Grade 8 Cre Notes
Grade 8 Cre Notes
Grade 8 Cre Notes
8 CRE NOTES
CREATION
Introduction
Man and woman fell from the Garden of Eden. This experience is expla-ined in
genesis chapter 3 verse 4; chapter 6 verse 9 and chapter 11. In these verses, the Bible
is teaching about sin, which made Adam and Eve fall.
Sin is defined as iniquity, and guilt. It is to miss a mark, to transgress. Sin is a
rebellion or an offence against God. Sin originated with the disobedience of Adam
and Eve. They had been commanded not to eat of the fruits of the tree of knowledge
of good and evil – the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. But Adam and Eve
ate the fruit after being deceived by the serpent.
Man had the power to resist temptation but instead he yielded. Genesis Chapter 3
verse 6 states that man wanted to be wise and thought how wonderful it would be to
become wise…” hence sin arises from the lack of knowledge of God, from the denial
of trust of God.
The consequences of sin
After sinning, we the human race and sinners:
1) Replaced friendship with God with fear of God.
2) Lost innocence. What had been innocent and good became shameful. Adam and
Eve became ashamed of their nakedness, something they had never felt before they
sinned against God.
3) Lost good relationship with God. The good relationship between God and man
was betrayed. Human beings – were alienated from God. “The Lord God sent him
out of the Garden of Eden…”
4) Damaged the perfect relationship between man and woman. The Lord said to the
woman “You will have desire for your husband, yet you will be subject to him”.
5) Pain became part of human experience. “I will greatly multiply your pain in child
bearing”.
6) Man began toiling and struggling to meet his needs… “You will have to work
hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything”
7) The home of man, and the earth itself was placed under a curse. “Cursed is the
ground because of you.”
Enmity between man and wild animals emerged.
9) Man began to die. Death sentence is passed upon all men. “You will return to the
ground… you are dust”
10) Man began to hate. Man developed murderous feelings in his heart, for example
Cain killed Abel, his younger brother.
11) Man changed and became prone to sin.
12) Life span of man was reduced (see Gen. 6:3) “I will not allow people to live
forever, they will live no longer than 120 years”
13) Man’s language was confused by God after the flood (read Gen.11: 7)
14) Sin led to embarrassment, mistrust, suffering, pain, pride, arrogance and death.
Summary
Disobedience of God by Adam and Eve brought serious sin consequences to human
beings. Sin brings sadness and suffering to man even today.
Activity
In groups of two or three, discuss the origin and consequences of sin.
CONCEPT OF EVIL
Introduction
In this lesson, we shall discuss the concept of evil as told by the traditi-onal African
religion and the biblical writings. We shall study similarities and differences of evil
from the two religions.
What is evil?
In the traditional African society, evil was an offence against God, spirits and
ancestors. It was also viewed as an offence against another person or community.
Evil was also a misfortune that can befall an individual or a community.
What are the causes of evil?
Many of the traditional African societies do not associate God with evil. God is not
the creator of evil. Some communities believe that evil is an external power that
exists on its own. Thus in the traditional African society, evil was understood or
explained as something mysterious that was caused by several people and things.
These were:
a) Evil spirits
b) Ancestral spirits – due to disobedience to them
c) Some animals like the chameleon are sources of evil. The Akamba believed that
chameleons brought evil. Other communities believed that if an owl cries near one’s
homestead, it is a sign of evil.
d) People with mystical powers for example magic, sorcery, and witchcraft are evils
e) If a member of a community breaks a taboo by disobedience, this action may
bring evil spirits.
f) The spirits of the dead; cause evil; if they are not remembered or respected. Evil
spirits cause harm and violence.
James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural
desires. The first step toward overcoming temptation is to recognize the human tendency
to be seduced by our own fleshly cravings.
The temptation to sin is a given, so don't be surprised by it. Expect to be tempted daily,
and be prepared for it. The apostle Peter reminds us to stay on the lookout:
When you come face to face with temptation, look for the way out—the way of escape—
that God has promised. Then skedaddle. Flee. Run as fast as you can.
Hebrews 4:12 says that God's Word is living, active, and powerful. Did you know you
can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ?
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have
divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that
sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it
obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4–5, NIV)
Jesus overcame the devil's temptations in the wilderness with the Word of God. If it
worked for him, it will work for us. And because Jesus was fully human, he is able to
identify with our struggles and give us the exact help we need for overcoming temptation.
While it can be helpful to read God's Word when you're being tempted, sometimes that's
not practical. Even better is to practice reading the Bible daily so that eventually you have
so much of it on the inside, you are ready whenever temptation strikes.
If you are reading the Bible regularly, you will have the full counsel of God at your
disposal. You will start to have the mind of Christ. When temptation comes knocking on
your door, all you'll have to do is draw your weapon, aim, and fire.
How often have you been tempted to sin when your whole heart was fully concentrated
on worshiping the Lord? I'm guessing your answer is never.
