This small group discussion guide draws directly from the sermon “Showcase - Cornerstone Fountain Valley | Gary Garcia | Live - Oct. 11th, 2026” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.

Small Group Discussion Guide

"True Rest: Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace"

Based on Hebrews 4 | Cornerstone Church

A Note to Facilitators: This guide is designed for 60–90 minutes. You know your group best — feel free to skip questions, linger where conversation is rich, or adapt the language to fit your group's culture. The goal isn't to get through every question; it's to help your group encounter God together. Pray before you meet, and trust the Holy Spirit to lead.

OVERVIEW

This week's sermon from Hebrews 4 explored the kind of rest that only comes through a genuine relationship with Jesus — not physical rest, but the deep peace and assurance of knowing you are saved, loved, and held by God. Pastor Gary contrasted the Israelites, who witnessed God's miracles but hardened their hearts and missed out on His rest, with the invitation extended to us today: to approach God's throne of grace boldly, confidently, and without condition. The sermon challenged us to examine whether we are truly living in that rest, growing in our faith, and drawing near to Jesus — especially in moments of doubt, temptation, and weakness.

ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

To get things started, go around the group and answer this question:

"Describe a place, a moment, or a season in your life when you felt truly at peace — the kind where your mind went quiet and everything felt okay. What made it feel that way?"

[Leader Tip]: This question is intentionally non-spiritual to start. It helps everyone engage regardless of their background and naturally sets up the contrast between temporary, circumstantial peace and the deep, lasting rest the sermon described. Don't rush this — let people enjoy the warmth of sharing before diving into scripture.

SCRIPTURE READING

(5 minutes)

Have someone read the following passages aloud. If your group is comfortable, you might ask two or three different people to each read a section.

Hebrews 4:1–3 "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest."

Hebrews 4:11–13 "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Hebrews 4:14–16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Related passage for context — Matthew 11:28–30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(30–45 minutes)

Work through as many of these questions as time allows. Questions are organized from lighter and observational to deeper and more personal. You don't need to cover all of them — follow where the conversation goes.

SECTION 1: Understanding the Rest

(Observational — what does the text say?)

1. What stood out to you most from Sunday's message, and why?

Follow-up if needed: Was there a story, a scripture, or a phrase that stuck with you through the week?

[Leader Tip]: This is a great opening question because it surfaces what was most meaningful to different people and gives you a natural roadmap for where to focus your discussion. Listen for themes that come up more than once.

2. Pastor Gary described two very different kinds of "rest" — the world's version and the rest that comes through Jesus. In your own words, how would you describe the difference between them?

Follow-up: What are some of the things people around you (or even you yourself) tend to reach for when looking for peace or rest?

3. The word "rest" appears 11 times in Hebrews 4. Based on the passage and the sermon, what do you think the author of Hebrews means by this rest? What does it look, feel, or sound like in someone's life?

[Leader Tip]: Help the group move beyond the idea of "rest" as relaxation or vacation. The rest described here is the settled assurance of salvation and relationship with God — a peace that doesn't depend on circumstances. If the group gets stuck, you can offer this framing: "It's less about what you're doing and more about what you know to be true."

SECTION 2: Learning from the Israelites

(Interpretive — what does this mean for us?)

4. The Israelites witnessed incredible miracles — the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven — and still couldn't fully trust God. What do you think kept them from entering God's rest, and what does that tell us about the nature of faith?

Follow-up: Is it possible to see God work in your life and still struggle to fully trust Him? What gets in the way?

5. Hebrews 4:2 says the Israelites heard the good news, but it "was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed." Pastor Gary also mentioned people who attend church regularly but may not have a genuine relationship with Jesus. What's the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus? How does someone move from one to the other?

[Leader Tip]: This question can surface some vulnerable conversation. Create a safe, non-judgmental space. Some group members may be wrestling with this personally. Affirm that this is exactly the kind of honest reflection the passage invites. Avoid letting the conversation become about judging others' faith; keep it personal and inward-facing.

