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Summary of the ways in which God took care of the Israelites during the Exodus

20/6/2021

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Summary of the ways in which God took care of the Israelites during the Exodus

He guided the Israelites by a pillar of cloud during the day.
He provided a pillar of fire to guide them during the night.
God sent an angel who engulfed the Egyptian soldiers in darkness to delay their attack on the Israelites.
He gave them priests to be intermediaries between them and God.
God split the waters of the Red Sea to create a dry path for the Israelites to pass.

He punished the Egyptian soldiers who were pursuing the Israelites by drowning them in the Red Sea.
God changed bitter water into sweet waters for the Israelites to drink at Marah.
God provided Manna and quails as food for the Israelites when they were hungry.Healing those who were bitten by snakes.
God assisted the Israelites to defeat the Amalekites
He provided them with strong leaders like Moses.
God gave them the 10 commandments to guide them on their relationship with him and one another.

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Importance of circumcision to Abraham and his descendants

20/6/2021

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Importance of circumcision to Abraham and his descendants

It was an outward sign of Abraham’s and his descendants’ covenant relationship with God.
It was an outward sign of a male Jew’s true belonging to the Jewish community.
It was an outward sign of the inner faith for Abraham and his descendants that they were called to a life of obedience to God.
It identified the Israelites as God’s chosen race.
Through it, Abraham and his descendants were assured of inheriting God’s blessings.
It confirmed that Abraham was obedient and faithful to God.
It was a sign of continued love and protection from God which the Israelites were to enjoy.
It signified purity/ cleanliness.

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Attributes of God shown in the Jewish Passover

18/6/2021

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Attributes of God shown in the Jewish Passover

God is caring i.e. preserved the life of the Israelites.
God loves.
God is powerful i.e. took care of nature.
God is provider of life i.e. killed the Egyptians.
God is the creator and controller of human life.
God is universal e.g. controlled lives of the Egyptians and Israelites.
God is omnipresent i.e. everywhere including to the Israelite and the Egyptians.
God is faithful to his promises.
He punishes the disobedient.

THE PASSOVER

18/6/2021

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Exodus 12:1 – 31

Passover is derived from Hebrew word Pasach meaning “to pass” with the aim of sparing or protecting.

Preparations for the Passover

God instructed Moses to prepare the Israelites for the tenth plague. Moses called all the elders of Israel and gave them the following instructions.

On the tenth day of that month each man had to choose either a lamb or a young goat for his household. If his family was too small to eat a whole animal, then he and his next-door neighbor were to share the animal.The animal chosen was to be a male, one year old and without blemish. Using a young animal signified the innocence of the sacrifice while an animal without blemish signified purity of the sacrifice.
The animal chosen was to be killed on the eve of the 14th day of that month/eve of the night of the Exodus.
The blood of the animal was to be smeared on the door posts and lintel of Israelites’ houses. The blood was to act as a sign of distinguishing the Israelites houses from those of the Egyptians so that the angel of death would spare them when he killed the first-born sons of the Egyptians.
The lamb/animal for sacrifice was to be roasted whole i.e. with its head, legs and inner parts. Roasting was the quickest method of cooking since the Israelites were in a hurry.
The meat was to be eaten that night with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The bitter herbs signified the bitter experience of slavery in Egypt.
Everything was to be eaten and whatever remained was to be burnt.
They were to eat the sacrificial meat after they had dressed up and packed their luggage (Vs 9 – 11)
The Israelite women were to ask for Jewellery, Silver and clothing from the Egyptian women on the eve of their departure. These items were to act as compensation for the free labour the Israelites had given Egypt.
Everyone was to remain indoors until morning in order to be protected from the angel of death.
The Passover was to be to be commemorated annually and its significance taught to the coming generation.

Please note that:

On that night the Angel of death “passed over” the houses of the Israelites and killed the entire male first born of the Egyptians, including Pharaoh’s son.
There was great wailing in Egypt.
Pharaoh summoned Moses and released the Israelites.
The Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land through the wilderness/Exodus.

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LOYALTY TO GOD – PROPHET ELIJAH

17/6/2021

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Elijah means “Yahweh is my God”

Factors that led to spread of idolatry in Israel

Introduction:

Idolatry refers to worship of idols.
An idol is an image representing a god usually made using materials such as bronze, stone or hard wood.
The images of these gods would be kept in the places of worship where the worshipers went to ask for whatever needs they had.
The 2nd commandment Ex. 20:4 forbids making of images of anything “In the heavens above or the earth below…”
The Israelites were forbidden from bowing down to /worshipping these images. (Deut 5:8 – 10 and Lev 26:1)
To guard against the temptations to turn to the worship of the Canaanite gods, Yahweh through Moses had forewarned the Israelites that when they enter Canaan, they were supposed to destroy all the worshipping places e.g. temples/shrines and cultic objects (Ex .34:13).

