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 Gospel- The gospel means ‘good news’- the good news of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. It is the message that Jesus is Lord and the Kingdom of God is now accessible on earth as it is in heaven through him unto a whole new creation. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation and transformation of all who put their trust in Jesus.
Brief Commentary for Revelation 21:1-7- New Heavens and New Earth
The story of human history the Bible tells begins in a garden where God and humanity dwelt together in harmony and heaven and earth overlapped. The enemies' deception and Adam and Eve’s decision to go their own way introduced sin and death into God’s good creation. That moment theologians call ‘the fall’ brought immeasurable pain, suffering and damage into the world. The Father sent his own Son Jesus to live, die and rise from the dead to defeat sin and death. Jesus promised that one day he would return to restore all things. God revealed how the story would end and Jesus’ words would be fulfilled to John the apostle recorded for us in the book of Revelation. He wrote down the vision he received from Jesus to encourage the seven churches in Asia minor and believers down through the ages. At the end of Revelation the Spirit shows us a glorious ending and new beginning to the human story. We get a glimpse into God’s eternal purpose completed, a whole new heaven and earth free from every effect of sin and death, a garden city where God and man will dwell together as one forever.
“John did not write this book as a secret code for you to decipher the timetable of Jesus's return, or figure out exactly what happens to you after you die. It's a symbolic vision that brought hope and challenge to the seven 1st Century churches, and every generation of Christians. It reveals history’s pattern and God's promise that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted in the power of the slain Lamb. But there's a promise that Jesus who loved and died for this world, will not let Babylon and all the evil of this world go unchecked. One day, Jesus will return to remove evil from His good world and make all things new, including his people! And that is a promise that should motivate faithfulness in every generation of God's people until the King returns.” (The Bible Project Team)
Core Truths from the Topic and Summary Scripture
Summary Scripture: Acts 3:21- “That he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things.”
Jesus is seated in heaven until the Father makes every enemy of the Kingdom his footstool. (Ps. 110:1)
The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all nations and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Jesus will physically and visibly return in a resurrection body with the angels. (
Jesus together with the Father and Spirit will bring an end to evil and make all things new, particularly a new heavens and a new earth. (Revelation 22:1-22:5)
Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift
Extra Resources to help you Prepare
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.
Comments