Despair to Faith to Redemption

Biblical Text – Ruth 1: 1 - 22

Introduction

Ruth is one of the Books of history set in the period of the Judges, an era marked by apostasy, failure conquest and defeat (Judges 2: 15, 21: 25; Ruth 1: 1). The story of Ruth answers the question of crisis and pain, affirming God’s presence and power in people wrecked by the tragedy of life and provided important theological initiative for man’s future welfare and the way of grace. The story conveys a heartwarming faithfulness and devotion that Ruth demonstrated, a Moabite widow who leaves her homeland to be with Naomi, her widowed Jewish mother in-law in Bethlehem.

Naomi shows concern for the welfare of her daughters’ in-law by encouraging them to stay back in Moab when she was returning to Judah so her daughters in-law would find security and rest in remarriage. Naomi, after losing her husband and sons was without any form of security or economic support in a foreign land, but still had relatives in Bethlehem and returned during the barley harvests (Ruth 1: 22).

The objective of our study is to recognize that not all situations are unfair so that when we are in a situation that feels unfair, we should consider the greater good of how things play out in the Book of Ruth. Basically, God show concern for the wellbeing of others and He wants us to avoid the mentality of entitlement to anything because He owns everything and is interested in human welfare. To all intent and purpose, God is approachable to humans, He treat us with kindness and bless even the underserving regardless of circumstances to show love and care through active spiritual and emotional support.

This study is aimed to make us confident in God`s ability to guide and lead all future generations of people so we can trust God and take some steps of faith to receive provision and grace toward fulfilling our life purpose and destiny. Our study welcomes us to see how God honors the commitment of Ruth by guiding her to gather grain in the field of Boaz, a close relative and great – grandfather of king David through whom Christ would come. From this standpoint, therefore, the Book of Ruth affords a foreshadowing of the enlarged blessings of the mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus.

Questions

1. Such questions as where is God by people wrecked with tragedy, crisis and pain are common today. When trial and tragedy seemed to offer little hope and a future, people ask why should difficult things befall me especially when I’m doing my every best to serve and please the Lord.

A. In view of the historical provision in Deut. 11: 13 - 21, God has promised to care for Israel, highlighting the blessings of faithfulness and curses from disobedience. Reading Ruth 1: 1 - 22 in the way the story unfolds, briefly summarize the story and mention everything you think that brought Naomi and Ruth together.

B. In Ruth 1:1 - 5 famine displaced Elimelech and Naomi with their two sons from Judah to Moab. Reasoning from Lev. 19: 33 - 34; Isa. 16: 4; Ezek. 47: 21 – 23, trace any supporting initiative that is hope for those forced from their homes by wars, economic hardship and famine.

C. What’s a better modern day life crisis, natural disaster or tragedy you can speak of in the world today. What lesson have you learned from that, and in what way has that transform you.

2. In life, often, one problem leads to another. Reflect on Naomi’s prayer and blessings in Ruth 1: 8 - 14. Comment in view of Ophrah’s return and Ruth’s action to relocate to Bethlehem, a patriarchal society with Naomi her mother in-law.

A. In view of the parting words of Naomi in Ruth 1: 6 - 18, discuss what best describes Naomi’s understanding of God in her situation that she urged her daughter’s in-law to return despite Ruth’s faith in her God to accompany andstay with her in Judah.

B. The statement Ruth clung to Naomi in Ruth 1: 14 reveals an oath and loyalty to Naomi as a lifetime binding, a kind usually seen in marriage. Considering Ruth’s loyalty, what in your opinion is the surprising sacrifice that Ruth has made

C. From Ruth 1: 19 – 22, Naomi expressed profound pain that she wanted her name to be changed. Observe and comment from the life of Naomi some perspective on what bitterness is able to do in our lives from how the chapter concludes.