SECTION 3: The Living Word and Growing Faith

(Application — how do we respond?)

6. Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as "alive and active" — able to penetrate our hearts and diagnose our spiritual health. Pastor Gary said, "God meets us in His word." What has your experience with Scripture been like? When has the Bible felt truly alive to you, and when has it felt dry or distant?

Follow-up: What tends to make the difference in how you engage with Scripture?

7. Pastor Gary suggested that one way to know you're a genuine follower of Jesus is by asking: "Am I growing? Am I maturing? Is there fruit in my life?" What does spiritual growth actually look like in everyday life? What are some signs you've noticed — in yourself or others — that someone is genuinely being transformed by their relationship with Jesus?

[Leader Tip]: This is a good place to invite personal stories of change over time. Encourage people to be specific rather than general. If the group is quiet, you can share a brief example of your own growth or ask: "Think about who you were five years ago. What's different now?"

SECTION 4: A High Priest Who Gets It

(Personal — how does this connect to my life?)

8. Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus was "tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin." The Greek word for "empathize" in this verse literally means "to suffer along with." How does it change the way you approach Jesus to know that He has experienced temptation, struggle, and suffering — and that He truly understands what you're going through?

Follow-up: Is there an area of your life right now where you need to be reminded that Jesus "gets it"?

SECTION 5: Drawing Near

(Application and community)

9. The sermon closed with a powerful invitation from Hebrews 4:16 — to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, boldly, without condition. Pastor Gary said, "Satan would love nothing more than to discourage us in times of weakness from going to Christ." What are the things — guilt, shame, doubt, busyness, a sense of unworthiness — that most commonly keep you from drawing near to God in your hardest moments?

[Leader Tip]: This question may draw out some raw honesty. That's good. Affirm any vulnerability with grace. The point of this question is not to fix people's barriers but to name them — because naming them is the first step to overcoming them. Remind the group of the closing words from the sermon: "The one condition has been met. Therefore, despite what you've done, despite what you came in with this morning, you may draw near."

10. The sermon ended with this statement: "There are no conditions to draw near. The one condition was that someone else came in our stead and met it for us." How does the unconditional nature of God's invitation to draw near change the way you think about prayer, worship, or your daily walk with Him?

PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are for personal reflection. You may choose to share your answers with the group, or simply sit with them quietly. Take a few minutes and be honest with yourself.

1. The sermon asked directly: "Do you know you're saved? Do you have peace in that knowledge?" How would you honestly answer that question today? If there's uncertainty, what would it look like to bring that to Jesus this week?

2. Pastor Gary mentioned that spiritual growth is one of the clearest signs of genuine faith — and that a true follower of Jesus should not be in the same place they were when they first believed. In what one specific area of your life do you sense God is calling you to grow or change right now?

3. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to approach God's throne "in our time of need." What is your greatest need right now — the thing you most need to bring to God this week? What would it look like to actually do that — to draw near with confidence rather than staying at a distance?

🗓️ THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

Choose one (or more) of the following to put into practice before your group meets again:

Daily Draw Near: Each morning this week, begin your day by spending 5–10 minutes in prayer before anything else — no phone, no news, just bringing yourself to the throne of grace. Use Hebrews 4:16 as your opening prayer.
Get into the Word: Pick one chapter of Hebrews to read this week (try Hebrews 3 or 5 to connect with what's around Sunday's passage). As you read, ask: "What is God saying to me right now through this?" Write one thing down.
Have a Conversation: Think of one person in your life who seems to be searching for peace or rest — the kind that only Jesus can give. Pray for them by name this week, and look for a natural opportunity to share what you believe.
Reflect on Growth: Take 15 minutes to journal about where you were spiritually one year ago and where you are today. What has changed? What fruit do you see? Thank God for the growth and bring the areas of stagnation to Him honestly.

PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. Here are some suggested themes to guide your group's prayer time. You might pray as a whole group, break into pairs, or have one person pray over each theme.

Pray together for:

🙏 Assurance — For anyone in the group (or in your lives) who is wrestling with doubt about their salvation or relationship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring peace and clarity.
🙏 Rest — For those carrying heavy burdens, anxiety, or weariness. Pray that they would experience the deep rest that only Jesus offers — not just relief from circumstances, but settled peace in Him.
🙏 Boldness to Draw Near — For the courage to approach God's throne with confidence, especially in moments of failure, shame, or weakness. Pray against the lies that say we are too far gone or too unworthy to come.
🙏 The Word to Come Alive — For a fresh hunger for Scripture in each person's life. Ask God to make His Word "alive and active" as each person opens it this week.
🙏 Those Still Searching — For the people in your lives who are still on the long and winding road, searching for something they can't name. Pray that they would encounter Jesus — the only one who truly satisfies.

Suggested Closing Prayer (the facilitator or a volunteer may pray this, or adapt it freely):

Lord, thank you for the invitation of Hebrews 4 — that because of what Jesus has done, we can come to you boldly, without condition, in any moment, in any season. Help us to stop keeping our distance. Help us to stop letting guilt, doubt, or shame convince us that we're not welcome. Remind us this week that the one condition has been met — and it was met for us. So we draw near to you now. Meet us here. Speak to us through your Word. Give us the rest that only you can give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

(For groups wanting to go further — add 15–20 minutes, or use as a take-home study)

These questions are designed for groups with more biblical background or those who want to explore the theological richness of the passage more fully.

Deep Dive 1 — The Sabbath Rest and What It Points To

Hebrews 4:3–10 draws a connection between God's rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2), the "rest" God promised Israel in the Promised Land, and the ultimate rest available to believers in Christ. Read Genesis 2:1–3 alongside Hebrews 4:9–10.

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." — Hebrews 4:9–10

What does it mean that we "rest from our works" in the same way God rested from His? How does this connect to the idea of salvation by grace rather than by effort?
How does understanding the Sabbath as a sign pointing to Christ change the way you think about rest, both spiritually and practically?

Deep Dive 2 — The Role of the High Priest

In the Old Testament, the High Priest was the only person who could enter the Most Holy Place — the innermost room of the Temple — and approach God's presence directly. He did so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), carrying the blood of a sacrifice for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Hebrews 4:14 calls Jesus our "great high priest who has ascended into heaven."

How does understanding the Old Testament role of the High Priest deepen your appreciation for what Jesus has done for us?
What does it mean for your daily life that Jesus is permanently and perfectly serving as your High Priest before God — right now, today?
Read Hebrews 10:19–22. How does this passage expand on the invitation of Hebrews 4:16?

Deep Dive 3 — Hardening of the Heart

Hebrews 4:7 quotes Psalm 95:7–8: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." This warning is repeated three times in Hebrews 3–4.

What does it mean to "harden your heart"? Is this something that happens suddenly or gradually? What conditions tend to produce a hardened heart?
The Israelites hardened their hearts despite seeing God's miracles. What are the spiritual dangers of familiarity — of hearing the gospel so often that it stops moving us?
What practices or habits help keep a heart soft and responsive to God's voice? How can your small group help one another in this?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Passages to Explore This Week:

Psalm 95 (the psalm quoted in Hebrews 4 — read it in full for context)
Hebrews 3:7–19 (last week's passage — great for background)
Isaiah 40:28–31 (God as the source of renewed strength and rest)
Romans 5:1–5 (peace with God through faith)
Philippians 4:6–7 (the peace that transcends understanding)

This guide was prepared for small groups at Cornerstone Church. Feel free to adapt it for your group's needs. Questions? Connect with your group coordinator or pastoral team.

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." — Hebrews 4:16