Today’s Core Truth:  Saying “NO” to more can relieve us from the greatest regrets.
What Sin Will Do:

⇒ It will  you further than you ever thought you’d . 

2 Samuel 11:1 (NLT)

2 Samuel 11:3-4 (NIV) 

⇒ It will you longer than you ever dreamed you’d .

2 Samuel 11:5 (NIV)

James 1:14-15 (NIV) 

⇒ It will you more than you’d ever imagined you would .

2 Samuel 9:13 (NIV)

2 Samuel 11:27 (NIV) 

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

2 Samuel 12:5 (NIV)

2 Samuel 12:7-8 (NIV)

2 Samuel 12:13 (NIV)

Theme:  If Looks Could Kill

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

What is your favorite junk or comfort food that tempts you when you are trying to eat healthy?

Read & Discuss Together  2 Samuel 11:1-17, 26-27
  • How do you think David’s initial idleness and decision to stay back from the battle set the stage for temptation?

  • In what ways can idleness or complacency lead to vulnerability to compromise our morals in our own lives?


  • Reflect on the importance of accountability in David’s life. How might having a trusted friend or mentor have influenced his choices and how we make decisions about choices we make?


  • Explore the progression of David’s sin from lust to adultery and eventually murder. How can a seemingly small compromise and attempt to cover up lead to more significant transgressions in our lives? Discuss practical steps to recognize and address sin early.


  • Based on David’s sin, what were the consequences? How does sin progressively destroy us? Read Romans 6:23 and discuss the ultimate results of sin?

Read & Discuss Together 2 Samuel 12:1-20, 24
  • What do you think about David’s initial response when confronted by Nathan? How does true repentance differ from mere regret?


  • What was the ultimate consequence of David’s sin? When did he repent and recover?


  • Explore the role of God’s redemptive grace in David’s life. How does this story demonstrate God’s willingness to forgive and restore, even in the face of serious sin?

  • Share personal experiences of God’s grace and forgiveness in your own life from recovery from sin or sins of others.

Pray Together

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

2 Samuel 9:3 (NIV)  

2 Samuel 9:7-8 (NIV)

2 Samuel 9:13 (NIV)

Today’s Core Truth:  When Jesus is the King of our hearts there is always a place at His table.
There is always a place at the table for us because…

⇒ The King of Hearts has expressed  love.

1 Samuel 20:14-16 (NLT) 

1 Samuel 24:21-22 (NLT)

Romans 5:10 (NIV) 

⇒ The King of Hearts offered acceptance.

2 Samuel 9:11 (NIV)

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)

Romans 8:15-16 (NIV) 

⇒ The King of Hearts has extended forgiveness.

2 Samuel 9:13 (NIV)

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) 

Colossians 3:13 (Message)

Theme:  Sitting Invitation

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

What was your dinner table like growing up?

Read & Discuss Together  1 Samuel 20:14-16, 24:21-22, 2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13
  • Knowing the context, why did David express kindness to Mephibosheth? What is David modeling to us of love, acceptance, and forgiveness? If you were him, how would you feel and respond?

  • What is Mephibosheth’s response? How would you have responded?


  • The relationship between David and Jonathan was grounded in a covenant. How does the concept of covenant play a role in our relationship with God and with others?


  • How can understanding God’s covenant with us impact the way we relate to those around us?


  • How does the invitation to the King’s table foreshadow Christ’s invitation to us in our own crippled state of sin and brokenness? How are you grateful for this invitation? How do you find it difficult and doubtful like Mephibosheth?


  • How can we actively seek out opportunities to show kindness, especially to those who may feel marginalized or overlooked during this holiday season personally or as a group?


  • Mephibosheth was welcomed to the table not just once, but for all times. How does that speak to your relationship with Jesus, our King?


  • How might we model inviting others to the relationship table? Who might struggle with our invitation or find it difficult to invite that you need prayer for?

Pray Together

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

2 Samuel 5:1-3 (NLT)

2 Samuel 6:1-9 (NLT) 

Today’s Truth:  Holiness comes from the heart.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Handling the Holy in our lives.

⇒ Don’t mistake harshness for .

⇒ Familiarity can breed .

Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)

⇒ We are not to be the same but set .

1 Corinthians 6:15-20 (NIV) 

1 Peter 1:16 (NIV) 

⇒ There’s an opportunity to risk again but do it the way.

2 Samuel 6:12-15 (NLT)

1 Corinthians 11:27–29 (NIV)

Theme:  How to Handle the Holy

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

When have you experienced what you would consider a holy moment?

Read & Discuss Together  2 Samuel 6:1-15
  • What is the “ark of God?” How and why was it being moved?

