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* The Kids Resource linked above is the same as Lord's Supper Part 1 feel free to use/adapt it if it's not easy to include kids in with the meal this week. REMEMBER/ REFLECT/ RESPOND (90-120 min) This week we will be sharing in a Meal to Remember and will include elements of ‘REMEMBER/ REFLECT/ RESPOND’ into aspects of the shared meal rather than moving through them chronologically. The Lord’s Supper (Sharing a Meal to Remember): A Practical Guide 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Preparation for the Meal: Find a place to host a meal and invite people. Prepare the food or have guests bring food to contribute (potluck). This could be facilitated as a gathering time without a meal, only sharing the bread and juice/wine if a space for the meal is not available. Prepare the elements for the Lord’s Supper, a Large Loaf of bread or Matzah and enough juice or wine for those attending to each have their own glass. Assign a facilitator or assign different movements of the meal to a few people ahead of time. Set a table (or wherever you can accommodate eating together) with the wine/juice and bread in the middle Starting the Meal and Sharing the Lord’s Supper: One person begins the meal by giving a short introduction (facilitator). The Lord’s Supper (or Communion/Eucharist) was given as a gift by Jesus to his disciples and the Church through the ages to remember his death, to symbolize a new covenant, to gather his body, the Church, around a table in fellowship and to anticipate the meal we will one day enjoy in his eternal presence. “During this meal we will Remember Jesus together- looking in four directions” Look Back to Jesus’ Death on the Cross (point backward, make cross) You could also look back further in history to God’s redemptive plan from Creation and the fall through a promise to Abraham to bless all nations through a Messiah who would become our salvation as the Passover Lamb. Look Up to Jesus Risen as King & High Priest (point up and make crown) Look Around to Jesus’ Family (point around and make a heart) Look Forward to Jesus’ Return and a Feast/Party (point forward and smile) Facilitator Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26- Break the bread and serve each person a large piece and fill each glass with juice/wine. Explain that we will slowly enjoy our food and fellowship as we partake together in the Lord’s supper. Take time between the 4 movements of the meal to eat and ‘fellowship’ together. The person facilitating can gauge how long the spaces between each section lasts and will need to move on to the next movement of the meal. Four Movements Of The Meal: 1. Look back and remember Jesus’ death on the Cross. (1Cor. 11:24) Facilitator- “Let's look back together to remember Jesus’ death on the cross, the ultimate display of God’s love and salvation. At the cross God gave a new covenant of grace where we are forgiven, made righteous and brought into eternal relationship with the Father on the basis of Jesus' perfect life and sacrifice alone.” Response- “Let’s spend time giving thanks for who Jesus is and what He has done on the cross. Remember moments where Jesus has encountered you personally with his love and share them together. “ 2. Look up and remember that Jesus is the Risen King and great High Priest interceding for us. (Heb 4:16) Facilitator- “Let’s look up together and remember that Jesus is our Risen King, a great high priest who intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. Jesus can sympathize with our weakness, being fully human just like us and has the power as the Risen King to help us. ‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).’” Response- “Let’s spend time reflecting on where we need Jesus in our lives and share with one another.” (This could also be a good time to take a minute of silence to allow for people to consider if there is any place where they are not submitted to Jesus’ loving lordship and if repentance is needed. If appropriate create space for confession) 3. Look around and remember that because of Jesus’ broken body and poured out blood we are now one family - the body of Christ. (1Cor. 10:16-17) Facilitator- “Let’s look around and remember we are one family in Christ. ‘The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Response- “Let’s spend time honoring one another. Speak blessing over one another where you have seen or experienced Jesus in their lives.” (Consider giving a toast each time, raise your glass to agree and celebrate, “cheers”) 4. Look forward and remember with anticipation Jesus’ return and wedding feast. Facilitator- “Let’s look forward to remember with anticipation Jesus’ return to restore all things and a great wedding feast. Jesus himself, when he instituted the Lord’s Supper, ate it in anticipation of the future (Matt. 26:29). The ultimate outworking of God’s salvation plan has long been associated with the promise of a great banquet, a feast, a party we get to participate in with Jesus. (Isa. 25:6;, Rev. 19:9).” Response- “Let’s have a few people pray out prayers of rejoicing & anticipation for Jesus’ return to restore all things and the future when we get to all sit together at the ‘great banquet’ with Jesus. Ask someone to read Matt 26:29 “(Jesus said) I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” All close with the prayer of the Early Church as an Amen to the reading of the scripture. Close:“Maranatha” Come Lord Jesus Download the resource below to easily follow along during your meal.

