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Ecwa Canada 2025-11-20 Ecwa Canada 2025-11-20

Repeated Warning; Devastating consequences!!!

Theme “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart,” Jer.

29: 13.

Introduction

Theological affirmation and religious culture in which Jeremiah ministered reflected the idea that Judah is loved and cared for by God and God’s word and message when spoken by true prophetic voices are unchanged by circumstances whether there is war or peace. Circumstance aren’t what decide things that happens whether good or bad which is why many people have beautiful homes, material possessions, financial security and good health, yet are miserable and suicidal while others live in poverty, own nothing, have poor health, yet appear to be successful and are filled with joy of the Lord.

God is the Sovereign Lord to whom all obedience and allegiance is due. But often times, man though created by God want God to rubber stamp his decision. Repeatedly, God has sent prophets to Israel, but they have not listened. They continued to serve and worship other gods and provoked the Lord (See 2 kgs. 17: 13 – 16). Earlier, the Lord has warned the people through Jeremiah about what will happen in a vision according to Jer. 24: 8 - 10, that “Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine and plaque.” The very bad figs in Jeremiah’s vision are those who refused to submit to the Lord’s discipline and elected to stay in Jerusalem.

As noted, rather than heeding to Jeremiah’s instructions and warning from the Lord to surrender to the Babylonians, Zedekiah obstinately persisted in trying to do things on his own terms, even looking to Egypt to deliver them as noted in Jer. 37: 5 - 7. Of course, God’s people never think the whole country of Judah will become a desolate wasteland and will serve the king of Babylon seventy years until the prophecy came to Jeremiah in 605BC. Key verses that capture this idea includes (Jer. 25: 6 – 13; Luke 7: 26 - 30).

Keep in mind, the duty of a king is not elated above God and king Zedekiah with his political loyalist were privileged with evidence to know the mind of God and had known ahead of time what would happen when Jeremiah spoke to him. The reality is that it sounded Zedekiah remained nasty and defiantly reject the Lord’s instruction and when people refuse to submit to God’s will for whatever reason, the Lord brings judgment against them.

Similar to the days of Hezekiah, Zedekiah never prioritize Jeremiah’s instruction and warning as something he must take seriously even when his life, the life of his family and entire nation is in danger (See 2 kgs. 20: 16 - 19). Painfully, he realized the vain attempt to fear his officials who viewed Jeremiah’s message with guarded hatred and urged him to disregarded Jeremiah’s bold plea for correction because they feel Jeremiah is a traitor against national life and policies and was not ready to change his tone, insisting that going to Babylon is the only guaranteed future for the nation.

Zedekiah’s disobedient choice is an embodied spiritual practice that we sometime dismiss at every turn until we oppose God’s warning and get caught up. In this study, we shall see that there’s something wrong lingering and engaging in conversation as an excuse to avoid obeying God every single time so we cannot go and do likewise.

Question

1. Reading from Jer. 37: 1 – 10, Zedekiah was counselled not to build vain hopes. Discuss what was happening:

A. Why do you think Jeremiah feels there’s still no future to be enjoyed and the situation as no good for Jerusalem.

B. We noticed in Jer. 37: 11 – 21, Jeremiah at the Benjamin gate and delivered him to the state officials who had him beaten and in their rage imprisoned him. Why was Zedekiah optimistic and ask Jeremiah again whether there was a word from Yahweh.

C. What did Jeremiah’s imprisonment reveal about the challenges of speaking the truth. Knowing he’s going to suffer, why would he had to warn the king that Pharoah’s army would retreat and the Chaldeans would return

2. Jeremiah’s words were regarded as treasonable when he proclaimed before High Government officials to the effect that desertion to the Babylonians was the one choice an individual had to save his life.

A. Compare the arrest of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 37: 11–16 and Jeremiah 38: 1-13. Expand on the details surrounding his arrest and comment on anything you think is rather pathetic about Zedekiah

B. From Jer. 38: 1-13, Jeremiah would have died had not the Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-Melech secured from the king a change of imprisonment. How would these passages speak in such situations: 1 John 4: 4; Ps. 32:7; 2 Cor. 10; 3 - 4; James 5: 13 - 16; Ps. 91: 10; 2 Thess. 3: 3; Deut. 31: 6; Isa. 41: 10; Prov. 2: 11; Zeph. 3: 17.

C. Reading from Jer. 38: 14 - 28, one is bewildered when Zedekiah sought to hear a frank message and Jeremiah hesitated at the request of the king. Were you to be candid, are there people you know going the wrong direction, yet whatever advice you try to give will go unheeded. Discuss

3. We can feel the instability of the throne when the king petitioned that his meeting with Jeremiah be kept in strict confidence.

