The Gospel Comes with a House Key
Our Post-Christian World (2|4)
The Kindness of Hospitality
• 1. Respect the Reality of Your Neighbors’ Lives and Households
• 2. Pray That You Will Be a Safe Person to Hear the Burdens of Your Neighbors’ Hearts
• 3. Understand the Biblical Difference between Holiness and Goodness and Don’t Be Afraid to Celebrate the Goodness of Your Unbelieving Neighbors
Pages 52-56
TOGETHER read the book (END READING AT: You must be close enough to be seen in transparent and vulnerable ways..) and discuss the content below.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out (try to keep it brief).
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Hebrews 1:2-3 (NIV) In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Romans 13:1 (NIV) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 2:14-15 (NIV) Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
It is important to resist the idea that love and approval go hand in hand. Unbelievers need to see genuine acceptance from us. They need to see genuine love. They need to see that being made in the image of God is a higher calling, bestowing a greater dignity, than inventing your own rules for faith and life.
Are you able to articulate to a post-Christian neighbor the distinction between acceptance and approval?
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
Rosaria Butterfield lists six practices that reflect biblical kindness. Today, we examine the first three. Journal your thoughts and feelings about each one.
Respect the Reality of Your Neighbors’ Lives and Households.
Pray That You Will Be a Safe Person to Hear the Burdens of Your Neighbors’ Hearts.
Understand the Biblical Difference between Holiness and Goodness and Don’t Be Afraid to Celebrate the Goodness of Your Unbelieving Neighbors.
EXTRA READING:
“He called Abraham and commanded him to go out from the country where he was living. With this call, he has roused us all, and now we have renounced all the things the world offers, even unto death.”
- Justin the Martyr (100 - 165)