Seek the Lord and be Strong Gen. 3: 1 – 13; Ephe. 6: 10 – 20

ECWA Theme for 2025

“You will seek me and find me…”

(Jer. 29: 13)

Introduction

The apostle Paul declared, there are spiritual battles we cannot claim to be ignorant, feel immune or neutral about because Genesis 3: 1-13 highlights the entrance of evil and suffering into human history where Satan deceived Eve, twist God`s command about the forbidden fruit, and make her doubt God`s word and His goodness. Since that fateful action, sin entered humanity and Apostle John swiftly states Satan`s three mission (John 10: 10). Afterwards, Apostle Paul in his account encourage believers to see the world as a battle ground and ended his life with a written testimony that a fight against Satan and his schemes is required if believers are to remain focus in mission and fulfill God`s will for their individual lives (1 Cor. 16: 9; 2 Tim. 4: 6 - 8).

Scriptures makes no hints that God was responsible for sin`s introduction into the world. Rather, Satan uses subtle falsehood, misinterpretation of God`s word to tempt, deceive and accuse believers from being faithful and obedient to Christ (Rev. 12: 20). Paul already had an awareness the enemy is an evil spiritual force (Col. 2: 13 - 15), he warned the Ephesian believers to put on the full armor of God which represents spiritual resources available in Christ for believers to remain vigilant, purposeful and strong to withstand Satan and his evil schemes in the struggle to exercise ultimate control over the universe (Ephesians 6: 10 – 18).

Regarding this matter about spiritual warfare, a lot of Christians lose their joy and feel defeated in their Christian lives because they are not seriously engaged in a warfare to which they are called. Today, many Christians are surprised that evil is associated with having to living in the world for Christ, many go through the motions of attending religious services and activities each week and never bother to know anything about spiritual warfare because they feel Jesus will take care of them all the way. The saddest part is they manifest surprises in various ways when they experience intense trials, unexpected challenges and temptation from superhuman forms of evil including Satan.

Perhaps, like others, you are also under the illusion that you are free from evil and other forms of Satanic influences and manipulations because Jesus has promise to solve all your problems and give you a wonderful life of peace free from conflict and spiritual battle while you wait to enter his promise and you think the church would move without the gates of hell attempting to prevail against it, Paul closes his letter in Ephesians with a section on spiritual warfare to tell believers that the Christian life is nothing less than a warfare.

Questions

1. The Book of Ephesians is one of the prison epistles. Paul`s prison experience in Rome probably factors into reminding Paul of the Roman military powers to conquer nations into slavery.

A. Discuss the source of believer`s power in Psa. 68: 35, Acts 1: 6 - 9 and 1 John 4: 1 – 4 and how it differs and or applies to the Roman power.

B. Reading from Ephe. 6: 10, why do you think Paul concluding his letter says “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” In your opinion, what does Ephe. 6: 12, say to those who think all problems will disappear once they become Christians

C. According to Ephesians 6: 13 – 20, mention what Paul listed as armor to encouraged believers. Describe an armor gleaning from Matt. 4: 1 – 11 and James 4: 7

2. In Christian theology, Satan is often depicted as the serpent (Gen. 3: 1) the roaring lion (1 Peter 5: 8) the angel of light (2 Cor. 11: 14) the great dragon (Rev.12: 9) and the liar (John 8: 44). Discuss what these ideas depicted highlighting the fundamental nature of Satan

A. From 2 Cor. 11: 10 – 15, discuss with context why Paul anxiously warned to assure the Corinthians about the disguising nature of Satan and its implication today

B. In view of Jame 4: 13 – 17; Psa. 73: 1 – 28, describe how Satan can occupy the minds of believers with negative thoughts that are at odds with the knowledge of the word of God. Read 2 Cor. 2: 11 and comment on why this was of special concern to Paul in 2 Cor. 2: 11

3. For a deeper thought, according to Ephesians 4: 25 – 27, Paul says truthfulness is essential because we are part of the same body. Why does being part of the same body require truthfulness from every part of Christ`s body.

