Why Are We Here?

Made in God’s image and likeness?

^{Genesis 1-2, Genesis 1:26-28}

The Bible claims that there is one God who is the , and He exists in , for .

An is created to something.

A likeness is not the or of something, but a mere or of something.

Made with a purpose?

^{Genesis 1:26-28, Exodus 19:1-6, Deuteronomy 6:1-25, Ephesians 2:10}

Humans were made to and , all while reflecting God’s and by being in with Him.

A God that allows evil?

^{Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-24}

Being made to reflect the God of and demands because both are .

What do we do with broken images?

^{Genesis 4, Mark 12:28-31}

We find our when we return to our .

We find our when we return to our .

We treat of God with the value He has placed on them, of their .

The best way to connect with us is the Connection Card in the bulletin. For the Digital Bulletin, visit myncc.info.

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WARM UP

1. Share one fun, little-known fact about yourself, such as a hidden talent or interesting hobby.

2. Have you ever thought an item you owned was of little value, only to find out later it was worth a lot more than you realized—or thought something was really valuable, only to find out it was not?

3. Did anything in this weekend’s message challenge, encourage, or surprise you?

KNOW IT

1. The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image, loved by Him, and made for a purpose. Which of these three truths do you think you understand the most? Which is hardest for you to grasp? What steps, if any, could you take to live more fully in these realities?

2. As you reflect on being made in God’s image, read Psalm 139. Notice the depth of God’s care, presence and involvement in our lives. What stands out to you about how God cares for, interacts, and relates with you personally?

SHARE IT

Each week, “Share It” questions help us reflect and share our personal life experiences about the topic at hand, considering how it works or has worked out in our lives.

1. We often define ourselves by our careers, relationships, achievements, or failures. How do you typically view yourself (consciously or subconsciously)? Did this weekend’s message and the reading of Psalm 139 make you think differently about your identity? If so, how?

2. How has God’s Word and work in your life helped you reflect Him more completely?

LIVE IT

1. The best way to grow closer in a relationship with someone is to spend time with them. The same is true with God, and it’s one of the reasons God dedicated the seventh day to rest in our relationship with Him. List some ways you can spend time with God and grow closer to Him, thereby becoming more like Him.

2. Go for an intentional walk or drive through your neighborhood this week. As you pass people, ask God to help you see them the way He sees them: as bearers of His image, created and loved by Him. Does this change your perspective of those you might have initially judged or written off?

Prayer is an important part of being in a Life Group. Over the years, we've found that group prayer goes better when we follow three simple guidelines.

WE PRAY FOR ONE TOPIC AT A TIME - Anyone in the group is free to introduce a prayer request, either before prayer begins or during prayer time. Once a topic is introduced, the group focuses on that request alone. Once it's covered, the group moves on to the next topic.

PRAY MORE THAN ONCE - Because the group is focusing on one topic at a time, each person is encouraged to pray several time during the prayer time for those topics they feel most led to pray about. No one is required to pray.

WE KEEP OUR PRAYERS SHORT AND SIMPLE - Group prayer goes better when members keep their prayers short and to the point. When someone prays for a long time, it's hard for the other members to stay focused, and long prayers tend to intimidate those who are just learning to pray out loud in a group. No one is required to pray out loud.