Forsaking the Living God: A Call to Return to Righteousness By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." — Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV)
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Introduction
We are living in a critical hour in human history—a time when the cry of God's heart is echoing louder than ever before. The repeated backsliding of God’s people has led to a spiritual crisis of monumental proportions. The Living God, who created the heavens and the earth, and who formed mankind in His image and likeness, is calling out with urgency to a people who have forsaken Him. Instead of honoring their covenant with the Creator, many have chosen to pursue the vanities of the world—materialism, perversion, violence, and idolatry. This lesson is a prophetic and theological exposition of God’s grieving heart toward a generation that has fallen away, and His righteous plea for repentance and restoration.
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The Tragedy of a Backsliding People
"O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you" — Jeremiah 3:14
It is a tragic reality that God's own people often wander far from Him. From the days of the Israelites in the wilderness to the modern Christian believer, the pattern of forsaking God for worldly allurements has remained consistent. Yet the Living God does not rejoice in this departure. He calls it an offense, a betrayal of the highest order. The spiritual adultery committed when believers pursue vanity instead of righteousness leads not only to personal loss but to societal decay and divine judgment.
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The Rising Tide of Sin and Its Consequences
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." — Romans 6:23
The modern world is witnessing unprecedented levels of violence, deception, and rebellion. Bloodshed, theft, and sexual perversions are becoming normalized. God has sent forth prophets and messengers, warning repeatedly against these acts, but the warnings are ignored. Instead, many embrace the idols of culture, technology, and self-exaltation. These behaviors do not go unnoticed; they invite God's righteous wrath, which is already being revealed through natural disasters, economic collapse, and social unrest.
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The Delusion of Worldly Riches and False Security
"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." — Proverbs 11:28
There is a growing infatuation with materialism, especially among those who once walked closely with the Lord. They believe that their accumulation of wealth and possessions will shield them from the judgments of God. But the Scriptures are clear—riches make themselves wings and fly away. False security is an illusion, a trap laid by the enemy to blind hearts and deceive minds. When God shakes the nations, all the gold and silver in the world will not protect those who have forsaken Him.
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The Role of the Prophets and the Rejection of Truth
"And they have turned unto Me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction." — Jeremiah 32:33
God has not left His people without a witness. Prophets, pastors, teachers, and righteous leaders are still sounding the alarm, calling the people to repentance. However, the prophetic voice is increasingly mocked and scorned. Many in this generation prefer entertainment over exhortation, convenience over conviction. The rejection of God’s voice is not only rebellion; it is an invitation to ruin. When the voice of God is silenced, deception takes its place.
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The Idolatry of Modern Culture and Generational Deception
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." — 1 John 5:21
Today’s idols are not only made of stone or wood; they are digital, ideological, and emotional. Youths are swallowed up by their smartphones and cyber-worlds, while parents passively endorse the idolatry of media and vanity. This generational deception is leading many to spiritual slaughterhouses. The family altar has been replaced by television sets and social media. The consequence is a spiritually bankrupt generation headed for destruction unless divine intervention is welcomed through repentance.
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The Call to Holiness and Restoration
"Be ye holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:16
God’s standard has not changed. He is still calling His people to righteousness, holiness, and obedience. His Spirit is still speaking, leading, convicting, and guiding. Believers are urged to refuse the ways of the world and return to the narrow path of life. The goodness of God is still available for those who truly repent. Holiness is not legalism—it is liberty. It is the separation from darkness and the dedication unto the Light.
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The Consequences of Continued Rebellion
"Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded... I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." — Proverbs 1:24, 26
Those who persist in rebellion are not only endangering themselves but generations after them. God's Word warns clearly that persistent sin, especially willful rebellion, will be judged. Nations have fallen because of this very thing. History is littered with the ruins of kingdoms that mocked God and exalted idols. The fate of unrepentant souls is eternal separation from God. This is a sobering truth that cannot be sugarcoated.
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God's Desire for Restoration and Reconciliation
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." — Isaiah 1:18
Despite the repeated unfaithfulness of His people, God remains merciful. He continues to extend His hand of grace to all who will turn from their wicked ways. Through Jesus Christ, restoration is not only possible—it is guaranteed to those who truly repent. God delights in mercy. He desires reconciliation with His children. He longs to pour out blessings, but only if the people will forsake their sin and return to Him with sincere hearts.
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Summary
God’s people have repeatedly turned from Him to follow the vanities of the world. The consequences have been devastating—violence, deception, rebellion, and idolatry have overtaken societies. Yet, God still calls His people to return, to reject worldliness, and to walk in righteousness. He offers mercy, not wrath; restoration, not destruction.
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Conclusion
This is not the time for compromise. It is the hour of decision. Will you follow the ways of a lost world, or will you return to the One who made you? The choice you make will determine your destiny, both now and in eternity. The Living God is not mocked. What we sow, we shall reap. Let us sow in righteousness, and reap in mercy.
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Call to Action
Return to the Lord. Reject the idols of culture, wealth, and self. Seek Him with all your heart. Listen to His prophets and obey His Word. Reestablish the altar of prayer and repentance in your home. Raise your children in the fear of the Lord. Do not delay. Now is the time.
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Final Word of Encouragement
No matter how far you have gone, you can still return. God’s arms are open wide. He longs to forgive, heal, and restore. You were made for His glory. Let your life be a living testimony of His mercy and power.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I repent of all my sins and turn away from wickedness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and rose again for my justification. Lord Jesus, come into my heart, be my Savior and my Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your righteous path. Today, I receive the gift of salvation and declare that I am a new creation in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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May God bless you and strengthen you as you choose His ways above all others.
