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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
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
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