Romans How Culture And Conflict Kill The Church (Part Two of Two) The plan: Romans 9-12, 12:1-8 All of us have now become part of for . However, we are strategically and uniquely for a . The conflict: Romans 12-16, 12:9-21, 14:1-10 Our many will create . We will be hurt by those family. We will be hurt by those family. The resolution: Romans 14-15:9, 16:17 Our one similarity must bring and . Don’t fight with the of God. Fight against anything that divides the of God. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Support Our Ministry If you found this message beneficial and you would like to help continue our ministries, we would be grateful for your support. Go to northcoastchurch.com/give ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Weekly Digital Bulletin The Digital Bulletin can be found at myncc.info ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Life Group Study Questions For the week of May 9, 2021 QUICK REVIEW Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or something that caught your attention, challenged or confused you? MY STORY Chris talked about how God’s plan is for us to use our unique and strategic differences to build up the body of Christ. Our Life Group participation has given each of us firsthand opportunities to see the members of our group live out how God has uniquely gifted them to serve others. Think about each member of your group and write down one strength, character trait or positive action you’ve seen from each person. The Apostle Paul begins his discussion on unity and diversity in the Church by first talking about humility (Romans 12:3). He knew we would not be able to use our strategic and unique differences to accomplish God’s purpose if we didn’t deal with pride. Author Thomas Merton observed that “pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” What do you think Merton means? Romans 12:3 New International Version (NIV) 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. DIGGING DEEPER In Romans 12:9-21, Paul lists how we need to act if we want to get along with people inside and outside the church. He makes a list of 24 different actions and attitudes he wants us to put into practice. Using the list below… • Underline any you find most challenging to put into practice. • Circle any you feel like you’re doing a good job of following. • Make a check mark next to any you are unsure about what they would look like to practice in real life. Love must be sincere 2. Hate what is evil 3. Cling to what is good 4. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love 5. Honor one another above yourself 6. Never be lacking in zeal 7. Keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord 8. Be joyful in hope 9. Be patient in affliction 10. Be faithful in prayer 11. Share with God’s people in need 12. Practice hospitality 13. Bless those who persecute you 14. Bless and do not curse 15. Rejoice with those who rejoice 16. Mourn with those who mourn 17. Live in harmony with one another 18. Do not be proud, associate with low positions 19. Do not be conceited 20. Do not repay anyone evil for evil 21. Be careful to do what is right 22. Live at peace with everyone 23. Do not take revenge 24. Overcome evil with good Scan the list above. Next to any item, jot down the initials of anyone who comes to mind that has done a good job of putting that item into action. If you had to pick one of the items on the list that you think is most needed in the body of Christ right now, which one would that be? How about most needed in your own life? Humility and pride play a big role in how much our differences create divisions in the family of God. Pride has a way of attaching itself to certain areas of our lives like our image, possessions, strengths and position. In what ways have you dealt with pride in these or other areas of your life? What things in your life have helped you to be humble or deal with pride? Can you think of any examples of how your view of humility and pride has changed over the years? If so, explain. TAKING IT HOME Looking back at “the list,” is there one or two of the items on it you’d like to work on practicing more of in your life? God wants to use your unique gifts and abilities to serve in His family. One place with a great need for people to serve right now is our weekend services. While these opportunities may or may not fit your “gifting,” sometimes serving is more about meeting a need rather than using our gifts. Your service will help us to expand our weekend options so more people can join us in person. Below are a few ways you could serve during our weekend services. • Children’s Ministry • Coffee Team • Greeters • Ushers • Welcome Team • Parking Team • Prayer Team • Safety Team • Scrip Booth • Tech Team • Worship Team (See below for how to sign up for a team.) PRAYER REQUESTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! JOIN A TEAM! It takes hundreds of volunteers to make the weekend services happen on our campuses. If you're interested in joining one of our amazing serving teams that make church possible, there are a variety of ways to help! Head to myncc.info/, choose your campus and click on “Get Involved” to fill out a volunteer interest form for your campus. MEN’S BREAKFAST Join us for a manly breakfast, great worship, fellowship and an inspiring message from Chris Brown. Men of all ages from all campuses are invited to join us on Saturday, May 15 from 8:15-10:00am. Free breakfast with tons of pancakes and Lil' Smokies in the Vista Plaza! RSVP at northcoastchurch.com/mens-breakfast/.