The Israelites were not supposed to:

Make any agreement/treaties with the foreigners.
Not to intermarry with the foreigners.
Practice polytheism /worship of many gods.
Copy the way other nations were ruled and governed.
Compromise the worship of Yahweh with that of Canaanites.

However, when the Israelites settled in Canaan the Canaanite influence on them was great and they started to fall away from the worship of Yahweh.
The following contributed to this:

A. The local Canaanite religion

The Canaanite religion had the following features/ qualities;

It was predominantly a nature religion related to forces of nature e.g. rain and drought. They were a means of maintaining the ordered harmony of nature and the life of the community/it was cyclic they repeated seasons.
It was polytheistic/ comprised of many gods and goddesses’ e.g.

El – The high god, the king and father
Asherah – the “wife” of El, a goddess of fertility.-Baal – the storm god also referred to as the god of rain and fertility. He was sometimes called Baal Hadad which means god of storm. He was represented in the form of a bull, a symbol of strength and fertility.
Baalath – female partner of Baal. Baalath means lady, her personal name was:
Astarte.
Mot – was the god of drought, famine and death.
Anat – “sister” of Baal, a goddess of war and love.
Symbols/idols/images were made to represent each god/goddess e.g.
Baal was represented in the form of a bull and stone pillar.
Asherah by a sacred pole.
Temple prostitution was part of the worship of gods and goddesses.
The man identified himself with Baal while the woman identified herself with Astarte the wife of Baal. It was believed that if a barren couple imitated Baal and Astarte when having sex, they would be able to bear children.
Human/animal sacrifices were made to gods/goddesses.
Festivals and feasts were celebrated in honour of the gods and goddesses e.g.
Feast of unleavened Bread which was carried out at the beginning of the barely harvest. -----Feast of weeks celebrated during the wheat harvest.
Feast of in-gathering celebrated at the beginning of the agricultural year.
Rituals were performed to ensure continued fertility/well being of the community.
There were prophets and prophetess for each god and goddess.
Each god and goddess played a specific role in the community e.g.
Anat-Female deity rep. love
Asherah-Female deity rep. motherhood
Astarte- female deity represented war.
There was a chief god/goddess i.e. El
There were temples/shrines/high places of worship of the god and goddess.
Agricultural activities were linked to appeasing Baal, the rain god.

Influence of the local Canaanite Religion

the new situation in Canaan made the Israel compromise the worship of Yahweh with that of Canaanite duties leading to Syncretism e.g. one time the Israelites recognized Yahweh as their sole God in the time of need/crisis at other times worshipped him as a Canaanite deity at Canaanite sanctuaries and making their own at Gilgal, Bethel, Dan, Gibeon, and Shiloh
The Israelites used the items of Canaanites, sanctuaries e.g. Altar, the stone pillar and the wooden pole belonging to the Canaanite religion in worship.
The sacrifices and offerings of the Canaanites were taken over by the Israelites e.g.
Peace offering for renewed communion between the deity and the worshippers.
The burnt offering – given wholly for the deity.
Cereal offering of the fruits.
Israel adopted great festivals which belonged to the structure of agriculture life in Canaan e.g.
Transition from pastoral life to agricultural life, they were attracted by the agricultural successes of the Canaanites and thought this was due to their religion and thus began copying their worship activities.
The Israelites were attracted to the visible gods of the Canaanites as opposed to the invisible Yahweh.
The Israelites failure to effect God’s commands to destroy all the cultic objects and temple used in the worship of Canaanite gods.
The Israelites failed to understand the nature of their God: They broke God’s commandments which prevented them from worshipping their gods e.g. made and worshipped the golden bull calf.
The change of environment from nomadic to settled and agricultural environment. The nature gods proved more relevant than Yahweh (The God of the desert.)

B. The religious schism between Judah and Israel

Schism: refers to a division within or separation from an established church/Religion.
The other factor that led to the spread of idolatry in Israel dates back to around 922 B.C. when Jeroboam became the King of Israel. He made sure that the people of his kingdom did not have any links with the people of Judah.

Ways in which King Jeroboam contributed to religious schism between Judah and Israel. 1Kings 12:25 – 33

He made two golden calves and placed one at Bethel and another at Dan to represent Yahweh Vs 29.
He set up two rival places/ centers of worship and ignored Jerusalem. V.s31.
He made the Israelites to offer sacrifices to the golden calves. V.s.32.
He chose priests from ordinary families to serve at worship centers. Priests were supposed to come from the house of Levi. Vs. 31
He built other places of worship/shrines on hill tops vs. 32.
He burnt incense at altars of the idols/ made sacrifices to idols himself, thus breaking the first commandment.
He instituted religious festivals in the months of his choice.

