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 | The Formation Machine: Counter Cultural Community

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Date - February 23, 2025

Series - The Formation Machine

Title - Counter- Cultural Community

Brett Koerten

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Connect

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How do you know when you’ve found “your people”? What makes a community feel like home to you?

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Engage

Read: John 17:15-19, Matthew 5:14-16, 1 John 2:15-17 –

What stands out to you in Jesus’ prayer in John 17? What does it mean to be “set apart” for a purpose?

Jesus describes His followers as “the light of the world.” How does this contrast with how the world operates?

The sermon compared our world to a whirlpool pulling us in a certain direction. What are some specific cultural currents that you feel pulling on your faith today?

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Apply

Jesus wasn’t rushed or reactive—He moved with intention. Where in your life do you need to slow down, be more present, or create space to hear from God?

The church is called to be a community of transformation rather than a collection of individuals. How can you personally commit to growing in faith alongside others rather than trying to do it alone?

In this season of life, where has God positioned you—whether at work, school, within your family, or in your community? How can you shine His light in that space?

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Pray

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Thank God for the gift of community and the people who encourage you in your faith.

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Ask for wisdom to navigate cultural pressures and courage to live as a light for Jesus.

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GOING DEEPER

Try Lectio Divina (a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture). Choose a short passage (e.g., Matthew 5:14-16) and read it multiple times, listening for what stands out. Reflect on how God is speaking to you.

Prioritize gathering with others this week—whether through a small group, serving opportunity, or simply inviting someone into conversation about faith. Growth happens together.

Take a digital Sabbath for a few hours or a full day. Step away from screens and distractions, and use the time to engage with God, nature, or meaningful relationships.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For The Bay 5K: Put your faith into action and join us for the inaugural For the Bay 5K! This community run is more than just a race—it’s a chance to be a light in the Bay Area. Your participation helps support Mobilize Love, our local partner dedicated to providing academic support, mentorship, and life skills training for under-resourced youth. Let’s come together and make a difference—sign up today!

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.

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