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Lord’s Supper Hand Motion Researchers have found that moving our bodies and adding actions to our learning significantly increases our ability to remember. Here is a hand action you can add to the command to remember it: Step 1: Take both hands make them into fists (turned down) in front of you Step 2: Turn your fists to the side- action of breaking something apart Brief Commentary and Context Summary of Lord’s Supper - The Lord’s Supper (or Communion/Eucharist) was given as a gift by Jesus to his disciples and the Church through the ages to remember his death, to symbolize a new covenant, to gather his body, the Church, around a table in fellowship and to anticipate the meal we will one day enjoy in his eternal presence. “This meal looks different in various Christian traditions…The key is to remember the humble gift that Jesus became in his sacrifice and the new life we receive from him… “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said (e.g. Luke 22:19). This meal invites us to remember Jesus. It represents to the senses⏤just like the meals God established for the Israelites⏤the life and death of Jesus. This meal is not something we do for Jesus; rather, it reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. And it becomes something we do with Jesus. We participate with him in it.” (Bible Project Article: Why is the Lord’s Supper Significant in the Bible by Shara Drimalla & BibleProject Team). The Lord’s Supper (Sharing a Meal to Remember): A Practical Guide - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 See the main resource for instructions on how to facilitate this meal or you can download a copy below Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28- "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Luke 22:19-20- “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” 1 Cor 10:16-17- "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Cor 11:23-33- For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Acts 2:42- "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." John 6:53-58- "So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." Acts 20:7- "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." Bible Stories The Last Supper – Matt. 26:26-29 The Last Supper – Mark 14:11-26 Early Church in Jerusalem – Acts 2:42-47 Church in Troas with Apostle Paul- Acts 20:7-12 Paul’s Instruction – 1 Cor. 11:23-25 Jesus after resurrection – Luke 24:30 Extra Resources https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-lords-supper/ https://bibleproject.com/articles/lords-supper-in-the-bible/

Remember Breath Prayer Breath in: The Lord is good and faithful Breath out: He will keep us day and night Song Themes: Come to Jesus in all things Remember one another Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together. Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another? Remember what we learned last week Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Who remembers what we learned last week? Love! Can anyone remember what scripture we learned or what it said? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Read the passage and see if the children can name a few characteristics of love before moving on. Reflect: Lord's Supper * A note before beginning. Children under the age of 7 are typically not able to grasp abstract concepts. Some children will not grasp abstract concepts until the age of 8, 9, or even 10. This is completely normal. Taking communion is an abstract concept that builds on the understanding of sacrifice and atonement for sin. When working with children under the age of 7, you may find it helpful to emphasize elements of "remembering what God has done" and receive His mercy, grace, and healing afresh. Some of the resources below are geared to older children and some work for all ages. Choose according to the needs in your Home Church. Ask: What do you know about Communion? Begin by asking the kids what they know about Communion? What is it? Have you ever been in Church when there is bread and juice and why do you think it's there? What does Jesus have to do with bread and grape juice? Listen, engage, and encourage curious questions, but don't feel a need to answer all the questions yet. Read: Luke 22:19-20, "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Acknowledge that these are tricky words and may sound confusing, but we're going to learn about them together so we can understand what Jesus meant. Watch: The video below is great for ages 7+ Younger kids may enjoy the second video. Respond: Come to the Table Talk about what you learned. Why do we have bread and wine/juice? What did Jesus say about these things? What is a ritual (second video)? Does your family have rituals? How do they help us? What did Jesus tell His disciples to do while they were eating the bread and drinking from the cup? Read Luke 22: 19-20 again. Pray, Lord, teach us how to remember the God things you've done for us and enjoy the gift of communion. Activity: Come to the Table * You will need place settings, snacks, drinks and table. If you don't have a table this can also work by sitting in a circle. Explain that the snacks (pretzels, goldfish, chips, bread, crackers, etc) are like the bread that Jesus tore apart. Explain that the juice (cups or juice box work) are like the cup of wine that Jesus shared with His disciples. Older kids can understand that the bread represents Jesus body and the juice represents His blood. Have the kids work together to "set the table" making a place setting for each child. This can be as creative or simple as you like as long as each setting has snacks and juice. Have all the kids take their seats. Explain that taking communion is a holy thing and an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to forgive us again. Tell the kids that we are going to be quiet for a moment and see if there's anything the Holy Spirit wants to show us from this week that we can ask for forgiveness for. It may be as simple as screaming at a sibling, lying, having an ungrateful attitude. All the kids to wait on the Lord and then have them repeat after you, "Lord, I receive your forgiveness again and ask you to wash my heart clean. Thank you for making me new again." Now explain that we are going to take turns going around the circle and saying something that Jesus has done for us. In this way we are remembering Him. During this time we can eat and drink in celebration of Jesus. He is worthy of celebrating! If you have time, continue the conversation and stoke new imagination of the things God has done for us. Taking communion is as simple as remembering that Jesus is the Bread of Life and His blood has set us free from sin. While we eat and drink together we remember these truths and remind ourselves and each other that He is Good. Close with a prayer: Lord, for the rest of my life I want to enjoy communion with you. Help me to never forget how good and faithful you are. Amen.

REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs Nothing But the Blood If you have someone in your home church who can lead you in musical worship you can access the chords at the link above The Blood Medley | Jesus Image Communion (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake from Bethel Music) | Maverick City | TRIBL Remember each other: Care Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability Topic: Love How have you taken courageous steps to practically show love to a person who doesn’t show you love this week? REFLECT (30 min) Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic) Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture Topic Title: Luke 22:1-23 “The Lord’s Supper” Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want. Share “Core Truths from the topic” Matthew 26:26-28 where needed Share context for Scripture Story. Discover Read the Scripture: Luke 22:1-23 “The Lord’s Supper” Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? (optional) What is the significance of Jesus’ body broken and blood poured out for us? What is the new covenant and how is it connected to the Lord’s Supper? Consider the ‘gift’ (forgiven, freed, filled with the HS, found in the Father & formed in the family, forever) that we explored earlier in the Following Jesus Pathway Why does Jesus ask us to “do this in remembrance of me”’? Why is it important to “remember”? What has been your experience of practicing the Lord’s supper (communion) and how has it changed you? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Receive the Lord’s Supper together (Communion). Spend some time remembering Jesus and giving thanks in worship for the new covenant. Practice and Obey (for the coming week) Spend time reflecting on the New Covenant, focus on what it means to you in regards to your life and your participation in the Church body. Consider how you are going to practice sharing the Lord’s Supper in your life in a regular rhythm. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Lord’s Supper Hand Motion Researchers have found that moving our bodies and adding actions to our learning significantly increases our ability to remember. Here is a hand action you can add to the command to remember it: Step 1: Take both hands make them into fists (turned down) in front of you Step 2: Turn your fists to the side- action of breaking something apart Brief Commentary and Context Summary of Lord’s Supper - The Lord’s Supper (or Communion/Eucharist) was given as a gift by Jesus to his disciples and the Church through the ages to remember his death, to symbolize a new covenant, to gather his body, the Church, around a table in fellowship and to anticipate the meal we will one day enjoy in his eternal presence. “This meal looks different in various Christian traditions…The key is to remember the humble gift that Jesus became in his sacrifice and the new life we receive from him… “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said (e.g. Luke 22:19). This meal invites us to remember Jesus. It represents to the senses⏤just like the meals God established for the Israelites⏤the life and death of Jesus. This meal is not something we do for Jesus; rather, it reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. And it becomes something we do with Jesus. We participate with him in it.” (Bible Project Article: Why is the Lord’s Supper Significant in the Bible by Shara Drimalla & BibleProject Team). Brief Commentary for - Luke 22:1-23 “The Lord’s Supper” On the night before his crucifixion during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (the Passover) Jesus gathered his disciples. The room was thick with nostalgic connection and hidden betrayal. “When Jesus wanted to give his followers - then and now a way of understanding what was about to happen to him, he didn’t teach them a theory…He gave them an act to perform. Specifically, he gave them a meal to share. It is a meal that speaks more volumes than any theory.” (N.T. Wright, Luke For Everyone, p.261-262.) This would be the Passover that every other Passover had been pointing to. It was no accident that Jesus chose this marker moment. Passover was the defining act of God in Israel’s history, their salvation and deliverance from their oppressive enemy through sacrifice. The disciples had eaten this meal their entire lives remembering and commemorating their peoples' exodus from Egypt. But there was no way they could understand what Jesus was about to do. Taking the bread in his hand, blessing and breaking it he gave it to them. Jesus in one statement, would change over a thousand years of tradition, redefining the meaning of the meal forever. “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” We are only left to imagine the look on their faces, jaws dropped, wide-eyed and stunned by Jesus’ words. They lingered and ate for some time as Jesus opened up the mystery of the kingdom and his coming suffering. He poured words of promise and peace over their frightened souls. They were warned of persecution, but Jesus anchored them in hope. After sometime he lifted the cup stunning them again, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Was this actually the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s ancient prophecy about a new covenant, was it happening now, right before their eyes? This meal and the moment they shared would become a lasting pattern, a means of imparting divine grace (sacrament) and a central devotion practiced by Jesus’ followers in the church down through the ages. His broken body is our oneness and wholeness, his poured out blood is our forgiveness and freedom. An act that covers our past in mercy, meets our present with lovingkindness and secures our future in hope. Each time we receive the bread and cup together in faith we are called to remember the sacrificial love expressed through the death of our Lord that has become our life eternal. Partaking of the Lord’s supper we become recipients