Theme “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with the whole of your heart,” Jer. 29: 13

Introduction

The book of Jeremiah embraces a period beginning with 627 BC, the date of Jeremiah`s calling in the 13th year of the Judean king Josiah (640-609 BC) and was the last godly king before the Babylonian exile in 587 BC (2 Kings 22: 1 – 23: 30). Josiah was guided by men of true prophetic vision who planted in him the desire to reform Judah. At twenty years, he began collecting funds for the repair of the Temple which resulted to the discovery of the book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34: 8 – 11 and 2 Kings 22: 3 - 13. Josiah`s religious and political reform traces Judah`s royal leadership and presented a background to help us understand our theme and why Yahweh had to tell Judah to seek Him.

Jeremiah`s ministry begun few years before Josiah`s far-reaching reform to purge the Temple. Because Jeremiah was born in Anathoth, as son of Hilkiah the priest and descended from Abiathar, Jeremiah gave a message of warning, judgment including future hope and restoration as one who understands the history of his nation having prophesied during Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah (Jer. 1: 1 - 3, Jer. 21 - 38).

As we know, Judah is a far off in religion and in moral character. Also, Judah did not have political power like their neighbors in any significant way. From records, some Judean kings like Josiah had decided to be faithful to God in the face of demand from their overloads. This explains why Josiah`s death was a tragic loss to Jeremiah (2 Chronicles. 35: 20-25) because Judah returned to the gods of the outside world.

Josiah`s reform suffered defeat after his death. But Josiah`s reform and the book of the law has profound influenced on Jeremiah. Considering Jeremiah 1 - 6, we noticed Jeremiah was cooperating with the reforms of Josiah to improve the moral life of the nation to no avail and his message was met with opposition. Consequently, the reform was insufficient to change the people and the ethical structure of the nation partly because their response to the reform was artificially on the surface and Judah was left to God`s judgement and they fall to the Babylonians.

We sometimes struggled to know and do what was right. Therefore, there’s a sense when Judah seek for God. Seeking God can be in the sense of entering a covenantal relationship with God and be secure. As frequently use, Judah may want to inquire of God in prayer for direction, often by contacting Jeremiah the prophet as instrument of God`s revelation.

Question

1. In the Book of 2 Kings, Israel and Judah are secure, with the passing of time, both are destroyed, and Nebuchadnezzar incorporated the kingdom of Judah as a province within the Babylonian Empire in 587 BC. What do you think could be responsible?

A. We live in the age of relativism where people assume there’s no universal standard to measuring truth. Discuss any event and action you took despite knowing the will of God because of other competing views.

B. According to Jer. 1:1 and 2 kgs 22: 4 -10, Hilkiah, father of Jeremiah, helped in the reform of Josiah. In view of similar Jewish background, consider 2 Tim.1:3 - 5 and discuss what you think is primary in shaping Jeremiah`s prophetic ministry.

C. In addition to what you have learned above, how does Prov. 22: 6 and 2 Tim. 3: 14 -16 remind you about the next generation - Discuss any significant challenges affecting children and mention ways we can promote children church ministry.

2. Jeremiah is said to be an eyewitness to what happened in the affairs of the nation of Judah having prophecy during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah (Jeremiah 1: 1- 3)

A. In your own word, how would you describe the prophetic task of Jeremiah considering how he tried to resist God`s calling in Jeremiah 1: 4 – 10

B. Read Exo. 3: 7 -15, Judges 6: 11 - 16, 1 kgs 19: 1 - 9, Isa. 6: 1 - 8 about Jeremiah and his predecessors. list and discuss what God sets up as his qualifying lists.

C. The unthinkable had happened, Judah had suffered destruction and the poorest peasants of the land of Judah were permitted to maintain their residence in the land (Jer. 52:16). What do you think has happened and still happening

3. After the death of Josiah in 609 BC, Judah was faced with three options from the political and religious realities of the time. Which option do you think Judah took in their wise decision.

A. To remain exclusively faithful to worshipping Yahweh and keeping with the reform of Josiah

To remain faithful to worshipping Yahweh, as well incorporating the worship of other gods

To give up the worship of Yahweh completely and give themselves to the worship of the gods of the nations.

B. What do you think must have enticed and influenced Judah`s decision that is a consequence to God`s anger and reaction to have removed Judah from Jerusalem and the Temple according to Jer. 39: 4 - 10.

C. In what sense is Zedekiah having any spiritual problem. Explain any significant area of achievement and devotion to God that you try to moderate or incorporate with other things to find easy solution to a situation

CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!!!

