📝 Summary
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In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin reminds us that meals are more than just meals—they’re ministry. Drawing from the way Jesus shared food, faith, and friendship around tables, Paul unpacks what it means to live “on belay” through three essential spaces: His table (where we receive grace), your table (where we create space for others), and their table (where we show up in unlikely places). Each one becomes holy ground when we bring the presence of Jesus. The question isn’t just where we eat—but who we invite and include.
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đź“Ś Tips
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- For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
- You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
- Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage.
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🧊 Icebreaker
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- Where’s your go-to “I can feed everybody” spot when you’re with a big group? (We all know the struggle of group food logistics...)
- Have you ever had a surprising or meaningful moment over a simple meal? Chicken nuggets count.
- If you could eat one meal with Jesus—anywhere, anything on the table—what would it be?
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đź“–Â Bible Passage(s)
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Luke 22:19–20 (NIV)
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Matthew 14:16
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
John 6:47–51 (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. [...] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
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🔎 Observation
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- What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
- According to John 6, what does Jesus say about the bread that He gives versus the manna in the wilderness?
- What does Matthew 14:16 reveal about Jesus’s invitation to His followers when there's a need?
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đź‘‹Â Application
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- Have you truly “eaten at His table”?
- In other words, are you still trying to offer something to God—or accepting the gift of grace Jesus already made ready?
- Communion is a symbol of what we're invited to receive: Jesus offers Himself—completely.
- How do you approach remembrance—especially through communion or mealtimes?
- Jesus chose something we do daily (eating) as a way to remember Him.
- What if our meals became a regular trigger to reflect on His grace?
- Who needs to sit at your table this week?
- Hospitality doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
- Think: simple meals, open schedules, willingness to connect.
- What practical fears or concerns keep you from inviting people over?
- There's always a reason not to host—but what if God multiplies what you offer?
- The story from Easter reminds us: trust Him to provide.
- Where are 'their tables' in your world?
- Coffee shops, breweries, lunchrooms, firepits—places where people gather naturally.
- Could you become a quiet presence and an open soul there?
- What does eating at someone else’s table teach us about humility and grace?
- Sometimes the most Jesus-like thing we can do is receive someone else's hospitality.
- How could meals shift your weekly rhythm to be more on-mission?
- Meals are woven into every week—why not make them sacred space?
- Sharing dinner, buying someone lunch, lingering after church—small things with big potential.
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🏔️ Live “On Belay”
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- Plan one meal this week with someone outside your usual crew. (Friend, neighbor, coworker, someone new at Belay.)
- Take communion mindfully this week—even if just at home. Pause to thank Jesus for His sacrifice.
- Show up at a “their table” place: brewery, coffee shop, community meal. Be open to conversation—no agenda, just be present.
- Offer a simple invitation: “Want to come over for dinner?” Even if it’s leftovers. Even if your house isn’t perfect.
- Bring a meal to someone who might need to feel remembered. The newly single, the new parent, the recently sick.
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🙏 Prayer
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- Thank Jesus for preparing the table of grace—you don’t have to bring anything but a hungry heart.
- Ask for eyes to see who needs belonging—and courage to open your table.
- Pray for the faith to trust God will provide, even if you don’t have “enough.”
- Confess any hesitation or fear that keeps you from accepting others’ invitations.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to make every mealtime a moment of mission this week.
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🎶 Worship
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