Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Out a Healing, Welcoming, and Just Faith---
### Bible Reading
- Micah 6:8 (ESV)
> He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Matthew 25:35-36, 40 (ESV)
> For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
- Romans 12:21 (ESV)
> Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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### Observation Questions
- What are some specific ways CUCC has put faith into action in the community, as described in the sermon? [01:43]
- According to the sermon, how has scripture sometimes been misused, and what is CUCC’s response to that misuse? [00:00]
- What is the Guns to Gardens movement, and how does it serve as an example of transforming harm into healing? [02:10]
- What are some of the outreach efforts CUCC has made to support the vulnerable, such as refugees, immigrants, and the unhoused? [00:45]
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### Interpretation Questions
- Why does the sermon emphasize that faith should heal and not harm? How does this relate to the way Jesus lived and taught? [00:00]
- In what ways does building community serve as an “antidote to isolation,” and why is this important for reflecting God’s nature? [01:43]
- How does caring for creation—like installing solar panels and planting gardens—reflect a spiritual responsibility, according to the sermon? [01:10]
- What does it mean to “overcome evil with good” in the context of transforming weapons into tools for growth, as seen in the Guns to Gardens initiative? [02:10]
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### Application Questions
- Have you ever witnessed or experienced scripture being used to harm rather than heal? How did it affect you, and what would it look like to respond with love and justice instead? [00:00]
- Think about someone in your life who might feel isolated or disconnected. What is one practical step you could take this week to reach out and build community with them? [01:43]
- CUCC supports refugees, immigrants, and the unhoused as a core part of following Jesus. Is there a group or individual in your community you feel called to support more intentionally? What’s one action you could take? [00:45]
- The church has made efforts to care for creation. What is one change you could make in your daily life to better steward the environment? [01:10]
- The Guns to Gardens movement turns instruments of harm into tools for good. Is there something in your life—an attitude, habit, or resource—that could be “transformed” to bring healing or growth to others? What would that look like? [02:10]
- CUCC forms social action teams to address needs like hunger and gun violence. Is there a justice issue you feel passionate about? How might you get involved, either through the church or another group? [01:55]
- Building genuine relationships is a key part of CUCC’s mission. What is one way you could deepen a relationship within this group or the wider church community this month? [01:43]
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