Praising God takes our focus off of self and puts it on God. You may not be strong
enough to resist temptation on your own, but as you focus on God, he will inhabit your
praises. He will give you the strength to resist and walk away from the temptation.
Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to
praise him! (Psalm 147:1, NIV)
In several places, the Bible tells us the best way to resist and overcome temptation is to
flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).
Even still, we fall from time to time. When we fail to flee temptation, eventually we will
give in and fall.
Having a more realistic view—knowing that at times you will fail—should help you to
repent quickly when you do. Failing is not the end of the world, but it is dangerous to
persist in your sin.
Going back to the book of James, verse 1:15 explains that sin "when it is full-grown,
gives birth to death." Continuing or persisting in sin leads to spiritual death, and often
even physical death. That is why it's best to repent quickly when you know you've fallen
into sin
Others include:
COVENANT
Definition.
A covenant is a solemn agreement between two persons or two groups of people. An
agreement is between two separated parties. It’s a pact, a treaty. When it is a
covenant, it conveys a union or partnership.
Characteristics / components of a covenant
There are components or features that must be in a covenant. A covenant must have
a ceremony, sign, witnesses, promises/vows/oaths, obligations / consequences, and
participants. A covenant establishes a sacrificial bond between the parties involved.
There are obligations or rules by which the parties must abide by, adhere to and
observe in order to keep the covenant. A covenant is an agreement and if it is broken,
there are consequences for breaking it. In the Bible, there are many covenants.
Examples of covenants in the Bible
1. Adamic covenant – Agreement between God and Adam
2. Noahlic Covenant – God’s covenant with Noah where God promised to preserve
life of man and not to destroy it with water. The sign of the covenant is the rainbow.
In Gen 9 verse 3, GOD told Noah, “Everything that lives and moves will be food for
you…Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Verse 4 says,
“But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it”
3. Abrahamic covenant – Gods covenant with Abraham. He promised to fulfill
promises He gave to Abraham.
4. Mosaic Covenant – is a covenant between the Israelites and GOD. Moses led
Israel to Mt. Sinai. God promised to be their God. Israelites were given the law
written by GOD in “tablets of stone, with law and commands I have written for….
instruction”. (Read exodus 23).
5. Davidic Covenant – covenant between David and God – God promised him that
his dynasty would rule forever.
6. Messianic Covenant – new covenant between Christians and God through Jesus
Christ.
God’s covenant with Abraham and its importance (Genesis 15:1-19)
The covenant was established after God appeared to Abraham in a vision. During
the visitation of God, Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 years. He was
promised a son. Abraham wanted assurance from God. God told him to bring him
the following items for sacrifice.
Marriage ceremony:
In marriage, the bride, bridegroom and their families come together. When the two
families come together a relationship is developed. They make an agreement and
both sides are seriously involved in the ceremony, whether the marriage is civil or
religious. During the marriage ceremony the couple makes vows/promises to each
other, before a priest/ pastor and the congregation. Two officials witness these
agreements. Rings are exchanged as a sign of a lasting relationship. A certificate is
given in some cases as a testimony (sign) of this agreement. There is eating and
drinking.
Baptism:
In a Christian baptism, a covenant is entered into between the believer and God. The
believer makes vows before God. The priest and the whole congregation witness this
agreement. In some churches, a card is issued to the person who has been baptized as
a sign of Christian membership. The baptized can now take the Holy Communion,
which is a Christian Ceremony. But when an infant is baptized, parents take the
vows on behalf of the child.
Loyalty /oath:
Leaders in public service for example the president, ministers, Members of
Parliament, and Governors are sworn in before they take over their new
responsibilities. They swear (take an oath) and promise to carry out their duties
firmly and without fear or favor.
Ordination of the clergy:
Church leaders, nuns and priests take oaths and make vows to God and to the
congregation in a ceremony attended by worshippers.
The importance of modern day covenants
• They bind different groups
• They act as a security
• They strengthen relationships
• They unite people together
• They create loyalty
• They create peace, harmony and bring a sense of permanence
Questions
1.Explain why Abraham is referred to as the father of faith
2. Give five actions from the life of Abraham that shows his faith to God
3. List some of the promises God gave to Abraham
4. Compare and contrast the Jewish and traditional African practice of circumcision
5. What is the importance of faith to Christians?
6. State the elements of a covenant
7. Give examples of covenants in the bible and the modern society
8. Discuss the circumstances that led God to enter into a covenant relationship with
Abraham.
LEADERSHIP IN ISRAEL
Introduction
When the Israelites had settled in Canaan, they did not have an earthly King. Their
unseen ruler was God. Such a community was called a Theocratic community.
God ruled through some judges who were appointed.
