Small Group Guide: Transformation and Urgency

Based on the Sermon from January 5, 2026

Ice Breaker
Share one New Year's resolution you've made in the past that you actually kept. What made the difference in following through?

Sermon Summary
Pastor Steve challenged the church to move beyond comfortable Christianity into a season of transformation. He emphasized four key focus areas for 2026:
  1. Prayer - Overwhelmingly strong, Spirit-filled prayer
  2. Youth Ministry - Investing in the next generation
  3. Discipleship - Becoming serious students of Christ
  4. Doing the Word - Taking action in our community
The central message: We must prepare ourselves as warriors for Christ with a sense of urgency, engaging in the spiritual battle around us.

Key Scripture
Acts 2:17-21 - Peter's first sermon on Pentecost, quoting the prophet Joel about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message
  1. The "Almost Gospel": Pastor Steve mentioned that many churches preach an "almost gospel" that leaves out Jesus' command to teach others "to obey everything that I have commanded you." What do you think gets left out most often? Why?
  2. Exhausted by Christmas: Scott's observation that "by the time we get to Christmas, we're already tired of Christmas" resonated with Pastor Steve. Why do you think Christians become exhausted by the season that celebrates our Savior's birth?
  3. R.C. Sproul's Quote: Discuss this statement: "The most brazen lie of all is the lie that people tell themselves: 'I have nothing to worry about from the wrath of God. My God is a God of love.' If that is your thought, your God is an idol." How does this challenge common perceptions of God?
Personal Reflection
  1. Cognitive vs. Heart Connection: Pastor Steve said we might understand Christmas cognitively but lack a heart connection. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your heart connection to the meaning of Christmas? What would deepen that connection?
  2. Christian Indifference: The sermon addressed Christian apathy toward global persecution and cultural decline. Where do you see indifference in your own life? What prevents you from being more engaged?
  3. Discipleship Assessment: Pastor Steve asked, "If we're not disciples ourselves, we cannot accomplish what Jesus has commanded us." Would you honestly call yourself a disciple (student) of Jesus? What's the difference between being a "Christian" and being a "disciple"?

The Four Focus Areas
  1. Prayer Power:
    • Have you ever prayed for someone on the spot in public? If yes, what was that experience like? If no, what holds you back?
    • The sermon called for "one person" to lead a prayer team. What would that look like practically? Would you consider being that person or part of that team?
  2. Youth and Young Adults:
    • Pastor Steve noted that spiritual revival at Asbury University began with Gen Z. What does this tell us about God's movement today?
    • How can our generation support and nurture young people without "coddling" their faith?
  3. Serious Discipleship:
    • What does "getting serious about our relationship with Christ" look like practically in your daily life?
    • The sermon mentioned all-church book studies and deeper engagement. What would help you grow as a disciple?
  4. Doing the Word:
    • Pastor Steve shared about serving the unhoused and going to Mardi Gras to share the gospel. What "step out of your comfort zone" opportunity might God be calling you to?
    • How do we balance "doing the Word" with the reality of our busy lives?
The Urgency
  1. Sense of Urgency: Multiple pastors Pastor Steve trusts have expressed that sharing the gospel needs to be done "quickly" with "a great sense of urgency." What do you think is driving this urgency? Do you feel it too?
  2. Spiritual Battle: The sermon described us as "warriors for Christ" engaged in a spiritual battle. Does this language resonate with you? How does viewing yourself as a warrior change your approach to faith?
  3. John Wesley's Challenge: "Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God...they alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth." Could you be one of those 100? What would need to change in your life?

Key Takeaways
✓ Prayer is the fuse that ignites Holy Spirit dynamite - We need overwhelmingly strong prayer, not just mealtime blessings
✓ Showing up on Sunday isn't enough - True discipleship requires lifelong commitment to learning and growing
✓ Our youth need depth, not entertainment - They're seeking genuine relationship with Jesus, not smoke machines and video games
✓ Transformation requires action - We must "do the Word" in our community with urgency
✓ We're in a spiritual battle - Cultural decline and Christian persecution demand we become warriors for Christ

Practical Applications
This Week:
  • [ ] Pray for someone on the spot when you encounter them struggling (grocery store, work, etc.)
  • [ ] Read Acts 2 and the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 to prepare for the sermon series
  • [ ] Identify one area where you've been showing "Christian indifference" and commit to engagement
  • [ ] Have a conversation with a young person in your life about their faith journey
This Month:
  • [ ] Join or start a prayer team that prays over the church building and ministries
  • [ ] Read your Bible daily, not just on Sundays
  • [ ] Identify one "step out of your comfort zone" ministry opportunity
  • [ ] Evaluate: Am I a disciple (student) of Jesus or just a Sunday attender?
This Year (2026):
  • [ ] Participate in all-church book studies and discipleship opportunities
  • [ ] Serve in the community regularly (unhoused ministry, mission trips, etc.)
  • [ ] Mentor or invest in a younger believer
  • [ ] Commit to transformation in specific areas of your life

Personal Reflection Questions
(Take 5-10 minutes of silence for individual reflection)
  1. What is God specifically calling me to transform in my life this year?
  2. Where have I been playing it safe in my faith? Where is He calling me to step out?
  3. If Jesus returned today, would He find me actively doing what He commanded, or just maintaining my comfortable Christianity?
Prayer Prompts
Pray for:
  • Transformation in our hearts, minds, and spirits
  • Boldness to pray for others publicly
  • Our youth and young adults to encounter the Holy Spirit powerfully
  • Wisdom and commitment to become true disciples
  • Opportunities to "do the Word" in our community
  • The persecuted church around the world
  • Revival at Bethany Church and in our region
  • One person to step forward to lead the prayer team

Closing Activity
Covenant Prayer Together: End your time by praying John Wesley's Covenant Prayer together (found at the end of the sermon transcript). This prayer is traditionally shared at the beginning of each year and represents total surrender to God.
Consider having each person share one specific way they will live out this covenant prayer in the coming week.
For Group Leaders
Preparation Tips:
  • Review the sermon transcript thoroughly before the meeting
  • Pray for each group member by name during the week
  • Be prepared to share your own struggles with Christian indifference
  • Have specific examples ready of how you'll implement the four focus areas
  • Create a safe space for honest conversation about failure and growth
Follow-Up:
  • Check in with members during the week about their "on the spot" prayer experiences
  • Consider scheduling a group service opportunity together
  • Share resources for deeper Bible study and discipleship
  • Keep the momentum going as the sermon series on Revelation's letters begins
Additional Resources
  • John Wesley's Covenant Prayer (full text in sermon)
  • Scripture for Further Study:
    • Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
    • Ephesians 6:10-18 (Armor of God - spiritual warfare)
    • Revelation 2