of healing, forgiveness, deliverance, comfort, reconciliation and victory at this never ending feast of life. Jesus spoke and embodied a blessed, broken and given life which is now the cruciform shape of our lives together. We have a relationship with the Father and the church based upon grace at the cross, a righteousness built on the work of Jesus and not our own, this is the New Covenant. All we have and all we are is gift. “The ongoing and repeated participation in the Lord’s Supper reminds us that, wonderful as it is, this is not the final meal that Jesus has prepared for us. When he returns, Jesus will gather his people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. And they will once again have access to the tree of life (Revelation 22:2). He will bring them to the meal that he has prepared for them, and they will enjoy an eternally life-giving meal in his presence (Revelation 19:6-9). The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the life and work of Jesus, and it marks us as people of his new covenant. And while doing all of this, it also anticipates that final glorious feast. The meal serves as a taste of what is to come—a taste of true life. As we practice this new covenant meal, may it stir within us hope for his return and thankfulness for who he is and what he has done.” Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28- "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Luke 22:19-20- “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” 1 Cor 10:16-17- "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Cor 11:23-33- For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Acts 2:42- "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." John 6:53-58- "So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." Acts 20:7- "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." Bible Stories The Last Supper – Matt. 26:26-29 The Last Supper – Mark 14:11-26 Early Church in Jerusalem – Acts 2:42-47 Church in Troas with Apostle Paul- Acts 20:7-12 Paul’s Instruction – 1 Cor. 11:23-25 Jesus after resurrection – Luke 24:30 Extra Resources https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-lords-supper/ https://bibleproject.com/articles/lords-supper-in-the-bible/

Summary of “Love” Agape love is a “compassionate commitment to delight in the soul of another and to will that person’s good ahead of your own, no matter the cost to yourself.” (Live No Lies, John Mark Comer p. 130) God is love and has fully revealed what love is in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross. God’s Love is the source of all things and the fulfillment of all things, the beginning and the end. Love is not a cold choice or only fervent emotion. Love is attentive affection, delighted connection, compassionate commitment, self-giving joy. Loving one another is about attitude and action. It means listening to each other, remaining patient, and forgiving each others' faults or weaknesses. It’s about working for the health and well-being of the other, generously caring for the person, and learning to see the inherent beauty and good in one another. Love is the distinguishing mark of all of Jesus’ followers, and we are able to love in this radical way because of the self-giving love of Jesus. His love empowers his followers to love each other with the same patience, devotion, and fervency he showed to them. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs How Deep The Father's Love For Us // Church Of The City // Take 2 Love Like This / No One Like You (Spontaneous) / Break Every Chain // The Belonging Co Remember each other: Care Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability Topic: Love: Part 1 Remember the specific aspect of love you want to grow in from 1 Corinthians 13. How did you put it into practice this week? REFLECT (30 min) Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic) Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture Topic Title: Love: Part 2 Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: 1 John 4:7-10 Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story: Matthew 5:43-48 - "Love Your Enemies". Discover Read the Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? (optional) Why is Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us so radical and revolutionary? What would happen in the world, in your city/neighborhood/workplace if people did this? Why is it so challenging to love those who don’t love us? Reflect together on how Jesus has loved you when you were his enemy. RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Take time to share in pairs or with the group: Who are your enemies, or someone that is difficult to love, or doesn’t love/treat you well? Who is the Father challenging you to love and how can you take a step this week to love? Pray for one another. Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey (for the coming week) Take a courageous step to practically show love to the person who doesn’t love you this week. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Pray Hand Motion Researchers have found that moving our bodies and adding actions to our learning significantly increases our ability to remember. Here is a hand action you can add to the command to remember it: Step 1: Take both hands with palms facing up and cross across your heart/chest - hug action Brief Commentary and Context Summary of "Love" - Agape love is a “compassionate commitment to delight in the soul of another and to will that person’s good ahead of your own, no matter the cost to yourself.” (Live No Lies, John Mark Comer p. 130) God is love and has fully revealed what love is in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross. God’s Love is the source of all things and the fulfillment of all things, the beginning and the end. Love is not a cold choice, or only fervent emotion. Love is attentive affection, delighted connection, compassionate commitment, self-giving joy. Loving one another is about