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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. Hear and Obey the Word 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: Hear & Obey the Word; Step 1: Take your right hand and cup it behind your ear Hear & Obey the Word; Step 2: Take both hands and put them together in front of you as if they are the front and back cover of a closed book. Hear & Obey the Word; Step 3: Open your hands as if you are opening a book. Summary of ‘Hear and obey the word’ Hear and Obey in the Old Testament are bound together in one word- ‘shema’. We are never meant to hear and not obey also. The word that means “hear or listen,” shema (pronounced “shmah”) is an excellent example of the difference between Hebrew, which stresses physical action and Greek and Western culture that stresses mental activity. Listening, in our culture, is a mental activity, and hearing just means that our ears pick up sounds. But in Hebrew, the word shema describes hearing and also its effects – taking heed, being obedient, doing what is asked. In fact, almost every place we see the word “obey” in the Bible, it is translated from the word shema. There are two primary Greek words which are translated “word” in the New Testament. The first, logos, refers principally to the totally inspired Word of God and to Jesus, who is the living Word. Logos is found in John 1:1; Luke 8:11; Philippians 2:16; Hebrews 4:12; and other verses. The second Greek word translated “word” is rhema, which refers to the spoken word. Rhema literally means an utterance (individually, collectively or specifically). Examples are found in Luke 1:38; 3:2; 5:5; and Acts 11:16. Brief Commentary and Context Brief Commentary and Context- Acts 16:6-10 (The Spirit Redirects Paul’s Team to Macedonia) Paul and the team attempt to go into the region of Phrygia and Galatia, and then go northeast into the region of Asia. Scholars debate on exactly where Paul was trying to go, but Acts tells us that they were forbidden by the Spirit from going. In addition, the Holy Spirit did not allow them to go into Bithynia, which was located north from Iconium around the Black Sea. Luke, the author of Acts, doesn’t tell us how God restricted them from entering into those regions, but he does record how they were led after what was probably a frustrating time for them. While in Troas, Paul had a vision during the night of a man from Macedonia calling out to him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Macedonia was located in Northern Greece. Upon receiving this vision, Paul and his team discern the clear call of God to go into Macedonia, so they get in a boat, sail over the Aegean Sea and head towards Macedonia. It’s interesting to note the use of the word ‘we’ here that Luke includes, he seems to be referencing a corporate decision amongst them after the ‘vision’. What Paul, Silas,Timothy and Luke could not see in their wanderings, was that they would later return and share the Gospel in Asia, and in Ephesus where they were originally forbidden. We can’t understand why they were forbidden to go at this time but we do know God did eventually lead them there. From this passage we see that God guides through closed doors, through disappointments, frustrations and obstructions and through visions and team discernment. Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Luke 11:28- But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” John 10:27- “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” 1 Sam 15:22-23- “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” Isaiah 55:3- “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.” Ps 95:7-8 “Today if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts…” John 8:47- “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 16:13- “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Other Bible Stories: Genesis 12:1-9 (Abraham hears God and goes to Canaan) Genesis 22:1-18 (Abraham obediently offers Isaac) 1 Sam 15:1-23 (King Saul disobeys God) Acts 9:1-19 (Paul conversion, Ananias) Acts 10:1-48 (Peter’s vision, Cornelius) Acts 13:1-3 (Paul & Barnabas hear the Holy Spirit and are sent) Luke 19:28-35 Resources to help you Prepare Yes/No Lead Us prayer Hearing God’s Voice – Yes_No Tool.pdf Pete Greig | How To Hear God Learning to Listen to Your Heart | Discernment | Pastor Rich Villodas How to Journal the Voice of the Lord | Jonathan Helser | from The Honesty Tool on Engaging Cultivate