9. They wanted an earthly king who they could see and consult in time of problems
1. By demanding an earthly King, it meant that they had rejected Yahweh as their
king. 2. They were going to lose their identity as Gods chosen people
3. The leaders to be appointed were going to lack leadership qualities.
4. The King would oppress them.
5. Some of their sons would be recruited to serve as soldiers in his army.
6. Others would be put into forced labor.
7. Their daughters would be put to work as cooks and perfumers.
8. The king would take the best of their flock.
9. The king would take their lands and good vineyards.
10.At that time, they would cry to God but God will not listen to them; ∙ the people
refused to listen to Samuels warning and went ahead with their demand for a king. So
the Lord told Samuel to do as they wanted.
∙ After the Israelites had appealed to Samuel that they wanted a King, Samuel told the
Lord what the people had said and the Lord instructed him to do, as they wanted.
∙ Saul the son of Kish was appointed as the first King of Israel.
∙ God instructed Samuel to go and anoint David to succeed Saul as a King of Israel. ∙
Achievements of King David
1. He was chosen by God. God told Samuel to come and anoint him as king of Israel.
2. He was a skilled Musician and composed the book of Psalms that is used in the
church even today (1Sam 16:14-23).
3. He brought back the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem
with great celebration. The Ark had been taken away by the enemies. (2Sam 6:1-
5).
4. He conquered the city of Jerusalem and made it its capital city. (2sam; 5:6-25).
5. He was a brilliant military commander. The name David means Army Commander.
He waged successful wars against Moab, Ammor, Amelekite and Aram.
6. He killed Goliath who was a great warrior of the Philistines because he had great faith
in God. (1Sam 17).
7. He expanded the boundaries of Israel through military conquest.
8. He was a good administrator. He administered through law and justice to all people.
He chose wise leaders to advise him.
9. David was a humble king who was ready to repent whenever he committed a sin. He
repented after taking Uriahs wife. (2 Sam: 11).
10.He was publicly anointed as a King of Israel. He was made king over Judah and was
later accepted by the whole Israel.
11.He established good diplomatic relations with the surrounding nations for example;
he signed a treaty with Syria and through the treaty Israel benefited both
economically and politically.
12.He laid foundation of building the great temple which was later completed
by Solomon. (2Sam 7:1-17).
13.God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom for David where his
descendants would live in peace. Jesus is a descendant of King David.
14. He united the Northern and Southern kingdom and made it into one nation.
∙ Nathans prophesy about the Messiah is seen as having been fulfilled in the work of
Jesus Christ in the following ways: -
∙ Jesus Christ who was the Messiah is seen as being born from Davids lineage.
∙ Mathew in the Genealogy of Jesus tells that Jesus was a descendant of King David.
(Matt 1:1).
∙ Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which was referred to as the city of David. (Luke 2:4)
∙ In their sermons, the early apostles like Paul and Peter made a number of references to
Jesus as a descendant of King David. (Romans: 1:3-5).
∙ The blind man at Jericho hailed Jesus as son of David and looked to him to restore his
sight. (Lk 18:35-36).
∙ During Triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus was hailed by the crowd as the
Messiah descendant from the house of King David. (Math. 21:9).
∙ Angel Gabriel told Mary that the son would be great and will be called the son of the
Most-High…. (Lk. 1:26-33).
∙ Jesus foster father was a direct descendant of King David
6. He is regarded to be one of the richest men who ever lived. He had 1000 women in
his palace.
7. He is remembered for his great administrative skills. He had soldiers, officers,
commanders and chariot captains.
Failures of king Solomon
1 kings 9:10-14, 9:15-19, 11:1-13, 11;9-1)
1. He sold a piece of land of Israel to Hiram King of Tyre, which was against the will of
God.
2. Solomon introduced forced labour in Israel.
3. He married many foreign wives, which was against Gods command.
4. He allowed the foreign wives to introduce idolatry in Israel.
5. He built high places for the worship of the foreign gods and offered sacrifices to them.
6. He built his palace for 13 years while built the temple for 7 years, 7. He used foreign
materials to build the temple.
8. He taxed the Israelites heavily to maintain his large number of wives.
9. King Solomon lived lavishly.
10.He made treaties with foreign nations, which was against Gods Command.
11.After becoming king, Solomon killed his own half-brother (Adonijah) on the
suspicion that he could rival him for the throne; this was against Gods
Command.
∙ Schism refers to the division that occurred in Israel that brought up the formation of
the Northern Kingdom under Jeroboam and the Southern Kingdom under
Rehoboam.
∙ The Southern Kingdom remained with only two tribes i.e. Judah and Benjamin and
the Northern kingdom had ten tribes.
∙ After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam became the king of the Israel. The
people therefore approached him to relax his rules from the dictatorship that his
father had practiced.
∙ Rehoboam told them to go and come after three days.
∙ He then went and consulted the elders who told him to do as the people had said.
∙ He ignored the advice of the elders and went to his fellow young men who advised
him to be even harsher than his father was.
∙ When the people went back to him he said he refused to relax his rule. When the
people heard this, they rebelled against him and established the Northern
kingdom that came to be known as Israel with Jeroboam as the king.