Navigation Church

Gift of Light

What if the greatest gift of Christmas isn’t under your tree, but hidden in plain sight — in the places you’d least expect? This week we unpack the “Gift of Light” in John 3, where Jesus meets Nicodemus, a religious leader searching for truth in the dark. The contrast is clear: some saw signs and believed, but Jesus knew their faith was shallow. Nicodemus comes with questions, and Jesus gives him the kind of answer that still echoes today — “You must be born again.” From a bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness to the Son of Man lifted on a cross, we discover that the true light doesn’t just decorate our lives — it exposes, disrupts, and ultimately transforms. In this episode, we explore how to name the darkness in our lives, take steps toward the light, and reflect it to a world still stumbling in the shadows.

John 3:1-21

Discussion topics

Read John 3:1–21. What stands out to you in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus?

Why do you think John connects this story directly after the people who “believed” in Jesus for His signs? What is the difference between believing in signs and true faith? (side-note question... Pastor used the phrase unsaved believer; how do you feel about that statement?)

What do you think Nicodemus was really looking for when he came to Jesus at night? Have you ever experienced a moment of quiet searching like that?

Jesus said people avoid the light because it exposes their deeds. What’s something in your life that you’ve kept in the dark?  What would it look like for you to “step into the light” this week — spiritually, relationally, or emotionally?

Think about your daily life — your home, work, or community. Where can you reflect the light of Jesus in a practical way?

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Gift of Life

What kind of gift gets passed from one person to another, and what kind of gift is picked just for you? This week at Navigation Church, Pastor David explores The Gift of Life by comparing Adam’s White Elephant legacy of sin and death with Jesus’ intentional, personal gift of grace and righteousness. Preaching from Romans 5 and Matthew 16, we see how every Old Testament covenant pointed toward a better promise—and how Jesus, standing at the gates of Hades, declared that the realm of death couldn’t hold its ground against His advancing Kingdom. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life—something deeper, more personal, more powerful—this message will challenge and inspire you. 

Romans 5 & Matthew 16

Discussion topics

What’s the best (or worst) White Elephant gift you’ve ever received? What made it memorable? 

What does this passage reveal about the legacy of Adam vs. the gift from Christ? How do you personally relate to the idea that death “reigned” until Jesus came? 

How does the comparison between a White Elephant gift and a Secret Santa help you understand the difference between the old covenants and the new covenant in Jesus? 

Have you ever felt like you were living under a “White Elephant” mindset spiritually—carrying brokenness or shame not meant for you?  How can you begin to fully receive and walk in the “gift of life” Jesus offers? 

What’s one way you can be a gift to someone this week—through encouragement, generosity, or prayer? 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

I Am Allowed to be Great

Jesus once said that among those born of women, no one was greater than John the Baptist. But what made him so great? It wasn’t status, his success, his boldness, his baptizing, or his camel-hair fashion—it was that he faithfully pointed others to Jesus. In this sermon, we explore Luke 7 and what it truly means to live a life that directs people to Christ. Is it possible that there’s a deeper level of purpose and power available in your walk with God? Tune in and discover how greatness is defined in the Kingdom. 

John 7:18-28

Discussion topics

Have you ever been disappointed in God?  John the Baptist knew Jesus personally and still had doubts while in prison. What does this tell us about faith during hard seasons? 

Read Luke 7:18-28 - Jesus comforted John by pointing to the evidence of His work—healing, deliverance, good news. What “evidence” do you see of Jesus working in your life or around you right now? 

What does Jesus’ statement—“among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he”—mean to you? 

John’s entire life pointed people to Jesus. In what ways can your life and words do the same? 

What are some practical ways we can avoid becoming “offended” at Jesus when life doesn’t go as expected? 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Growth is Messy

Have you ever noticed how real growth is rarely clean—and how the messiest moments are often where the most transformation happens? What if spiritual maturity looked less like polished perfection and more like kneeling in the dirt with someone in pain? This week, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t shy away from brokenness; He stepped into it. And when we do the same—when we give freely, show mercy, and love people where they are—we don’t just reflect His heart; we help others grow into theirs.  

John 8:1-11

Discussion topics

Icebreaker - What stands out most to you in this story? Is it Jesus' posture, the crowd’s reaction, the woman’s silence, or something else? 

