Temple Tuesday for an Adult Class
Temple Tuesday: Commentaries (October 27, 2020)
Handouts
Hard copy can be provided for in-person gatherings. Links or pdf documents can be provided ahead of time for on-line gatherings and/or posted in the chat live-time. Showing documents on screen may be helpful in either setting.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 163:7:
Scripture is an indispensable witness to the Eternal Source of light and truth, which cannot be fully contained in any
finite vessel or language. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation
and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture.
Scripture is not to be worshiped or idolized. Only God, the Eternal One of whom scripture testifies, is worthy of worship.
God’s nature, as revealed in Jesus Christ and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, provides the ultimate standard by which any
portion of scripture should be interpreted and applied.
It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human
beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of
scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.
Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal
the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than
sufficient light for the journey ahead.
Review the document “Scripture in Community of Christ.”
Discussion Questions
Watch the Temple Tuesday video together.
Discussion Questions
Choosing scripture study resources for personal or congregational use requires careful assessment and a discerning eye. A best practice is to evaluate how a particular resource aligns in its assumptions and approaches with the church’s official statement, “Scripture in Community of Christ.” Another helpful resource to consult is the guide, “Reliable Tools for Serious Scripture Study,” compiled by Anthony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith. It provides a list of study tools that are well aligned with Community of Christ theology and approach to scripture.
Review the document, “Reliable Tools for Serious Scripture Study.”
Discussion Question
Closing
Community of Christ Sings 177, “The Path for Our Walking”
Prayer of Blessing
Handouts
Hard copy can be provided for in-person gatherings. Links or pdf documents can be provided ahead of time for on-line gatherings and/or posted in the chat live-time. Showing documents on screen may be helpful in either setting.
- “Scripture in Community of Christ” (https://www.cofchrist.org/scripture-in-community-of-christ)
- “Reliable Tools for Serious Scripture Study” (https://www.cofchrist.org/some-reliable-tools-for-serious-scripture-study)
Read Doctrine and Covenants 163:7:
Scripture is an indispensable witness to the Eternal Source of light and truth, which cannot be fully contained in any
finite vessel or language. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation
and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture.
Scripture is not to be worshiped or idolized. Only God, the Eternal One of whom scripture testifies, is worthy of worship.
God’s nature, as revealed in Jesus Christ and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, provides the ultimate standard by which any
portion of scripture should be interpreted and applied.
It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human
beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of
scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.
Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal
the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than
sufficient light for the journey ahead.
Review the document “Scripture in Community of Christ.”
Discussion Questions
- How would you explain the difference between the Living Word (Christ) and the written word (scripture)?
- How have you experienced transformation through your encounters with scripture?
- When you think of the human writers of scripture, how are their experiences similar to your own encounters with God? How are they different?
Watch the Temple Tuesday video together.
Discussion Questions
- What difficult scripture texts have you encountered?
- How do you explore difficult scripture passages?
Choosing scripture study resources for personal or congregational use requires careful assessment and a discerning eye. A best practice is to evaluate how a particular resource aligns in its assumptions and approaches with the church’s official statement, “Scripture in Community of Christ.” Another helpful resource to consult is the guide, “Reliable Tools for Serious Scripture Study,” compiled by Anthony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith. It provides a list of study tools that are well aligned with Community of Christ theology and approach to scripture.
Review the document, “Reliable Tools for Serious Scripture Study.”
Discussion Question
- Which tools featured on this list have been helpful in your scripture study?
Closing
Community of Christ Sings 177, “The Path for Our Walking”
Prayer of Blessing