Arrabon’s new study opens eyes and hearts to justice

How A People, a Place, and a Just Society draws your small group in to look at justice in a new way

As God’s people, we are called to reflect God’s image and likeness. We’re to live in a place that reflects God’s rule and reign. And we are to be agents of justice in our communities, creating a just society where all are cared for holistically. This story starts in Genesis with the creation of the world and we see a foretaste of it fully realized in the book of Revelation as we anticipate Jesus making all things new.

Arrabon’s newest study, A People, A Place, and A Just Society, is an eight-week exploration of these themes and how all of Scripture reveals God’s vision for the flourishing of all people.

Guided by Arrabon founder, David Bailey, and writer, Abigail George, in daily reflection videos, you’ll deeply engage with the text in your own personal study, then come together with your small group to more fully understand justice, injustice, and marginalized people throughout the biblical story. This narrative approach to reading the Bible opens your eyes to see God’s character and intent throughout the story of Scripture.

SEEING MORE CLEARLY

“When we read the Bible as a story or narrative, we can get a new perspective on God and His character,” says curriculum designer Smita Donthamsetty. “Often, we’re pulling out principles and missing the opportunity to see God as our faithful, never-changing, always trustworthy, always firm and steady God in all He does, including calling out injustice and calling us to the

This way of interacting with Scripture also gives us perspective on ourselves. “So much of the Old Testament narrative is God with people. Reading it reminds us that we are like those people. You’ll read story after story about someone forgetting God and think, ‘How is this possible? How can they keep forgetting about God?’ And then you realize, “I just did that five seconds ago. I’ve just done a whole list of things today and never recognized that I am His beloved child who He seeks and desires.’ Those things are harder to see if you’re just looking for principles and not engaging with the whole story.”

ART DRAWS YOU DEEPER

Reading and reflecting is just the beginning. After you’ve interacted with the narrative each day in Scripture and the videos, you’ll engage in creative activities such as art, music, and writing during your weekly small group meeting. It’s a critical part of working out the truths that you’re learning together and enriching the small group discussion. “What I’ve learned in my many years of curriculum design is that you can’t get to heart issues, especially issues that may involve sin—individual sin or collective sin—without using art,” Smita says. “It breaks down perceived assumptions and beliefs in a way that does not always happen with a purely cognitive study approach.”

TELL SOMEONE ABOUT IT

Beyond the personal and collective elements, Smita also incorporated one-on-one conversation to cap off each week of the study, inviting participants to share what they’re learning with someone in their church community.

“My hope for the sharer is that what they experienced in their personal study and their small group work will connect to their real life relationships and conversations and not just remain as an exercise for the head,” she says. “And for those hearing, I hope it would stir a curiosity to read Scripture and know God’s heart for a people, place, and a just society.”

It’s our prayer that A People, A Place, and A Just Society invites more communities into the conversation about injustice, the marginalized, and the role God’s people have to play in bringing God’s justice to the world God created.