and removes the lid of God’s protection over him thus making him a prey to the enemy. The believer must therefore be careful so that he doesn’t become a victim of the enemy’s plans/strategies.  BIBLE TRUTH:   QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY?  Sexual immorality in biblical/ Christian counter refers to a deviation from God’s standard of sexual behavior. God as the creator of man has a perfect knowledge of man’s make-up and natural appetites or urges. God’s standard of behavior can only be satisfied in a marriage, between husband and wife. Any sexual relationship or intercourse outside of marriage amounts to sexual immorality. The Bible refers to this variously as fornication, adultery etc.  Fornication and adultery as used in the scripture refers to all forms of sexual immorality and includes sexual intercourse outside marriage between single persons who are not husband and wife, or a married person(s) with another married or single person(s) who are not their spouses. Sexual immorality perversion also includes such acts as incest, sodomy, (homosexuality), lesbianism, bestiality, harlotry (female and male prostitution). Also, lasciviousness in all its ramifications, licentiousness, lustfulness, unchastity, lewdness are all aspects of sexual immorality. “Lasciviousness” is the promoting or partaking of that which tends to promote lewd emotions -anything tending to foster sex, sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by the Christian” (Dake’s annotated Bible. P.207 New Testament).   QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LED TO ISRAEL’S IMMORAL ENCOUNTER WITH MOAB AND THE LESSONS THE BELIEVER CAN LEARN FROM THEM?  As Israel marched towards the promised land, the power of the Lord was mightily manifested, God gave them power to conquer the nations they came in contact with. As their fame spread abroad, nations became afraid of them, Moab was one of the nations that feared Israel. The Bible says “And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.” (Num. 22:3). Moab therefore embarked on a plan to thwart the advance of Israel. Their leader decided to hire a prophet to curse Israel (Num.22:1-3). Balaam a greedy prophet, loved the rewards promised by Moab but got stopped by God from cursing Israel (Num.22:12). Finally, Balaam counselled Moab that the only way they could get Israel offend God was to make them (Israel) commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab. Thus, the children of Israel were invited to...

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES (II): IDOLATRY, AUGUST 23RD, 2026

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES (II): IDOLATRY, AUGUST 23RD, 2026

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod hates idolatry, therefore the believer must beware of it. HYMM: “ Hymn: I need thee every hour” TEXT: 1 COR.10:1-14; EX. 20:1-5; 32:1-6; NUM. 25:1-9.INTRODUCTION:The Almighty God created the entire universe and made man in His own image. God commanded man to worship Him and live in obedience to Him. Man was given control (authority) over other creatures and indeed they were all subject to him. However, man disobeyed God and thus fell from the exalted position given him by God. This loss of fellowship with God created a vacuum in man which yearns for satisfaction. In his attempt to live up with the spiritual or satisfy the vacuum inside of him, (rather than repent and return to God), man has decided to create images (idols) as worship objects and worship the creature instead of the Creator.Apart from images (idols), other things appear to take the place of God in the lives of men. Anything that takes the place of God in a man’s life is considered an idol in scriptures.In God’s dealings with Israel, He asked them constantly to do away idols. The same instruction is given to everyone today. The Almighty God is the only one who is to be worshipped. He alone deserves our worship.This second lesson in the series, “Wilderness Experiences” focuses on idolatry. Israel from time to time, despite warnings from the Almighty God, worshipped (served) the gods of the people they came in contact with. This always brought God’s judgement (punishment) upon them. It is hoped that at the end of the lesson, the believer will appreciate the danger associated with idolatry and set his heart always to wholly serve God, loving Him with all his heart, all his soul, all his mind and all his body that is, with his entire being. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know the meaning of idolatry. To know the various ways people worship idols. To appreciate the dangers associated with idol worship. To understand that idolatry attracts God’s judgement(punishment). To know what should be the believer’s attitude towardidols and worshippers. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS IDOLATRY AND HOW IS IT EXPRESSED?The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines idolatry in two ways. Firstly, idolatry is defined as the worship of idols and secondly it also refers to excessive love, admiration or worship of somebody or something. These definitions are very true in the spiritual/Christian context. The worship of any image (carved or graven) or the portrait (photograph) of anyone borders on idolatry. Even if it were possible to have a portrait (photograph) of God and a good sculptor makes an image or a carving out of it and men began to bow before it and worship it, the Bible will still consider such as an idolatrous practice. The Bible says expressly “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love...

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WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES (II): IDOLATRY, AUGUST 23RD, 2026 

Posted by on 11:05 am in Uncategorized | Comments Off on WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES (II): IDOLATRY, AUGUST 23RD, 2026 

WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES (II): IDOLATRY, AUGUST 23RD, 2026 

TEXT: 1 COR.10:1-14; EX. 20:1-5; 32:1-6; NUM. 25:1-9.  HYMM: “ Hymn: I need thee every hour”  CENTRAL THOUGHT  God hates idolatry, therefore the believer must beware of it.  The Almighty God created the entire universe and made man in His own image. God commanded man to worship Him and live in obedience to Him. Man was given control (authority) over other creatures and indeed they were all subject to him. However, man disobeyed God and thus fell from the exalted position given him by God. This loss of fellowship with God created a vacuum in man which yearns for satisfaction. In his attempt to live up with the spiritual or satisfy the vacuum inside of him, (rather than repent and return to God), man has decided to create images (idols) as worship objects and worship the creature instead of the Creator.  Apart from images (idols), other things appear to take the place of God in the lives of men. Anything that takes the place of God in a man’s life is considered an idol in scriptures.  In God’s dealings with Israel, He asked them constantly to do away idols. The same instruction is given to everyone today. The Almighty God is the only one who is to be worshipped. He alone deserves our worship.  This second lesson in the series, “Wilderness Experiences” focuses on idolatry. Israel from time to time, despite warnings from the Almighty God, worshipped (served) the gods of the people they came in contact with. This always brought God’s judgement (punishment) upon them. It is hoped that at the end of the lesson, the believer will appreciate the danger associated with idolatry and set his heart always to wholly serve God, loving Him with all his heart, all his soul, all his mind and all his body that is, with his entire being.  BIBLE TRUTH:  QUESTION 1) WHAT IS IDOLATRY AND HOW IS IT EXPRESSED?  The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines idolatry in two ways. Firstly, idolatry is defined as the worship of idols and secondly it also refers to excessive love, admiration or worship of somebody or something. These definitions are very true in the spiritual/Christian context. The worship of any image (carved or graven) or the portrait (photograph) of anyone borders on idolatry. Even if it were possible to have a portrait (photograph) of God and a good sculptor makes an image or a carving out of it and men began to bow before it and worship it, the Bible will still consider such as an idolatrous practice. The Bible says expressly “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Ex.20:4-6).  In addition, excessive love, admiration or worship of somebody or something borders on idolatry. That is anything anyone allowed to take the place of God in his/her life becomes an idol to that person. For example some people love sports (football, wrestling, boxing etc.) with a favor that borders on idolatry. In some cases, expression of support for particular...

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