A. What in your opinion is the apparent reason(s) for this warning, and how does this reflect our approach towards warnings in life

B. Reading Jeremiah 52: 1 -11, How does the account of Zedekiah’s capture and blinding illustrate God’s sovereignty and what does it illustrate that Zedekiah’s eyes were removed

C. From related biblical interpretation of blindness in Acts 22, 26 and Acts 13:1- 12, what happened to Zedekiah is a cautionary historical event. How does that affect us and why must we apply the lessons to our lives today

4. Judges 21: 25 shows in the period of the Judges, Rulers are supposed to give divine guidance otherwise there would be instability. And Rulers who disobey God, engage in violence, bribery and oppression brought ruin upon their nations as seen in Dan. 4: 25 – 35

A. What were the two roots of pride for Nebuchadnezzar according to the text in Daniel 4: 25 - 35

B. In contrast to human governance, Scripture states that God controls earthly powers, remove and establish kings as He wills according to Daniel 2: 19 - 22. What does righteousness and justice teach you in Ps. 89: 14; Prov. 29:4; Prov. 16: 12 and mention some specific ways with examples

C. What interconnected themes does Rom.14: 12; Ezekiel 18: 20 and Jer. 52: 1-11 emphasized, explore the relationship between personal responsibility

and community consequences. How do we live as Spirit powered people in Galatians 6: 2

Ecwa Canada 2025-10-30 Ecwa Canada 2025-10-30

God Blesses Faithfulness and Sacrifice

TEXT: Ruth 4: 1 – 22

Questions

1. From Ruth 4: 1 - 12, Boaz met the elders at the gate and followed the law, he extended his love to Ruth and fulfilled Naomi’s hope of security. Discuss the significant role the elders played at the gate in affirming the legal proceeding and how they validate the transaction from their response in Ruth 4: 9 – 12

A. Read Ruth 4: 18 – 22 and Genesis 35: 23 – 26 and explain the significance of the blessings the elders pray for Boaz and Ruth in Ruth 4: 9 - 12. Why is it important for the writer to note the family from Perez to David

B. Think of the choices Boaz and the unnamed Kingsman redeemer made and discuss how Boaz was rewarded for risking his own name and posterity in Matt. 1: 5 – 10.

2. When Obed was born, the women congratulate Naomi in her old age and share the joy of a special relationship with her daughter in-law. What three reasons do the women express in their praises to God for the way he has blessed Naomi verse 14 – 17

A. How do you react to Naomi’s initial view of God’s hand in her life. Do you think she accurately understands what God was doing or misunderstood in Ruth 1: 15 - 22

B. Read the various Christian respond to tragedy similar to what Naomi may have experienced from Psa. 13: 1- 6; 86: 1 – 7; 2 Cor. 1: 8 – 11; 2 Cor. 4: 7 – 18; 2 Cor. 5: 1 – 10; 2 Cor. 12: 7 – 10. From these passages as you read of Naomi, how would you sacrificially show Christian love.

Ecwa Canada 2025-09-25 Ecwa Canada 2025-09-25

Ruth Carrying Naomi’s Instructions at the Threshing Floor

Ruth 3: 1 - 18

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, care and concern affirming God’s presence and power in people wrecked by the tragedy of life and provided importanttheological 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. Although Naomi show weaknesses and didn’t handle her trials well in the opening of the Book, where she concludes that Ruth has no chance of getting married and even changed her name from pleasant to bitter. her attitude has changed from that of despair to hope;

A. Naomi plans to do something and begins to take initiative instead of sitting in despair in her situation in Ruth 3: 1. What is the proof that shows Naomi has changed in her attitude, what could be responsible for the change seeing how she despaired of Ruth ever getting married again according to Ruth 1: 11-13

B. From Titus 2: 3 – 5, what Scripture qualities should older women have. In essence, what is Paul telling Titus older women should devote energy in leading do to help laid a solid foundation for young women in the church

C. In Ruth 1: 16 – 19, we can say Ruth knew Naomi well and committed to the God of Israel Naomi serves. From what we know about the character of these women, their action does not lack integrity. Comment on how Heb. 1: 3 and Col. 1: 15 highlight the idea that Ruth’s character can be attributed to Naomi’s influence by her God.

2. Because Jesus perfectly displays God’s character and attribute, likewise, we are expected to be reverent in behavior, teach what is good and train young men and women as future generation to continue serving God and expanding God’s kingdom

A. Young people in the world pridefully declares themselves to be masters of their own destiny and are quick to elevate their opinion and dismiss the opinion of others. From Acts 18: 24 - 26, comment on how Prisilla and Aquilla demonstrate their support and mentorship for Paul. Justify the possibilities that young men and women could blast priscilla and Aquilla mentorship today.

B. On one hand, the elderly and or couples show unwillingness to counseling youths or feel afraid. Quite on the other hand, youths avoid those who would want to counsel and provide life directions to them. With example, share the danger that this could result into.

