How To Prepare For Bad Days Ahead Another tragic ending: 2 Samuel 17:24-18:33 The power of a chapter 17: 2 Samuel 17:24-18:33 There are three stages of adulthood: We are currently with a . We just got of a . We are about to a . We must be to avoid being to our problems in life. What your church needs from you: Galatians 6:1-10 Our relationships have to look different than our relationships. This is far more than just our ; it is about our: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 September 18, 2022 WELCOME TO THE FALL QUARTER OF LIFE GROUPS! This week we kick off our Fall 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. 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 One of the great parts of being in a Life Group is getting to know others better. Take a moment to jot down your answers to the questions below and be ready to share with your group. Tell us about yourself… What are your five favorite foods, with the most favorite first? When you were a kid, what was your dream job? Would you rather have your dishes or clothes be magically clean? How was your summer? What are one or two things you enjoyed the most? 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? DIGGING DEEPER This weekend’s message spoke of how, as followers of Jesus, our relationships look different than others. As you read the verses below in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, what unique relational attributes is he saying are essential for followers of Jesus? Ephesians 4:14-16 New International Version (NIV) 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:20-24 New International Version (NIV) 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:29, 31-32 New International Version (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. What, if anything, was a bit surprising when you read it? How would you want someone to speak the “truth in love” to you? We all want to be connected in quality relationships. Which verses above could be a good theme verse for you in relating to others this next quarter? LOOKING AHEAD Life Groups meet every week to gain the encouragement and support we need in life as we follow Jesus. Take a moment to jot down some of the reasons you joined a group this fall, along with what you are looking forward to the most. 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.