THEME - For the vision is yet for an appointed time - Habakuk 2:3.

Introduction

We all know that though Christmas is traditionally celebrated on December 25 th, celebrations begin earlier by an increasing number of people including non-Christians across the world. For many non-Christians, Christmas is not just a celebration but an experience that brings the world together. In other words, non-Christians see Christmas celebration beyond the boundary of the Christian faith because the entire world celebrates Christmas with families and friends by having fun with joy and great gladness.

As a tradition, Christians and non-Christian’s travel for Christmas holiday to explore various ways to celebrate Christmas in the world with families and friends. In Canada, for example, Montreal the second largest city of Canada and close to the European coast as to Vancouver has good things to see, the two continents turn to be a destination for Christmas trips. There, people enjoy night-time parades, Christmas lights and free concerts with several other outdoor activities.

In case you have forgotten, the beautiful Vatican City remains attractive all through the year, but the month of December is especially special and is among the best destination for some people to have a special Christmas Eve. A good number of pilgrims are attracted on Christmas Eve to the Vatican City including a Midnight Mass in St Peter's Basilica.

What is amazing and more striking is that some family travel to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas while others love to gather under a beautifully adorned tree with families to celebrate at home by opening and sharing of gifts. The most admired for children is the man in red and white attire call Santa, in fact they love seeing Santa everywhere on this lovely Christmas season. You well know, homes and streets will soon be decorated with lights and extra festive decorations to mark the season.

Notwithstanding, what comes to your mind the moment months turn to December, and you begin hearing about Christmas. How do you rate your reaction compared to others since the mere thought of Christmas excites almost everybody in this part of the world. Haven`t you made plans to celebrate this Christmas in your own special way as you did many years already, or would you want to try something different from last year because you have been sending the wrong signal to your children and neighbors and want to make the point straight that Christmas is more than having a festive atmosphere.

Consequently, before we light our candles and Christmas trees during this season, we need to be careful not to send any wrong signal to our neighbors and children whom we are accountable to help understand the real meaning of Christmas that Christ was born for our salvation, as revealed in Scripture. This is the opportunity our study extends. Otherwise, how do Christmas and the celebrations that go into it appeal to you.

Questions

1. We are always face to face with one of the great controversial doctrines of the Christian faith. Because in Isaiah 7: 14 occurs the strange prediction with the sounding phrase, “the virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son.”

A. Reflecting over the context in Isaiah 7: 1 - 17, what does Isaiah 7: 14 signify, and reading Luke. 1: 26 -38, what are the two great reasons that are supposed to convince you as you experience various life challenges.

B. Mary`s submission looks very lovely. Rephrase Mary`s response in your own word and discuss anything you have learned about Mary.

C. Luke 1: 46 – 56 is a passage referring to one of the great hymns of the church commonly called – the Magnificent. As is assumed, the Magnificent is the most revolutionary document. Trace the 3 revolutions of God from the passage

2. In the Roman Empire, periodic censuses were taken. Discuss any two-reason census were taken periodically and explain the circumstances and definite purpose for this census in Luke 2: 1 – 7.

A. The first announcement about Jesus by the angel came to the Shepherds in Luke. 2: 8 - 20. Translate the meaning of a manger where Jesus was born and the relationship of these Shepherds to the Temple

B. Reading from the passage in Zach. 9: 9 – 10, discuss why the Jews had good reason to expect an earthly king. Seeing that years later Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Zachariah. In what way are we liking to the Jews?

3. Read the genealogy of Jesus in Matt1: 1-17 and Luke 3: 23-38. Discuss why Matthew traced the lineage of Jesus back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. What do you think Jesus qualified for in 2 Samuel 7: 12 and 19: 28

A. Mary was betrothed to Joseph and betrothal was binding in marriage. Since Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, explain the condition Jesus is referred to as Joseph`s son in Matt. 13: 55, Jn 6: 42 and on the occasion, he lingered in the temple in Luke 2: 24.

B. In Galatians 4: 4 Paul speaks of Jesus as born of a woman. Explain why natural phrases about man in Job 14: 1, 15: 14 and 25: 4 cannot apply to Jesus.

Strategy for Church Outward Expansion

THEME - For The Vision is Yet for an Appointed time - Habakuk 2:3

Introduction

Luke wants us to know something about the early church in addition to the ascension of Christ like Theophilus. Other writer`s overlooked the event although they knew it and wrote extensively on doctrine and other related topics like the exaltation of Christ in Phil. 2: 1-11. However, since the story of the early church appears in combination with other story, our study may require us to follow the narration of Christ`s ascension with great attention so we can see the mission of the church primarily to the Jews and what makes it expand to include Samaria.

