Alarming Statistics

Introduction

Our follow – up study yields matching results because the alarming trend of the statistics in phase one of our study continues in phase two, the numbers tell the same story and the results remain deeply concerning. The scale of the data speak for itself to be shocking and terrifying, and the statistics translates to a real impact generation from now if the church saddled with the responsibilities of offering hope fail to do the needful, especially the ECWA Church Canada through which Canadian pioneers brought the gospel to us. In what seems to be always confusing, the phrase, “let God be true and every man a liar’’ (Romans 3:4) tells the world that God’s word and absolute truth always stand firm, even if every human being on earth proves to be false, mistaken, or untrustworthy.

Respond to these questions and connect your answer by reflecting directly to the numbers

1. 56% believe there is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, but they are not clear about the specifics

A. Why do you think the specifics of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is a hard concept for Canadians to understand.

B. Trace any idea of the concept in 2 Corinthians 13:12-14, John 6: 25-27, John 1: 14, John 10: 30-33 and John 14: 15 -17. Discuss how specific role of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit played uniquely in Matt. 28: 19 and Matt. 3: 16 – 17.

2. Most Canadians believe – God accepts all religions, Bible not literally true, and more.

A. With 1 Peter 3: 15, what can you do to stir up conversation with Canadians and make them willing and patient until you can help them figure out what the Bible accurately teaches

B. Using the following Passages, defend the Christian faith against the idea that God accepts all religions and the Bible is literally not true; John 14.6; Acts 4:12; Exodus 20:3; Exodus 22: 20; Mark 7: 6-7; John 4: 24; 2 Tim. 3: 16-17; Psalm 119: 160; John 17: 17, Proverbs 30: 5; 2 Peter 1: 20-21

3. 54% believe the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful account of ancient myths, but is not literally true, while 30% disagree

A. Does the Bible contain ancient stories and motifs with older myths from neighboring cultures, and does the Bible record narratives that shares striking similarities with ancient myths. If yes, mention and discuss

B. Does the Bible contain powerful stories, helpful account of myths or symbols rather than facts and exact, word-by-word true? What can you do with people having different biblical views match their perspective and uncover the truth

4. 56% say Jesus was a great teacher but he was not God

A. Jesus made direct claims to be God, forgave sins as God and accepted worship. If people claimed him as teacher and not God, what will his claim mean to them.

B. Read these passages to identify what the Bible teaches: John 1:1-5,14; John 20: 24 - 28, Hebrews 1:5-8, Titus 2: 12-13, Romans 9: 3-5, John 8:56-59, John 10:30-39. With this clarity, why do you think people still separate Jesus practical life from his supernatural divine claims

5. 53% says God measure righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ rather than works

A. Does good works cause God to declare a person righteous, otherwise how does faith affect man’s good works

B. Regarding righteousness, note and discuss what the Bible says concerning faith and works and what counts: James 2: 17, 24; Romans 2: 13; 1 John 3: 7; Romans 3: 28 Romans 4: 5; Galatians 2: 16; Ephesians 2: 8-9.

6. 42% feels modern science disapproves the Bible, 35% disagree.

A. Does modern science completely disapprove the Bible. How do you interpret the creation days in Genesis to a modern scientist.

B. In your opinion, can modern empirical science account for biblical miracles, or do miracles sit outside scientific study

7. 43% expect Jesus to return and judge all people

A. Matt. 24: 36 states that regarding the exact day and hour of Christ’s return, no one knows except whom? Would you prefer Jesus to have disclosed this so you could strictly live focus on His return? Let us know what you prefer.

B. Assuming a Canadian is looking for discussion on the return of Jesus to judge all people, what multiple choice answers can you give from 2 Tim, 4;1- 2; 2 Corinthians 5: 9 - 10; Acts 17: 30 - 31;1 Peter 4: 3-6, John 5:10-13

Alarming Statistics to keep Our Lambs Burning!!