From the above we conclude that Jeroboam set a bad example for all the Kings who came after him in Israel.

C. King Ahab’s marriage with a Phoenician princess (I Kings 16:29 – 34)

The third factor that led to idolatry in Israel was Ahab’s marriage to Queen Jezebel who promoted idolatry in the following ways:

She imported her Baal religion to Israel.
She asked her husband, Ahab to build high places for the idols.
She influenced the king to make Baalism the state religion.
She persecuted the prophets of Yahweh.
She influenced King Ahab to worship Baal.

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David’s weaknesses

16/6/2021

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David’s weaknesses

King David had the following weaknesses

King David

He committed adultery with Uriah’s wife.
He plotted for Uriah’s murder.
He coveted his neighbor’s wife.
He forced a soldier to meet the wife.
He broke military laws by putting Uriah in the frontline instead of the back.
He married many wives which took a large portion of state money.

Conclusion: He repented and God forgave him.

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KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE and ACHIEVEMENTS

15/6/2021

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KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE

Introduction:
He was the second King of Israel, was anointed by Samuel after Saul failed and regarded as the most successful King in Israel.
Importance:
Refers to his successes, achievement and qualities also King David’s achievements as the king of Israel

David and Bathsheba

I Samuel 16:1 – 23, 2 Sam 6:1 – 19

He was chosen by God to be the king of Israel/anointed by God’s prophet Samuel.
David was filled with God’s spirit right from the time of anointing/throughout his reign.
He had outstanding qualities of leadership e.g. he was charismatic, generous, patient, honorable, wise, brave, eloquent in speech, God-fearing.
He knew and obeyed God/He was a man after God’s own heart/faithful/ trusted God throughout his life.
David consulted prophets of God in all undertakings.
David was acclaimed/accepted/chosen as King of Israel by the whole of Israel at Hebron, 2 Sam 5:1 – 5
He courageously fought and defeated his enemies e.g. the Philistines.
He captured the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites/He made it the political administration capital for the nation and a religious centre.
He chose Jerusalem a neutral city of his nation. 2 Sam 5:6 – 10, 6:1 – 19
He recaptured the Ark of the Covenant.
He united his people through personal efforts.
He extended the boundaries of his kingdom by capturing smaller states.
He established a standing army / he was a good military commander. He broke the Philistines control over Canaan once and for all and shut them up in coastal plain 2 Sam 5:17 – 25, 21:15 – 22.

He also waged successful wars against Moab, Ammon, Edon, Amalek and Aram/Syria and concluded a treaty with the Phoenician King, and Hiram of Tyre. David came to be recognized as the ruler of an empire that stretched from Lebanon Mt. to the boarders of Egypt, from Med. Sea to the desert of Arabia.
He established a long lasting dynasty /Davidic which lasted for 400 years.
He was a shrewd/ good administrator /He chose wise elders and counselors to advice him.
He organized religion through the Temple music/ composed Psalms.
He was humble/ repentant. He was ready to accept the sins he had committed e.g. when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and arranged for the death of her husband, he was later remorseful. He put on Sackcloth as a sign of repentance after Prophet Nathan rebuked him for the offence (2 Sam 12:1 – 15).
Divided his Kingdom into small administrative districts.
He came up with the idea of building the Temple for God.
God made a covenant with David through Prophet Nathan.
David respected the Prophets of God and always consulted them whenever he wanted to do anything e.g. when he wanted to build the Temple he consulted Prophet Nathan. (2 Sam 7:1)
He was a great diplomat and established good political relations with the neighbouring Kings.
David ruled over Israel, administering Law and justice to all people, (2 Sam 8:15).
He insisted on taking census of all Israel 2 Sam 24: 1 – 9. The information collected was for the purpose of recruiting young men into military service and deciding on the policy of taxation.
He made his nation rich by taxing his enemies

The achievements of David as king of Israel

David conquered / defeated the enemies of Israel.
He expanded the geographical boundaries of Israel / established boundaries.
He captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites.
He made Jerusalem the capital city of Israel.
He made Jerusalem a religious centre by bringing the ark of the covenant there.
He made peace treaties with his neighbors / Diplomatic ties / trade links
He composed psalms which are used during worship.
He united the twelve tribes of Israel under one ruler.
He made preparations for the construction of the Temple.

1 2 3 7

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Why did the Israelites demand for an Idol/possible reasons for breaking the Covenant?

14/6/2021

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Why did the Israelites demand for an Idol / possible reasons for breaking the Covenant?

