Table Talk: The Way Forward - Week One
THE WAY FORWARD: Discovering the Spirit's Path in Acts
Here’s a short description of our current sermon series.
In this exhilarating series, we'll embark on a journey through the book of Acts, tracing the footsteps of the early church and witnessing the extraordinary ways the Holy Spirit empowered and guided its formation. We'll delve into the Spirit's role in equipping the disciples with boldness and supernatural gifts, leading them to unprecedented growth and impact. By studying their sensitivity to the Spirit's promptings, we'll uncover timeless principles for how he might be leading us to lay the next bricks of the 21st-century church in Memphis. This journey promises to ignite our faith, deepen our dependence on the Spirit, and inspire us to be a Spirit-led community that reflects God's love and power to the world around us. Join us as we discover how the lessons of those who went before us can empower us to bring renewal to God’s good world today.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE - Praying Boldly
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.
In the book of Acts, we witness courageous believers who pray bold prayers of salvation, healing, unity, and deliverance. God’s Word encourages us to come boldly to God in prayer because we are his children, redeemed by Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit. It can be hard to pray bold prayers. We might be afraid of disappointment or “getting our hopes up”. We might be afraid of ridicule or rejection. Or maybe bold prayers just weren’t modeled for us. During the next five weeks, we encourage you to choose one simple, bold prayer to pray every day (or as often as you remember). We suggest that you choose something in one of the four categories above: 1) salvation, 2) healing, 3) unity, or 4) deliverance. (ex: “Lord, I believe that you have the power to save _________, and I am asking you, in faith, to do it!”) This prayer can be for you or someone you know. If you have children, we encourage you to involve them in choosing a bold prayer that they can pray, or that you can pray as a family. You could write or print this prayer on a piece of paper and leave it on your dinner table, in your car, or another place you regularly gather together so that you will have it close at hand each day. (If you have questions or want to talk more about prayer, please reach out to any member of our staff. We are here to walk with you in your journey of faith.)
PRAY
You can pray this prayer daily during the sermon series, or use it as a closing for table conversations each week.
Holy Spirit, Jesus said that it was better for him to go away, that you would come and live in us. Forgive us for the times when we have relied on our own power and strength, instead of putting our trust in you alone. We ask that you would increase our faith, and we humbly pray that you would use us to grow your kingdom. Give us the words and courage to proclaim your good news of freedom to those around us. Give us faith to pray bold prayers of salvation, healing, unity, and deliverance. Thank you for being ever-present with us.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Week One: The Promise Fulfilled, an Outpouring of Power
Sermon Summary: Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit fulfilled God's enduring desire to dwell among humanity. By empowering his followers, the Spirit would extend Jesus' light throughout the world, expanding the intersection of heaven and earth. The seemingly unusual events of Pentecost vividly illustrate the Spirit's indwelling within believers. This fulfilled the long-awaited promise of God's renewed presence in the world through the Church, which would act as a microcosm of the coming new creation.
Conversation Starters
Kids
As Jesus was preparing to go to Heaven, He made a promise. He told his followers that even though he was going away, he would not be leaving them all alone. He promised to send a Helper: the Holy Spirit. Do you ever need help? What kinds of things do you need help with? The Holy Spirit helps us to remember what God tells us and to grow into people who are kind, loving, joyful, and full of God’s peace. Can you think of ways that the Holy Spirit has helped - or could help - you?
Students
Jesus told his disciples that it was better for him to go away so that he could send them the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Put yourself in their shoes. Would this be a hard truth for you to accept? Even though the disciples were used to having Jesus right there - walking with them, teaching them, and doing miracles - He assured them that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper. In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s help at this point in your life? What would it look like for you to experience the Holy Spirit in a different or deeper way in this season?
Adults
When the Holy Spirit came on the disciples at Pentecost, the effect was unmistakable. While you may or may not have had such a dramatic encounter, the impact of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is unique and undeniable. What ways have you seen the Holy Spirit work in your own life? How has he been your Helper? In what ways has he spoken to you or guided you?
