Table Talk: Beyond Hello Week Four

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

As those in the world see our love for one another, they will know Jesus’ love for them.

Conversation Starters

Kids

John 13:35 says that people will know that we follow Jesus because of our love for each other. What are some ways you can show love to your family? What are some ways you can show love to your friends?

Students & Adults

Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes - a visitor to Fellowship Memphis that is your age. What conclusions would they draw after seeing the way we treat one other in our church? To what extent do you think Jesus’ love is clearly visible through the relationships in our church family? What can you do to make Jesus’ love even more clear in our church?