Remember Breath Prayer Breath in: Your Word Breath out: Is a lamp to my feet Song Themes: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord 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: What is baptism? Invite a conversation, listen, respond, and teach Baptism happens in water and by the Holy Spirit When we are baptized in water we demonstrate that we've chosen to follow Jesus, dying to our old way of life, being forgiven, and raising again in new life. Daily we can ask for a fresh baptism by His Spirit to empower us to love others and obey Him. Reflect: Hear the Word Set the stage with Key Concepts and Questions Start a conversation about the Bible. What is it? Who wrote it? How long did it take to write? Get the kids thinking, talking, and being curious about how God's Word came to be and why we need it for daily life. Watch "Light unto my Path" Our Father did not leave us alone in the darkness. The scriptures have the words of Christ in them. If we study the scriptures, it's like having a light with us everywhere we go. You can also read Psalm 119:105 * Navah does not endorse every Latter Day Kids video How are the scriptures in the Bible like a light? (They help us navigate and make choices and decisions that honor God and bring about life. The scriptures help us know God so we know how to be near Him). What does it feel like to be lost in the dark? (Don't know which way to go, get confused, scared, disoriented, lonely) Respond: Create Experience: Paper Lantern Craft You will need paper, scissors, and a stapler or tape Make a paper lantern with the kids. As they are crafting, continue to talk about the video, the way God's scripture can guide us and light our path. Have the kids write Proverbs 3:5-6 on the lantern. Help the children who are not yet writing. Encounter: PLAY Play a game using the lanterns as symbolism. Have the kids take an "adventure" similar to the one in the "Light unto my path" video. Set a spot that is "Home". This is where you begin and where you end up. Now have the kids play follow the leader, imagining all sorts of terrain, obstacles, and fun experiences along the way, similar to the "going on a bear hunt" story. Have them bring their lanterns! Then turn instruct them to find their way home. You might play one time when all the kids find their way home because they all have their lanterns. Chose a willing child or two or three to take their lanterns away. Remind them that when we don't have God's word in our heart we don't have a light to lead our path. Play again, but this time, instruct those children without lamps to act out feeling lost, confused, and unable to find their way. Then return their lamps and celebrate when they make it home! Pray: Thank God for His word Invite the kids to quiet their bodies and hearts so we can focus on talking to Jesus. Pray and thank God for the Bible and His words that guide our path. Encourage children to pray as they feel comfortable. Close by reading Proverbs 3:5-6

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. Hear and Obey the Word 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: Hear & Obey the Word; Step 1: Take your right hand and cup it behind your ear Hear & Obey the Word; Step 2: Take both hands and put them together in front of you as if they are the front and back cover of a closed book. Hear & Obey the Word; Step 3: Open your hands as if you are opening a book. Summary of ‘Hear and obey the word’ Hear and Obey in the Old Testament are bound together in one word- ‘shema’. We are never meant to hear and not obey also. The word that means “hear or listen,” shema (pronounced “shmah”) is an excellent example of the difference between Hebrew, which stresses physical action and Greek and Western culture that stresses mental activity. Listening, in our culture, is a mental activity, and hearing just means that our ears pick up sounds. But in Hebrew, the word shema describes hearing and also its effects – taking heed, being obedient, doing what is asked. In fact, almost every place we see the word “obey” in the Bible, it is translated from the word shema. There are two primary Greek words which are translated “word” in the New Testament. The first, logos, refers principally to the totally inspired Word of God and to Jesus, who is the living Word. Logos is found in John 1:1; Luke 8:11; Philippians 2:16; Hebrews 4:12; and other verses. The second Greek word translated “word” is rhema, which refers to the spoken word. Rhema literally means an utterance (individually, collectively or specifically). Examples are found in Luke 1:38; 3:2; 5:5; and Acts 11:16. Brief Commentary and Context Brief Commentary and Context- Matt 7:24-27- (Wise and Foolish Builders Parable) 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 enemy 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 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 has 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, love their enemies or only those who loved them? God’s way is not the easy way but it is the best way by far! To close this masterful teaching, now referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus summed it up with a riveting parable about two groups of people pictured in a wise and foolish builder. The wise man, Jesus says, “hears these words of mine and does them” and “builds his house on the rock.” However the foolish man represents those who “hear these words of mine and does not do them” and “builds his life on the sand.” The warning is clear, the life built on hearing and obeying Jesus is solid and secure through storms. The one who hears but does not put these things into practice will not be able to withstand life’s many trials. Both groups hear Jesus’ words but what makes the difference is doing and obeying them. Will we build our lives upon the secure rock of Jesus’ way and will, or the sinking sands of self. Will we hear and obey, or only hear? Jesus modeled a life of continually listening to the Father and doing what he said. As his followers this is our calling as well. To hear and obey Jesus establishes our life in God and holds us in Him no matter what comes our way! Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Luke 11:28- But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” James 1:22-25- Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Exodus 24:7- Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.” Deut 28:1-2- If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: John 8:54-55- Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. John 15:10- If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 1 John 5:3- We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. (CEV) 2 John 1:6- And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 Timothy 3:16-17- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Resources to help you Prepare Shema - Listen The Bible Project Simple tool of biblical exegesis; reminder of daily readings. https://www.navahchurchkc.com/biblereading https://www.dbsguide.org https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/lets-dig-a-little-deeper-with-exegesis.html

Remember Song Themes: Made in God's imaged and filled with His Spirit. 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: As disciples we listen to, obey, and follow Jesus. He gives us commands. Can you tell me what the next word in this command is? Repent and... Kids: Believe! Repeat this a few times with the kids and ask them what repentance means. What are are believing in after we repent? Talk about the command "Repent and Believe" Reflect: Acts 2:38 Tell the story of Acts 2 in your own words. This will help you emphasize key concepts. Share about the disciples waiting, being filled with power, speaking in other tongues, and going out in boldness to preach the gospel. Emphasize that many heard and believed in Jesus and the Church grew. Read Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Key concept, Repent, Believe, and BE FILLED with the Holy Spirit). Respond: The Role of the Holy Spirit Experience: Empowered to Live! What is the role of the Holy Spirit? Who is He? How does He help us? Have a conversation with the kids asking them what they know about God's Spirit. Introduce key concepts like, "Because of God's Spirit we can do His will. We can hear His voice, receive His wisdom for our lives, and be empowered to serve others." What does life look like without the Spirit? Explain that for thousands of years God had not yet put His spirit in His People. They had to work VERY hard to come to Him (sacrifices, offerings). Now, though, we have the sacrifice of Jesus to cleanse us AND His Spirit to empower us! Now we can be near to God, hear His voice, obey Him and serve Him. We can do all of this while enjoying Him and being His friend! That's the power of the Spirit. Model it Have a stack of books on one side of the room. Tell the kids that they need to be moved to the other side of the room. Explain that the books represent the Gospel. We need to take it over "there" (other side of the room, but you could pretend it's another region). Now choose a child to volunteer. Explain that you're going to gently tie the child's hands together behind their back. Using a scarf, or whatever material you have, tie their hands behind their back. Of course this will be silly and kids will have fun with it wondering what is about to happen. Ask the child to pick up the book and carry them to the other side of the room. Share that this is God's command. He tells us to take the gospel, love others, spread the good news and make disciples. Now go! Let the child try and pick up the stack of books, but make sure it doesn't work! This is life without the Spirit. God gives us commands but we are unable to complete them. On our own we are bound up and we struggle to do what He's asked. Now model praying for the child and blessing them with the Spirit and untying their hands. "Lord, I bless little Timmy to be filled with your Spirit so that He would have everything He needs to love and obey you." Release their hands and tell the child to try again. Follow the command and take the books to the other side. Cheer for them! Celebrate! With God's Spirit we can be His disciples! We cannot do it on our own, but we need Him to empower us to follow Him! Encounter: PRAY Take a minute to debrief the exercise with the kids. Have they every been asked to do something that seemed impossible? Have they every wanted to make the right decision but kept messing up. Jesus tells us to repent, believe, and be filled with the Holy Spirit! It's good to apologize, but then we actually need HELP to do what's right. Pray with the Children to receive God's Holy Spirit, the HELPER! Bless them to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and to grow in their dependency on Him. Be led by the response and reactions of the children to make this prayer time a meaningful response to the activity above. Listen: Put it all Together If you have extra time and want to rehearse the bigger story, enjoy this 3 min video.

