First
United Methodist Church 
Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, April 16
End-Time teachings have been a popular part of the history of the church. Often these have taken the form of a hopeful expectation for the reign of Christ on earth. Have you ever thought that the end of the world might be coming soon? Do you know someone who responded to WWII, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Iraq War, or 9/11 in this way? How do these fears affect beliefs and the practice of faith? Read Revelations 1:4-8 and pray from Psalm 43:3 for illumination.Tuesday, April 17
Read Revelation 20:2-8. Read it interpreting it literally, as if following a narrative outline of events. Paraphrase what you believe the author says will happen. Now read the passage as if the intention of the passage is metaphorical. What does the metaphor suggest? Finally, consider the text listening for a theological principle. What is the underlying truth of this passage. Of these three approaches to hearing the Word of God through the passage, which seems most true to the Spirit and message of Jesus?Wednesday, April 18
Read Revelation 7. What distinction do you make between the membership of institutional churches and the faithful people of God? What determines the inclusion among the saints? Do you know churches, congregations, or communities that consider themselves the “true church” to the exclusion of others? What motivates them and what defines them as unique? How do you feel about this? How does this kind of view reflect on the nature of God and the love of Jesus Christ?Thursday, April 19
Consider the “questionable assumptions” about the doctrine of the rapture listed in last Sunday’s sermon. What difficulties arise with the belief that everything that is to occur has already been decided in advance by God? While all Christians rely upon the Scriptures as the primary standard for faith many do not support biblical literalism. Most see that not all scripture is equally helpful, binding, or inspired. How do you see it? Followers of the rapture also are dualistic. They divide the righteous and the sinners, saved and the lost. They also assume that the original goodness of creation is now condemned. Why is this troubling or is it?Friday, April 20
Read Mark 1:14-15. Recall images of Jesus’ ministry. Compare and contrast Jesus’ ministry with that of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-10. Consider this statement, “Lasting conversion comes by way of the winsome power of grace, rather than by the insidious power of fear.” How did the ministry of Jesus illustrate the truth of this principle? What is your response to the statement that faithful people generally long for “universal peace and communion with God”? Pray that you and they will find fresh ways to hope and work together towards these ends.