Now, Luke gave a perfect example of the ministry of the church. It is interesting to note the book of Acts proclaims that God started something in Jesus that cannot be stopped (See: Matt 16: 15-19). Luke did not get through telling the whole story or give full reporting on the Acts of the Holy Spirit, the events of the early church, and the life and ministry of Jesus because what took place are beyond him to record (Luke 1: 1- 4; John 21: 24-25; Acts 1: 1-3). However, it is not unnecessary to ask why the Holy Spirit made Luke write concerning the early church and work of the apostles in expanding the church than others?

Earlier, in Luke 24: 44-49, Jesus had commissioned the apostles (those the Lord has sent) to be preachers and witnesses, and that their preaching must embrace all nations under the influence and authority of the holy Spirit that will come on them. The main concern here is how would diverse people be preached to and gathered to form a healthy congregation. This explains why Jesus focused on the Holy Spirit to emphasize the task to be witnesses because the spiritual aftereffect is seen on them that waited from what they experienced and how they function.

Despite all the talk about preaching and witnessing to the nations, what stands out was that the writer of Acts included to remind us that Jesus himself even though was resurrected with new body, he made it clear from the start of His ministry that all His utterances and activities were from the Father through the Holy Spirit (See: John 5: 19-20, 30; 8: 28; 12: 49; 14: 8-18).

For the most part, God`s people when involved in a task always asked: “Who are we?” and “How much can we do?” the answers to these questions are found in the book of Acts so our commitment is renewed to remain faithful witnesses for Christ.

Questions

1. Reading from Acts 1: 6-8, Jesus reinforced the Great Commission and promised the power to carry it out. In addition to Matt. 28: 18-20, mention the three things Jesus described about power to do the mission task.

A. Discuss how Matt. 28; 11-15 help you to understand why Jesus conducted a ministry of personal appearances to undergird his disciples. What does His word and visible appearances assure in Jn. 20: 11-18; Matt. 28: 5-10, 16-20; Lk. 24: 13-27; 1 Acts 9: 1-6, 10-16; Corinth. 15: 1-8

B. According to Matt. 13: 10-12, Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom is not sketchy. Reading from Acts 1: 6-8, why do you think when the disciple sensed this was the last time to see Jesus on earth desperately asked the question: “Lord would you at this time restore the kingdom?”

2. Considering the events of the ascension with a promise about the ultimate return of Jesus, read Acts 1: 12-14 and explain any reason behind their change in direction. Mention three things Luke gives that express their fullest obedience (See Acts 1: 9-14).

A. Pentecost has its name because it begins on the fiftieth day from the first Sunday after Passover. Comment on the exact roots of Pentecost in Lev. 23: 15-21, and mention the two aspects of the day that stand out without controversy in Acts 1: 13-14; 2: 1- 4

B. In God`s own time, the Holy Spirit came upon the people, God`s gift, his call, his mandate came upon all the people. Using Acts 2: 14-24, discuss Peter`s strategy and what happened to show the church became a witnessing church

C. From Acts 2: 22-36, explain what Peter signify and defended that was shocking to his listeners. How can that strategy be used to attract and reached the diversity of people in Canada to ECWA

3. Without hesitation, we must admit the early church showed a direct connection between receiving the word and acting on it. What can you say to confirm from Acts 2: 41-47 that the new church was well launched from a deep conviction.

A. What have you found to be the hallmark of the church. Mention two things about the church to show you are without a doubt about your submission.

B. As time moved along, the demand of the church began to emerge. Discuss how they handled it that best show they perceived who they were supposed to be.

C. You probably have seen great adventures how the church started in Acts. Comment to agree or disagree on the statement that, “Never again would life be so blissful in the church.”

D. Looking at our church community in ECWA Canada and weighing the surprise upon surprise of the early church, what practical things could we do or avoid doing to remain a happy and effective witnessing church

TOPIC - THE CONCEPT OF APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (3 John 1-15)

Theme - For the vision is yet for an appointed time, Hab 2:3

Introduction

The text for our study is a letter to a faithful Christian leader named Gaius that demonstrates the idea that the Church(es) today needs Christian leaders who will endeavor to live the life of bold faith, taking on challenges and showing commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Clearly seen, apostolic leadership is not value neutral looking at how the bible grounded the concept of the office to Christ in Acts 1: 12 – 26. Unquestionably, despite our inability to comprehend the incarnation, John uses the verbs, “heard,’ “have seen,” ‘have looked upon, “and “touched,” to stress the historical manifestation of the Christ in 1 John 1: 1 - 4.

