Series Resources

sermon-based study guide

This guide is designed to guide a group discussion around the weekend sermon. You can also use this as an individual, but we highly recommend finding a friend and inviting them to discuss with you. Menlo Church has Life Groups meeting in-person and online using these guides. We’d love to help you find a group.

What you will find in this guide: A discussion guide for groups and individuals. If you are using this as an individual be sure to engage with each question in a journal or simply in your mind as you prayerfully consider what you heard in the sermon and seek to discover what God is inviting you to know and do.

Sermon Study Guide: Baptism

Sermon Study Guide

Series: Baptism
Date: 02/02/225

CONNECT:

Share a moment in your life when you felt like an outsider in a group or community. What helped you feel included?

If you’ve been baptized, share your experience. What led you to that decision? If you haven’t, what thoughts or questions do you have about baptism?

Have you ever witnessed a baptism in person? What was the most meaningful part of that experience?

ENGAGE:

Read Acts 10:44-48. This passage tells the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household receiving the Holy Spirit before being baptized.

What stands out to you most about Cornelius’ story and how God worked in his life?

How does this passage challenge the idea that only certain types of people are “qualified” to receive salvation?

Peter initially resisted God’s command to reach out to Gentiles. What do you think changed his perspective?

How does this passage reinforce the idea that baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation?

APPLY:

Identify one person or group you may struggle to accept as part of God’s family. This week, take one step toward building a bridge—whether it’s starting a conversation, offering encouragement, or praying for them.

Baptism is a public declaration of faith. Whether you’ve been baptized or not, write down a short version of your faith story (2-3 sentences). Share it with someone—either in your small group, with a friend, or on social media.

‍

This week, be intentional about making your faith visible in your daily life. This could be as simple as praying before a meal in public, inviting someone to church, or sharing how God is working in your life with a friend.

‍

PRAY:

Spend some time in prayer, either as a group or individually.

Thank God that His love and salvation extend to all people, regardless of background or past.

Ask God to help you see others as He sees them, with love and grace.

‍

GOING DEEPER

For The Bay

What if the simple act of serving others could bring unexpected joy and purpose to your life? Imagine being part of something bigger—sharing hope, meeting real needs, and seeing lives change, including your own. Join us in discovering how you can make a lasting impact right here in the Bay Area!

Let's Connect!

Let’s connect! We’d love to get to know you and help you take the next step in your faith journey.

Menlo Midweek Podcast
Explore further insights and practical applications from this week’s message.

Continued Learning:

The Spirit of the Disciplines – Dallas Willard

Live No Lies – John Mark Comer

Sacred Rhythms – Ruth Haley Barton

The Reason for God - Tim Keller

‍