  • How is Uzzah’s act of trying to be helpful “irreverent?” What are your thoughts/feelings about what God did to him?


  • How does the phrase “familiarity can breed contempt” fit in this situation? Why?


  • What does such burning anger reveal about God’s holiness and its importance?


  • Why do you think David waited three months before attempting to move it again? 


  • How does an understanding of God’s holiness impact our approach to worship and daily living?

  • How should we approach “handling the holy” in our lives? How is it different today because of what Christ has done than in David’s day? 


  • What is true worship as a follower of Jesus? See John 4:23. How shall we practice this in Christ-centered communities ourselves and invite others to be included?
Pray Together

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

1 Samuel 22:1a (NIV)

Psalms 142:1-7 (Message)

1 Samuel 22:1b-2 (NIV)

Today’s Truth:  When you know God’s heart you won’t try to force his hand.

1 Samuel 24:3a-4 (NIV)

⇒ Be careful not to corners in integrity.

Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

⇒ Our spirit-lead can be our greatest ally.

1 Samuel 24:5 (NIV)

⇒ Mess with   and it will mess you up.

1 Samuel 24:6-7 (NIV)

1 Peter 2:13a (NIV)

1 Samuel 24:9-12 (NIV)

1 Samuel 24:17-21 (NIV)

⇒ God is the one that ; it’s not our job.

Romans 12:19 (NIV)

1 Peter 3:9 (Message)

Theme: Not Caving In

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

What was your favorite rivalry of all time?

Read and Discuss Together 1 Samuel 24:1-21
  • What emotions and thoughts do you think were going through David’s mind as he encountered Saul in the cave? How about Saul’s emotions?

  • In what ways do you think David’s actions in sparing Saul’s life demonstrate qualities like mercy, humility, and trust in God’s timing?

  • How can we apply the principle of “not taking matters into our own hands” in our own lives, and trust God’s timing and justice?

  • Consider David’s words to Saul after sparing his life. How do you interpret David’s appeal to Saul’s conscience and his trust in God’s judgment?

  • Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to retaliate or seek revenge but you chose not to. What were the outcomes? What did you learn from that experience?

  • How does David’s response to Saul reflect his commitment to honoring authority and God’s anointing?

  • In what ways can we navigate situations where we may be mistreated or facing conflict, while still maintaining a respectful and honoring attitude toward authority figures?

  • How does this passage illustrate the theme of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through challenging circumstances for His purposes in our own lives?

Pray Together 

Take time to share prayer needs and updates on how God is answering prayer. Pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

1 Samuel 18:6–9 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: True friendship is not formed by the click of a request but through a committed relationship.

1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 (NIV)

Q: What are you looking for in a close friend?

⇒ True friendship is  to another person regardless of their response back.

1 Samuel 18:3 (NIV)

Deuteronomy 7:8 (NIV)

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

⇒ True friendship is through the sacrifice of ourselves for the sake of that commitment.

1 Samuel 18:4 (NIV)

1 Samuel 23:17-18 (NIV)

Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)

Q: In what ways is God asking you to sacrifice for the success of another?

⇒ True friendship is  only when tested through trials.

Q: Have you had your friendship tested?

1 Samuel 20:41b-42a (NIV)

Q: Have you accepted Jesus’ friend request?

Theme: Forging Friendships

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

Who was your best friend growing up? What is the relationship like today?

Read and Discuss Together 1 Samuel 18:1-4
  • How would you describe the type of friendship that Jonathan was expressing to David? What does covenant friendship mean to you?

  • How does it relate in our friendship with God?

Read and Discuss Together 1 Samuel 18:5–9
  • How do you imagine the tension between David and Saul affects the friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son?

  • Can you relate to any friendships that were complicated or had conflict?

Read and Discuss Together 1 Samuel 20:35-42 (NIV)
  • Based on the arrow shooting encounter, how did Jonathan prove his loyalty towards David?

  • How have you experienced the test of loyalty in your friendship or relationships? What was the result? How did this testing define or mature the relationship?

Read and Discuss Together 1 Samuel 23:17-18
  • In what ways did Jonathan make sacrifices for the friendship with David?

  • Have you made sacrifices for a friend? Has a friend made sacrifices for you?

  • How did Jesus, Son of the King of Kings, make sacrifices and prove His friendship with us?

  • How do you prove your friendship in return?

Pray Together

Take time to share prayer needs as related to friendship/relationships. Are there updates on how God is answering prayer? Pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

 

Q:  Have you ever had to call someone’s bluff?

1 Samuel 17:4-7a (MSG)

1 Samuel 17:9-11 (MSG)

Today’s Core Truth:  When we allow the king of hearts to fight our fear, we can experience true freedom.

⇒ Don’t be surprised when those closest to you become your greatest supporters.