Remember Breath Prayer Breath in: I want to follow Jesus Breath out: In everything I do Song Themes: Jesus is Lord, Savior, and King 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: What is Pentecost? Response: Pentecost is the day the gift of the Holy Spirit was given and the Church of Jesus was born. Leader: Who is the Holy Spirit? Response: The Holy Spirit is God, The Helper who has come to make His home in us. Reflect: Baptism Set the stage with Key Concepts and Questions What do you know about Baptism? Was Jesus baptized? Have you ever seen someone get baptized? Why do people get baptized? Talk about and engage the kids as you discover what they know about baptism. Listen for key assumptions and gaps in understanding. Correct any wrong beliefs and lay the foundation for the purpose of baptism. Baptism is an opportunity to show our friends and family that we have decided to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means being willing to live His way, follow His rules, love the way that He loves, even when it's hard. Followers of Jesus get baptized to tell everyone that they are committed to being His disciples forever! Watch: "Baptism - God's Story" You can also read Acts 8:26-40 (Philip baptizes the Ethiopian) Discover through curious questions: Ask the children what stood out to them. Was anything new, confusing, or exciting? Answer questions and continue the conversation. If you haven't yet, you may want to read Acts 8:26-40 to emphasize the story of Philip baptizing the Ethiopian man. Respond: Draw Experience: Rehearse the Steps in the Video Rescue, Repent, Believe, Be Baptized Pass out paper to each child. Have them draw 4 large circles on the paper (landscape orientation). Rehearse each step of the process from hearing the gospel to being baptized. Go through each step, pausing to allow the kids to draw the image that represents that step in the appropriate circle). First step, then second, and so-on. Hear God's Rescue (Life saver) Repent (U-turn) Believe (Jesus) Be Baptized (Wave with two people) * Many children will not have been baptized yet. This lesson is to stir up understanding and biblical precedence for baptism as well as to further prepare kids for conversations about baptism with their parents. If a child expresses interest/desire to be baptized let the parents know. Let the children know that these are really important decisions that must be made with their family. You can also celebrate their desire and how exciting it is that they want to continue following Jesus. Kids Baptism at Navah.pdf Encounter: PRAY Pray together - Lord, thank you for reminding us today of the good news that you have rescued us! Thank you for giving us the chance to repent and believe in you again and again day after day. Thank you for the gift of baptism. Help us to be people who follow you and obey you in all of life! Listen

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. Be Baptized in Water and in the Holy Spirit 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: Be baptized in water; Step 1: Take both hands in front of you and close them like you are holding a piece of clothing. Be baptized in water; Step 2: Move your hands up and down next to your left side (as if plunging an item in and out of water) Be baptized in the HS; Step 1: Place both hands in front of your chest, palms facing you: interlock thumbs (makes the shape of a bird) Be baptized in the HS; Step 2: wiggle your fingers/hands Brief Commentary and Context Baptism in Water Overview - “Baptism literally means to ‘immerse’. In water baptism we are by faith symbolically identifying with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. As we are lowered into the water we choose to die with Christ to our old life, and then being lifted from the water we are being raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are also embraced into a new family, identifying as members who belong to the body of Christ, the Church. This powerful act of obedience and identification begins the pattern of daily denying ourselves, taking up our cross and living a new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our new life is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ in love for the sake of others. ” Brief Commentary for Romans 6:1-11 (Water Baptism and the Pattern of New Life) The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church made up of both Greek and Jewish believers struggling to be united. These two ethnic peoples had a long and violent history of tension with one another. He spent the first 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 of God’s glory 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. What incredible abundant grace we have been given, the gift of right-relationship (righteousness) with God, and a new family in Jesus! As we get to chapter 6 in Romans, Paul challenges the church to not take advantage of God’s grace by continuing to live in sin that damages themselves and others. He reminds them of their union with Christ in baptism. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized in Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:3-4) The message is clear; If we began our journey with Jesus dying to our old way of life, that old life should stay buried in the water. Sin has lost its power in our lives and been exchanged for resurrection power! How we began in baptism is how we are called to continue for the rest of our lives, the transformational process of dying to sin and living in a new life in Jesus! Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Matt. 3:11- “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Acts 2:38- Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12,13- For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Eph 4:4-6- There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all Gal 3:26-27- For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Col 2:11-12- In him you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Biblical Stories of Baptism Jesus’ Baptism – Matt. 3:1-3,13-17, Mark 1:9-11 & John 3 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:27-40 Paul Baptizes new believers in Ephesus – Act 19:1-6 Philippian Jailer – Acts 16:16-33 People in Samaria are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit- Acts 8:4-17Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/blog/baptism-in-the-bible/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/water-baptism/

The Gospel Overview 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. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Psalm 136 reading Breath Prayer Breath In: Your love has come for me Breath Out: Your love endures forever Child friendly: Lifetree Kids: To God Be the Glory | 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 What did we learn from the Sunday Gathering teaching on Jan 8th, 2023 (3-5 min) 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 The Gospel: “God always loved us and gave us His Son Jesus” Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want: 1 John 4:8b-10 “…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.” Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Discover Read and Retell the Story: Acts 7:1-53- Stephen Shares the God Story and is Martyred Discussion Questions for Acts 7:1-53 What is the biblical and historical context? Good answer: see commentary in the Leaders Guide What does this reveal about God and People (optional) How do we see that God has always loved us through the story Stephen tells of Israel’s history? How do we see Jesus revealed in this story? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Listening Prayer- How has God always loved you even when you weren’t aware? Share what you’ve heard and pray for one another: to encounter God’s love more deeply now and throughout the week. Eph. 3:17-19- I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Receive Communion as the ultimate expression of “God always loved us and gave us his son Jesus.” Practice and Obey Take time this week to write down some moments in your story where you’ve experienced God’s love and give thanks for what the Holy Spirit shows you. Reflect on the Core Truths from the topic 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. Be Baptized in Water and in the Holy Spirit 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: Be baptized in water; Step 1: Take both hands in front of you and close them like you are holding a piece of clothing. Be baptized in water; Step 2: Move your hands up and down next to your left side (as if plunging an item in and out of water) Be baptized in the HS; Step 1: Place both hands in front of your chest, palms facing you: interlock thumbs (makes the shape of a bird) Be baptized in the HS; Step 2: wiggle your fingers/hands Brief Commentary and Context Brief Commentary for Acts 18:24-19:7 (New Believers Baptized in the Holy Spirit at Ephesus) Paul’s love for the Lord Jesus sustained his obedience to the Gospel, expanding the reach of the Kingdom to all the world. On his third missionary journey, he returned to Ephesus, where the Lord had already been working powerfully in the hearts of many in the city. Through the ministry of a Jewish man named Apollos several people had turned from their own way and began to follow the teachings of Jesus, and some had already repented and been baptized in water as John the Baptist had taught. As Paul engaged these new disciples, he asked if the Holy Spirit had been revealed to them, for water cleanses, but the Holy Spirit had come to refine and renew, bringing transformation from the inside out. Paul was astounded that these men had not even been told that there was a Holy Spirit. At this, Paul asks that the Promise of the Father would come. After laying hands and prayer, these 12 men were filled with the Spirit of God, and began to declare the mystery and the glory of God, prophesying and crying out in new tongues. We learn from this story how important it is to give people the opportunity not only to repent, believe and be baptized in water, but also to pray that they might be immersed in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Only