Introduction

The famous Bible verse found in Romans 3: 4 written by Apostle Paul to Christians in today’s fearful and uncertain world says, “Let God be true and every man a liar.” What does this mean that Apostle Paul has to say this to humankind generations from now? Amid the hardships and the problems people faced in the days of Paul, until now, how can the ECWA Canada, as all other churches saddled with the responsibility of offering hope model another way of hope for Canadians. The statistics during our recent ECWA Canada 2026 Retreat mentioned a lot of issues concerning Canadians for us to examine because it centers heavily on the minds of people across the very nation gracious in sacrificing the lives of their children for us to come to Christ in salvation. By the way, it’s essential to note that God’s call to reach the world in Matt 28: 18 - 20 is not only to for us to respond in the present but to build a future lasting hope for generations unborn. Reflecting on these statistics confirms to us that now is the ripe moment for the ECWA church Canada to be rooted in evangelism.

Respond to the questions according to statistics that:

1. 74% of Canadians say God loves all people the same way regardless

A. According to the theology of the Christian faith, does God love all people in the exact same way? Discuss

B. What specific distinctions can you share that illustrates God’s loves from these passages Matt. 5: 45; Deut. 7: 9; Isa.54; 10; Jer. 31. 3; Lam. 3: 22 - 23; Rom. 8: 38 - 39; Lk. 22: 20; Psa. 5: 5

2. 73% believe everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God

A. Do you think Christianity holds a viewpoint differently from what the above statistics shows. Discuss

B. Notwithstanding traditional Christian teachings, discuss how the Bible explains original sin, choice to sin and age of accountability using the following Scriptures Psa. 51: 5, Deut. 1: 39; Rm. 3: 23; Rm. 5: 12; 2 Sam. 12: 11 - 23; Ephe 2: 3 and Matt. 19: 14; Gal. 6:10.

3. 63% say God accepts the worship of all religions, 20% disagree

A. Can two opposite beliefs be true at the same time or does the statistics contradict any biblical Christian claim (See: John 4: 19 - 26)

B. Taking note of the above statistics, what percentage Canadians hold a different view and clarify if God cares what people belief using Matt. 28: 18 – 20; Ezek. 3: 8; Ezek. 33: 18; 2 Tim. 2: 2; 1 Thess. 3: 10

C. Is it fair for God to accept the worship of all religion, or must people follow a specific path according to 1 Cor. 10: 20; Gen. 4: 3 – 6; Lev. 10: 1-3; 19:7

4. 64% believe Christians should keep their religious beliefs out of their political decisions

A. According to Matthew 5: 13 – 16, Christians have moral obligations as salts and light to influence the world. What moral advocacy have you to share assuming people of faith stay silent when laws affect human dignity.

B. Reading from Romans 13: 13: 1 -7 and 1 Peter 2: 13 – 17, how do we draw the line between helpful moral influence and unfair religious rule Ezek. 34: 1- 10; Micah 3: 1 - 12; John 3: 19 – 37; Gal. 6: 11 - 14; Dan. 3: 10 – 18

5. 56% believe there is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God theSon, God the Holy Spirit, but they are not clear about the specifics

A. Why is the concept of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit hard for Canadians to understand at such an alarming statistic.

B. Explain the key message that Matt. 28: 19 explicitly clarifies and discus how Matt. 3: 16 - 17 show all three distinct persons acting simultaneously in the baptism of Jesus

Keep Your Lamps Burning; Share and Defend the Hope Within You

Bible Passage - 1 Peter 1: 1 - 2; 3: 13 - 17

Introduction

For the past several weeks, we have been reflecting on the theme of spiritual readiness. The recently concluded Bible study has been a deeply enriching time of fellowship with the that the insights we gained will continue to illuminate our daily walk with the Lord to share our faith with others. Hear again, we shall be drawing inspiration from Peter’s admonition on the spiritual journey of Christians facing persecution throughout Asia Minor in 1 Peter 3: 13 – 17. Peter’s message to the brethren is a lesson of spiritual readiness for our study irrespective of our settings.

As we study 1 Peter 3: 13 - 17, we want to examine Peter’s statements to determine how they relate to broader contexts. We would analyzed Peter’s remarks, evaluate and explore their correlation to the Book of Acts. In other words, we would be looking at what Peter said to see how it connects to Paul’s defense and everything else because the apostles were certain the risen Jesus had called, commissioned and empowered them (See - Acts 4: 20).