Similarly, as we note in 2 John, the writer introduced himself as the elder probably before he wrote to Gaius in 3 John, and the central idea that stood out is we cannot rule out his apostleship by the fact that news about what was happening was brought to John concerning the church, especially Diotrephes whose behavior was not Christlike and who was not impressed by John`s credentials as an apostle. Taking the Bible together, John as an apostle is task with the responsibility to protect the truth of the gospel and to raise believers up until they become loyal to the gospel. To put it succinctly, John`s eyes were always on the well-being of the church because of the enemies of the cross, he emphasized the truth in his writings as the standard to judge every doctrine taught by travelling missionaries among the Churches, particularly the Gnostics who didn`t believe Jesus Christ came in the flesh.

Undoubtedly, what Diotrephes was doing as mentioned in our text is not going to stop overnight. Hence, John wrote to Gaius acknowledging his good conduct and promised to visit and call to account what Diotrephes was doing, his egotistical and self -centered behavior, his evil words and action that has endangered the reputation of the gospel and the unity of the church. So, John`s visit is purely on moral ground, he feels obligated to put Diotrephes in his proper place, encourage Gaius and Demetrius along with those who uphold the truth. This means, John envisages a danger and if we must succeed as a people with a mission in church planting, we must study and meditate on the content of 3 John about compromising integrity and to teach ourselves the importance of leadership in God`s work and mission that certain behaviors cannot be tolerated within the bounds of true apostolic and church leadership.

Question

1. Leaders are said to lead, initiate ideas and plans, and move people in the direction to follow by showing them consideration and affirmation.

A. In view of the above statement, comment on what John did that suggest that upholding the truth of the gospel is a huge responsibility of a true Christian leadership?

B. Thoughtfully read the mode of John and Paul in their letters from 3 John 2 - 4 and Galatians 4: 19 – 20. Who wrote from the agony of a broken heart, and what has puzzled your mind about the pain that resulted when physical and spiritual growth is interrupted – Sincerely measure each.

C. John has shown responsibility by praying affectionately for the physical and spiritual well-being of Gaius in 3 John 2- 4. Concerning John`s prayer, what have you recognized that you would want to comment that`s important to note.

2. Considering the attitude of Diotrephes in 3 John 9 – 10, what can you say to convince someone that John was following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and his exercise of his apostolic authority demonstrate Christian leadership.

A. Assume Diotrephes had encountered Paul and was influenced by his letter to the Philippians in Phil. 1: 27 – 28, mention three characteristics that is capable of changing Diotrephes so John would not call attention to his conduct during his visit.

B. Galatians 2: 1 - 10 state Paul`s equality and reasons for returning to Jerusalem. What`s the author`s intent since Paul was not dependent on the Apostles in Jerusalem according to Gal. 1: 11 – 24.

C. From 1 Sam. 16: 1 - 13, 1 Corinth. 1: 26 – 31 and James 4: 4 - 6, what probably have you seen as important factors that should shape people`s conception about leadership

3. According to Gal. 1: 1 - 13; Acts 26: 15 – 23, discuss and share why Paul`s calling and message about the truth has never given way to false teachers.

A From Acts 11: 27 – 30, Rom. 15: 25 – 27 and Rom. 15: 25 – 27, what have you found that describes the apostle`s attitude and goes to show that fellowship of Christians goes beyond agreement on doctrinal issues

B. Evil can be applied to the realm of spirits 1 John 4: 1 - 6, to Satan 1 John 5: 18 -20– 19. Consider Gal. 3: 1, describe the problem and how that has caused so much confusion in Christianity today.

C. According to Matt. 19: 16 - 25 and Matt. 12: 33 – 37 and 3 John 11, why is there so much confusion, increasing evil and the imitation of evil in churches and the world today.

4. Since in Paul’s day, central part of Turkey was known as Galatia which became a province of Roman empire about 25 BC and included Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia,

A. As we round our study, what practical example have you to prove the problem in Galatia according to Gal. 1: 6 - 9 is still with us.

B. In Gal. 1: 13 – 14, Paul speaks about his former life. From how Paul describes it, mention anytime you believed in something wrong and discuss what happened that you could refer to it as your former life because of Christ.

5. Read 3 John 9 and describe with examples in your own words the statement that Diotrephes loved to be the first.

A. When we hear false teachers or the misuse of authority, we think of it outside the church. But our text happened within the body of believers. Without John`s love for the truth and the corrective measures he took, what could possibly happen?