through the power of the Spirit can we live the new life God has for us in Christ. The Holy Spirit brings our human spirit from death to life, confirms the Father’s adoptive love within us and through us, leads us into all truth and intimate friendship with God, transforms our minds, hearts and behavior into Christ’s image, releases supernatural gifts, and empowers us to bring God’s kingdom in the world! Let us be ever increasingly immersed in and surrendered to the Spirit of God! Core Truths from the Topic: Summary Scripture: Matt. 3:11- “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 11:11-13 “ Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Acts 1:8- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 2:1-4- When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 10:44-48- 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. 1 Cor 2:9-12- 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 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. 12 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. 1 Cor 12:1-11- 12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. Gal 5:22-25- 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Biblical Stories of Baptism Acts 2:1-21- Day of Pentecost Acts 4:29-31- Jerusalem Church all filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 8:4-17- People in Samaria are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit Acts 10:1-48- Gentiles (Cornelius’ household) are filled with the Holy Spirit Resources to help you Prepare Bible Project: Holy Spirit: On the Holy Spirit

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. 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 Brief Commentary and Context 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. (Comer, “Live No Lies” p.253) 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. Brief Commentary for Luke 19:1-10 (Zaccheus Repents) As Jesus was nearing the end of his ministry he set his face like flint determined to give his life in Jerusalem. Along the way he stopped in Jericho where crowds had amassed to find out who this famous Rabbi from Nazareth was. A tax collector named Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus, but being too short decided to climb a sycamore tree to get a better view of the action. With hundreds gathered around him something drew Jesus’ attention to this small man up in a tree. “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today”, Jesus said. Zacchaeus must have been thinking, “How does he know my name? Why does he want to come to my home.” A great and deeply humbling honor for a man of such low reputation, Zacchues gladly welcomed the great miracle-working teacher into his home. As usual Jesus’ choice to mix with the ‘sinners’ stirred up accusations from the religious elite. Jesus spent time lingering at the table of this disreputable man. This interaction with Jesus, something about his presence, captured Zacchues’ heart and changed his mind about how he was living. The time spent in the presence of Jesus transformed his way of thinking and acting. He gave his possessions to the poor and set out to make amends with those he had cheated. We know we have repented when our actions demonstrate our new way of thinking. Matthew 3:8 states “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance”. The transformation of Zaccheus demonstrates this principle. Ongoing repentance and trust in Jesus will change the way we think and ultimately the entire way we live. Core Truths from 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. Core Truths from the Topic Hebrews 6:1- “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” Matt. 3:8- “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Luke 15:7- “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Jn 1:12- But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, Jn 20:31- but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Job 42:5-6- “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Rom. 2:4- Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 2 Cor. 7:10- For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. Acts 5:31- God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Extra Resources to help you Prepare The Gift of Repentance https://www.navahchurchkc.com/teaching-series/category/FollowingJesusPathway Metanoia by Alan Hirsch with Rob Kelly https://transformingcenter.org/2009/03/practicing-repentance/ The Kairos Circle (3DM tool), a visual diagram that walks you through a process of repenting and believing. It is easy to teach and easy to practice. https://luminexgroup.org/introduction-to-the-3dm-learning-circle/?fbclid=IwAR0UgIGOMEIyl5txwebpi7U7lPmNx2_Fubp9L1uG7H2iN6jV0nzxn1HQDAI/ https://vimeo.com/205450248 (Mark 1:15)