Jesus’ ascension was not the end, but a mark of a new beginning and the launch of a new phase where He empowers His followers through the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus ministered through the early disciples, He continues His redemptive work in the world today through the church – His body of believers as stated in Hebrews 7: 23 - 25. So, our lives are meant to be living reflection of Jesus to everyone we meet.

The call to share the Christian faith openly is heavily rooted in the New Testament. we found the apostles publicly stand and declare their beliefs boldly in public and in everyday conversations and interactions. They have nothing about themselves or the gospel to hide. We can gather and talk about the Christian faith, share knowledge and experiences amongst themselves, but the gospel was intended to go out in the open for all to hear and believe.

Questions

1. The Apostle Peter was separated, dedicated and ready - he knew how important it was to give a defense to everyone who asks them regarding their faith and actions. Read Acts 2: 14 - 39; Acts 3: 11 - 26; Acts 4: 8 - 12; Acts 5: 29 – 32 and describe how Peter had done this showing what he had relied on in his defense.

A. Peter says Christians are commanded to suffer for what is good and respond to evil with good because God prove wrong and make ashamed those who question our godly lives. With 1 Pet. 3: 13 -17, how do you understand the suffering of those in Asisa Minor from Matt. 28: 18 – 20. What two best ways should we respond to evil.

B. What’s the believers bottom line statement about Christian suffering according to Acts 5: 33 – 42. When and how does the Bible admonished believers in the face of challenges, trials and suffering in 1 Pet. 3: 13 - 15

2. Peter’s admonition connects to Paul when Apostle Paul seized the opportunity to share the gospel when taken to Caesarea to face Trial and make his decision (Acts 23: 23 - 35).

A. Paul had to defend himself against the Jews who accused him of creating problems for Jews throughout the Roman empire and for trying to desecrate the temple. Using Acts 24: 1 - 9, clarify why this is a gospel opportunity.

B. In Acts 24: 10 – 21, Paul challenged the charges, calling on the Jewish leaders to produce hard evidence, but no evidence could be produced. Describe and discuss two things Paul had affirmed in his defense. How has that helped you to be effective witness for Christ.

C. Paul concluded that he was tried because of one singular reason. How has the events in Acts 24: 10 – 21 helped you to be effective in witnessing for Christ

3. Reading from Acts 24: 22-27, when Paul reasoned during his defense, Felix was intriguing hearing Paul. Discuss the core theological principles of what Paul emphasized that made Felix nervous.

A. State the two reasons why Paul had to be in prison for two years and the implication on Felix eventually.

B. Examine Luke’s full writing in Acts 25: 1- 12 related to Paul’s defense of the gospel, highlight some major reasons and explain why the admonition of the Bible passage in Hebrews 13: 3 apply to us.

4. Clarify from Acts 25: 13 - 22, When Agrippa and his wife arrived Caesarea to visit Festus, mention what Festus admitted and its implication today when describing Paul’s case to Agrippa.

A. Explore the broader contexts of Acts 25: 9 – 11 into the historical custom of the trials of Jesus looking at more interactions between Jesus, Pilate and the Jews in Mk. 15: 15-16; Lk.23: 13-25; John 18: 39-40. In each case what do you think is being stimulated.

B. Paul had series of defense in Acts 26. Identify how each of these steps/stages can help prepare you share the gospel better.

I. Words of praise for the king – verse 1- 3

II. Jewish upbringing, training and persecution of Christians – verse 4 -11

III. His Damascus experience – verse 12 – 23

IV. Paul gave Agrippa opportunity to make a decision for Christ – verse 24 – 32

KEEP YOUR LAMBS BURNING BY DOING EVANGELISM FOR OUR CONTEXT

PASSAGE - Acts2:36-47; Acts 4:23-37

INTRODUCTION

The fulfilment of prophecy is very important because the Jews had been waiting for the promised Messiah for generations. This hope of salvation was not for Jews alone because through Jesus God offers salvation for all of humanity. Inasmuch as it is for humanity, Peter tells the crowd for certain, God has made this Jesus both “Lord and Messiah” and they must, “Turn from sins and accept Christ, be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 2: 36-39. Peter knows, it is an ongoing fact that many who came to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost have personal opinions and thoughts, some lack the capacity to be followers and for these reasons find it very difficult to belief Christ’s uniqueness and role.