A. In view of John 8: 31 - 32, what are some truths in Jesus that should make a positive impact upon a believer’s behavior, support your answers with reference from the Bible

B. Share Paul`s view by reading the references below and describe the distinctive mark of spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realm in the ways they operate.

a) 1 Corinth. 1: 10 - 15, 26 - 29, 3: 1 - 4

b) 1 Corinth. 5: 1 - 2, 9 - 13; 6: 15 - 20

c) 1 Cor. 8: 1 - 4, 7 - 13; 10: 31 – 33

d) 1 Cor. 11: 17 – 22; James 4: 1 - 10

4. The enemy causing evil that we face is not a human force that we may defeat in our own power. What lessons or insights do these references offer (Ephe. 2: 20 -

21, 3: 10 -1; Col. 1: 16, 2: 10, 15; 1 Cor. 15: 24).

A. Satan is said to be the accuser of the believers in Rev. 12: 20. Also, we recognize this title “the god of this world” is found no where else but in 2 Cor.4: 4. What is the central idea expressed in Jn. 12: 31; Jn. 14: 30, Ephe. 2: 1-2, 6: 12 and 1 Jn. 5: 19

B. Paul, a creature like us ended his life with a written testimony that assures us of victory according to 2 Timothy 4: 7. Trace and describe what we could do to make us hopeful like Paul from 1 Pet. 3: 8 – 13; 5: 6 – 11; Heb. 12: 1 – 3; Matt. 6: 19 – 21; 25 - 33

The Important Path to Christian Victory

Introduction

One of the earliest lessons in Christian discipleship reminds us about how God came to earth in Jesus Christ to seek and meet the deepest needs of man because man has fallen and has problem with sin including the need for man to confess and repent of his sins to God as his source of salvation and the way into heaven (Rm. 3: 23; 10: 9). However, in Scripture, from the beginning, before the fall, God`s plan is to make us like His son Jesus, “Let Us make man in Our image after Our likeness...” Genesis 1: 26.

Here, in our study, we are more concerned about how to grow because after God has given man a new life, growing in the likeness of God is man`s responsibility in collaboration with the Holy Spirit. As you know, the process of becoming like Christ begins through a process after man has conceived the desire to grow and is intentional and committed to follow Christ because Christian growth and maturity doesn`t take place at salvation and the whole idea of growth is not automatic. When Jesus calls His disciples, they didn`t waste any minute, but simply follow Him immediately (Matt. 4: 17 - 25). We`d want to admit that they responded and followed without knowing the implication of their decision. Because once you decide to get serious about becoming like Christ, you`ll be expected to begin to live in new ways and getting rid of the old habits (Ephesians 4: 17 – 35; 2 Corinthians 5: 16 – 21).

Today, there`s a growing pattern of thinking with a perspective that isn`t base on Christ. Often, people think of what their sinful desire deserves. For example, in Romans 1: 18 – 24, some are afraid to commit to Christ neglecting the eternal consequences. As a matter of fact, some Christians show half commitment because of something else they value and end up with frustration and bitterness having nothing to show at the end (John 15: 5 1 timothy 6: 7)

To change to a new life, we must change how we think because one of the greatest battles after the fall is the battle of the mind and things that have influenced us including the cultures from which man grew. No wonder, God put tremendous emphasis in the Bible to teach and remind us that what we put on our minds affects our growth in God`s likeness and also affects how man thinks of himself, the problem of sin, his God`s given purpose, how to live in this world, his future life after death and his relationship with others.

The phrase in Isaiah 45: 19 is a powerful reminder where God has spoken to the descendants of Jacob that they are not to seek serve and follow him in vain. Consider prayerfully therefore that our study would clarify on the fact that being intentional and committed to follow Jesus even when we don`t know the implication is one sincere thing we need to do to get started with God because what shapes the lives of Jesus` disciples was their commitment. It demonstrates and shows that the only reason people miss the purpose of God for their lives is when they fail to make intentional decision to follow and commit to God and to the things of God.

QUESTIONS

1. Ephesians 4: 17 - 24, verse 17 signals something important. What has Paul emphasized that was a special warning. Reading through, explain in what way(s) we are Gentiles by birth. Describe a Gentile by birth in the reality of his new nature and identity.