The Gospel Overview 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. REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion Spend a few minutes quietly reflecting on aspects of Jesus’ humanity and then give thanks together. Sing together out of worship songs of your choice that center on Jesus. For example: Jesus At The Center (feat. Naomi Raine & Maryanne J. George) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL Give Me Jesus + Closer - Live | Common Gathering Oh The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (feat. Fernando Ortega) - Audrey Assad Breath Prayer Breathe in: Brother Jesus, fully human Breathe out: Merciful and faithful in every way Child friendly worship resources: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing Jesus, Strong and Kind (feat. Colin Buchanan) 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 What did we learn and put into practice from the last topic: The Gospel- 1. God always Loved us and gave us His Son Jesus (3-5 min) 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 “The Gospel: 2. He lived the life we couldn’t live” Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: Heb. 2:17-18- “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Matthew 4:1-11 Discover Read and Retell the Story:Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’ Wilderness Temptations, Discussion Questions: What is the biblical and historical context? (Can be covered in the Intro) Why is it so important that Jesus was fully human, ‘made like us in every way’? In what ways does the enemy tempt Jesus in the wilderness and how does he overcome it? How have you faced the same temptations in your life? (Pleasure, provision, prestige, performance, power and position outside of the Father). How does believing we are God’s beloved children combat the deception and temptation of the enemy in our lives? What does this reveal about God and People (optional) RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Jesus was tempted but did not sin. Every time the enemy comes Jesus pushes him back with the word of God, secure in his identity as beloved. Take time to wait on the Holy Spirit to remind you of a promise from scripture to help you resist the enemy’s temptations and attack on your identity. Optional: have note cards and pens available for people to write down the promise from scripture for them to take and meditate on during the week You could also make some premade cards with Galatians 2:20 on the one side and they could write their own scripture on the other side Share the Lord’s supper (Communion) remembering the humanity of Jesus as you partake Practice and Obey Spend time this week reflecting and journaling on where you are being tempted by the enemy in any way, particularly to find identity outside of the Father. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

Remember Breath Prayer: Focusing on God's mercy Breathe In: Lord, clean my heart Breathe Out: And make it new Songs: You Forgive Me 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) All Navah Gathering: God commands us to Repent and Believe. We have the choice to Humble ourselves Receive God's love Change our minds and Believe what is true Reflect Purpose: Practice the “Repent and Believe” Tool Intro (5 min) Read Mark 1:15 Jesus said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!” Read it again We all make poor decisions from time to time. When our decisions harm ourselves and others God calls it sin. Sin isn’t just about hurting each other physically. It can also be about hurting people’s feelings, disrespecting someone, or going against God’s ways. When we sin we break relationship with God. But God has given us a way back to Him after we mess up. It’s called repentance. Mark 1:15 tells us that after we mess up we can change our hearts, repent, return to God, and believe the good news that through Jesus we are forgiven! We are going to practice changing our hearts and turning back to God. Are you ready? Activity: Prayerful Reflective Exercise (20 min) Every time we make a choice our whole body is involved. Did you realize that? Our thoughts, emotions, actions are all related. Tell the story of Peter denying Jesus: Peter wanted to believe what was true about Jesus. Before Jesus went to the cross Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God! But when things got difficult Peter got scared, saying things that weren't true and dishonoring God. When Jesus was going to the cross many people recognized Peter. They asked him if he was friends with Jesus. Peter said, "No! I was not his friend" and "No, I never knew him!" Peter lied. Why did that happen? Let's look at our repentance tool and learn how Peter made a mistake, sinned, and then was forgiven and set free. Let's imagine Help the kids imagine the story of Peter's denial. You can have them act it out. You can watch the video or you can read the story from the Bible (Matthew 26:31-35, 47-75). Make a conversation out of Peter's actions using the template Thoughts Emotions Actions Beliefs Prayer of Repentance Prayerful Response from God. What did Peter think, feel, do and believe? How was he restored back to Jesus? How do you think that felt? EXAMPLE Event: Peter denied Jesus Thoughts: I can't let them know that I know Jesus. I don't want anyone to find out. Emotions: I feel scared. I'm embarrassed. I'm ashamed. Actions: I lied. I tried to hide. I got angry and