Note, too, Peter is aware that others are split concerning his personality, sometimes ignore the teachings of Scripture and even try to explain things away (John 7: 45-48; John 9: 32-33; Matthew 11: 4-5). By calling Jesus Lord and Messiah, Peter was staking the biggest possible claim in addressing the people, majority of which were specifically the Jews which prompted them to ask the question, “what shall we do?”

What is clear from Scripture is once you’re a believer, you are no longer the same person after conversion anymore, you’re in right standing with God and find comfort in God’s best promise of a future life (2 Cor. 5:17). John 5: 24 confirmed certain assurances and Jesus spoke about current reality and future assurances for anyone who hears God’s word and believes. The truly tragic part isn’t just what Jesus said has happened; it’s that so many people refuse to see and accept it. Tragically, some people doubt or refuse to have faith in Jesus despite his truth and it’s deeply sad they cannot bring themselves to believe on Christ.

The event in which our study occur is very important when we consider the statistics from our partners, Vision Ministries Canada (VMC) that more than ½ Christians do not equip for evangelism, 77% Christians dropped to 55% while 2% Muslim rose to 5% and about 17.5% non-religious affiliated rose to 35% in 20 years from 2001-2021. This analysis brings to light systemic issues, prompting reevaluation of current church practices to help us critically examine the implications and begin doing evangelism for our context and living for the benefit of others and their salvation. Therefore, this study is aimed to draw attention to our need for spiritual fervor serving God, sense of community and church growth as described in Acts 2: 47; Romans 12:11; Hebrews 10: 24-25.

QUESTIONS

1. In Acts 2: 36, the climax of Peter’s sermon declared that God made this Jesus Lord and Messiah. Does, Jesus has a split personality. Otherwise, comment on why the statement is necessary then and relevant even today when the Bible is clear about Christ’s uniqueness and role

A. Acts 2: 40 - 41 typically describes the aftermath of Peter’s sermon. Mention and discuss Peter’s main plea to the crowd and how they responded during this birth of the early church.

B. Explain what Colossians 2: 11-12; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:11 say about baptism.

C. When Peter commanded them to repent and be baptized on the day of baptism in Acts 2: 37- 40, discuss why they did not make any effort to explain that away since it wasn’t easy for Jews to identify with Christ and commit to water baptism.

2. According to Acts 2:47, those who were being saved were added to the church. Study 1 Corinthians 3: 5-9, and describe the role of man and what does Paul says about inclusion in church.

A. What methods or ideas do you know that believers apply today in their hope to promote church inclusion.

B. Combine what Paul highlights in 1 Corinthians 3: 5-9 and what Jesus told his disciples in Mk. 9:38-40; Luke 9: 49-50. What information are significant that you can use to explain a complex Bible study topic related to church growth or increase.

3. A community is viewed as group of people connected by shared interests, values, goals and location, interacting with a sense of mutual support, and identity toward fulfilling fundamental human need and being a part of something larger than themselves.

A. In response to Peter’s preaching in Acts 2: 41-47, what practices have you seen to say for certain that church community life is formed, and should be considered normative for the church today.

B. What do you think was responsible for the spontaneous and immediate addition of such a huge number of 3000 to the church.

C. Thinking and reflecting through Acts 2: 44-45, and Acts 4: 32-35, why do you think they sold their possessions and share everything they owned.

4. Advice on what ECWA Canada can do or should be doing to model the church in Jerusalem which Scripture described as being united in heart and mind, abandoning every ownership in favor of community sharing.

A. The “Early Church” was an evangelizing church, growing daily (Acts 2:47). But evangelism doesn’t always take place in the Temple as seen in Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16: 11-15. What do you think God is teaching us and how has that motivated and changed how you planned on living

B. Read 2 Cor. 5: 14; Matt. 28: 19; 1 peter 3: 15, and describe what you think was the mind and heart condition of the people for doing evangelism

C. Discuss how in spiritual and community contexts fellowship and growth is interconnected. With summer at hand and people feeling free to move, walk and visit, what biblical insights have you learned that motivates you to want to share the comfort, peace and joy of redemption with people going through difficult seasons of life.

