Gathering 128: “Open Gates and Strangers”

Published: April 27, 2020, 10 p.m.

Why did God allow the COVID-19 pandemic? Explanations abound if you Google search this very question. Quite often scholarship points to scripture’s Old Testament story of the two cities of Sodom and Gomorrah when God revealed to Abraham that the cities were to be destroyed for their grave sins in particular those associated with homosexual acts. Many take up this mantle and run saying we are being punished by God with this pandemic for our wicked ways. But within a modern framework, is this story really a viable explanation for our current crisis? Join Pastor Tony Minear, Ph.D. this week as he examines this Old Testament story from a 21st century perspective. Explore a new way of looking at the story and discover a new lesson to replace that which is no longer working. Learn two insights this new perspective not only says about our view of God, but our response to the pandemic and the challenge that will come if we miss the real lesson of Sodom and Gomorrah.   Recorded live at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, AZ on 4/24/20   Preaching: Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D. Scripture Reader: Janelle Tapphorn Scripture Reference from the Torah: Genesis 19:1-11   If you like what you hear, consider donating at: https://www.beatitudeschurch.org/online-giving