1 Samuel 17:32-33 (MSG)

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”  – “The Man in The Arena” by Teddy Roosevelt

⇒ You have to be who are in order to be who God wants you to be.

1 Samuel 17:38-39 (MSG)

⇒ The enemy’s is typically worse than his bite.

1 Samuel 17:42-44 (MSG)

⇒ When you stand up you may stand , but you’re really not alone.

1 Samuel 17: 45-47 (MSG)

⇒ It’s not really about what’s in your , it’s in who you trust.

1 Samuel 17:48-49 (MSG)

1 Samuel 17:51 (MSG)

Q:  Are there any “giants” God is chipping away in you?

Theme: Beating the Bully

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

When have you had to stand up to a bully?

Read and Discuss Together

1 Samuel 17:1-54

Suggestion: Long passage so select multiple readers

  • What was one new thought or detail in reading the familiar story of David and Goliath?
  • Why did the Israelites feel helpless against Goliath? How was he being intimidating to them? 

  • How can fear be a bully in our lives?

  • What do you think David’s brothers felt when he showed up to battle? What was their response? What was King Saul’s response? Why?

  • David chooses to face Goliath with a slingshot and stones, rather than traditional armor and weapons. What does this choice symbolize? How can it apply to our own lives when confronting challenges?

  • Why do you think David was successful in defeating Goliath?

  • How did this battle prepare him to become a King one day? 

  • Reflect on the concept of the underdog. In what ways do underdogs like David have unique advantages in overcoming fear and adversity? Can you think of real-world examples for yourself or others?

  • Who is the hero of this story? Why is he the hero of ours?

  • What “giants” are you facing right now in life you could use prayer to overcome?

  • What weapons has God given us to fight them? 

Pray Together 

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

Luke 6:45 (NIV) 

Today’s Truth:  God’s greatest concern is not the image we portray but the content and quality of our hearts.

⇒ When we are out of options God opens up .

1 Samuel 16:6 (NIV)

1 Samuel 16:10 (NIV) 

⇒ What we consider plan B is really God’s plan .

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

⇒ God’s many times is the least.

1 Samuel 16:11-12a (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV) 

⇒ We all can be “” that God wants to use.

1 Samuel 16:12b (NIV)

1 Samuel 16:13 (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

Theme: Last Option to Opportunity

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as from the King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

Can you share a personal experience when you had to look beyond appearances to see someone’s true character or potential? What did you learn from that experience?

Read and Discuss Together

1 Samuel 16:1-13

  • God tells Samuel to anoint a new king. Why did God reject Saul as king? What does this reveal about God’s criteria for leadership?

  • Samuel is sent to Jesse’s house to anoint one of his sons as the future king. What can we learn from Samuel’s initial assumption about Jesse’s sons? How does it reflect our own tendencies to judge people based on appearances?

  • God instructs Samuel not to look at the outward appearance but at the heart. What does this teach us about God’s priorities in selecting the right people and the way we should evaluate them?

  • How did David respond to being anointed as the future king? What qualities did Samuel see in David that made him the chosen one?

  • In what ways do we, as individuals and as a society, often focus on outward appearances when evaluating people? How can we apply the lesson from this passage to our own lives?

  • Discuss the challenges of discerning God’s will, as Samuel had to in this passage. How can we seek and discern God’s guidance in our own decision-making?

  • How does David’s anointing contrast with typical notions of leadership? What can we learn from David’s humility in this context?

  • When did God interrupt your plan A with His plan B? How do you get through this? How about the challenges you’re facing today?
Pray Together

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

Today’s Core Truth: He who rules us is one who reigns in us.

1 Samuel 8:6-7 (NIV)

1 Samuel 8:19-20, 22 (NIV)

⇒ God will give us the king we  in order to lead us to The King we really need.

Q: What kind of king do you want to rule your life?

1 Samuel 9:17 (NIV)

1 Samuel 10:22 (NIV)

⇒ Self-centeredness will always keep us on the  of our own hearts.

Self-consciousness constitutes the opposite of God-consciousness. Rather than gratefully rejoicing in the privilege God was freely extending to him, Saul’s concern ran to himself and what others would think of him.” –Beth Moore

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (NIV)

1 Samuel 10:23-24 (NIV)

⇒ When we consider ourselves king of our lives, it’s only a matter of time that it will lead to our own demise.

1 Samuel 13:9-14 (NIV)

⇒ True repentance is the only way to “self” and for The King to reign in our hearts.

1 Samuel 15:30 (NIV)

1 Samuel 15:35 (NIV)

Q: So, which kind of a King do you want?

Theme: Jumping the Gun

Reflect Together

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message as well as King of Hearts Growth guides?

