Table Talk: Beyond Hello Week One

BEYOND HELLO: Encountering Christ Through Connection

Here’s a short description of our current sermon series.
When we step toward deeper relationships with one another, we tangibly experience the character of Jesus. God's love flows through us to others, and through others to us. We can feel His embrace in their hugs, His forgiveness in their pardon, and His compassion in their empathy. Intentionally pursuing others and stepping into their stories allows us to carry His presence into their lives - into both the joys and struggles - with purpose. As we take these steps, we'll encounter the relentless pursuit of Jesus and experience His power and nearness more richly in our own lives, as He impacts the world through us.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE - Hospitality

We believe that Jesus’ teaching is more than just knowledge for our minds (though it is certainly that). It should transform our actions. By living out - or practicing - the ways of Jesus, we are being shaped into a people who look more and more like Him.

One of the ways that we can live out what we are learning throughout this sermon series is through the practice of Hospitality. Hospitality is generously welcoming others into our home or space. We know that the ancient church embraced this practice wholeheartedly, as they “broke bread and ate together in their homes with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). At least one time in the next four weeks, we challenge you to invite someone into your home to share a meal together. Treat your guest(s) with extra care and attention, thinking about how you can make each person feel most welcome and loved. We encourage you to stretch yourself relationally, and to ask God to show you people who would be especially encouraged by your invitation. If you have children, involve them in the planning and preparation as much as possible.

You can pray this prayer daily during the sermon series, or use it as a closing for table conversations each week.

Our Good Shepherd, you have pursued us persistently with care and compassion, and You ask us to pursue one another with that same love. Your power flows through us as we pray for each other. And we experience your nearness when we steward one another’s stories well. We ask that you would deepen our current relationships, and help us to form new relationships in the coming days. We trust that as we grow in love for one another, the world will see and will be drawn to You.

Amen.

Sermon Summary

When we pursue someone in love, we help them tangibly experience God’s loving pursuit of them.

Conversation Starters

Kids

Adam and Eve sinned - or disobeyed God - in the Garden of Eden. Do you remember what they did? (ate fruit from the tree which God told them not to eat) God looked for Adam and Eve after they sinned. He found them, gave them clothes and a new home, and made a plan to rescue His people who were broken by sin. Many years later, He sent Jesus to save us from sin and death. God loves you more than you can imagine! What are some ways that you have seen or felt God’s love for you? What are some ways that you have shared, or could share, God’s love with others?

Students

In the Bible, we read that God looked for Adam and Eve in the Garden after they sinned against Him. We also read Jesus’ story of the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one who is lost. What does it look like for us to pursue others in that same way? How well do you do this already, and what would it look like for you to grow in this area?

Adults

When you look back at your life, do you remember anyone who pursued you in a way that drew you closer to God? What did that look like and feel like? Whether or not that has been part of your story, what would it look like for you to pursue someone in that way now?