The Host: How He Welcomes
Key Takeaways
The God of the Bible is a God of hospitality.
The story of Scripture is one of God welcoming his people to himself.God's provision is not accidental.
In his sovereign grace, God has done the thoughtful, loving work of planning ahead for you.God's hospitality meets us in the middle of real life.
The table is set not after your enemies are gone, but in their presence.The hospitality of God is designed to overflow.
God's grace is meant to spill out into the lives of those around you.Extending hospitality is a core calling of the church.
Throughout history, the church has been the place where strangers were welcomed as honored guests.
Study Questions
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Scripture describes God as a shepherd, a guide, and a host. Which of these three descriptions resonates most deeply with your current season of life, and why?
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The sermon names four enemies: the world, the flesh, the devil, and death. Which of these do you find most difficult to acknowledge as a real threat in your own life? Why?
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Grace was described as "God's riches at Christ's expense." Where in your life right now do you most need to receive that grace as a gift rather than something you have earned?
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John shared that a sermon on pastoral pride convinced him that the greatest danger in any ministry he leads is his own pride. How does recognizing the flesh as an enemy change the way you relate to yourself and to others in community?
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John closes with a childhood memory of being hosted by elderly neighbors and describes it as his first taste of the hospitality of God. Who first gave you a taste of the hospitality of God, and how can you pass that on to someone else this week?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 84:3-4
Leader: Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
All: Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #31
Q: What do we believe by true faith?
A: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
*catholic here means the universal church
Confession of sin
Good Shepherd, we confess that though your hospitality has extended to us, it has all to often stopped with us.You have filled our cup to overflowing, yet we have hoarded it, forgetting our neighbor. Thank you Lord Jesus that you drank the cup we deserved, so your grace might overflow to us without measure. Forgive us, and open us up, that we might extend your hospitality to your hungry, lonely world. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Psalm 103:8-12
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend, bring the kids, and join us next week as we continue our Summer in Psalm 23!