A. In Ephesians 4: 11 - 20, Paul speaks personally of his ministry in Galatia. Explain his two strong appeals, what they mean and why he urged the Ephesian believers

B. Why do you think the discussion changed abruptly in verse 20. What does, “You did not so learned Christ,” implied?

C. Read Rom. 1: 18 – 23 with Ephe. 4: 17 – 20, why has God become so angry with the Gentiles

2. There were some interpretations that favor the idea that Christians needed thorough instruction in how to live the new life and resist the pressure of their surroundings. With this in mind, explain the statement Christianity was much more than learning truths with the mind using Ephesians 4: 22 – 25.

A. According to Romans 1: 21 – 25, describe what you understand follows failure in divine guidance. What does darkness symbolize in the very context of eternal life

B. Read Rom. 1: 18 – 23 with Ephe. 4: 17 – 20, why has God become so angry with the Gentiles

C. Is there a justifiable righteous anger, cite example(s) from Scripture.

D. Consider Psalm 4: 4 about dealing with anger in Ephesians 4: 26 – 27. Why must you deal with anger and how do you express anger appropriately and rest it to rest.

3. Speaking the truth is the characteristics of the old nature being changed. Why must believers speak the truth from Ephesians 4: 11 – 16. Considering Zachariah 8: 16, why are the words of Paul a compelling reason and strong counsel for the church to notice.

A. How is Mark 11: 29 – 33 similar to Ephesians 4: 17 – 19

B. Regarding honest work in Ephesians 4: 28 – 29, discuss Paul`s use of the words to show the context suggests there are some who lived by dishonest means before becoming Christians

4. Following the warning against grieving the holy Spirit in Ephesians 4: 31 – 32, Paul listed some form of sin. How are these sins usually expressed in human life?

A. According to 2 Corinth. 5: 16 - 21, Paul`s critics judged, evaluate and value people on the basis of outward appearances. What`s Paul`s overwhelming concern and what is Paul trying to emphasize

B. Paul described the attitude of the Pharisees in John 7: 19 – 24. What influenced them the most and the uncertainty that is in their minds.

C. Paul constantly describes in his letter all those who are united in Christ by faith as part of Christ and as New Creation. Discuss the statement old things have passed away, but hanged for a while.

5. The phrase, “God was in Christ reconciling,” in 2 Corinth, 5: 19 points to his incarnation and divine human nature as the channel of reconciliation.

A. What has God done for humanity according to these references: 2 Corinth. 5: 14 -15, 19, 21; Rm. 5: 10 – 11; Eph. 2: 16; Col. 1: 20

B. In whom did God accomplished the reconciliation of man, and why do you think Paul makes forceful appeal of this reconciliation through messengers called Ambassadors

C. Explain the background to reconciliation in Roman 10: 9 – 13, and describe anything you find that`s important and meaningful. In view of this, what does it mean to say the reputation of Christ and his church are in the hands of believers.

Christians are to Pray

Introduction

The very ground for our study is prayer because from the days of Abraham, who as Abram till the day our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven prayer is being emphasized in different forms. Almost everywhere in the world, Christians pray and approach prayer solemnly to God the Creator through Christ and recognize not only the value of prayer but acknowledged man`s dependence upon God especially in their distress and crisis, weaknesses and anguish (See: Psa. 107: 23 – 28). Nothing much is surely known about other religions. But almost all religion recognizes the value of prayer to some higher order of reality when in distress and this instinctive nature of prayer is disclosed in the Bible as the Book of Jonah tried to make out in Jonah 1: 1 – 6.

Let it be borne in our mind that God the Creator of ALL things does not leave the task of caring for His creatures entirely in their hands. Even the word government comes from the idea to govern a land for a supreme ruler and the word governor in a variety of Hebrew and Greek was first use to represent men holding official governmental positions like Joseph (Gen. 42: 6; 45: 26), implying that man`s need to pray is universal and prayer is ineradicable.

With regards to Biblical prayer, the question is whether prayer is compatible or the same with other system of religion and or whether the bible is in cooperation with comparative religious documents concerning the universality of prayer because some religion believe people can seek supernatural help and mercy when in trouble from some forms of gods. This is the claim referenced in the Book of Jonah and the Bible has abundant evidence to save us from this one error. Perhaps, this universal phenomenon about gods attests to why Paul found altars at different turn when he was in Athens (Acts 17: 16 - 34) and why Elijah requested the priests of Baal to cry unto their gods in order to prove Yahweh as the true God in 1Kings 18: 25 – 39.

