Table Talk: ENCOUNTER. EMBODY. EXTEND. Vision Series, Week 2
Encounter, Embody, Extend: Vision Series
Fellowship's vision is to cultivate communities that encounter the power of Jesus, embody the person of Jesus, and extend the presence of Jesus to our neighborhoods, our city, and beyond. We believe these three core elements are the essence of a flourishing life with God. To encounter Jesus is to experience his transforming power in every area of our lives — in our work, our relationships, and our rest. As we cultivate a life of being with Jesus, we are shaped by him, learning to embody his character of humility, love, and compassion on a journey of becoming more of who he created us to be. From this place of being and becoming, we are empowered to extend his presence to others, sharing the good news and doing what he did so that all may know his life-giving love.
Spiritual Practice: Unity
Jesus’ longest recorded prayer is all about the unity he desires for his church: unity with God and unity with one another (John 17). “Oneness with one another is a lot different than simply knowing one another. Oneness is a participation in the core of another’s being” (Calhoun 178). In the midst of a world where political, social, economic, and other divisions abound, the unity of the church can shine ever more brightly. Throughout this series, we encourage you to press into the oneness Christ desires for his church. Here are some practical ways to do that:
As much as it depends on you, make peace with a fellow believer you are separated from, reflecting Jesus’ prayer from John 17.
Study the “one anothers” in the Bible. Choose a “one another” to focus on during this month. (These statements can quickly be found with an internet search for “One anothers in the Bible.” Examples include “Love one another,” “Encourage one another,” etc.)
Do you have preferences that keep you from fully engaging with your fellow believers in worship, teaching, prayer, etc.? Ask God to help you see Him in expressions of Christian faith that vary from your preferences. Ask the Holy Spirit to change your heart, increasing the unity of his church.
*Adapted from Adele Calhoun’s The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.
Prayer
You can pray this prayer daily during the sermon series, or use it as a closing for table conversations each week.
Jesus, our Savior and King,
We thank You for the invitation to live a life deeply connected to You — to encounter Your power, embody Your character, and extend Your presence. We long to be a community where Your transforming love is not only experienced, but shared.
Holy Spirit, we invite you into every corner of our hearts and lives. Help us to remember that it is in seeking you and sitting in your presence that we are changed. You are forming us into people of holiness and love, helping us to reflect our Creator more and more in each season. As we grow in our love for you, may we also grow in our love for one another and for the broken world around us. We willingly offer our partnership in the renewing of your world and people. May your kingdom come and your will be done here in Memphis as it is in heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SERMON SUMMARY Our encounter with the power of Jesus isn't just a one-time or periodic event, but a continuous connection – like a branch to a vine. To “abide" in Christ is to perpetually draw life and vitality from God, the source of power, fruitfulness, and sustenance.
Passage: John 15:1-11
Conversation Starters
KIDS
Jesus talked a lot about plants. He told stories about farmers and gardeners, and he used plants as an example of how God helps us grow. Have you ever picked a leaf or flower? What kind of leaf or flower did you pick? What did you do with the leaf or flower after you picked it? When part of a plant is broken off, it wilts quickly. Jesus said that when we spend time with him and stay connected to him, our hearts and souls grow healthy and strong.
STUDENTS
Do you think it’s easy or hard for students your age to stay connected to Jesus every day? Why? What things in your life help you stay spiritually “plugged in”? What changes when we start seeing Jesus as our source of life, instead of someone we only turn to when we need help? How are those two views of Jesus different?
ADULTS
What does “abiding in Christ” look like in your life rhythms—practically and spiritually? What is one way that you would like to deepen your connection with Jesus in this season? What are some small steps you can take toward that? How can we encourage others in our family, church, or community to become, or remain, deeply rooted in Christ, especially during dry or difficult seasons?
