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.

Hope is Born | Hope for Mary

Series: Hope is Born
Title: Hope For Mary, The Willing Servant
Date: Dec 1, 2024

CONNECT:

The Christmas story is familiar, but its power can be overlooked. How can we approach this story with fresh eyes, inviting God to reveal something new?

Share a time when someone gave up something to help or encourage you. How did it impact you?

ENGAGE:

Read Luke 1:26–38

God often chooses the unlikely to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. Why is it significant that God chose someone like Mary to bring extraordinary hope?

Mary’s question, “How will this be?” reflects her confusion and the miraculous nature of God’s plan. When have you felt confused by God’s methods in your life?

How can Mary’s surrender to God’s will encourage us to trust Him in our own lives?

APPLY:

In what ways might God be calling you, in your current circumstances, to bring hope to others?

Identify one area in your life where God is inviting you to trust Him, even if it challenges your understanding.

Mary’s response—“I am the Lord’s servant”—shows her faith and willingness to obey, despite the personal cost. What sacrifices might God be asking you to make to bring hope to others?

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PRAYER:

Pray for boldness to trust God with your “yes,” even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Commit to praying for meaningful opportunities to share hope and love with others this Christmas season.

Ask God to open doors for you to serve in new and unexpected ways, stepping forward with faith and confidence in Him.

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GOING DEEPER:

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

Outreach Opportunities
Discover ways to serve and bring joy to others in your community.

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