B. Discuss in your own words what Paul says in Phil. 2: 3 – 11 and use it to explain why people despise authority, what confident assurance can you find from the life of Christ that should keep you focus on the things that glorify God.

The True Vine and the Branches (John 15: 1 - 17)

Theme: “For the Vision Is for An Appointed Time,” Hab. 2: 3

Introduction

The Bible emphasizes the central importance of the land of Israel and the covenant God had with Abraham – God had chosen and made a covenant with Abraham to become the father of many nations, meaning the custodians of this covenant would follow the bloodline of Abraham and Sarah through their son Isaac and grandson Jacob to future generations (Genesis 15: 5 – 7). So, it is reasonable and easy to understand why Jews cannot set this aside but emphasize their care about Israel and connection to Abraham.

The good news is that the Lord desires even more than we all think. In other words, there is something extremely important to keep up to for being Jewish, otherwise the conversation in John 8: 31 - 47 would not have been necessary just as the statement that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham in Galatians 3: 6 - 14. These words reveal and reminds us that there is much about abiding in Christ just as there is a sense in which a Christian is in Christ and Christ is in a Christian in this world that we all live.

Perhaps you have been a Christian for a long time and familiar with symbols, grapevine is found everywhere in Israel and Jesus use vine as a symbol to describe the relationship between him and the Jewish nation. More importantly, a vine is said to be decorated in front of the temple to communicate the idea that Israel is God`s vineyard (Matt. 21: 33 - 44; Isa. 5: 1 – 7; Jer. 2: 21 and Ezek. 19: 10).

So, when Jesus drew this picture of the vine, he knew what he was talking about because though the vine can produce fruit, it is not capable without drastic pruning and Jesus knew the implication of that with his disciples. It occurs to mean therefore that Jesus uses the imagery of the vine to demonstrate the need for fruit bearing and connectedness to him which is of complete dependence and constant connection to him as the “True vine.”

Questions

1. The idea we must remember from our reading is that Jesus is the true vine and to be fruitful, we must be rooted in him because fruitless branches are on the way to be removed and destroyed.

A. John 15: 1 – 3 pictures a relationship. Discuss the relationship that the vine and branches try to emphasize and achieve considering how God the Father is being described.

B. Reading from our text in its entirety, if possible, share why there`s so much emphasis on abiding or remaining in Christ (See John 15: 4; 5; 6; 7 and 8).

2. Concerning the fruitless vine, who do you think was Jesus referring to and what can we do to invite disaster on our relationship with Christ.

A. Jesus uses the word pruning in some sense to describe the activity the Father does. In saying this, what does that mean?

B. The central word in the passage is that the disciples did not chose Jesus, but he has chosen them (John 15: 16). According to verses 9 -11 and verse 15 -16 explain where it all started from and what the disciples were chosen or called to do.

3. Perhaps Jesus referred to the disciples as “already clean by the word” to emphasize the idea of pruning that initially started in them (John 13: 10).

A. From Ephe. 5: 26, Psa. 119: 9, 11; 1 Peter 2: 1 - 2, mention and describe anything that inspires you about the effect of the word of God.

B. Consider the statement in John 15: 4 - 5 that without me, you can do nothing and use what Paul says in Gal. 2: 20 and Phil. 4: 13 to describe what Jesus meant.

C. Discuss with a few examples things we actively involve in doing without Jesus and how that is a significant warning.

4. The reference to burning and fire in John 15: 6 - 8 warns of the great danger and consequences of failing to abide. How has this warned you and how have you viewed the dangers of failure to abiding in Christ in addition to lack of bearing fruit.

A. Looking at John 15: 9 - 11, Jesus laid a remarkable pattern of his love for the disciples that leaves nothing more to be said. What does that demonstrate to the disciple, and what does that suggest to you.

B. Clearly seen in John15: 10 - 15, the joy that Jesus gives and brings into the life of the disciples does not come from the pleasure of a life of ease. Discuss

5. John 15: 16-17 rightly highlighted our starting point of call to service to probably remind ourselves that Christ first chose us and not the opposite to serve without becoming proud. How is winning others to Christ a prominent idea here.

A. The idea that whatever the disciples asked in prayer will be given is connected to fruit bearing. How is this commonly misinterpreted to mean and how has that helped you going forward when you ask in prayer.

B. In your opinion, why do you think Jesus commanded the disciples to love among themselves when he was departing from them.