Table Talk: ENCOUNTER. EMBODY. EXTEND. Vision Series, Week 3
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 The gospel of Jesus is a glorious message that brings life and transformation, not condemnation. Unlike the old way that was veiled and fading, the gospel unveils God's glory and a stunning reality: as we behold the Lord, the Holy Spirit changes us. Through the Spirit's work, we are being transformed into Jesus' likeness, becoming more and more like him.
Passage: 2 Cor. 3:7-18
Conversation Starters
KIDS
Let’s talk some more about plants. Have you ever seen a seed? What did it look like? Most seeds are pretty small and don’t look like much. What does a seed need to grow? Light is very important for a seed to transform into a plant. God is like the light, and we are like the seeds. God’s love and light shines in us through the Holy Spirit, transforming us into people of love, kindness, mercy, etc. Parents/Guardians: Are there any ways you can see God transforming your child(ren)?
STUDENTS
What is the difference between “becoming more like Jesus” and “trying to be good/follow the rules”? What areas in your life do you feel like God is changing you or wants to change you? How do we, as Christ followers, “behold the Lord” in our everyday lives? Are there particular ways or practices that God has used to connect with you more deeply in this season?
ADULTS
How can we become more intentional about “beholding” the Lord rather than just knowing about Him? In what ways have you experienced the Spirit’s transforming power in your character or habits? What ways or practices have helped you to “behold the Lord” in this season or a previous one?