attitude and action. It means listening to each other, remaining patient, and forgiving each others' faults or weaknesses. It’s about working for the health and well-being of the other, generously caring for the person, and learning to see the inherent beauty and good in one another. Love is the distinguishing mark of all of Jesus’ followers, and we are able to love in this radical way because of the self-giving love of Jesus. His love empowers his followers to love each other with the same patience, devotion, and fervency he showed to them. Brief Commentary for - Matthew 5:43-48 - "Love Your Enemies” After 30 years of relative obscurity and ordinary life in the hills of Galilee, Jesus leaves his vocation to launch out in obedience to his Father’s voice and the prophetic scriptures written about him. His ministry was to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom of God, defeating humanity's enemies and restoring all that was broken in creation. The way he lived was profound but simple, to hear and obey the Father. He embodied what he desired to reproduce in his first followers, the way of love. The gospel writer Matthew describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in the early chapters of his gospel. As this new Rabbi moved throughout Galilee the towns were stirred with curiosity and wonder. Crowds flocked to him and those in most desperate need pressed close with the hope of a miracle. Many of these were considered unclean and unfit for God by the religious establishment. Jesus welcomed them, healed them and began to teach them about his Father’s kingdom, now open to those never qualified before. He taught about a “surpassing righteousness” that flows from the heart manifested in love that fulfills the Jewish law. They were not aware but it was a righteousness he had come to fulfill on their behalf. Jesus had come to bring God’s blessing for all who had previously been trampled, forgotten and excluded. Line by line he stunned the masses as he reinterpreted their age-old law describing what it looked like to practice God’s kingdom way in all of life. They were left with a choice, their way or God’s way, the wide or narrow path. Would they forgive or harbor bitterness, stay faithful or break their covenant commitment, trust God or worry, serve God or money, live for God’s pleasure or human praise, show mercy or exude judgment, be generous or get even? God’s way is not the easy way but it is the best way by far! Possibly the most radical of Jesus’ teachings was his call to love our enemies. From our earliest days as a child we learn to love those who love us and hate those who don’t. It is built into us to return love for love and hate for hate. Even the Jewish law instructed them to love their neighbor and hate their enemies. Mostly it is not difficult to love those who love us, anyone can do that. But to love our enemies, people who seek to tear us down, requires a love only God can provide. This is the kind of love we see embodied in Jesus over the course of his entire life to the very end. It was the example he showed us, most fully through his choice to forgive and die for his enemies and even the very ones crucifying him. He prayed for those persecuting him, blessed the ones who cursed him, loved us all despite how we treated him. This is what it looks like to be a Son of the Father, to become mature and perfect in love. The Father blesses and sends refreshing rains on the deserving and undeserving. Maturity is measured in love, love for those who don’t like us and aren’t like us. Love for everyone, especially our enemies. If we want to follow Jesus it will mean learning the way of love, becoming like Jesus in love. It will require the same Holy Spirit Jesus depended on to become perfected in love as the Father is perfect in love. The good news is the Holy Spirit is eager to help! Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: 1 John 4:7-10- “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:19-21- “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” John 14:21- “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. John 15:13- Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 1 Peter 4:8- Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 3:1- See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Proverbs 3:3- Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Romans 12:10- Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 13:8- Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Extra Resources https://bibleproject.com/guides/love-in-the-bible/

Remember Breath Prayer Breath in: God is love Breath out: And He loves me Song Themes: Love One Another Remember one another Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together. Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another? Remember what we learned last week Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Who remembers what we learned last week? Persevere in worship What does persevere mean and how can we lean in to worship to help us get through hard times? Reflect: Love Before reading the scripture ask the kids to tell you what they think "love" means. What is love? What makes you feel loved? How do you show love to someone else? Let's see what the scripture has to say about love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Optional: Watch the short video below, "God is Love" Discuss: When God put His Spirit in us He marked us with His love. He filled us up with His love so that we could pour it out to others. Now that Jesus is seated on His throne people can't see Him walking around Earth like they could when He was with His disciples. But people can see us! The Church is meant to show the world what love looks like! How do we do that? By treating others the way Jesus treats us. He is kind to us He is patient with us He isn't rude or dishonoring He's always looking out for our best He isn't easily angered, but full of peace He doesn't keep track of every bad