Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, May 16
Throughout this week you will be invited to read the scriptures mentioned
in Sunday’s sermon. You will also be invited to read other materials
on the Internet, which will offer divergent views on this issue. It is best
when we are all informed about this issue and can understand those who think
differently about it. More importantly, it is hoped that you will also seek
to understand the implications of this issue for the Christian faith. Read
Genesis 19:1-29, this story is where the word “sodomy” comes from.
Was this story about homosexuality, or about rape, evil and the inhumanity
of the Sodomites? Remember that homosexually brutalizing another man was a
means of demonstrating power and dominance over them, and if they were foreigners,
over their people.
Tuesday, May 17
Today we will study the one passage of scripture that has most shaped the
Christian response to homosexuality. Read Romans 1:18-2:11. Paul is making
a theological point about all humanity’s need for grace in the face
of our brokenness. He begins by painting a picture of what he sees among the
Roman Gentiles and then moves into the universal nature of sin in all people.
Paul draws the circle wider until everyone is included. Homosexual practice
is one of the examples that Paul uses to show human sin. As you read this
passage what do you see as Paul’s main point? Note the many sins Paul
mentions, which can you identify as your own? Can you see why, based on verses
24-27, the church condemns homosexuality today?
Wednesday, May 18
Today we will continue to look at Romans 1:18-2:11. Many Biblical scholars
look at this passage and note that Paul wrote this letter while in Corinth.
The prevailing worship in Corinth at that time was the worship of Aphrodite.
In the worship of Aphrodite people played the role of the opposite gender
and engaged in sexual orgies with same sex prostitutes who were available
in the temple. It was against these orgies that Paul wrote in Romans 1. He
was making a connection between idolatry and homosexual ritual acts by heterosexuals
in the context of this temple worship. Understanding the context of Romans
1 leads some Christians to say that Paul was not referring to relationships
by loving homosexual partners who are making a lifetime monogamous commitment
to each other.
Thursday, May 19
If you have internet access take the time to read Tony and Peggy Campolo’s
speech on Christians and homosexuality. Tony and Peggy are both evangelical
Christians from the Baptist tradition. Go to
http://www.oursafehaven.com/articles/campolodebate.htm.
The question they struggle with is, “how do we as Christians, respond
to homosexuals?” One answer may be found in Luke 10:25-37. Read this
passage and reflect upon its meaning as it relates to our church’s ministry
with homosexuals and your own personal approach.
Friday, May 20
Many people often blame the poor and think of them as lazy, lacking in morals,
and of poor character. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor." Jesus considered
the poor to be special children of God and worthy to be called the "salt of
the earth." Paul said of the early Christians, "not many of you were wise…not
many were powerful, not many were of noble birth." Read I Corinthians 1:26-31.
What purpose does God have for the poor in the world? How can the church help
raise the esteem of the poor?
First
United Methodist Church 