Scripture Reflection (Read John 8:1-5) -

a. Imagine being the woman in this story—dragged out in front of a crowd.  What emotions do you think she felt? (e.g., fear, shame, humiliation, anger, hopelessness) 

b. Have you ever felt exposed or ashamed—like your worst moment was on display?  How did you respond? What did you need most in that moment? 

Practical Application - Jesus offered mercy and a challenge: “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.”  How do we as believers balance grace and truth when walking with others?

Personal Reflection - What areas of your life do you still carry the weight of guilt or shame?  How can you invite Jesus into that space the way the woman unknowingly did?

Next Steps - Jesus didn’t condemn, but He also didn’t ignore her sin.  Is there someone in your life who needs you to be present with them—not with a stone in hand, but with compassion and clarity? Will you take time and intentionally invite them to sit with you during the At The Movies series in November?

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

We Give Freely

Have you ever let anger, pride, or offense write a chapter of your story you wish you could erase? In 1 Samuel 25, we meet three people who respond to conflict in three very different ways: Nabal, who hoards; David, who reacts; and Abigail, who gives. Their story asks us a simple but powerful question—when this season of your life is retold, what kind of story will it be? This week, Pastor David unpacks how generosity isn’t just about what we give—it’s about the kind of person we become. Because generosity doesn’t just change what you give; it changes the story your life tells. 

1 Samuel 25

Discussion topics

Icebreaker - In every season, you’ll meet a Nabal, need an Abigail, and battle the David within you. The question isn’t which one you admire — it’s which one you’re becoming.

Scripture Reflection (Read 1 Samuel 25:2-11) a. What stands out to you about Nabal’s attitude and response? b. Where do you see a “Nabal mindset” show up in our culture today — or even in your own life? How does entitlement or fear keep us from being generous? 

Practical Application - Think about a moment recently when you had to choose between reacting in anger or responding in wisdom. What did you learn from it? Where might God be calling you to live more generously — not just with money, but with your words, time, or grace?

Personal Reflection (Read 1 Samuel 25:12-13 & 21-22) a. David went from patience (with Saul) to rage (with Nabal) in a single chapter. Why do you think that happened? b. When have you found yourself “strapping on your sword” — reacting instead of responding? What helps you pause before you make a decision that might write a story you’ll regret? 

Next Steps - Who is someone that God has placed on your heart to be an Abigail to?  Will you take time and intentionally invite them to sit with you during At The Movies? 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

We Risk Relationally

Have you ever felt like your story disqualifies you from God’s purpose? Or wondered if God still uses ordinary, overlooked people to do extraordinary things?  In this week’s message from Joshua 2, we meet an unlikely hero: a Canaanite prostitute named Rahab. While the rest of the city builds walls of fear, Rahab opens a window of faith—and everything changes. At the same time, two unnamed spies risk their lives, not for conquest, but for connection. They don’t blend in; they bring breakthrough. They don’t judge Rahab’s past; they respond to the faith rising in her heart.  This message explores the messy beauty of spiritual community, the courage to go where others won’t, and how someone’s breakthrough might begin with your hello. 

Joshua 3:1-14

Discussion topics

What is one thing that you heard, felt, or was challenged by in this past Sunday’s sermon?

Scripture Reflection (Joshua 2:1-14) a. What stands out to you about Rahab’s faith and the spies’ courage? b. The spies are un-named. Why do you think the Bible left them anonymous? How does that help us see ourselves in the story? 

What’s your “scarlet cord” — the public declaration of your faith? Is there a way this week to make your trust in Jesus more visible?

Have you ever felt unseen, unqualified, or like an outsider in your spiritual journey? What helped you feel included or invited back in?

Who is someone in your life that might be behind “emotional or spiritual walls” right now? What step can you take this week to reach out to them? 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

We Celebrate Loudly

Ever feel stuck on the edge of something better but unable to step in? In Acts 3, a man carried daily to the gate called Beautiful discovers that God’s timing can change everything. This message shows how access, restoration, and new life are unlocked when ordinary people stop, see, and share what they have in Jesus’ name.

Acts 3:1-10 

Discussion topics

What’s one place or event you’ve always wanted to get into but couldn’t? (Could be funny or serious — concert, club, group of friends, etc.)   Follow-up: How did that make you feel — excluded, frustrated, unseen? 