thing we do and hold it against us. He is forgiving! That is who we are meant to be! But we can't do it on our own. We need God to help us and teach us. And hopefully, as we grow up and learn to follow Him we get better at loving God and loving others all the days of our lives! Respond: Charades Have some fun identifying the different characteristics of love If you have older kids you can have them be the ones to act. Otherwise an adult will take the lead and have the kids guess. Instructions: Make a list of the qualities of love listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. You may want to do this beforehand on a large sheet of paper or poster board that everyone can see. For younger kids you will need to define words like "boast" and "envy". Have 2 people volunteer. They will choose what quality and how to act it out for the group. The group will then guess which words from the scripture they're acting out. Some examples are negative or show the opposite of love, that ok! For example, love DOES NOT boast. The kids may choose to act out what boasting looks and sounds like. Have fun and encourage everyone to be creative! Act out: Being patient with someone Being kind to another person Being envious and whining for what someone else has Being dishonoring to a friend/honoring a friend Refusing to do what's best for the other person/putting someone else first Being easily angered/slow to anger Erasing wrongs or being forgiving Rejoicing in the Truth Protecting, trusting, persevering, etc! The goal of the activity is to see that love is an action. It impacts our relationships. You may get creative and act out various type of relationships (A child and parent, a teacher and child, two peers, siblings, etc). Help the kids who are acting to come up with a short scenario and watch as they bring it to life. If the adult is acting make sure to involve the kids as much as possible. When the game is over and everyone has had a chance to participate, ask questions. Could you relate to any of the examples that were acted out? Which characteristic of love is the hardest for you? Which characteristic comes more naturally? Experience: Receive God's Love Read the scripture again over the kids. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Now, read it again, but replace the word "love" with "God." Because God is love, we know that He is all of these things. He is patient and kind and forgiving. Take 2-5 minutes to pray with the kids. Pray that God would fill us with His love so that we could love others well. Invite the kids to pray too. They may want to ask for God's help or invite His love to live more deeply in their hearts. Optional: End with a short video that rehearses what we've learned.

REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs MAKE US ONE BY NAOMI RAINE- LYRIC VIDEO Prayer/Scripture Print out the sheet listing the ‘one another scriptures’ and pass it around the group, reading out the scriptures and then spend time praying out of them Remember each other: Care Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability Topic: Persevere through Worship: Part 2 Share how practicing the ‘Philippians 4 Tool’ encouraged or helped you to persevere. REFLECT (30 min) Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic) Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture Topic Title: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - “The Greatest Of These Is Love” Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: 1 John 4:7-10 - “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Discover Read the Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? (optional) Why does moving in power, doing miracles, knowing mysteries, moving mountains in faith and giving all you have, mean nothing without love? How does the revelation that love is the final and ultimate measure of your life in the end affect how you live now? Talk through the definition and descriptions of love together, what stands out? How is Paul’s definition of love different from our culture today? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Take some time to reflect on the following questions: Over the last year, which of the descriptions of love have you grown in the most and which one do you desire to grow in and why? How will you practice this? Break up into partners and share and pray with one another. Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey (for the coming week) Spend time this week asking the Father to meet you with His love each day and to empower you to love as you are loved. Practice the specific aspect of love you want to grow in from 1 Corinthians 13. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Pray Hand Motion Researchers have found that moving our bodies and adding actions to our learning significantly increases our ability to remember. Here is a hand action you can add to the command to remember it: Step 1: Take both hands with palms facing up and cross across your heart/chest - hug action Brief Commentary and Context Summary of "Love" - Agape love is a “compassionate commitment to delight in the soul of another and to will that person’s good ahead of your own, no matter the cost to yourself.” (Live No Lies, John Mark Comer p. 130) God is love and has fully revealed what love is in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross. God’s Love is the source of all things and the fulfillment of all things, the beginning and the end. Love is not a cold choice, or only fervent emotion. Love is attentive affection, delighted connection, compassionate commitment, self-giving joy. Loving one another is about attitude and action. It means listening to each other, remaining patient, and forgiving each others' faults or weaknesses. It’s about working for the health and well-being of the other, generously caring for the person, and learning to see the inherent beauty and good in one another. Love is the distinguishing mark of all of Jesus’ followers, and we are