Moses overstayed up the mountain.
-They needed another leader because they did not know what had happened to Moses.
They lacked self-control/ were impatient.
They lacked faith in God/ unfaithful.
They did not understand the nature of their God e.g. powerful God.
It is possible that they were misled by foreigners who joined them on their way to Canaan.
Aaron was a weak leader and accepted to make the golden bull-calf.
They had been exposed to idolatry in Egypt.
The availability of raw materials e.g. Jewellery they had brought from Egypt.

Effects of worshipping the Idol / Bull

God was annoyed with the Israelites and wanted to destroy/consume them and start raising a new generation through Moses.
Moses pleaded with God to forgive them and God withdrew his wrath/ God forgave them.
Moses was annoyed when he found the Israelites worshipping the idol and he threw down the stone tablets breaking them.
Moses burnt the Golden Bull-calf into ashes mixed with water and ordered the Israelites to drink.
God forgave those who repented after worshipping the Golden calf.
Moses separated those who repented; the Levites included, and ordered the unrepentant group to be killed.
The Lord sent a plague upon the people because they had worshipped the idol.

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THE BREAKING OF THE SINAI COVENANT

14/6/2021

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THE BREAKING OF THE SINAI COVENANT

Moses went up the mountain to God so as to be instructed on how to lead the Israelites on their last part of the journey to the Promised Land.
Moses overstayed up the mountain until some Israelites became impatient and restless.
The multitude started murmuring against the God of Moses/ Yahweh and desired to go back to Egypt.
They asked Aaron to make for them a physical god to worship.
Aaron made an idol god in form of a calf. He used the ornaments they had brought from Egypt.
The idol represented power and strength.
Their worship was accompanied by singing, dancing, drinking, eating and indulged in revelry/sex around the calf.
This was blasphemy before God/idolatry.
Meanwhile God told Moses to go down for the people had sinned and rejected him.
- Moses was annoyed and dropped the tablets on which the laws were written they broke into pieces.
He ground the bull-calf and mixed with water and forced the people to drink.
Moses called the faithful followers of Yahweh. Only the Levites came forward.
Moses ordered the faithful people to kill the sinners.
Moses returned to God and asked for forgiveness on behalf of the people.
God promised to rub the names of the sinners from the book of heaven.
God told Moses to continue leading the people.

Reasons why the Israelites broke the covenant while at Mt. Sinai

Moses their leader delayed to come down from the mountain/imagined he had died.
Aaron who had been left in charge of the people was a weak leader.
The people demanded for a god / gods they could see / feel.
The people were still influenced by the Egyptian way of worship / idolatry.
Moses teaching I influence had faded / vanished from the people’s minds/ forgotten.
The people had lost faith in their invisible God.

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QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER DRAWN FROM DAVID’S LEADERSHIP

14/6/2021

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QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER DRAWN FROM DAVID’S LEADERSHIP

A good leader should posses the following attributes:

Have faith in God. A leader should be a God fearing man/seek God’s guidance as all authority comes from him.
Have courage/bravery and fearlessness in spite of many dangers: a leader should be more courageous than his people.
Be just and fair. All leaders must ensure that there is fair treatment for all in society/was a good administrator/ he never favoured anyone.
David led his armies into battles. Christian leaders should be in the forefront when their people have problems to be solved.
Humility. When David sinned he was ready to ask for forgiveness from God. A leader should accept mistakes and be willing to ask for forgiveness/ repentance.
David consulted the prophets of God in all his undertakings. A leader needs to recognize God’s chosen servants, priests; pastors co-operate with them and constantly ask Gods guidance before indulging in any venture.
Kindness. David had a forgiving heart towards some of the offenders e.g. spared Saul’s life 1 Sam 24:10. Therefore modern leaders should be willing to accommodate their rivals even forgive their offenders.
David felt that he was ruling for God. He was just a servant of God not his master. A leader should lead as a servant of God.
A leader should be patriotic to his country and be ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of unity, love and peace.
A leader should be patient in decision making. David gave his people to decide whether to accept his rule or not.
12. Loyalty. David drew support of his subjects and never imposed his will on them. Modern leaders should never betray their oath of loyalty they make to serve their subjects faithfully after taking office.
Gratitude. David always thanked God for any success or favours he received from him (Samuel 7:18 – 29). Modern leaders should not be boastful over their personal achievements. It is God who gives such success.
Obedient and humble. He humbled himself before God and his Prophets and obeyed God’s commands/compassionate, loving, kind and merciful. He was tolerant with King Saul. He also helped the needy.
Shrewd administrator. He chose wise leaders to help and advise him. Modern leaders should choose wise people to advise them in their administrative duties.