Share Together

When was there a time when you ended up making a “rash” decision? What was the outcome and how did you feel?

Read and Discuss Together

1 Samuel 13:1-15

  • Saul faces a significant challenge with the Philistine threat (v3). How do you think he responded to this situation? How can we apply his response to our own challenges and trials?
  • Why did the Israelites start to hide in caves and thickets (v6)? How might fear or uncertainty affect our faith and actions today?
  • Samuel’s delayed arrival caused anxiety and impatience among the Israelites (v8). How do you react when you’re waiting for something or someone? What can we learn from Saul’s situation? How about when others put pressure on you to act?
  • Saul found himself in a rock and hard place. Samuel was delayed in returning. How did Saul take matters into his own hands? Why was this so wrong in God’s eyes?
  • When have you felt like God has been late in keeping a promise to you? Did you rush ahead and take things into your own hands? What happened?
  • Samuel rebukes Saul for offering the burnt sacrifice (v13). What principles of obedience and trust in God can we draw from this interaction?
  • Saul’s hasty actions led to consequences (v14). How can we avoid making impulsive decisions and instead, seek God’s guidance in our own lives?
  • Samuel leaves Gilgal, and the army is reduced to 600 men (v15). What does this teach us about the importance of following God’s guidance, even when it seems difficult or unpopular?
  • Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to wait for God’s guidance or experienced the consequences of a hasty decision? Share your experiences and what you learned.
  • What are you currently waiting on God for? What could use prayer for?
Pray Together

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Download the Digital Growth Guide and see Spiritual Practices at https://ctk.church/NorthBay/KingOfHearts

 

Left Blank for you to populate your own notes from today’s message:

Theme: The Lord is in the Middle of the Mayhem

Share Together  

What has been the craziest season of your life and why?

Reflect Together  

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message and how do you plan to react to mayhem in your life?

Read and Discuss Together  
  • In what ways does mayhem come your way? How do you typically react?

Read: Psalms 23:1-4 

  • How does the Lord, our Shepherd, help us cope and overcome mayhem? In what aspects according to these verses?

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

  • How can mayhem teach us?

Read: Isaiah 55:6 

  • How does seeking the Lord help us find direction through the mayhem? 
  • How could you use prayer for the mayhem you or others are going through?
Pray Together  

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

Matthew 6:9–13 (NIV)

There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about the devils. One is disbelief, the other is their existence, the other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” – CS Lewis

Q:  How have you ever been in the presence of evil before?

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)                                                                  

1 John 3:8 (NIV)

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)                                        

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

Today’s Truth:  Prayer is our weapon to join arms with God’s Kingdom come on earth as in heaven.

Ephesians 6:18–20 (NIV)

⇒ Praying is .

1 John 4:8 (NIV)

We must learn to love man through God by prayer alone.” Hudson Taylor 19th Century Missionary to China

⇒ Our prayer  with the will of God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

God instituted prayer in order to lend to His creatures the dignity of causality.” –Blaise Pascal

Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

⇒ Prayer without is hypocrisy.

James 2:26 (NIV)

“Get’s” in being Outward in Intercession.

  • Get informed.
  • Get inspired.
  • Get indigent.
  • Get in sync.

Matthew 18:19–20 (NIV)

Theme: The Unseen but Real Battle

Share Together  

Who did you fight with the most growing up? What were the common conflicts and why?

Reflect Together  

What impacted you the most from Sunday’s Message? What action steps have you taken/will take from the “As in Heaven Prayer Guide?”

Read and Discuss Together   Ephesians 6:10-18
  • Why does Paul begin with the command to be strong in the Lord? How can we stand firm when faced with struggles or a spiritual attack?

  • Why do we need the armor of God? What can prevent us from putting it on? 

  • After reading about this unseen battle in the heavenly realms, how do you feel about spiritual warfare? Does it psych you up or freak you out?

  • What do you think the schemes of the devil include? How have you seen this in your life?

  • What does each piece of the armor represent and why? How would you apply them in real life?
    • Belt of truth
    • Breastplate of righteousness
    • Shoes / gospel of peace
    • Shield of faith
    • Helmet of salvation
    • Sword of the Spirit
  • Paul adds pray in the Spirit on all occasions to the end of the armor list. How does that fit into the passage? How is prayer a strategic part of our spiritual warfare? How has it been part of your own battle? What results have you seen?

  • What are some situations you’ve faced lately that you needed spiritual armor to take a firm stand against the schemes of the devil?

  • Who or what can intercede in prayer for who is in battle now, including yourself, and in what ways can we pray?

Pray Together 

Take time to share updates on how God is answering prayer and pray for specific needs in your group/family.

This Week’s Prayer Guide: Outward