Simply put, prayer is a universal phenomenon and Christians are commanded to pray. That`s why, to be a Christian is to pray to the Almighty God, the Creator of the universe through Christ. Because the focus and interest of our study is on the role of Biblical prayer, it is good to say the Bible does not debate with other religious way and mode of prayer but encourages praying to God Almighty, the Creator of ALL things. Therefore, it is not wrong for Christians everywhere to understand why people pray to a higher supernatural order. However, there were some situations they must not go beyond. This is the underlying reason why Christianity does not assume on the reality of the existence of a higher supernatural being, but acknowledged Him as the Creator who gives and answer prayers for the sake of Christ and His redeeming work as Savior (Jn. 14: 9 -14; 15: 16; 16: 23 - 24).

QUESTIONS

1. Paul teaches that no matter what man`s understanding of a higher supernatural order may be, men everywhere are expected to seek and depend on the Creator God for worship and to meet their needs (Acts 17: 16 - 31).

A. In Acts 17: 22-23, Paul saw different religious altars including one with the inscription to “The Unknown God.” In your opinion, is the way to worship and prayer the creativity of man considering the mentioned truths related to believers’ spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1: 3 - 14. Discuss

B. Explain what it means that for the first time in Genesis 4: 26 prayer was explicitly mentioned and Noah had erected the first Hebrew altar as a place of prayer after leaving the ark in Genesis 8: 20

C. Did the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray? If yes, why did Jesus teach His disciples and what does Luke 11: 1 - 4 and John 15: 7 teaches us about prayer?

2. It has been observed that prayer is the source of vision, power, creativity and blessings, an unquestioned priority because of its profit.

A. Using the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 1: 17- 23, what would you want the Lord to begin revealing in ECWA Canada.

B. The Bible begins by revealing that dialogues were initiated by God in Gen. 3:8 - 13; 4: 9, how can you explain the language of Job`s conduct about prayer in Job 21: 15. In thinking about it, discuss what you have learned that you frequently express yourself.

3. We know, prayer avails only as it is made with concentration and intensity according to James 5: 15 - 16. Discuss the broader context of the statement

A. What have you observed that James refers to as the ground for answer to prayer in the days of the early church according to Acts 12: 1-17.

B. Explain what is at play when the Lord teaches on the need for detachment and advised on fasting in Matt. 6: 5 – 6, Matt. 14: 22 – 23, Lk. 6: 12 - 19, Mk.1: 35-38; Mk. 9: 14 – 29, Acts 13: 1 - 3.

4. According to Matthew 26: 36 – 46, Jesus took His disciples to the east of the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem and several terms indicate that Jesus was disturbed.

A. Jesus was with His disciples at Gethsemane. Explain how Matthew highlights the weakness and failure of Jesus` disciples. What does that teach you about God`s sovereign plan from the biblical quote in Zech. 13: 7

B. What influence your view of Jesus` relationship with the Father from the key theological declaration in John 10: 30 – 38. Also, note what Colossians 1:16-17 explicitly states as a key part of Christian doctrine.

5. Some people feel the word of Jesus in Gethsemane are most inappropriate about the prospect of the cup that He must drink.

A. How does the following passages shed light on what the cup represents Psa.

75: 7- 8, Isa. 51: 17-23, Jer. 25: 15-16 Ezek. 23: 31-34

B. Overall, discuss why this cup even exist and discuss what does Jesus’

willingness to drink the cup mean for us and how it has influence you to love,

obey and serve Him.

Theme: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

Date: February 27th, 2025

Reference Text: 2 Kings 22: 3 – 10 and 2 Chron. 34: 8 – 13

Introduction

From our previous study, we have good opportunity to gain experience that Jeremiah`s world was bounded within Judah by kings Josiah (640-609BC), Jehoahaz (609BC), Jehoiakim (609-598BC), Jehoiachin (598BC), and Zedekiah (598-587BC). Throughout the study we have learned that Jeremiah witnessed under pressure because during the latter years of his ministry the Babylonians had defeated Judah twice in 597BC and 586BCand Judah reinterpret her forms of political existence, religious practices, personal faith, and corporate theology.

