The Gospel Comes with a House Key
Our Post-Christian World (4|4)
The Kindness of Hospitality
• 6. Start Somewhere Today
• Fellowship of the Mystery
Pages 61-64
TOGETHER read the book and discuss the content below.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out (try to keep it brief).
Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV) I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
The hospitable meet people as strangers and invite them to become neighbors, and, by God’s grace, many will go on to become part of the family of God. This transition from stranger to neighbor to family does not happen naturally but only with intent and grit and sacrifice and God’s blessing.
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
The gospel is good news for everyone, even those who have much to lose. It costs money and time and heartache to run a house that values radically ordinary hospitality and nightly table fellowship.
How have you been drawn to sinfully keep for yourself instead of share and give away?
Rosaria Butterfield lists six practices that reflect biblical kindness. Today, we examine the second half of the fifth one and the sixth. Journal your thoughts and feelings about each one.
5. Know Why It Matters Most That We Are Made in God’s Image.
6. Start Somewhere. Start Today.
Pause and Pray - you can pray the prayer below or pray whatever is on your heart in response to this chapter.
Dear Lord, you are the holy God, and I am a human made in your image. Help me to steward well what you have given me. With my relationships, help me to articulate love and respect while upholding the truth. Enable my words to show grace. Open my tight-fisted hands where I am tempted to keep for myself, so that I may share what wasn’t even mine to begin with.
EXTRA READING:
“The Lord Christ did not want us to always pray by ourselves in private or for ourselves alone. We do not say ‘My Father, who art in heaven’, nor ‘Give me this day my daily bread. It is not for oneself alone that each person asks to be forgiven, not to be led into temptation or to be delivered from evil. Rather, we pray in public as a community, and not for one individual but for all.”
- Cyprian of Carthage (unknown - 258)