Read: John 17:15-18; Matthew 25:31-46
Embracing the World. Should the church seek to portray a particular image to the world? Or should it simply seek to be a hospital for sinners and let the chips fall where they may? This is the question we address this week.
Questions for discussion: Questions this week fall under the heading of the two major passages of Scripture noted above.
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- In the world, but not of the world. Does this passage of Scripture give us any guidance as to how we can be in the world but not of the world?
- In a secular culture. In a culture where secularization plays an increasingly prominent role, is it possible to be the salt of the earth or the light of the world. Or should we seek isolation in order to avoid contamination?
- The Adventist church. If we were to give ourselves a check up, how would we measure up in the business of being in the world but not of the world?
- Jesus as our model. To what extent is it safe for sinners to take the Sinless one as the model for our relationship to the world. Was Jesus safe in places were we would be at risk?
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- A hint of universalism? In the parable, is there any indication that formal commitment and confession of Jesus is required for the judge’s approval?
- Salvation by works? If the judge determines our destiny based on what we have done, isn’t this a fairly clear case of salvation by works?
- ADRA vs. Global Mission? Does this parable give us any guidance as to whether we should put our support to humanitarian aid or to a more explicit sharing of the Gospel message?