yelled. Beliefs: I have to defend myself. I am alone and no one will protect me. Prayerful Repentance: I realize I was believing a lie. I was scared of being attacked, hurt, or made fun of. I did not trust that You were good and that Your plans are good. I hid from the truth. Please forgive me. Prayer Response (From God): I love you and I forgive you. I understand that you were scared and I want to help you grow in your trust for me. I love you now and forever. Respond: Consider and Pray Draw Have kids draw a time when they, like Peter, messed up. What happened? What did it feel like? What did they do? What did they say? They can draw word bubbles for dialogue and emojis for emotions. Encourage them to depict thoughts, emotions, and actions in the picture. Then flip the page over and draw what they imagine forgiveness would look like. If you could stand before Jesus and ask for forgiveness what would that look like? Draw a picture of you and the Lord. What are you saying? What is He saying? What are you feeling and what happens next. Draw it. Pray Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Make space for prayers of repentance if kids are focused, engaged, and ready to respond. Allow time for kids to consider asking the Lord to forgive them and make them clean. Then make sure to bless the kids and pray the Lord love and acceptance over them. You may want to make space for kids to forgive someone who has hurt them, or pray for someone who has never repented of their sin and turned to Jesus, that they would put their faith in Him. Stir up gratitude in the kids by closing with a prayer of praise for the One who cleansed us, redeemed us, and made us new. If the group is less engaged and struggling to focus, lead out in prayers of gratitude for God's mercy and His willingness to make us new. End with love, joy, and acceptance, celebrating God's infinite and perfect love for all of His children.

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 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. Biblical Story to use as an example to learn the tool: Peter's denial and encounter with Jesus on the beach. Matthew 26:31-35, 47-75 and John 21:1-20 Peter declared the truth about Jesus and was convinced that he would never leave or betray him but that belief was challenged when he got into a difficult situation. Instead of proclaiming and believing the truth his actions and declarations told a different story and maybe one that revealed the deep rooted thoughts and understanding he had about Jesus and himself. The heartbreak of realizing that he had fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy about denying Him is compounded mightily by Jesus witnessing Peter's denial. Peter’s humiliation and sense of failure were deep, and Luke tells us that he went away, crying. We not only see his heartbreak but we also notice that he went back to his old lifestyle and vocation (fishing) possibly giving up and resigning himself to his failures. Jesus comes and encounters him on the beach, as Peter hears the truth and experiences the love of Jesus those places of shame, fear, and failure are addressed, repented from, and Peter’s correct belief about himself and Jesus is restored. Like Peter, it’s pretty easy for us to think we believe something until we encounter a difficult and challenging situation and we discover the truth about our core beliefs about God and ourselves. Sometimes those moments reveal sinful and broken areas we have yet to identify and repent from and they can also reveal the lie that the enemy wants us to believe over God’s truth. The tool we are learning today helps us to process situations and acknowledge thoughts, feelings and emotions, and come to an understanding of our core beliefs about God and ourselves and the lies we so easily agree with. Read the Introduction below so that you understand the purpose and heart of the tool: Download and Print these instructions that walk you through the tool: Download and Print this template for practice : Core Truths from the topic Core Truths from 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. Core Truths from the Topic Hebrews 6:1- “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” Matt. 3:8- “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Luke 15:7- “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Jn 1:12- But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, Jn 20:31- but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Job 42:5-6- “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Rom. 2:4- Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 2 Cor. 7:10- For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. Acts 5:31- God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Extra Resources to help you Prepare INTRO THE HONESTY TOOL | An Engaging Cultivate Workshop with Jonathan & Melissa Helser https://youtu.be/R8DDxtI5xQA THE HELP TOOL : A Processing Tool for Teenagers | Cageless Birds https://youtu.be/p9eqnm2g8Mc https://www.cagelessbirds.com/helptool Healing for the Nations: https://healingforthenations.org/