Scripture Reflection (Acts 3:1–10, Acts 4:1–4) a. When you think about God’s will, do you tend to think more about the “big decisions” (The gate was called Beautiful, which comes from the Greek word for “right timing.” What does that reveal about how God works in our lives?  b. Peter said, “What I do have I give to you.” What has God given you that you can give to others this week — spiritually, relationally, or practically? 

Who in your life needs to be “carried” to the gate?  Is there someone God’s nudging you to invite, encourage, or walk with toward faith? 

How does your personal story of breakthrough or healing invite others to experience Jesus? When’s the last time you shared that story? What’s holding you back? 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

The Will That Changes the World

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for the church to get divided — by opinions, by offenses, even by algorithms? Yet Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one so the world would believe. In this week’s message, The Will That Changes the World, we explore God’s Missional Will — a will that doesn’t stop with us but flows through us to others. We’ll look at the Great Co-Mission, the story of Paul and Barnabas, and what it really means to live as Kingdom citizens. Along the way, we’ll confront the pull of isolation, division, and consumer Christianity, and discover how prayer, the Holy Spirit, and Spirit-filled love equip us to shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life.

John 17, Matthew 28:18–20

Discussion topics

When you hear the phrase “God’s Missional Will”, what’s the first thought or picture that comes to mind?

Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one so the world would believe. Why do you think unity among believers is so central to God’s mission?

Thinking about the Great Commission (and knowing that it’s not just for pastors or missionaries), what does living that out look like for ordinary believers to live on mission in daily life?

Read Philippians 2:12–16Paul says we are to “shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life.” How do the various “Wills” of God – Moral, Sovereign, and Personal, along with Missional – what does it look like in practical terms to live as a Kingdom citizens walking out the Will of God in the world?

Think about the “one person, one place, or one passion” challenge. Who or what comes to mind for you this week? How can your group pray for you to step into God’s Missional Will in that area?

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

The Will You Are Trying to Find

Have you ever been paralyzed by the fear of “missing God’s will”? What if I choose the wrong job? The wrong school? The wrong person? Many of us don’t struggle with wanting God’s will—we struggle with knowing it, waiting for it, or worrying we’ll ruin it. This week we’re talking about God’s personal will—not a secret blueprint you have to crack, but a daily walk of wisdom, prayer, and trust. Through Peter’s story of failure and restoration, we’ll see that mistakes don’t cancel God’s mission and suffering doesn’t mean you’ve stepped out of His plan. God’s will is less about perfection and more about direction—and He promises to lead those who follow, not those who wait for perfect certainty.

James 1:2–4

Discussion topics

What is one thing you heard or read on the subject of Gods will that has stood out to you the most?

When you think about God’s will, do you tend to think more about the “big decisions” (career, marriage, moving, etc.) or the “daily steps” (attitude, words, choices)? Why?

What does it mean in practical terms to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How might that help you discern God’s personal will this week?

How does knowing that trials can produce maturity change the way you think about pain in your own life? Can you share a time when God used suffering to shape you?

What’s one area of your life where you feel uncertain right now? How could you take “the next right step” this week—trusting God to guide as you move forward?

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

The Will You Can't Stop

If God is sovereign—if nothing can stop His will—then why do bad things happen? Does that mean He approves of evil? Or that one wrong turn on our part could derail His entire plan? This week we’re unpacking the sovereign and permissive will of God. From the story of Israel to the coming of Christ, God’s plan has never been off course. His sovereignty doesn’t mean He causes every evil, but it does mean He weaves even the painful and broken pieces into His redemptive story. The question isn’t whether God’s will is unfolding—it’s whether we’ll surrender ours to His.  

Isaiah 46:9–10

Discussion topics

When was the last time something didn’t go according to your plan, but in hindsight, you could see God’s hand in it? 

Read Isaiah 46:9–10 - What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty? Read Romans 8:28 - How does this verse bring hope when life feels out of control?

How do you personally wrestle with the tension between God’s sovereignty and human free will?  Why do you think it’s easy for people to believe that “one wrong turn” can ruin God’s plan for their life? 

What’s one area of your life that feels “out of control” right now? How can you surrender it to God’s sovereign will this week? 

Ask God to help each person align their free will with His sovereign will in daily choices. 

Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next