able to love in this radical way because of the self-giving love of Jesus. His love empowers his followers to love each other with the same patience, devotion, and fervency he showed to them. Brief Commentary for - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - “The Greatest Of These Is Love” After 18 months in the bustling Roman city of Corinth, Paul was very acquainted with the cultural realities that existed. His time there was fruitful and many followed Jesus and formed the first churches in that city. Paul moved on to continue his apostolic work sharing the gospel and establishing churches in other regions, but soon he got reports of many significant issues plaguing the Corinthian church. He wrote his first letter to address these problems like division, sexual immorality, hyper-spirituality and false beliefs about the resurrection by helping them to return to the way of Jesus in every area of life. At the heart of his magnificent letter he brought them to the central reality of the gospel, and the high calling of the church, love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 is set in the discourse of chapters 11-14 about the gatherings of the church. Many people had been caught up in the powerful displays and gifts of the Holy Spirit, but missed love. Paul wanted them to experience all the gifts of the Spirit, but was concerned and understood both the motivation and aim of God’s power is always love. The apostle drops a stunning piece of poetry into the discourse that helps us see the majesty and meaning of love as “the greatest of these.” With clarity and potency love is described and defined, each line drawing us back to the very character of Christ. We discover love is patient and practical, plays out in our relationships and responses, it deals with our attitudes and affections. It’s a love that unifies divisions, purifies behavior and satisfies desires. There is nowhere to hide and why would we want to. We can do miracles, know mysteries, move mountains, even give all that we are away, but without love, it ultimately means nothing! Not only did all things begin from love, Paul makes it clear that in the end this is where everything is headed. Love is all that ultimately matters! “Love is God’s river, flowing on into the future, across the border into the country where there is no pride, no jostling for position, no contention among God’s people. We are invited to step into that river here and now, and let it take us where it’s going.” (N.T. Wright Paul for Everyone: 1 Corinthians p. 177) Love is how we will be measured when we stand before God. And on that day, in those eyes, love will be looking deep within us, we will be known and loved, gazing back it will be true for the first time that we will know as we are known, and we too will love with perfect love. There is no end to God, there is no end to love. Love is stronger than death! Love is forever! Love is our future! And our future is our calling today and everyday. “The greatest of these is love”! Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: 1 John 4:7-10- “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:19-21- “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” John 14:21- “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 - Let all that you do be done in love. Colossians 3:14 - And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Proverbs 3:3 - Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 13:8 - Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Other Biblical Stories of “Love” 1 Sam 18:1 - In the face of fear, Jonathan loves his friend David as he loves himself. Ruth 4:14-16 - Ruth's love and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, outweighs that of seven sons. People turn away from God to love other gods, an action compared to adultery (e.g., Isaiah, Hosea, Jeremiah, etc.). Proverbs 8-9 - Wisdom, personified as a woman, pursues people’s hearts and ears. She longs to love those who would listen to her guidance. Ephesians 5:25-32 and Revelation 19:7-16 - Jesus’ love for his followers is compared to a bridegroom’s love for his bride. Extra Resources https://bibleproject.com/guides/love-in-the-bible/

REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Reading and reflection scripture Choose a Psalm to reflect on, or have different people in the group read out the ‘core truth’ scriptures from the Leaders Guide and worship/pray/give praise out of them. Worship Songs Another in the Fire - Hillsong United Another In The Fire - Hillsong UNITED Overcome - Elevation Worship Overcome | Live | Elevation Worship We Praise You - The Worship Initiative feat. Davy Flowers We Praise You (Live) |The Worship Initiative feat. Davy Flowers Fear Is Not My Future - BRANDON LAKE + CHANDLER MOORE BRANDON LAKE + CHANDLER MOORE - Fear Is Not My Future: Song Session Child-friendly: Lifetree Kids “Whole Lotta Change” and “Good in Every Way” Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing Good in Every Way | Roar VBS | Group Publishing Remember each other: Care Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability Topic: Persevere through Worship: Part 1 Spent time meditating on Romans 5:3-5. Asked Holy Spirit for a promise to walk with us through this season and what worship looks like in the area we need help to persevere in. REFLECT (30 min) Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic) Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture Topic Title: Persevere through Worship: Part 2 Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: Romans 5:3-5 Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story: Philippians 4:4-9 ("Practices of Worship to Persevere") Discover Read the Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? (optional) How does this passage of scripture teach us to “persevere through worship”? Here are some more questions to help you expound on this as a group: What does it look like to rejoice in the Lord? How do you exchange worry for trust? How have you seen peace instead of anxiety in your life when you practice these things? How should you pray/ask? In what ways do you practice and cultivate gratitude? How do you practice thinking about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Print the Philippians 4 tool (one for each person) and have people apply them to a specific area where they are currently needing to ‘persevere through worship’. If you don’t have time for this during your gathering, send it home with people to practice this week. Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey (for the coming week) Practice the Philippians 4 tool Pray The Lord’s Prayer

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Pray Hand Motion Researchers have found that moving our bodies and adding actions to our learning significantly increases our ability to remember. Here is a hand action you can add to the command to remember it: Step 1: Take both hands with palms facing out at chest level, pushing away and then raising them up above your head in a posture of exaltation/worship. Brief Commentary and Context Summary of "Persevere through Worship" - The greek word for “persevere” in the New Testament (‘hypomone’) combines ideas of endurance, patient waiting, and courage, and is translated in various ways, including ‘perseverance’, ‘endurance’, ‘steadfastness’ and ‘patient endurance’. Eugene Petersen's famous phrase, “a long obedience in the same direction” describes well the lifelong journey of perseverance. Simply it means we will love and trust God in the face of great difficulty to the end. Persevering looks like love that remains loyal through fire, trust that is tested but continues to deepen. It was one of the key virtues of the early church and their teaching and a hallmark of Jesus’ character. The command is “persevere through worship” because what propels us to remain faithful until the end is seeing and ascribing worth to God from our heart in all of life. Without worship we will lose heart and give up. Brief Commentary and Context - Philippians 4:4-9 "Practices of Worship to Persevere"(Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) Likely writing from a Roman prison near the end of his life, the apostle Paul exhorted the Philippian church and future generations of believers to an upside down, kingdom life of rejoicing amidst life’s many trials and worries. This wasn’t borrowed advice, or nice sentiment for Paul, but the way of Jesus that he himself embodied. Jesus’ humility to empty himself taking the form of a servant who persevered until death on a cross, became the model for Paul (Philippians 2). Paul considered everything a loss that he may gain Christ. He saw Jesus’ joy through suffering and it inspired him to rejoice and trust in the Father just the same. His life and letter were a clarion call to persevere through worship. When we see Jesus we find the courage and perspective to endure until the end with joy. Near the end of the letter (Philippians 4:4-9) Paul shares an exhortation and encouragement from his personal experience learning to follow the way of Jesus. Through the many adversities and anxieties of life he practiced rejoicing in the Lord, thanksgiving with honest prayers of supplication and refocusing his thoughts on what is good again and again. He taught them that the diligent practice of these things would lead to a life of peace that passes understanding, a life where the God of peace would be with them. They had seen, heard, received and learned from Paul’s example, but now it could be their experience too. The practices of worship taught in Philipians 4 include rejoicing, giving thanks, surrendering in trust and aligning to God’s truth and beauty in meditation. It is the process of re-joying (returning to joy) ourselves in Jesus in all things. When we struggle, hurt, or worry, we come back to Jesus. We acknowledge what is difficult or worrying and how we feel. We remember God cares for us and choose to trust him with the many cares and burdens of our hearts. We give our hearts to God so we don’t lose them. This often looks like intentionally transferring responsibility to the Father. We may need to say “right now it is more important for me to trust in God than to make certain that my fear does not come true.” We spend time in prayer asking the Father to meet us and provide in the very place we worry and desire to control. We move to setting our minds on good things and expressing appreciation and gratitude to God for being the source of all good gifts. These practices are the door to God’s presence and peace and the power to persevere in life’s challenges. Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Rom 5:3-5- Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces patient endurance (perseverance), and (patient) endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 2 Cor 4:16-17- Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Romans 12:1- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Cor 1:8-9- We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. James 1:2-4- Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Acts 14:22- ​​Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through much pressure (tribulation) we must enter the kingdom of God. 2 Thessalonians 1:4- As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 2 Thessalonians 3:5- May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ. Hebrews 12:1-3- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Other Biblical Stories of “Persevere through Worship” Acts 5:17-42- Apostles arrested and freed Hebrews 11:1-40- Old Testament examples of persevering through worship and faith Matthew 10:16-33- Persevere to the end as sheep amongst wolves 2 Corinthian 6:4-10- Paul’s perseverance in trial Daniel 3:1-30- The fiery furnace Extra Resources Philippians 4 tool Joyful reflective Remember exercise (Craig Westhoff) Immanuel Journaling https://www.presenceandpractice.com/immanuel-journaling