Table Talk: The Way Forward - Week Two
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 Two: Signs and Wonders: The Spirit’s Boldness
SERMON SUMMARY The Holy Spirit empowers believers to boldly proclaim God's Word and perform miracles, even when facing opposition. Consider the remarkable transformation of Peter. Just moments before, fear had driven him to deny even knowing Jesus. Yet, empowered by the Spirit, he became a courageous advocate, boldly declaring his devotion to Christ even in the face of certain imprisonment. His subsequent miraculous release highlights the power of the church's prayers. Significantly, Peter's newfound boldness was immediately followed by the church praying for continued boldness.
Conversation Starters
Kids
When Jesus came, he had power over all things. He made a storm stop, healed a man who could not walk, and brought a girl back to life. After Jesus went to heaven, he kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit to his followers. When the Holy Spirit came, Jesus’ friends were able to do the same miracles that Jesus had done! What do you think it was like to see such amazing miracles happen all the time? Have you or someone you know ever experienced a miracle? (Note: We can help children understand the many ways that God still works miracles today - helping people to believe in Jesus as their Savior, healing people through prayer and medical care, and bringing justice into places and experiences that feel impossible, etc.)
Students
When you hear about the miracles that the disciples performed, do they feel like a story that happened a long time ago, or do you believe that miracles like that still happen? Have you ever asked God to do something for you or someone else that seemed “impossible”? Why or why not? How might your day-to-day life change if you put more trust in the Holy Spirit than you do right now?
Adults
What thoughts or feelings come up when you hear that “the Holy Spirit gives believers boldness to speak God’s Word and perform miracles”? Do you believe that is true now, or does it feel like a story that happened a long time ago? Have you seen God move in a powerful way - what you might call a miracle - in your life or the life of someone you know? How might your day-to-day life change if you put more trust in the Holy Spirit than you do right now?
