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Light Living (Study Guide)

“Light Living” Sermon Study Guide for June 21, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10 1. Holiness be holy… Leviticus 11:44 Moses (Exodus 3) Isaiah 6 2. Who We Are a. A ___________________ People Genesis 12:1-3; John 13:15 b. A ___________________ Priesthood c. A ___________________ Nation Philippias 2:10 d. A ___________________ People 3. Light Living a. A _______________________________ b. ___________________ Differently c. ________________________________ Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What made the ground holy in the story of the burning bush (Exodus 3)? Why do we often refer to places as “holy”? What makes them “holy”? How does the phrase “set apart” begin to convey the idea of holiness? What does it mean that holiness is wherever God is? If being chosen is a privilege, what does that mean for the way we live our life? Why are we tempted to presume upon privilege rather than serving others? What difference does it make in your life if you t...
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Do

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James 1:22-27 June 14, 2026 • Mount Pleasant UMC How many times had he been to the top of this mountain? I mean, he wasn’t a young man anymore. He was on the other side of eighty years old, but every time the eternal God wanted to talk to him he had to climb the mountain. Up the mountain to talk to God, down the mountain to talk to the people. Rinse, repeat. If only Zoom had been a thing then—he wouldn’t have had to do so much climbing! But it wasn’t and so he went up when God called and down when God commanded, and he told the people everything that God had told him. “Here are the laws, the rules, this is the way God wants you to live," Moses told the gathered people of Israel. And the people with one voice responded: “Everything the Lord has said we will do” (Exodus 24:1-3). That little two-letter word “do” has caused all sorts of problems and confusion for people of faith throughout the centuries. Today it is common to hear (and I’ve even said) that religion is all about “d...
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Do (Study Guide)

“Do” Sermon Study Guide for June 14, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: James 1:22-27 1. James on Religion John 7:5 - unbelief “to the twelve tribes scattered” 2. The Things We Make Religion Into a. _______________________ b. _______________________ c. _______________________ 3. True Religion Matthew 5:17-18 - the Law will not disappear a. A tight _______________________________ (1:26) b. Look after ____________________________ (1:27) c. Don’t get _____________________________ (1:27) Questions to Discuss or Ponder: In what way(s) does “love” underlie each of these “words of life”? What is the significance of James’ letter being sent to “the twelve tribes scattered”? How does that include us? What attitudes have you encountered about “religion”? What is true and what is false about each attitude? How are each of the things we make religion into actually a false idol? In what ways can the tongue do damage to people and to our world? Who are the vulnerable and marginal...
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The Path to Peace (Study Guide)

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“The Path to Peace” Sermon Study Guide for June 7, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18 1. Peace a Biblical definition John 10:10 - the abundant life Romans 5:1 - peace with God peace within - deeper than circumstances 2. The Path to Peace peace of God John 16:33 John 14:27 Philippians 4:4-8 pursuing the __________________________ Colossians 3:15; Isaiah 26:3 pursuing _____________________________ Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14 pursuing _____________________________ Psalm 4:8 Four Laws of Peace and Contentment Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What images come to your mind when you think of peace? How does the Biblical definition of peace contrast with the world’s definition? Where do people look for peace today? Why do so many go after substitutes for peace rather than looking for true peace with God? If God’s will is for us to have peace, why do so few seemingly find it? Read Philippians 4:4-8. Which part of Paul’s message do you most ...
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