Prepare to Serve God and Others

ECWA Theme for 2026

“Prepare for Service, keep your lamps burning…”

(Luke 12: 35, NIV)

Introduction

Serving God is depicted in the Bible as a calling requiring selfless love, dedication, humility and not for personal gain. In Matthew 20: 28, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” NLT. The core of what Jesus is saying is that serving is believer’s life purposes. Again, Jesus says in Mark 8: 35 that, “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the ‘Good News’ will ever know what it means to really live” TLB. Here, Jesus reminds us that man’s best use of his time is his highest legacy and only way to meaningfully impact the world(See: 1 Cor. 15: 58).

As we all know, it is widely understood that Christ’s victory over death makes “New Life” possible and is where the Bible says reward for faithful living can be expected when we eventually get to heaven. This study is aimed to help us understand that our purpose goes beyond just a willingness to serve God and others, it requires a transformed heart, as true serving is not possible without a changed life (See Gal. 1: 13 - 24; Heb. 6: 10). To articulate that serving God must align with being saved and guided by divine inspiration to avoid embarrassment, it’s worthwhile we consider the events in Acts 19:13-16; Acts 16: 6 - 10.

In a sense, without being saved, while harboring pride, worldliness, materialism, fear of failure, busyness, lack of faith, greed, selfishness, bitterness, anger, anxiety, resentment, worries, being distracted and lack of reverence for God are pitfalls, a person cannot truly serve God while living this way, as these are fundamental obstacles that block genuine service. Even when believers know these things, often they shrink and trade the high calling of kingdom service.

Building upon our previous study, we engaged in a focused reflection on the narratives in Matt. 25: 1-13 and Luke 19: 11-27 as prime examples of “Divine blessings and Missed opportunity,” to serve as warning and reminder for ourselves to remain watchful and service ready when the Lord comes.

Questions

1. The Apostle Paul following his conversion described his life as a bond-slave to Jesus Christ, he focused entirely on finishing his assigned work to spread the Gospel sacrificially despite intense suffering and death threats (2 Cor. 11: 16 –33).

A. What, in your view, drives Paul’s daily sense of obligation

B. Reading Heb. 12: 2, highlight the triumph of faith over adversity in the story of Esther and Mordecai in Esther 3: 1 – 6; 4: 5-17; 5:1 - 10, 7:1 - 10. From the story. draw a parallel with Luke 22: 47 - 53 regarding the different events and explain what each biblical narrative illustrates.

2. The intent of our actions is important. Comment on what should affect our action to work according to Colossians 3: 22 - 25. Discuss other related reasons that’s the cause of tension. Explain what usually influence your attitude to work and serving Christ.

A. In Mark 10: 35-45 and Matt. 20: 20-28, several people make a request. With 1 Kings 2: 19 and Psalm 110:1, discuss what you think they were anticipating from Jesus. Explain anything you found interesting from how the discussion continued regarding God’s kingdom.

B. Paul in Galatians 5: 13-15 discuss our former way of life of slavery before salvation. In view of the demands, obligations and negative consequences of slavery, what are ways to approach freedom because of responsibilities in Christ. How can the church help believers to avoid falling back.

3. Matt 24: 36 - 40 and Lk. 17: 26-35 talks about sudden separation between the righteous and the wicked. As a follower of Christ, what services and work would you be doing to demonstrate physical readiness at the return of Christ.

A. Hebrews 6: 10-12 emphasize acts of service and show the purpose of continuing in hard work. How does the text change your attitude and motivate you for service.

B. According to Proverbs 19:17, God takes personal responsibility for kindness shown to the poor. How is generosity towards the poor viewed. What, from this passage can you highlight regarding serving the poor

4. Romans 12: 9 -13 outlines practical markers of genuine Christianity and fervent service. Reflect on the practical application of the passage in your own life and discuss one thing you are doing to encourage others emulate you.

A. Which of these instructions in Romans 12: 9-13 is most challenging for you. Cite any example(s) to explain your reason

B. What does it mean to be fervent in service, and how can one remain fervent and not get weary considering the demand of work and daily family and professional life

C. Ephesians 2: 10 states that a believer is God’s workmanship created by God to perform good works. How does this affect the view of your personal identity and any work that you feel God has called you to do.