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Relationship between human beings and the environment from the creation stories

13/6/2021

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Relationship between human beings and the environment from the creation stories

Both human beings and the environment were created by God/ have a common origin.
Human beings are superior to all other creatures.
Human beings should take care of the environment/ conserve/ preserve it.
Human beings have authority over the rest of creation.
Human beings should enjoy/ use God’s creation/ rest of creation was made for human beings.
All creation is very good/ human beings should treat the rest of creation with reverence/ respect.
Human beings and the environment are interdependent/ owe their existence to each other.
Human beings and the rest of God’s creation have a common destiny.

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN CONCEPT OF EVIL

13/6/2021

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN CONCEPT OF EVIL

It is an offense against another person of the community or it is an offense against God, the spirits or ancestors.
African communities are aware of the existence of evil in the society and the existence of evil in the society and they try to avoid it.
African communities believed that God is good and did not create evil.
There are many ideas concerning the origin and nature of evil.

The following are some of the beliefs about the origin of evil;

Many African communities believed they could be malicious/malevolent spirits.
Such spirits could be having a grudge against the living who probably failed to pour libation and to give offering.
Evil people e.g. wizards, witches, sorcerers who are able to tap mystical powers and use if for evil. They therefore cause harm to the living
Breaking of taboos, this result in becoming ritually unclean.
Curses by parents and other older relatives e.g. uncles, grandparents, aunts etc.
This occurs because when one offends them e.g. through insults, neglect and disobedience.
Breaking of oaths/ a solemn promise.
Oaths were usually made in order to seal an argument or to defend one against malicious accusations.
Bad omen.
Certain acts, words or things which are believed to have the effect of causing harm.

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Responsibilities given to human beings at creation

13/6/2021

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Responsibilities given to human beings at creation

To procreate/ multiply.
To cultivate the land and guard it.
To name the living creatures.
To eat from all plants.
Not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
To rule/ be in charge/ have dominion over other creatures.
To marry and procreate/ multiply.
To care for the environment.
To obey God.

In what ways have human beings failed to carry out responsibilities given to them by God in Genesis I and 2

By deciding to remain unmarried.
By not worshipping him / observing the Sabbath / resting.
Not guarding the land from erosion
Failing to conserve the environment e.g keeping it clean.
Through deforestation / cutting vegetation / not planting trees.
Mining an excavation leading to open ground.
Prevailing pregnancy by taking contraceptives / not procreating.
Murder / capital punishment.
Pollution of the environment.
Through abortion
Through sexual immorality e.g Homo sexuality, lesbianism etc.

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN VIEW OF CREATION

13/6/2021

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN VIEW OF CREATION

This refers to the traditional African ideas about creation.
The African creation stories are different from one community to another and myths are used to explain them.
A myth can be defined as a story that explains the origin of something, some customs and practices. It has a deeper meaning and even tries to explain the origin of a community.

Common ideas in Traditional African views of creation

African communities acknowledge God as the creator of the universe.
God is the sustainer of his creation for example, He provides for human beings.
God is the only creator and created the earth independently.
God’s work of creation is continuous and he does so through humankind e.g. through pro-creation.
It is God who set up human customs and traditions which humankind should follow.
Man was created with a mate. The woman is supposed to be his companion and helper.
The creation of man was after the rest of the creation.
To sustain him, plants and animals were created for food.

similarities-between-the-traditional-african-myths-and-the-biblical-accounts-of-creation.html

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The meaning of Biblical Accounts of creation

12/6/2021

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THE MEANING OF BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS OF CREATION

God worked as a spirit e.g. in the beginning the spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
God created the universe all alone. He is the sole creator.
He created by word of mouth and out of nothing and substance.
He created human beings in his own image and likeness.
God put man in charge of the creation and man is to take care of it.(Gen 1:26, 28)
After each work of creation, God emphasizes on the goodness of creation and always ends with “And God saw that it was good”.
God gave people/human beings understanding, namely; of good and evil and man had to make a choice.
The dignity of a woman is emphasized. She is portrayed as a companion to man and both are equal before God and are also complementary.
God is depicted as a God of order.
He created the earth with a plan e.g. He created light first to be used by human beings.
The seventh day is set aside by God as a holiday or sacred for rest and worship.

Comparison between the two accounts of creation:

Similarities

In both, God is portrayed as the only sole creator.
In both, man is portrayed as a special creature; Man was created in God’s image and likeness and there was nothing else created in that way.
Both outline the creation of the living and non-living things i.e. heaven, man, plants and animals etc.
In both, Man shares in life with God. God breathed life into man’s nostrils and created him in his own image.
In both cases, the earth was empty, formless.
In both cases, Man is given special privileges and responsibilities and is to multiply and fill the earth.
In both stories, God existed before creation.
In both mankind is created into full sexuality (male and female).

