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
