Sermon-based Study Guide

Transcription

1 Sermon-based Study Guide Sermon: Homosexuality and the church. What is the Jesus way? Sermon Series: MORE SERMON SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY Question: What is the Jesus way? Three major strands Doctrinal strand. Pastoral strand. Public square strand. What is the Jesus way? Grace and truth LET S REVIEW 1. What are 1 or 2 key truths you take away from this sermon? What questions do I have? I hope you will take time to write down some questions you have related to this subject. It would be great if you would send those questions in to the pastoral team. Chances are others may have similar questions. We will do our best to respond to you but also, we hope to respond to a few questions during our regular worship service too; for the benefit of all. Page 1 of 6

2 Word Study Grace (5921): kindness, gift (underserved, vs. reward); given (vs. mercy; which is a holding back); given freely and generously; Grace, in act and deed, favor conferred, a kindness, benefit, benefaction. 1 Of the various divine favors, benefits, blessings, gifts conferred on man through Christ and His gospel; generally 2 Truth (237): that which is in accord with what really happens, facts that correspond to a reality, whether historical (in the time/space continuum) (Lk 4:25; Ac 4:27), or an eternal reality not limited to historical fact 3 ; In the NT especially, divine truth or the faith and practice of the true gospel is called truth either as being true in itself and derived from the true God, or as declaring the existence and will of the one true God, in opposition to the worship of false idols. Hence divine truth, gospel truth, as opposed to heathen and Jewish fables 4 Additional Resources 1. Our Conference has written an article on this subject. See attached Appendix. 2. Two articles which you might find helpful in conversations with gay people. See attached appendix. 1 Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. 2 Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. 3 Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. 4 Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. Page 2 of 6

3 MY LIFE We are listening Answer these questions in your own words. We are sincerely interested in what you think and how you feel, and the only way to find that out is when you express your opinions and feelings openly in your own words. Consider sharing this with others. 1. The word gospel means good news. What is good about what you believe? 2. A lot of people talk about sin. How would you define or describe sin? 3. Who is a sinner? So, we are talking about homosexuality (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, unsure). 4. I have had discussions about sexuality at home. Yes / No. a. If yes, have these discussions affected you Positively / Negatively? 5. I have had discussions about sexuality and sex at church. Yes / No. a. If yes, have these discussions affected you Positively / Negatively? 6. How would you describe the meaning of homosexuality? 7. What has been the biggest influence in your thinking about homosexuality? Page 3 of 6

4 8. Do you know someone who is a homosexual? 9. Do you have a friend(s), family member, or relative who is a homosexual? 10. What do you think Jesus taught about homosexuality? 11. Can you think of any specific situations in Jesus life which might be useful as an example of how to relate to homosexuals? 12. What do you think should be the relationship between homosexuals and the church? 13. Churches should allow gay or lesbian people who remain celibate to participate fully in their ministry? Yes / No. 14. Churches should solemnize homosexual marriages? Yes / No. 15. Comments. Page 4 of 6

5 SEMC Core Values 1. We value Truth Knowing the truth is important. The Bible is inspired by God and it is the source for the knowledge of God and divine truth. We are committed to the authority of God s Word as absolute truth for faith and life. Grace is the active word in balance with truth. Jesus came in grace and truth. He encompasses both and so we too, seek to pursue truth and exemplify grace. 2. We value having a Relationship with God Having a real, deep, and meaningful relationship with God is really important to us, in all aspects of the word relationship. We are committed to building and nurturing an abiding relationship with God, both individually and as a community of believers. Our relationship with God is essential for salvation, to sustain us in life, and enable spiritual growth and maturity. Love is the active word here. God is love. We receive His love. His love enables us to be saved and in relationship with Him. 3. We value Authenticity Being a believer and follower of Jesus is not merely an intellectual pursuit or a safe, cozy relationship. It is important to live lives consistent with the truth we know, believe, and proclaim. We are committed to being Spirit led, walking in the Way, living out our faith in truth and deed on a daily basis. Honesty is the active word here. 4. We value being in This Household of the Faith Being among people who love God and express that love to each other is rewarding and important to us. We are committed to nurturing deep, loving, encouraging, and supportive relationships with each other Trust and humility are the active words here. 5. We value All People Christ Jesus has assigned the church a mission to join Him in spreading His message of hope to a world in hopelessness. We are committed to be active in sharing this hope and good news with our families, where we work, with our neighbors, in our local community, nationally, and globally. Obedience and joy are the active words here. Page 5 of 6

6 SEMC Vision SEMC is a safe place where people gather in Jesus name. A place of openness and freedom to give and receive love and care, to share and pray with one another. We express ourselves to God honestly and we are willing to be changed by Him. We will grow as disciples becoming more like Jesus as we pursue spiritual maturity based on the Bible. We will go to our families, to our communities, and around the world, to share the love, forgiveness and grace of Jesus; and live each day with honesty, integrity, and boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Page 6 of 6

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