Differences

The creation of the firmament, the sun, the moon, stars, fish and creeping animals is only mentioned in the first story.
The planting of the Garden of Eden and the making of the river is only mentioned in the second story.
The creation in the first account is out of nothing (word) but out of substance in the second account e.g. the creation of man.
In the first account, creation took place for six days and God rested on the seventh day (Sabbath) while there is no mention of duration and the Sabbath day in the second story.
The first account is God-centered i.e. God is pictured as the one doing the work of creation while the second account is man-centered i.e. man is created first and the rest of the creatures are then made to serve the needs of man.
Marriage is meant for procreation in the first account (Genesis 1:38) while it is meant for companionship in the second story. (Genesis 2:23 – 24)
In the first account man was created last but in the second account man is created first.
In the second story there is mention of the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil which is not mentioned in the first account.
In the first account God affirms the goodness of all that he created but this is lacking in the second account.
The privileges and responsibilities given to man are more emphasized in the first account. (Genesis 1:26 – 30)
In the second account human beings are forbidden to eat the fruits of the tree in the middle but in the second, they can eat all plants yielding seeds and none is forbidden.

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Reasons why Christians find it difficult to read the Bible

12/6/2021

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Lack of discipline and commitment to read the Bible.
Being too busy with work.
Availability of several entertainments e.g. movies or newspapers that take most of people’s time/ worldly pleasures.
Most people don’t see the importance of of reading the Bible frequently.
People find it difficult to understand the Bible.
Some churches don’t provide guidelines on how to read the Bible.
Most people believe that pastors and church leaders are the only ones who are supposed to read the Bible.
Some people are semi-illiterate.
Some people don’t have the scriptures in the language they understand.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TEMPLE IN ISRAEL

12/6/2021

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TEMPLE IN ISRAEL

The Temple of Jerusalem played important roles in religious, social and economic lives of the Israelites as follows.

It symbolized God’s presence among his people through the Ark of the Covenant which was kept in the Temple.
It was a dwelling place for God. I Kings 8:12 – 13.
It was a centre/house of worship and prayer for the Jews/ priests offered sacrifices, burnt incense and prayers to God in the Temple.
All the Jewish Religious festivals/feasts such as Passover, Pentecost and New Year were celebrated in the Temple.
The Temple was a symbol of national security because the Jews believed that the Temple would never be destroyed.
Religious rites were performed in the Temple e.g. Purification and dedication rites, naming, circumcision of baby boys and lepers were cleansed in the temple.
It was a place for pilgrimage for the Jews living in Palestine and the Jews of the Diaspora
It was a commercial centre and housed the Jewish treasury where currencies were exchanged and animals for sacrifices sold.
It was a centre for Jewish learning where the teaching of the law was conducted
It was used as a law court where social and religious issues could be solved by the Sanhedrin/council of Jewish religious leader.
11. It was a symbol of Jewish unity. It united the Jews as the people of God, since it was built and maintained by Kings. It was a royal sanctuary thus providing stability for the monarch.
It was the residence for the religious leaders and the place where priests and prophets Lived, e.g. prophetess Anna, Luke 2:36 – 38.
The Jews believed that the Messiah would appear in the Temple.
The Temple was the only place where sacrifices to God were offered by the priests.
God revealed himself to many in the Temple e.g. Hannah, Isaiah etc.

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Lessons Christians learn from King Solomon’s reign

12/6/2021

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Lessons Christians learn from King Solomon’s reign

King Solomon

These lessons include to:

Be sexually pure.
Be Monogamous. Solomon’s seven hundred wives led him into worshipping their foreign gods.
Be just and fair.
Respect and honour God.
Not misuse national resources.
Put God above everything else.

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Summary of the ways Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness

11/6/2021

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Summary of the ways Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness

Through offerings, incense, grain gift.
Through sacrifices/ Holocaust, atonement.
Through festivals/ feasts e.g. Passover, feast of weeks, Terbanacle.
Had the Tabernacle/ the tent of meeting.
Use of prayers; for thanksgiving and asking for God’s protection.
Use of songs and dances.
Built altars to signify the presence of Yahweh/ approached the altars with respect/ earthly meeting place where they had Theophany.
Male folk presented themselves to God three times a year.
Observed the Ten Commandments/ had laws.
Assembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai where they received the Ten Commandments.
Burnt incense to the Lord/ Yahweh.
Observed the Sabbath as a day of worship by keeping it Holy and dedicating to God.
Paid tithes for the upkeep of the Tabernacle.
Consecrated the Tent of meeting.
Levite priests led the Israelites in worship/ Religious leaders e.g. Aaron, Moses, Levitical Priests.
Made the Ark of the Covenant and carried it whenever they went which symbolized God’s presence.
The dedication of the first born male children to God in memory of the Passover in Egypt.

