A Giant Story NOT About David & Goliath Getting the whole picture: 1 Samuel 17 Three questions the text is driving home: 1 Samuel 17 How concerned am I about or in my daily life? How do I view my past ? “Look what .” “Look what .” Do I tackle each day as if I have a ? The best way to connect with us is the Connection Card in the bulletin. For the Digital Bulletin, visit myncc.info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Life Group Study Questions For the week of January 16, 2022 WELCOME TO THE WINTER QUARTER OF LIFE GROUPS! This week we kick off our Winter Life Group Quarter. Your first gathering is designed to give you time to get acquainted, enjoy a meal together and connect with each other, as well as time to discuss how to make your Life Group meetings great! The study questions have been shortened this week to allow ample time to accomplish all of this. To prepare for your first meeting, take some time to focus on the questions below and be prepared to share your answers with the group. As we start this new quarter of Life Groups, please help us continue to keep group members safe by staying home from group if you are not feeling well. We hope you have a great time together as you connect, encourage one another to grow and see how God might work! Online Groups - If your group is meeting online, your leaders will be sending you the link for your group. Use this link for tips on meeting with your group online: lifegroups.northcoastchurch.com/pro-tips/ GETTING TO KNOW YOU Tell us a little about yourself… Would you rather be super strong or have super speed? What is your favorite road trip snack? If you had to work at an amusement park or a famous landmark for the rest of your life, which place would you choose? As we start the new year, what are one or two things you’re looking forward to in 2022? 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? HONORING This weekend we heard how the story of David and Goliath is not just a story about a giant being killed, but more importantly a turning point for Israel – for 16 chapters, Israel has not been honoring God, and that is a needed change. But what does it look like as a follower of Jesus to depend on God’s power and honor Him? Colossians 3:12-17 offers us some great insight into what living this way looks like. As you read through these verses, circle two or three statements that are catching your attention and jot down any thoughts on how they may help you depend on God, see Him work and honor Him in all you do in 2022. Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. LOOKING AHEAD One of the key reasons we meet in Life Groups every week is to gain the encouragement and support we each need to honor God in all we do and keep our focus on Jesus. Before you go over the Life Group Commitment in your group, take a moment and write down your responses to the questions below: What are you looking forward to in your Life Group this quarter? Looking back at what you circled in Colossians 3:12-17, which one or two would you like to see God sustain and/or grow in you this next quarter? Is there anything specific you need prayer for, or is there any other focus you would like to have in order to grow this next quarter? THE PURPOSE OF LIFE GROUPS Life Groups exist to promote spiritual maturity and personal growth through meaningful Christian relationships and the study of God’s Word (Romans 8:29 & Hebrews 10:24-25). Here’s how it will happen: SHARE Each week we’ll take time to share what is happening in our lives. At first this sharing will include planned “sharing questions.” But after the first few weeks, it will become more informal and personal as we feel more comfortable. STUDY Each week we’ll study a section from God’s Word that relates to the previous weekend’s sermon or an appropriate personal growth topic. Our goal is to learn how to live out our Christianity in everyday life. SUPPORT Each week we’ll learn how to take care of one another as Christ commanded (John 15:9-13). This care can take many forms, such as prayer, encouragement, listening, challenging one another and meeting real needs. SERVE Spiritual growth is fostered not only by what we gain through the support and input of others, but also through service to others. The role each of us fills is important to the health of the church and for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the community in which we live (Ephesians 4:11-16). Throughout the quarter, it is our hope that you can find and/or be affirmed in the ways God has designed you to serve and make a difference in God’s Kingdom. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY at Vista Mondays beginning January 31 (9 weeks), 7-9pm We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! FPU presents practical steps to help you get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and much more! Register at northcoastchurch.com/classes.