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 - Start Up Faith - Develop

‍Series: Start Up Faith
Title: Develop
Date: January 19, 2025

CONNECT:

What is one habit or practice you’ve adopted recently that has brought you joy or clarity?

Share about a time when something unexpected turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

ENGAGE:

Read: Acts 8:1–8

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What surprises or inspires you most about how the early church responded to persecution and challenges?

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Why is it significant that Philip went to Samaria, a region often ostracized by Jewish society?

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Read Romans 8:28. How does this promise of God’s redemptive power shape your view of challenges or setbacks?

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APPLY:

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Identify an area of resistance in your life—what pivot might God be calling you to make?

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Where have you seen God work through unexpected or uncomfortable circumstances?

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What step can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual development? Consider signing up for Menlo Next to discover rhythms and relationships that can transform your journey.

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How can you make space in your weekly rhythms to pursue deeper faith, even in small ways?

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PRAYER:

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Thank God for using challenges to refine and grow us.

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Pray for wisdom and courage to identify areas in life where resistance requires a pivot, not retreat.

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Ask for boldness to share God’s love in places or ways that may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

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Lift up specific areas of resistance or change shared by group members, asking for God’s guidance and provision.

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Going Deeper:

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

Outreach Opportunities
Discover ways to step into new “blue oceans” by serving those around you. [Find out here

Reflect This Week
Take time to revisit Acts 8:1-8 and journal about where God might be leading you to develop your faith by stepping into new territory or facing challenges head-on.

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