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Elements of the Jewish worship found in the Christian worship today

11/6/2021

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Elements of the Jewish worship found in the Christian worship today

There are a number of elements of Israelite worship which have been carried over from the time of the Exodus to Judaism the early church and to the present time.

These elements include:

The Passover feast which found its origin from the Passover which marked the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. This is referred to as the Lord’s Supper in the N. T and Christian worship.
Use of prayer and songs in worship.
Observing the Lord’s Day / Sabbath by modern Christians.
Offerings are also given in form of money, goods and services tithes.
Altars. Most Christian churches have altars also called sanctuary.

NB: The worship of God by the Israelites was more similar to that one of the Traditional African worship.

Observing the Ten Commandments.
Burning of incense e.g. catholic church.
Spiritual leaders e.g. pastors, priests.
Dedication of children to God.

elements-of-the-jewish-worship-found-in-the-christian-worship-today.html

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Factors which lead people away from the worship of God today

10/6/2021

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Factors which lead people away from the worship of God today

Drunkardness

Materialism, love/craving for earthly possessions/wealth at the expense of spiritual development.
Corruption which makes people mistrust God/come to the conclusion that God does not care.
Permissiveness in society which makes people lose value especially religious values/social influence from peer groups.
Mass media /pornography where people spend time listening and watching T.V, videos and films. They may influence people’s activities which are contrary to the true worship of God.
Urbanization leads people to lose their identity/change values which may lead to degeneration of morals.
Dehumanization where the value of a person is not considered but the service they can provide.
Threats to human life/human dignity; caused by wars nuclear power/abortion which make people lose faith in God.
Confusion arising from religious pluralism. Some people wonder which is the true religion as some religions advocate worship of idols/Satan.
Oppression. Social/political/cultural/economics/religion suffering might make some people loose faith in God.
Sexual immorality/adultery, fornication, prostitution, homosexuality take away some people from the community of worshippers.
Scientific discoveries. People come to place their faith in science and technology. They believe it can solve all their problems.
Addiction to drugs.
Social prejudices/discrimination racism/tribalism destroys the unity of humanity.
Poverty dehumanizes the unit of humanity.

give-six-reasons-why-the-use-of-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit-brought-disunity-in-the-church-at-corinth.html

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Elijah’s fight against corruption

9/6/2021

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1 Kings 21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Naboth’s Vineyard
21

Later the following events took place: Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria.
And Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, so that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house; I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.”
But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you my ancestral inheritance.”
Ahab went home resentful and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him; for he had said, “I will not give you my ancestral inheritance.” He lay down on his bed, turned away his face, and would not eat.
His wife Jezebel came to him and said, “Why are you so depressed that you will not eat?”
He said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it’; but he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”
His wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal; she sent the letters to the elders and the nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
She wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth at the head of the assembly;
seat two scoundrels opposite him, and have them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out, and stone him to death.”
The men of his city, the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. Just as it was written in the letters that she had sent to them,
they proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth at the head of the assembly.
The two scoundrels came in and sat opposite him; and the scoundrels brought a charge against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city, and stoned him to death.
Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.”
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Go, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.”
As soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab set out to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
Elijah Pronounces God’s Sentence
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:
Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria; he is now in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession.
You shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: Have you killed, and also taken possession?” You shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, dogs will also lick up your blood.”
Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you. Because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord,
I will bring disaster on you; I will consume you, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel;
and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.
Also concerning Jezebel the Lord said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the bounds of Jezreel.’
Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat; and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the air shall eat.”
(Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel.
He acted most abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites.)
When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth over his bare flesh; he fasted, lay in the sackcloth, and went about dejectedly.
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite:
“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster on his house.”

Prophet Elijah fought moral corruption by condemning King Ahab’s behaviour involving Naboth’s vineyard.

Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard, which was adjacent to the palace.
He offered to buy it but Naboth refused because it was a family inheritance.
The king was depressed but Jezebel planned a corrupt scheme to acquire it.
She forged letters using the King’s Seal and accused Naboth falsely for:

(i) Showing disrespect to God/ Blasphemy.
(ii) Cursing the king/ treason.

This led to the stoning to death of Naboth.
Ahab went and possessed the land.

In so doing Ahab and Jezebel had broken the following commandments: 1 Kings 21:1-16

They broke the commandment of not to kill when they planned for the stoning of Naboth.
When they worshipped idols, they broke the commandment of not worshipping other gods.
They broke the commandment of not coveting a neighbor’s property when they wanted Naboth’s vineyard.
The commandment of not stealing was broken when they planned to take away Naboth’s vineyard.
They used the name of God in vain when they said Naboth had blasphemed against God.
The commandment of not to cheat/ bear false witness was broken when they planned/ instituting false witnesses against Naboth.