C. Reading from 2 Timothy 2: 2 – 4. As shareholders of the faith, discuss why Timothy should accept Paul’s instructions as important to remain focus in ministry. What would you say to convince youths studying this text to embrace Paul’s counsel and excel in serving God.

3. Read Matt. 5: 14 & 16; Heb. 1: 3. In view of the striking colorful reference to Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, what in your opinion is the great lesson of being the light of the world. What does it mean that Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power.

A. Knowing the rules of her own country in these matters, Naomi was able to instruct Ruth on the actions she should take that evening Ruth 3: 3 – 6. How do you understand Naomi’s plan to care and provide security from the community of her people in Deut. 25: 5 – 10

B. From Ruth 3: 7 – 15, Ruth quietly follows Naomi’s instructions and approach Boaz in the night. From a cultural perspective, some people will see Ruth’s action as inappropriate way to show interest in a man, others consider it acceptable. Share your view and use your insights to leverage on your point of view to convince others.

C. What is symbolized by the action she asks Boaz to take and in what way does his response protect her integrity Ruth 3: 9 – 14.

4. How does Boaz show his concern to follow the right procedures about kinsman - redeemers that have been laid down in God’s law according to Ruth 3: 12 – 13 (See. Deut. 25: 5 -10).

A. What other proof does Naomi now have that God is opening the way for blessing Ruth 3: 16 – 18

B. Today, women go to great lengths to catch a man, start dating to marry. From God’s perspective, what more is there to Ruth’s response than just obedience to the wishes of her mother in-law in Ruth 3: 5 - 8 that women could learned

C. In view of Paul’s counsel in Romans 12: 12 to rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer, how could believers use this passage to admonish others and show concern for their welfare and security

Ecwa Canada 2025-09-04 Ecwa Canada 2025-09-04

Trust in God’s Loving Care and Show Concern for Others Ruth 2: 1 - 23

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, care and concern 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.

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.

Questions

Ruth 1: 12, 20 – 21 shows that Naomi is left without any form of security or economic support in a foreign land. She feels bitter and is not afraid to confront God with her desperate situation.
A. Assuming she has faith and was aware it was the time for barley harvest and there would be food (Ruth 1: 22), mention and discuss, as important any additional reason she still had to have returned to Bethlehem.
B. The Bible highlights relatives as a foundational aspect of a family unit. Attempt to expand on the concept of a family emphasizing specific guidance within family relationship from Acts 16: 31 – 34; Mal. 4: 5 – 6; Col. 12 – 13; Lev. 18: 6; 1 Tim. 5: 8; Prov. 31: 15 – 17; Eph. 6. 1 – 4
C. Naomi, showed concern for her daughters in - law to find security and rest in remarriage. Also, despite no sign of God’s care and provision, Ruth continues to follow Naomi. What character traits do you see in Ruth similar to Rowland Bingham during his mission, any basic principles we can apply today
Read Ruth 2: 1 – 7; Lev. 23: 22 and stablish from the following Scriptures the aspects of God’s character as the source from where the benefit of Naomi’s provision came from.
A. People try to show trust in God’s loving care by the way they live, work, and show concern for others. Provide a clear reason to justify the statement from Philemon 1: 18; 1 Cor. 1: 10 – 12; 2 Corinth. 8: 1 – 12; Phil. 4: 10 – 20
B. In view of Ruth’s reputation, what do you think Boaz provide for Ruth as an alien and widow who could have been abused according to Ruth 2: 8 - 11.
C. Since gleaning laws were not always applied to the poor with a genuine caring spirit by land owners. Read Col 3: 23 and Prov. 14: 23 and comment on what could have been responsible about Ruth that turned into a blessing for her and Naomi in Ruth 2: 14 – 18
1 Thess.5: 16 -18 and Phil. 4: 4; Rom: 12: 12 is a command from Apostle Paul, encouraging believers to maintain a constant joyful, and thankful disposition toward God, demonstrating a spirit of dependence and continual awareness of his presence always because though circumstances change, God does not change.
A. Trace the two things that gives Naomi reasons to thank God because he has not stopped showing kindness to her in Ruth 2: 19 – 21. In addition, what is the image that Boaz presented himself to Ruth in his advice. Give your opinion and suggestion in the context of how Ruth acted.
B. In modern Africa, Boaz advice emphasizes a danger that makes Naomi happy to see that Ruth was safely home after her day in the barley field. Mention the danger and discuss why Naomi should be happy.
C. Neglect for advice is very disturbing in our world and breaks young men and women, homes, relationship and families today. Read and recommend how people should act in a particular situation according to 1 Kings 12: 6 – 8; Prov. 6: 20 - 23; Prov. 23: 19 - 21 Jer. 28: 7; Luke 14: 28 – 30; Matt. 6: 2; Exo. 20: 12; Heb. 10: 24 – 25; 1 Pet. 5: 6 - 7

Ecwa Canada 2025-08-21 Ecwa Canada 2025-08-21

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.

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.