LOST IN THE CHURCH: [BEING LOST IN CHURCH] Part Six Idolatry in the House of God Many have interpreted the word idol from the perspective of the Old Covenant, an era in which the main emphasis was on the physical. But now, the Lord is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit. Therefore, the most dangerous and difficult idol—not one made of iron, stone, or wood—is the one that can be carved within a person’s heart or spirit. An IDOL can be anything that takes the place of God within a person. The first commandment the Lord gave us is to love Him above everything else. Therefore, whatever you can love more than you love God becomes an idol to you. Furthermore, the Lord has warned us not to fear anything more than Him (Matthew 10:28), and not to place our faith, hope, or dependence on anything except Him. By this reasoning, whatever you give those places in your life becomes an idol that you have carved within your own heart. Scripture is clear that those who worship idols will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). In these last days, many people have become lost in Church by worshipping things that are close to the Lord, or things that have been called by His name, thinking that by doing so they are worshipping the Lord Himself! Some of the things people have come to worship—and many of you may be surprised when I mention them—include worship services, the Church, the mother of Jesus, servants of God, angels, the Word of God, prayer, the name of a church, and so on. But the Lord will never allow anything to take His glory! Nevertheless, many people who worship idols in the house of God do so out of ignorance and lack of knowledge. And this is where our enemy gains his strength. Therefore, this message is given by the great grace of God to those who are willing to love the Lord above everything else. Worshipping the Word of God The Word of God can become an idol if it takes the place of God Himself. And this is astonishing! I know that by making this statement, I have probably disturbed the theology of many people. Let me repeat it, so that you understand that I am not speaking carelessly: “The word of God can become a very dangerous idol, and it can bring death if it is worshipped or allowed to take the place of God.” There is nothing as valuable as the Word of God. Nevertheless, everyone must understand that the “word of God” is not God Himself! It is extremely dangerous for any person, Church, or institution to build upon the word of God instead of building upon God Himself. Today, there are many Churches that have fallen into this kind of deception. You can recognize them by observing their people: they have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The Church develops certain forms of worship that contradict the presence of God! The Word of God vs. “the word of God” I know that when I say “the word of God is not God,” many people become surprised, especially when they remember John 1:1, which says: > “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It is absolutely true that this Scripture says the Word was God. However, it is important to understand that this passage is speaking about “the Word” and not merely “the word of God.” There is a significant difference between these two expressions: “the Word of God” and “the word of God.” When you say “the Word of God,” you are referring, in essence, to a Person—which is why Word begins with a capital letter. However, when you say “the word of God,” you are not necessarily referring to a person, but rather to the ordinary word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Throughout the Bible, there are places where the word “Word” is used with a capital letter. When Scripture uses it in that way, it refers to a Person—Christ! The Bible is filled with the word of God that needs to be made alive. When a person reads it, they should seek the Spirit through whom that word was written. Therefore, the word of God needs the Spirit behind it so that it can be transformed into the living Word of God, who is a Person. And that is what saves, blesses, and heals. Thus: The word of God + the Holy Spirit = The Word of God [Jesus] Without the Holy Spirit, there is no life in anything. Therefore, do not be surprised that even the Bible can be used by witches or traditional healers in their practices. This helps us understand the meaning of the Scripture: > “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 Essentially, without the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes nothing more than a book of history, literature, philosophy, stories, politics, or any other ordinary book. And many people have treated Scripture in exactly that way. They have never encountered the Living Word of God within their hearts. As a result, they have built their lives upon a “word of God” that has never become flesh within them. Because of their lack of understanding, many people consider such individuals to be servants of God. Yet this condition has ultimately turned them into philosophers, motivational speakers, politicians, and extreme businessmen operating within the house of God. This is extremely dangerous! When the Lord made a whip and overturned the tables of the merchants in His Father’s house, was that not also a prophecy of what is going to take place in the house of God today? May God bless you greatly! #ToBeContinued... Mwl. Ernest Nyalula +255 616 609 885 #LostInTheChurch #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #TrueHoliness #BornAgain #GraceAndTruth #ChristJesus #Christianity #TheCross #SpiritualGrowth #GodsWord

“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.” — 2 Peter 1:3–4 (CSB) Peter reminds us that God has already provided everything we need to live a life that honors Him. Through knowing Christ, we receive His power, His promises, and the ability to grow beyond the sinful desires of this world. Spiritual growth is not accomplished through our strength alone; God supplies what we need as we trust Him and walk in obedience to His Word. His promises give us confidence that He is continually working within us, shaping us to become more like Christ.

Ellen G. White This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12. What quality is this love? ... A love for the soul that would part with selfish gratifications and practice stern self-denial in order to elevate, ennoble, and sanctify those with whom we associate....God enjoins upon all His followers to bear a living testimony in unmistakable language by their conduct, their dress and conversation, in all the pursuits of life, that the power of true godliness is profitable to all in this life and in the life to come....A cheap Christian character works more harm in the world than the character of a worldling, for professed Christians mislead others by professing to represent Him whose name they assume.....God is love. Whoso dwelleth in God, dwelleth in love. All who have indeed become acquainted ... with the love and tender compassion of our heavenly Father will impart light and joy wherever they may be. Their presence and influence will be to their associates as the fragrance of sweet flowers, because they are linked to God and heaven, and the purity and exalted loveliness of heaven are communicated through them to all that are brought within their influence...You can surround your souls with an atmosphere that will be like zephyrs from the heavenly Eden..[ FLB 235.]