Forms of punishment prophesied by Prophet Elijah to king Ahab and Jezebel - 1 Kings 21:19-24.

Death of King Ahab would be in the same place/ valley of Jezreel like Naboth’s. Vs. 19.
Evil would be upon Ahab. Vs.21.
God was to take away the posterity of Ahab/ his rule would come to an end.
Dogs would lick the blood of Ahab.
All the male children free/ slaves would be cut off.
The lineage of Ahab would be wiped out.
The dogs would eat anybody who belongs to the family of Ahab who died in the city. Vs. 24.
The birds of the air would eat all members of Ahab’s family who die in the field.
Dogs would eat the body of Jezebel within the bounds of Jezreel. Vs 23.

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Lessons learnt about the nature of God from the contest at Mt. Carmel

9/6/2021

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Lessons learnt about the nature of God from the contest at Mt. Carmel

Yahweh is the only true God. Baal is not a god at all.
Yahweh is a living God who controls force of nature/ He is the Lord of nature/ He has power over nature.
Yahweh is a powerful God.
Yahweh is a merciful God who wins back way ward hearts. I Kings 18:37.
Yahweh is a jealous God who will have no other gods beside him. vs. 21
Yahweh is a God of justice who punishes idolaters and other sinners/He punishes evil.
Yahweh answers prayer/He is a faithful God.
God should be worshipped.
He works through human beings e.g. appointment of Jehu.
God wants human beings to obey him.
He is omnipresent.

Lessons learned by Christians about the nature of God from the Exodus

God is caring / a provider.
He communicates.
He provides.
He is powerful.
He guides.
He protects.
He commands.
He is to be obeyed.
He punishes those who disobey him /justice.
He is holy.
He is faithful / keeps promises.
He is patient / slow to anger.
Merciful.
Jealous.

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THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL (I Kings 12.)

9/6/2021

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The death of Solomon and the Division of the Kingdom

Death of King Solomon

After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam succeeded him. Not all tribes of Israel accepted him as their King and therefore it split into two. The Northern 10 tribes formed Israel while the 2 Southern tribes formed Judah. Judah retained Jerusalem as the capital city.
Factors that led to the division/reasons for the rise of schism in Israel

Solomon practiced idolatry which made God to punish him by splitting the kingdom.
Solomon built high places for idols.
The introduction of forced labour and heavy taxation led to discontentment among the Israelites and this made them rebellious.
Solomon had many foreign wives who brought with them the worship of foreign gods to Israel.
Rehoboam’s failure to heed to the elders wise counsel to rule the Israelites less harshly.
Rehoboam’s acceptance of the foolish advice given by the youth to rule the people more harshly than his father had angered the people.
Long standing feuds in David’s house.
Jeroboam was ready to lead the rebellious groups against Rehoboam.
Solomon’s favor extended towards the Southern tribes making the northern tribes to rebel/Solomon practiced nepotism and tribalism making northern tribes rebel.

state-five-factors-which-led-to-the-division-of-the-kingdom-of-Israel-after-the-death-of-king-Solomon

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Conditions that made it difficult for prophet Elijah to stop idolatry in Israel

9/6/2021

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Conditions that made it difficult for prophet Elijah to stop idolatry in Israel

The existence of false prophets who gave false promises to the Israelites.
King Ahab had allowed his Phoenician wife to bring the worship of false gods and goddesses.
Jezebel ordered the persecution of the true prophets of God.
King Ahab had allowed the building of temples/ high places for the worship of Baal.
The Canaanite religion had a strong influence on the Israelites.
The king participated in idol worship.
The idol gods could be seen/ touched so they appeared real.

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Exodus 12:1 – 31

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Elijah means “Yahweh is my God”

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​Influence of the local Canaanite Religion

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​Ways in which King Jeroboam contributed to religious schism between Judah and Israel. 1Kings 12:25 – 33

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Responsibilities given to human beings at creation

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Comparison between the two accounts of creation:

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TEMPLE IN ISRAEL

Lessons Christians learn from King Solomon’s reign

Summary of the ways Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness

Elements of the Jewish worship found in the Christian worship today

Factors which lead people away from the worship of God today

Lessons learnt about the nature of God from the contest at Mt. Carmel

Lessons learned by Christians about the nature of God from the Exodus

The death of Solomon and the Division of the Kingdom

Conditions that made it difficult for prophet Elijah to stop idolatry in Israel

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Factors that led to spread of idolatry in Israel

Influence of the local Canaanite Religion

Ways in which King Jeroboam contributed to religious schism between Judah and Israel. 1Kings 12:25 – 33

Reasons why the Israelites broke the covenant while at Mt. Sinai

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