Week 3 ~ Issues of Life and Death ~ Capital Punishment and War


Scripture focus: Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 5:39-44


Some questions to consider:

What is the purpose of capital punishment?

 How do we justify/explain scripture that demonstrates mercy rather than punishment by death? Consider John 8 - adulterous woman, King David with Uriah.

Can pro-life Christians support capital punishment?

What is the purpose of war? Is war avoidable?

        
          Is "world peace" possible?

How would you counsel a friend who said he/she wanted to join the military?

Should Christians participate in war? Is conscientious objection right? 

Week 2 ~ Issues of Life and Death


Our Scripture focus will be 2 Thes. 4:13-18.




Questions to start you thinking:

What are some common views on life and death in general?

How does the Bible teach us something different?

         Why are we here?

Is life a right? Is death?

What are some of the arguments of the world to support abortion or euthanasia?

What are some of the arguments even some members of the church may use to support abortion?

Why is abortion something the church should speak strongly about?

How can pro-life Christians support capital punishment?

Week 1 ~ June 12


Scriptures to read and consider:

• Matthew 6:33
• Job 12:13
• Proverbs 9:10
• Colossians 3:2
• Galatians 5:16-17
• Genesis 1:26

How do we define ethics?


Why are we talking about these topics (life, death, marriage, singleness, divorce, homosexuality, etc)?


Why is it important to think about these topics?


Should we as the church be involved in speaking for/against such issues?


How can we use the Bible today to help guide us "ethically" when some people believe the Bible doesn't speak to certain current issues?


What topics would you like to discuss? What issues are in front of you as college students?

Welcome to our study on Kingdom Ethics! We're excited to explore various topics with you all as we consider what the world is telling us and how we can stand confidently in what God has revealed through Christ and in His Word. We hope we'll be able to have many lively discussions this summer about the "hot topics" that are surrounding all of us, and how we can be encouraged by Scripture rather than be discouraged by the things that are happening around us.

See Facebook or Sunday School leaders for logistics...

When: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. -- 9:30 p.m.

Dates: June 12, 19, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7 (note we will not meet June 25)

We hope to study several topics including: marriage, singleness, divorce, homosexuality, life, death, and any you may have an interest in discussing. During the first 2 weeks we'll have a "hat" you can place topic suggestions in anonymously (if you'd like). You can also feel free to email or text us your suggestions. Consider topics you've had to discuss in classes at school or conversations you've had with friends or co-workers.

Each week we'll post recommended reading and questions to this blog. It won't be imperative that you do the reading before coming to study, but it may help with discussion, and may help you get more out of it. If you're not able to study ahead, please come anyway. We will be pulling info from several books. If you're interested in reading any, here is a list of several we may use.

Richard B. Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament (Kindle)

John S. Feinburg and Paul D. Feinburg, Ethics for a Brave New World (Kindle)

Kostenberger, Andreas J.; Jones, David. God, Marriage, and Family (Second Edition): Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation, Crossway. Kindle Edition, 2010.  (Kindle)

Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. What Does the Lord Require?: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching Biblical Ethics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. (Logos)

Sproul, R. C. Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue. 20th anniversary ed. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2010. (Logos)

Davis, John Jefferson, Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today. P&R Publishing. (Paperback)