Matthew 28:19-20 — with a message to go in all nations and which strengthen, encourage, and call people to sanctification in these last days. TODAY'S DAILY WORD - Day 1 Text: 2 Peter 3:11-12 “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God...” MESSAGE: LIVE READY, LIVE HOLY Beloved, we are in the last days. The world is shaking, but God is calling His people higher. 1. STRENGTHENING: Don’t be moved by what’s collapsing. Your foundation is Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever Hebrews 13:8. Stand firm. 2. ENCOURAGING: Jesus is coming back. That is not fear — that is hope. It means every tear, every labor in the Lord is not in vain 1 Corinthians 15:58. 3. SANCTIFICATION: God’s will for us is holiness 1 Thessalonians 4:3. In these last days He is purifying a people for Himself. Ask the Holy Spirit GREEN7 🌱 daily: “Wash me, set me apart, make me ready.” PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, make me ready. Strengthen my heart, encourage my soul, and sanctify me by Your Word and Spirit. Help me to live holy as I wait for You. Amen.

*SEED OF LIFE* BUT know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away. Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. • ‭2 Timothy 3:1,2,4,5 & 7 One of the sins that forms part of the signs of the last days is that professing Christians are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God... The true follower of Jesus cannot find pleasure in the frivolous, empty conversations of the world-lover... because the latter is merely satisfied with contemplating the religion of Christ, but knows nothing of its saving power. Obedience to the Word of God will lead them to separate themselves from all these things. • Radiant Religion, p. 236 *• A Point to Ponder •* Our danger is not merely that sensual pleasure exists, but that it has displaced the transforming power of a living relationship with God.(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)

🌿 True contentment is found in godliness, not in having more. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to find contentment in God. #1Timothy668 #GodlinessAndContentment #BeContent #GratefulHeart #GodsProvision #TrueRiches #TrustGod #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #Lordsbook

ABUNDANCE RICHES The abundant riches of God refers to God's unlimited wealth, not primarily in money, but in everything He possesses and freely gives to His children. It includes His grace, mercy, love, wisdom, power, peace, joy, provision, and eternal life. God's riches are infinite—they never run out. Here are some key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:7 – "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 – "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Romans 11:33 – "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Ephesians 3:16 – "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." What do God's abundant riches include? Abundant grace – Forgiveness and unmerited favor. Abundant mercy – Compassion even when we fail. Abundant love – An unconditional, everlasting love. Abundant wisdom – Guidance for every situation. Abundant peace and joy – Inner stability regardless of circumstances. Abundant provision – God meeting our needs, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. Abundant spiritual inheritance – Every blessing we have in Christ, including eternal life. So, the abundant riches of God are the fullness of everything God is and has, generously made available to those who belong to Him through Christ. Material provision can be one expression of His care, but His riches are far greater than financial wealth—they encompass every blessing needed for life and godliness. A helpful way to summarize it is: The abundant riches of God are His limitless resources, character, and blessings, which He pours out on His children according to His perfect will and glory.

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Sunday, August 16 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 17 — Micah's Idolatry ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 2 PETER 1 — Growing in Faith and Christian Character 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of 1 Peter! Today we begin 2 Peter. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 27 — The Lord's Care for His People 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 17 Micah creates an idol and establishes his own form of worship. The chapter shows the danger of doing what seems right in our own eyes instead of following God's revealed Word. ✝️ 2 Peter 1 Peter encourages believers to grow continually in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. Our Christian journey should not remain stagnant; we are called to keep growing in Christ. 🌿 Isaiah 27 Isaiah speaks of God's judgment over evil and His care for His people. God promises to protect, gather, and restore His people, reminding us that His purposes for those who belong to Him cannot fail. ✨ KEY VERSE "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge." — 2 Peter 1:5 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us to grow continually in our relationship with You. Give us the grace to develop godly character, resist anything that draws us away from Your truth, and remain faithful to Your Word. Thank You for watching over Your people and guiding us according to Your purpose. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Don't remain where you were yesterday. Choose one area of your Christian character—faith, self-control, patience, kindness, or love—and intentionally grow in it today.

💪 Train your spirit, godliness has eternal value. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to keep growing in faith. #1Timothy478 #PursueGodliness #SpiritualGrowth #TrainForGodliness #FaithDiscipline #GrowInFaith #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #Lordsbook

August 16 - The Danger of Wrongly-Based Rituals #LifeOfChrist “Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they?’” (Matthew 9:14–15). Religious ritual and routine, if not handled appropriately, will always threaten true godliness. Some practices, such as praying to saints or lighting candles for the dead, are heretical. But even biblical practices, when their forms become the center of attention, can become barriers to true righteousness. Church attendance, Bible reading, saying grace before meals, and singing hymns can become lifeless habits that exclude true worship and praise. When we apply good things such as these the wrong way, they can keep us from faithful obedience . . . and keep unbelievers from trusting in God. Alms, prescribed prayer, and fasting were the three major expressions of piety the Jews performed in Jesus’ time. The leaders took these matters quite seriously and were meticulous to practice them publicly so as to impress others with their piety (cf. Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). Thus these practices became badges of pride and hypocrisy rather than marks of humble and genuine religion before God. Jesus’ point in mentioning the bridegroom and his attendants is to show how out of place it is for His followers (attendants) to mourn and fast while He (the Bridegroom) is with them in person. Pharisaical manners and rituals are always wrong for Christians, but even good practices (such as sincere fasting), if not done properly, can hinder what the Lord wants to accomplish in our midst. Ask Yourself Should our answer to this kind of hypocrisy be the removal of all forms, disciplines, and ritual practices from our worship? Or is there value in these kinds of expressions? What would go missing from our worship if it was all spur-of-the-moment, with no cherished repetitions?