Church Blog

June 8 2009 at 5:45 am

‘Love Your Neighbor,’ Part 2: Application

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Mark Mitchell preached yesterday from Luke 14:12-14, where Jesus teaches about the generosity his disciples are to show toward those who are needy. Mark clearly illustrated from the passage how hospitality that honors God reflects His kingdom.

Listen online, or download the mp3 of Mark’s message here.

Don DeVries was gracious enough to write up the following questions to help us apply Mark’s sermon and put it into practice:

1.  Which would characterize your life?  Do you reach out and show hospitality to only friends and those with whom you are comfortable?  Or do you reach out to “the excluded,” the needy and those who cannot repay?

2.  Who are “the excluded” you are tempted to not invite?  The person who has nothing to offer but their need?  The one you are tempted to self-righteously judge or find unattractive or think is “uncool”?

3.  Tim Keller writes, “A heart poured out in deeds of mercy and deeds of justice to the poor inevitably goes with people who know they are sinners saved by grace.”  How can reflection on the amazing grace we have received in salvation inform and influence your hospitality?

4.  In what one practical way can you apply Mark’s message this summer?  How can you extend gracious and selfless hospitality by including the “excluded”?

5.  How can an eternal perspective of receiving rewards on that Last Day motivate God-honoring hospitality?

 

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