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.

Study Guide: Smear Campaign June 16

SMEAR CAMPAIGN | June 16, 2024

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CONNECT

We have talked about many practical applications during this series from our listening magnets to Ashlee’s guidance around words last week. What practical steps are you taking away from this series to engage in political discussions in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus and promotes unity and understanding?

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ENGAGE

Read James 2:14-17 and discuss:

What does James say faith is without works?
What are ways in which we can put action to our faith?
James gives us an illustration of faith without works that was applicable to his context and ours today. Can you think of illustrations in which it is easy to have faith without works in our context?

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APPLY

Phil talked about the two types of coaches that he experienced in sports: Shouter and Show-er. How can you adopt more of the show-er’s approach in your daily interactions to foster a more supportive and encouraging environment?
Micah 6:8 says “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The prophet Micah calls us to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." How can you apply this call to action in your current context?

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PRAYER

Invite everyone to take a moment in silence to reflect on our allegiance to Jesus and the kingdom of God.

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Close in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the freedom that we have in Jesus. Help us to be true ambassadors of your radical kingdom in our world. Guide us to live out our faith in actions of love to all people regardless of their political views. Thank you for the love and grace that you give to us each and every day. Amen.

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