Because a significant difference exists, this study will focus on Josiah`s reform as one of the most significant periods of revival in the earlier days of Judah not because of the resolute action Josiah took against idolatry to return the people to God, but from the perspectives of the program he put in place for repairing of the temple at 26 years of age. First, he turned on the money Shaphan had collected for labor and material for the Temple to be fixed. Josiah was convinced reforms should start with God and returning the people back to God.

Josiah understands, as well as we should that Judah have all the answers about why things are happening and what the future holds from God through Jeremiah. But the people refuse to pay attention and agree to suffer more than they had thought possible. Readily visible, Jeremiah spoke and shared in the spirit of Josiah`s reformation, he warned about judgment and proclaimed renewal for Judah to renew their covenant and the vows they had shattered so long before.  

QUESTIONS

1.        Accountability is foundational to success. For that reason, accurate record keeping and financial reporting remain a critical aspect of business, governance and human progress and success.

A.       In our world today, financial integrity is critical - What insights does our study offer that no accounting from the workers of the money which they turned over to them was necessary in 2 kings 22: 7; 2 Kings 12: 13 – 15.

B.       Regarding personal and collective responsibility, what idea does Romans 14: 12 convey that each person shall give account of himself to God. What essentially is Paul admonishing

2.        Matt. 23: 23 criticizes those who neglect important ethical principles for minor ones. Discuss the need for a balance between diligence and ethical conduct. In what sense and in what area are you missing your sense of proportion

A.       1 Timothy 6: 10 serves as critical reminder of the pitfall that can arise from misdirected pursuit of wealth. What other ways spiritual leaders corrupt church doctrines to provide income for church coffers throughout history?

B.       Luke 16: 1 - 3 reminds us of financial transparency and accountability. Capable and resource people suffer greater than would have been possible around accountability. What areas do they suffer and what can we learn from them.

C.      Luke 2: 1 - 5 highlights the role of governance and pattern of potential burden taxes place in society. Considering the actual history of this event, what in our world today could make people not act with the utmost responsibility and sense of integrity

3.        Define idolatry.

A.       When Josiah started his reform, he destroyed everything that connected Judah with idolatry. Discuss the idea behind the grinding of the idol to powder and emphasize what His action symbolizes in 2 kgs 23: 6?

B.       Using Eph 6: 11; 1 Timothy 6: 1 – 12 and 2 Timothy 2: 1 - 7, explain why idol worship and resisting idol worship is a powerful temptation and a lifelong Christian battle.

4.        In view of Josiah`s reform, explain the statement, the spiritual health of a nation rises and falls on the level of Bible literacy and obedience to God.

A.       From Deut. 32: 45 – 47 and Deut. 31: 9 -13, we noticed how God intended Bible literacy and knowledge of his word as core value for Israel. Read and discuss the value of Bible literacy from Rm. 10: 13 – 17; 1 Sam 3: 1 – 10; Hosea 4: 1 – 6; Psa. 119: 9 - 11,105

B.       From 2 Chron. 34: 19 – 28, Josiah took the warning in the book of the law seriously. List or mention the step(s) he took and discuss the significance of the step(s) he took.

5.        Before Josiah`s reform, Judah has experienced periods of revival from 2 Chron15: 1 - 19; 2 Chron. 17: 1 - 10. Since our study focuses on Josiah`s reform, point out one of Judah`s biggest errors and what have they have missed all along.

A.        According to 2 Chron. 35: 1 – 6, Josiah encouraged the Priest and Levites to carry out their appointed service. Trace out the two things they did and the significance of each

B.        In 2 Chron. 35: 7 – 19, Josiah provided most of the animals for the feast while other leaders and priests provided what they could provide. What do you think motivated his action

C.       Passover is celebrated yearly as God has commanded in Exodus 12: 14 – 27. Summarize Josiah`s obedience from 2 Chron 35: 18