Discussion Guide | Jan. 18, 2026

January 19th, 2026

Introduction

"A Called People [Part 1]" - Sermon Summary

God is faithful and unchanging, and we are committed to being a people of faithfulness in 2026. This week Pastor Bill outlines three foundational pillars for the new year: being a people of prayer, faith, and the Word. The message emphasizes that God's faithfulness is the foundation upon which we as believers can build our lives, and that faithfulness is both an attribute of God and a characteristic that we can walk in through the fruit of the Spirit. Pastor Bill encourages intentional prayer, genuine faith that trusts God completely, and meditation on God's Word as essential practices for spiritual growth and maturity.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You are faithful and Your love for us is unconditional. As we gather together as Your people, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to speak to us today. Help us to be sensitive to Your Spirit and ready to grow in our relationship with You. We pray that through our time together, You would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one morning routine or habit that helps you start your day on the right foot?

Main Study

Key Verses

Mark 1:35-37
Ephesians 6:18
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 103:19
Psalm 37:1
Psalm 1:1-2
Galatians 5:22
Hebrews 13:5

Questions

How does knowing that 'God is faithful' change the way you approach challenges in your life?
What does it mean to you personally that faithfulness is part of the fruit of the Spirit rather than something you have to muster up on your own?
Jesus modeled praying early in the morning in a solitary place. What practical steps can you take to prioritize prayer in your daily routine?
Pastor Bill mentioned praying 'on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.' What are some different types of prayer, and which ones do you find yourself using most often?
How can we avoid the trap of comparison that Pastor Bill warned against, especially in our social media age?
What does it mean to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding' in practical, everyday situations?
Pastor Bill said that God looks for obedience and faithfulness rather than how well-known we become. How does this perspective change your view of success?
How can meditating on God's Word 'day and night' become a realistic practice in our busy lives?

Life Application

This week, commit to starting each day with prayer before checking your phone or engaging with the day's demands. Set aside 5-10 minutes each morning to thank God for the new day and ask Him to guide your steps. Additionally, choose one area of your life where you've been relying on your own understanding and intentionally practice trusting God's faithfulness in that situation.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God is faithful - He is unchanging, loyal, and steadfast in His love and promises toward us
Faithfulness is both an attribute of God and a fruit of the Spirit that believers can walk in
Prayer should be prioritized daily, practiced in an undistracted environment, and include praying for other believers
True faith means trusting God completely rather than leaning on our own understanding
We should avoid comparisons with others and focus on our unique calling and obedience to God

Ending Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness that never fails. As we leave this time together, help us to carry these truths with us throughout the week. Give us the strength to be people of prayer, faith, and Your Word. Help us to trust You completely, especially in areas where we've been trying to figure things out on our own. We pray for breakthrough in our marriages, families, and every area where we need Your supernatural peace and power. May we walk in faithfulness as You are faithful to us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

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