CITYGROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 9/14/2025

David: God Sees The Heart

It is really easy to look at the appearance of something and get excited, only to be disappointed later. Share a time when you bought something that looked great, only to be disappointed later.
Read Luke 16:14-15 as a group. How has religion gone wrong and encouraged our culture to focus on the outward instead of the heart? How can this be harmful?
What are some of the outward characteristics the world and its systems seem to admire that may or may not be good?
Read 1 Samuel 16:7. How does the truth that God does not see as man does encourage you personally?
What are practical ways you can invest in the health of your heart and the hearts of your family this week?

Pastor mentioned the fun memory of pizza and renting a movie as a kid. What’s your favorite memory of “Friday night fun” as a kid?
Read Matthew 16:18 as a group. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not overcome His church. Looking back over 2,000 years, where do you see evidence of this promise being fulfilled?
Read Philippians 1:12-14. Paul wrote that his imprisonment actually advanced the Gospel. How does this encourage you when you face your own setbacks or limitations?
The message reminded us to “Think Beyond Yourself.” How does keeping future generations in mind change the way you live out your faith today?
The challenge was to “Open Your Eyes” to people who need Jesus around us. What helps you stay aware of the spiritual needs of people you interact with every day? Close by praying by name for people you want to see come to know Jesus.

Pray that God raises up more Bridgebuilders with a heart to serve our infants and preschoolers.

What’s the worst or most memorable weather storm you’ve ever experienced, and what did you learn from it?
In Acts 27, storms reveal human limits. Can you share a time when you realized you weren’t in control, and how it changed your perspective?
Read Psalm 46:1–3. How do these verses echo the truth we see in Paul’s story?
Paul’s faith brought courage to the sailors. Who in your life has modeled courage and steadiness in crisis, and how has it shaped you?
What’s one practical way you can model courage and dependence on God in your current season or storm?

Pray that God blesses our Next Gen ministry (students and young adults) with salvation, discipleship, and more leaders.

What’s something silly (or serious) you’ve put way too much hope in before—like a sports team, a purchase, or a plan that didn’t pan out?
In Acts 26:6–8, Paul says he’s on trial because of the hope of God’s promise. Why do you think hope is so central to the Christian life?
Looking at Paul’s testimony (Acts 26:9–18), how does his story show the power of Jesus to redirect a life?
Read 1 Peter 3:15. How does Peter’s call to “give a reason for the hope that is in you” connect to Paul’s defense before Agrippa?
What’s one practical way you can show this week—at work, in your home, or in your relationships—that your hope is in Jesus?

Read Hebrews 6:19–20. The writer calls hope an “anchor for the soul.” What does that image teach us about where our security should rest?
Paul boldly told Agrippa, “I wish…that all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains” (v. 29). What does this show about Paul’s priorities and perspective?

Pray that God raises up more Bridgebuilders in these key areas: