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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. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Church Overview: "THREE LOVES" described in "THREE WORDS" Prayerful (Love God): All of life in God’s presence. Family (Love One Another): All of life with God’s people. Mission (Love the World): All of life with God’s passion. We follow Jesus every day in every area of our life, 24-7. We don’t follow Jesus as individuals only, but as a family of families consumed with His love, power and presence. The primary way we express this shared life is in The Church. Following Jesus means that we love what He loves and share in His dreams. It means we dive deep into His Father, His family, His Spirit, His story and His world. Jesus suffered and died for all people, rich or poor, from all cultures and contexts. His passion was to bring home a hurting humanity and make beautiful a damaged creation. He called all people to follow Him, and called His followers to join His mission. Brief Commentary for Mark 12:28-34 (Jesus Shares the Greatest Commandment) Jesus entered Jerusalem where he spent the last week of his life before dying on a Roman cross. On Tuesday of that week he entered the temple area where he came into sharp conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. He spoke to them in deeply convicting parables and they tried to trap him with their questions. At one point an expert in the law overheard their dispute and asked Jesus an honest question, “Which commandment is most important of all?” It isn’t often that Jesus directly answers a question so his response, while predictable for a Jew, provides a shocking confirmation on what God values. “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Jesus, recalling Moses' magnificent words, draws together two key passages in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Two commandments that he declares are in a sense one commandment. This is profound and revolutionary. Our love for God and our love for those made in his image are inseparable and of the highest importance. All of Jesus’ other commands are summed up and find their fulfillment in these. “Interestingly, in Jesus’ conversation with the legal expert, there are two notable additions to the Shema. One is the neighbor-love command. The other is the inclusion of the mind to the list of ways humans are commanded to love God. (In the Shema, Moses lists heart, soul, and might, but not mind because the heart in Hebrew anthropology includes one’s rationality.)” (www.educationalrenaissance.com, Kolby Atchison) Theologian, N.T. Wright points out that, “Jesus’ answer to the scribe’s question carries another important implication. His ‘first commandment’ is a version of the central Jewish prayer, the Shema (‘Shema’ means ‘listen’, as in ‘Listen, Israel…’). Devout Jews, from Jesus’ own day to our own, pray this prayer regularly every day. Jesus is claiming nothing less than this: that through his work, his teaching, and the things he has come to Jerusalem to achieve, the central prayer and hope of Judaism is being fulfilled. This is not designed as a ‘new religion’, a way of life somehow different from what pious Jews sought after. This is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.” (Mark for Everyone: N.T. Wright, p. 171) The scribe responded to Jesus with a great affirmation and then took the thought even further declaring whole being love for God and neighbor as better than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. So much is being said in this conclusion. Jesus, standing in the temple during this conversation, had come to replace all offerings by giving his own life, making the temple obsolete. He would make a way for a new covenant by which a new spirit would be put in God’s people moving them to love God and their neighbor. Jesus commends the expert in the law for answering wisely with the words, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” For each one of us, we are being welcomed by Jesus into what is “most important”. The Kingdom of God perfectly reflects who God is and God is love. By first receiving the love, grace and power of God, each of us can be transformed into those who are able to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves, just like Jesus. Key Thoughts about Loving God with all our heart-soul-mind-strength. “In his book The Life We’re Looking For (Penguin Random House, 2022), author Andy Crouch references the Shema to offer a biblically-informed summary of what being fully human involves: “Every human person is a heart-soul-mind-strength complex designed for love” (33). Crouch distills these four categories as follows: Heart: the seat of desire and emotion Soul: the depth of self that is distinctive to each person Mind: the capacity and inclination to better understand our experience of God and this world Strength: the ability to work and play with all our being Together, this four-fold structure of what it means to be human finds its underlying goal to love, first and foremost, God, and also our neighbor. Crouch writes, “Most of all, we are designed for love–primed before we were born to seek out others, wired neurologically to respond with empathy and recognition, coming most alive when we are in relationships of mutual dependence and trust. Love calls out the best in us–it awakens our hearts, it stirs up the depths of our souls, it focuses our minds, it arouses our bodies to action and passion (35)."(www.educationalrenaissance.com, Kolby Atchison) Core Truths from the topic Summary Scripture: Matthew 22:36-39 - “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 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. 10 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.” Extra Resources to help you Prepare Shema Series by Bible Project: 6 short video teachings: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/shema-listen/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/yhwh-lord/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ahavah-love/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/lev-heart/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/nephesh-soul/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/meod-strength/ Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

Remember Breath Prayer: Breathe In: We are your people Breathe Out: The family of God Songs 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 and put into practice last week? Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Spring Retreat: “I was made to do good works because God works through me.” Our Navah Kids Store raised $815 for Caring for Kids! Does anyone want to share their experience from Spring Retreat? Reflect Explore Key Concepts Jesus died for you, because He loves you. But God made him alive again. He has rescued you! Every day more and more people believed, and so it was that the family of God grew. When God gave the disciples His Spirit, the Church of Jesus was born! Read or Watch: God Sends Help (Jesus Storybook Bible) Discover through curious questions: Ask the children what stood out to them. What did they like about the story? Was anything new or different than how they’d heard the story in the past? Allow the conversation to be led by their questions, insights, and wonderments. When did the believers become a family? How were they a family if they weren’t related? Do you have anyone close to you that is such a good friend you consider them family? We all have one Heavenly Father, so we are considered brothers and sisters in Christ. Respond Experience: Family of God Tree Materials needed: Large piece of paper or poster if you’re working together as a group, or paper for each individual if they are going to make their own Family of God Tree. The Church is a family, and like a family, we have a family history. Work together to draw a family tree that includes older generations that have passed down their faith and wisdom, the current generation (friends, family, brothers and sisters in the faith) and the generations to come (those who are too young to profess faith in Jesus and those generations you are believing to come after you). Remember that the saints who’ve gone before us are part of the family, even the Apostles and Jesus himself! You can also use this as a prayerful activity to list the names of those in your school, extended family, or friend groups who don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus as the “generation of believers to come”. Some things to note: Consider how the scripture talks about all those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus and remember that this is not an authority chart. All who profess Jesus as Lord are brothers and sisters. Perhaps you will list mom, dad, sons and daughters as brothers and sisters, while “saints of old” are grandparents of the Faith. You can get creative and stir up conversation with the kids regarding family, authority, and the significance of every believer receiving the Holy Spirit regardless of age. Questions for Discussion Who are some well-known believers throughout history that you’ve read or learned about? Are they part of the Family? What has their contribution been to the generations that came after them? How do we learn about Jesus? Who do we learn from? Who teaches us and who do we teach? How do we learn to pray? Who is setting an example and who are we an example for in prayer? What does discipleship mean and look like in the family? How old do you have to be to advance the Kingdom? How much knowledge do you have to have in order to be a missionary in your context? Are you able to spread the good news or do you need to be a grown-up before you’re able to lead others to Jesus? Encounter: PRAY Thank God for the family of God. Give thanks to those who shared Jesus with you and teach you about the Gospel. Also pray for those who are still to come into the family of God. If there is time, consider writing a thank-you letter to the person who teaches you about Jesus and points you to Him. You can also write a letter to the generations to come, the future Church that either hasn’t been born yet or hasn’t received Jesus. Listen 2 min video (all ages) God Sends the Holy Spirit 30 min video (Kindergarten and younger) The Church is God’s Family! Everybody's Welcome | BIBLE ADVENTURE | LifeKids

‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview: Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs Reckless Love Abba - Helser “Is He Worthy” Chandler Moore & Nate Moore Kid Friendly Wild About Us Breath Prayer Breath in: God is merciful. Breath out: He loves forgiving me. 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: What is a Disciple: Share how you intentionally chose to follow and be formed by Jesus in this last 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 : Baptized in the Father Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : 1 John 3:1- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for the Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son) Discover Read the Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son) Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God the Father? Sometimes this parable is called “The Prodigal Father.” Why do you suppose that might be a better title? What can we learn from the younger and older son? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Share and Pray: Take some time to consider if you relate to or identify with one of the sons in this passage. The younger son who left the Father and felt like an orphan…rejected, alone and ashamed. He believed there was no place in the family and he was unworthy to be a son. The older son who felt like a slave. No matter how hard he tried to please the Father and perform, he could never live up to the standard. Therefore, he felt jealous, exhausted and like he was not celebrated by the Father.. If comfortable, share with one another who/what you relate to in this story. this could be done in smaller groups Pray for one another to experience the Father as the One running to you, pursuing you, embracing you, restoring you and celebrating you. Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey “Unlike a fairy tale, the parable provides no happy ending. Instead, it leaves us face to face with one of life’s hardest spiritual choices: to trust or not to trust in God’s all-forgiving love.” *Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming This week take time to ask the Father to show you an area that you are not trusting in God’s all forgiving love and acceptance. Ask God to show you where you are living out of the identity of an orphan or a slave. Repent from this wrong belief or mistrust and receive the Fathers love. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview: Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs I Am Your Beloved & Running Home - Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser (Live) Jesus Be the Center, Nothing Else & Your Presence Is Heaven - Chandler Moore Kid Friendly Priceless Treasure | Treasured VBS | Group Publishing Breath Prayer Breath in: Jesus is the beloved Breath out: I'm the beloved too 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: Baptized in The Father: Take time to share with one another how you were encountered by the Fathers love this last 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 : Baptized in the Son Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : Eph. 1:4-5 Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for the Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son) Discover Read the Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (Key Story: Jesus being baptized) Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People (optional) How have we experienced adoption into God’s family and into our identity as ‘beloved’ through Jesus? (Eph. 1:4-5, “In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”) How does our identity as beloved change the way we live? Ask if anyone has a story of how their life changed after being baptized in water and have them share. RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Share and Pray: Reflect on Romans 6: 3-11 (people could do this individually with music playing or have a few people read it outloud for the group) Share with one another the areas where you want to experience resurrection life in Jesus? this could be done in smaller groups Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey If you have not been baptized in water and would like to be, please talk to your leader or find a trusted friend to baptize you. Take time to reflect on being hidden in Jesus (immersed in his name) and the identity of ‘beloved children of God’ that Jesus shares with us through his life, death and resurrection. (Col 3) “Thank you for taking me and my life into yours and rescuing me from the damages of sin, the darkness of my distorted mind, the sickness of my wounded soul, the willfulness of my stubborn heart. I embrace you, as you have embraced me, fully, freely and with whole-hearted submission. You are my Good Shepherd and I trust your loving leadership. You are my One Lord and I submit to your authority. You are my salvation and healing and I offer my broken life in exchange for your perfect life of health and wholeness. The life I now live I want to live by faith, so I receive your faith in the Father’s love as my own, thank you for sharing that with me. I come home with you to be in the favor of your Father, who is my Father. This is so awesome! I am loved and I am his.” Pray The Lord’s Prayer

‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview: Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs Rest On Us (feat. Brandon Lake & Eniola Abioye) | Maverick City Music | UPPERROOM | TRIBL Magnificent Trinity - Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser (Live) 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: Baptized in The Son: Take time to share on your reflections on being hidden in Jesus (immersed in his name) 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 : Baptized in the Holy Spirit Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : Rom 8:15 Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for the Scripture: Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit of Adoption) Discover Read the Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (Key Story: Jesus being baptized) Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People (optional) How does receiving the Spirit of adoption overcome slavery to fear and to the ‘flesh’ (carnal desires and sinful deeds of the body). What has that looked like in your daily life? How have you experienced the Spirit testifying to your spirit that you are a child of God? What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Share and Pray: Take time to ask the Holy Spirit for any way fear still keeps you enslaved and then ask for how the Spirit wants to testify the Father’s love to your spirit in that place. Share back in small groups and pray for one another to be baptized in the Spirit’s secure and powerful love afresh! Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey Spend time meditating on Roman 8:12-17 daily welcoming the Spirit to speak to your Spirit about your new identity in the Father’s love. Write those things down in a journal or note cards or set them to art, music or poetry. 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. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Church Overview: "THREE LOVES" described in "THREE WORDS" Prayerful (Love God): All of life in God’s presence. Family (Love One Another): All of life with God’s people. Mission (Love the World): All of life with God’s passion. We follow Jesus every day in every area of our life, 24-7. We don’t follow Jesus as individuals only, but as a family of families consumed with His love, power and presence. The primary way we express this shared life is in The Church. Following Jesus means that we love what He loves and share in His dreams. It means we dive deep into His Father, His family, His Spirit, His story and His world. Jesus suffered and died for all people, rich or poor, from all cultures and contexts. His passion was to bring home a hurting humanity and make beautiful a damaged creation. He called all people to follow Him, and called His followers to join His mission. Brief Commentary for Acts 2:42-47 (The Early Church) Jesus told them to wait for the gift the Father had promised saying, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Then he ascended into heaven as his amazed disciples watched and were left to wait in weakness. Ten days later, just as he had said, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon 120 of Jesus’ followers in the upper room. Life would never be the same again. Peter, who had recently plummeted to the depths of cowardice, suddenly found courage rising from within to proclaim Jesus to the crowds. 3,000 were cut to the heart and welcomed into the new family of Jesus, the church was born! Many incredible signs and wonders were done amongst the new followers of Jesus. They devoted themselves to many things: teaching, prayers of all kinds, communion, and radical generosity. But perhaps, one of the greatest marks of this new community was that nothing seemed to be done in isolation. There was something so contagious about the life of God in them, that the only reasonable response was to gather, enjoying the exchange of the life of God between them. The Scriptures tell us that daily they met together in the temple and from house to house, celebrating with each other all God had done for them, and was doing through them. It would seem that one of the great privileges of the Church is to gather with one another as family. This just might reveal to a watching world the heart of our God: a longing to be with and amongst His children. Their life together as a prayerful family was contagious and their love kept making room for others. God was adding to their number daily as they couldn’t keep the good news of this risen King Jesus to themselves. They were not a perfect church but certainly an example to Jesus’ people down through all generations. In them we see a prayerful family on mission following and being formed by Jesus in all of life! Summary Scripture: Romans 12:4-5- For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Core Truths/Scriptures for the topic Ephesians 2:19-22- Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 3:10-11- His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:18- And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13- Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/blog/fellowship-of-the-church-in-the-bible/ A Vision of the Church Scattered teaching by Adam Cox http://downloads.navahchurchkc.com/podcasts/2018_Love%20KC/2018:09:23%20-%20Cox_Scattered%20Church%20[cut%20intros].mp3 The Gathered Church teaching by Juli Cox http://downloads.navahchurchkc.com/podcasts/2018_Love%20KC/2018:09:30%20-%20Juli%20Cox%20_%20The%20Church%20Gathered.mp3 https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/why-church-matters/ Church is More Than a Building Jeff Vanderstelt Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

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. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) ‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview: Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Brief Commentary for for Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit of Adoption) The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church made up of both Greek and Jewish believers struggling to be united. He spent the first seven chapters of his letter masterfully laying out the gospel of Jesus Christ declaring a new righteousness provided for us through the life, death and resurrection of Christ that can only be received by faith. The apostle makes clear that all have sinned and fallen short and cannot be made right through their own efforts or even the Jewish law. Through Jesus a new covenant family has been born where all who have faith in Christ are now included, having died with him and who have now been raised to new life. In chapter eight Paul turns to describe the power of the Holy Spirit as the power to live in our new life and new identity as royal sons and co-heirs of God. There will be no other way to overcome the power of our fallen desires and cravings called the flesh other than the Holy Spirit. To live the life Jesus lived we will need the same Spirit by which Jesus lived and the same identity and experience as the beloved. Jesus is what a human looks like fully filled by and perfectly submitted to the Holy Spirit. He was a zero resistance home for the Holy Spirit. In other words, there has never been a happier home for the Holy Spirit than in Jesus. Often in church history the Holy Spirit has been either forgotten, misunderstood or relegated to something weird and less than God. We affirm that the Holy Spirit is very God and exactly like the Father and the Son. Jesus said that it was better for us that He went to the Father, so He could send us the Holy Spirit. There is something better than God in the flesh? What? Yes, it is God in all flesh, bringing to bear the intimacy and image of Christ in us, securing our adoption as “beloved” and empowering us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are no longer slaves to fear, or powerless to overcome carnal desires. The Spirit lives in us to bring forth confident love, testifying to the depths of our spirit that we are children of God. Up from the core of our being comes a new secure connection to God as we cry, “Abba, Father.” We have the Spirit of the Son, bearing witness that we are God’s children and therefore we share in the full inheritance of the Son! The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. Yes, this will mean sharing his suffering, but it is nothing compared to how we will share in his glory. We are invited to receive the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Jesus! Summary Scripture: Rom 8:15- “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.” Core Truths/Scriptures for the topic Acts 1:5 - “For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Luke 3:16- “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Ephesians 1:13-14- “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” 1 Cor 2:10-12- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. Galatians 5:16-26- “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/holy-spirit/ Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

The Church Overview: "THREE LOVES" described in "THREE WORDS" Prayerful (Love God): All of life in God’s presence. Family (Love One Another): All of life with God’s people. Mission (Love the World): All of life with God’s passion. We follow Jesus every day in every area of our life, 24-7. We don’t follow Jesus as individuals only, but as a family of families consumed with His love, power and presence. The primary way we express this shared life is in The Church. Following Jesus means that we love what He loves and share in His dreams. It means we dive deep into His Father, His family, His Spirit, His story and His world. Jesus suffered and died for all people, rich or poor, from all cultures and contexts. His passion was to bring home a hurting humanity and make beautiful a damaged creation. He called all people to follow Him, and called His followers to join His mission. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs Build Your Church | Elevation Worship & Maverick City Pat Barrett - Build My Life (Lyric Video) (ft. Cory Asbury) Kid Friendly The Blessing | Covenant Worship Jesus Song | Saddleback Kids Breath Prayer Breath in: Build Your Family Breath out: The Church 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: Baptized in The Holy Spirit: Share how your meditation on Roman 8:12-17 daily went. Share the creative words, pictures or music if able. 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 : Who are we together? The Church: Prayerful, Family on Mission Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : Romans 12:4-5 Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for the Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Discover Read the Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? (optional) What were some of the markers of the Church in its beginnings in Acts 2:42-47? Why do you think these were the things they devoted themselves to? How was their way of life both revealing and reflecting Jesus and his teachings? How do you see us currently practicing the example of the early church in prayerful, family on mission? In what ways could we grow and mature as a church to imitate their example through the grace and help of the Holy Spirit? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Share and Pray: Option 1: Spend time in prayer celebrating how you have seen Jesus’ way and life described in Acts 2 expressed through your church. Then ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to mature the church in the image of Jesus as we’ve seen expressed through the early church. Option 2: Spend time in small groups sharing what grace, gifts and contributions God has put in you to build up the church and extend God’s kingdom in the world? Individuals could reflect on if they resonate most with helping people connect to God (prayerful) one another (family) or the world (mission). Lord’s Supper (Communion)- Emphasize Jesus’ body broken and blood shed to make us one new family in Jesus. Practice and Obey Think about what grace, gifts, dreams and contribution God has put in you to build up the church and to bring God’s Kingdom in the world? Write those down and share them with your home church leaders. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

The Church Overview: "THREE LOVES" described in "THREE WORDS" Prayerful (Love God): All of life in God’s presence. Family (Love One Another): All of life with God’s people. Mission (Love the World): All of life with God’s passion. We follow Jesus every day in every area of our life, 24-7. We don’t follow Jesus as individuals only, but as a family of families consumed with His love, power and presence. The primary way we express this shared life is in The Church. Following Jesus means that we love what He loves and share in His dreams. It means we dive deep into His Father, His family, His Spirit, His story and His world. Jesus suffered and died for all people, rich or poor, from all cultures and contexts. His passion was to bring home a hurting humanity and make beautiful a damaged creation. He called all people to follow Him, and called His followers to join His mission. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship and Prayer Worship Songs Jesus We Love You (Official Lyric Video) - Paul McClure How Deep the Father's Love For Us - Austin Stone Worship Live Prayer Exercise- Spend time sharing and giving thanks for all the ways God has loved you. Kid Friendly What a Beautiful Name | the Yuns Breath Prayer: From "Beautiful Name" Breath in: You brought heaven Breath out: Down to my heart 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: We are the Church: A prayerful family on mission Think about what grace, gifts, dreams and contribution God has put in you to build up the church and to bring God’s Kingdom in the world. Write those down and share them with your home church leaders. 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- Great Commandment: Part 1 Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story- Mark 12:28-34 (Jesus Shares the Greatest Commandment) Discover Read the Scripture: Mark 12:28-34 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People? What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? What does it look like in our individual lives, tell stories? Heart: the seat of desire and emotion Soul: the depth of self that is distinctive to each person Mind: the capacity and inclination to better understand our experience of God and this world and direct our attention Strength: the ability to work and play with all our being Why does Jesus connect loving God with our whole being and loving our neighbor as ourselves as the greatest commandment? And why are these ‘the most important’ of all in the Kingdom of God according to Jesus? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Which aspect of loving God with your whole being do you feel challenged by the Holy Spirit to grow in heart, soul, mind or strength and how? Spend time sharing and praying for one another in this area. Lord’s Supper (Communion) Pray The Lord’s Prayer Practice and Obey (for the week after) Put into practice what the Lord showed you regarding growing in an particular aspect of love for God.

The Church Overview: "THREE LOVES" described in "THREE WORDS" Prayerful (Love God): All of life in God’s presence. Family (Love One Another): All of life with God’s people. Mission (Love the World): All of life with God’s passion. We follow Jesus every day in every area of our life, 24-7. We don’t follow Jesus as individuals only, but as a family of families consumed with His love, power and presence. The primary way we express this shared life is in The Church. Following Jesus means that we love what He loves and share in His dreams. It means we dive deep into His Father, His family, His Spirit, His story and His world. Jesus suffered and died for all people, rich or poor, from all cultures and contexts. His passion was to bring home a hurting humanity and make beautiful a damaged creation. He called all people to follow Him, and called His followers to join His mission. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship and Prayer Worship Songs Kari Jobe - The Cause Of Christ (Lyric Video) - YouTube Not In A Hurry - United Pursuit ||With Lyrics - YouTube Remember each other: Care Spend time in groups of 3-5, or all together speaking encouragements over one another as an act of love. Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability Topic: The Greatest Commandment: Part 1 Share briefly how you put into practice what the Lord showed you regarding growing in a particular aspect of love for God. 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- “The Great Commandment - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story- Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan) Discover Read the Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this reveal about God and People (optional) The text says the expert in the law desired to “justify himself”, asking who is my neighbor? How was he trying to justify himself? Jesus told a parable about a Samaritan caring for a beat up Jewish man. Why was that so radical and challenging for the expert in the law to hear? At the end of the parable Jesus asks, “which of these three, do you think, proved to be the neighbor to the man who fell among robbers? How was Jesus flipping the lawyer's question around? How do we try to justify ourselves and avoid loving people we don’t like or who are from other cultures that we may have prejudice against? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Discuss what it would look like practically to love our neighbors like the “Good Samaritan” modeled, learning to be neighbors to people in our city rather than looking for loopholes to justify ourselves? Lord’s Supper (Communion) Pray The Lord’s Prayer Practice and Obey Do something this week to be a neighbor to someone in need.

Repent and Believe 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: Repent; Step 1: Take your right hand and stretch it in front of you. Repent; Step 2: Turn your outstretched hand towards your heart Believe; Step 1: Place both hands, at your temples: palms facing forward, fingers touching your temples Believe; Step 2: Raise both arms in the air: hands open and facing forward Repent and Believe Overview: Jesus offers us the Kingdom of God and calls us to rethink (repent: ‘metanoia’) everything we thought we knew about what would lead us to the good life and trust (believe: ‘pisteuō’) in him instead. This change of mind and heart looks like trusting Jesus as King of our lives rather than ourselves, and leads us away from sin into the love of God. Repentance and faith begin our journey with Jesus and are the ongoing means of our transformation and sanctification until the end of our lives. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs Repent (What A Joy It Is) | The Worship Initiative feat. Davy Flowers 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: The Greatest Commandment Share stories of how you helped/served a neighbor 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: Repent & Believe Part 1 Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story: Luke 19:1-10 (Zaccheus Repents) Discover Read the Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Discussion Questions What is the biblical and historical context? What does this story reveal about Jesus? How do you see repentance in Zaccheus' response (changing his thinking and turning to God’s way)? What do you think caused him to repent? Describe a time that trusting Jesus’ way changed your mind about something significant? How did that change your actions? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit for an area he wants you to change how you are thinking or living (repent). Ask the Holy Spirit how he would want you to trust him for a new way to live? Pray The Lord’s Prayer Practice and Obey Practice Praying the Examen this week: 3 How to Pray the Examen.pdf

Repent and Believe 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: Repent; Step 1: Take your right hand and stretch it in front of you. Repent; Step 2: Turn your outstretched hand towards your heart Believe; Step 1: Place both hands, at your temples: palms facing forward, fingers touching your temples Believe; Step 2: Raise both arms in the air: hands open and facing forward Repent and Believe Overview: Jesus offers us the Kingdom of God and calls us to rethink (repent: ‘metanoia’) everything we thought we knew about what would lead us to the good life and trust (believe: ‘pisteuō’) in him instead. This change of mind and heart looks like trusting Jesus as King of our lives rather than ourselves, and leads us away from sin into the love of God. Repentance and faith begin our journey with Jesus and are the ongoing means of our transformation and sanctification until the end of our lives. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Worship Songs O Come to the Altar | Live | Elevation Worship https://youtu.be/rYQ5yXCc_CA Repent (What A Joy It Is) | The Worship Initiative feat. Davy Flowers https://youtu.be/nhOKR3fBNx8 Kid Friendly https://youtu.be/LO-2fm7IKcU 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: Repent & Believe: What did you learn from practicing the Examen prayer 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: Repent & Believe (remember what you learned last week- the focus this week will be around learning a tool and practicing repentance) Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: Summary Scripture- Mark 1:15 “The time has come,” he said. “ The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Key Idea: Repent (metanoia)- a change of mind, turning to live God’s way rather than our own. Believe (pisteuō)- placing our trust and confidence in Jesus for all of life. Share context/introduction for The Reflective Prayer Tool Discover Walk through and learn the instructions for the Reflective Prayer Tool using Peter's denial and encounter with Jesus on the beach. Matthew 26:31-35, 47-75 and John 21:1-20 Think through and imagine what Peter may have thought, felt or how he acted. What could have been his beliefs, “I am” statements and “God is” statements? How did his encounter with Jesus change those beliefs? Some ideas to help you walk through the tool using Peter as an example: Event: Peter denied Jesus Thoughts: I can't let them know that I know Jesus. I don't want anyone to find out. Maybe Jesus isn’t who He says he is. Why is Jesus not doing anything? Emotions: Scared. Embarrassed. Ashamed. Angry. Confused. Hurt Actions: Lied. Tried to hide. Got angry and yelled. Cried. Left Beliefs: “I am” statements: I have to defend myself. I am alone. I am a failure. I am a disappointment Beliefs: “God is” statements: God doesn’t protect me. God’s ways are hurtful. God is not faithful. God is disappointed in me. God is angry Response from God: Jesus affirms that Peter is a faithful disciple, that He loves him and is not disappointed and forgives him. Jesus assures Peter that he is not alone and gives him that same invitation as before “ follow me”. Peter is not disqualified. RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Practice The Reflective Prayer tool: Use the feelings wheel to help identify emotions if needed: Lord’s Supper (Communion) Practice and Obey Use the Reflective Prayer Tool to explore a situation in your life for repentance (-) and remembrance (+) this week as least once. Pray The Lord’s Prayer