Embracing Hospitality: Living as Christ's Ambassadors
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Epworth! Today, we delve into the essence of sharing God's hospitality, inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:16-20. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to extend God's love and reconciliation to everyone we encounter. This message is particularly relevant in our community, where tourism plays a significant role. The influx of visitors not only supports our local economy but also provides us with opportunities to practice hospitality and share God's love.
Reflecting on my recent experience as a Southern Delaware Ambassador, I realized the importance of welcoming others, even when it feels inconvenient. The training emphasized asking open-ended questions to engage visitors genuinely. This approach mirrors our spiritual calling to be ambassadors for Christ, where our actions and words should reflect God's love and reconciliation.
The concept of reconciliation is central to our faith. It involves more than just a one-time event; it's an ongoing process of being reconciled to God and extending that reconciliation to others. This continuous renewal helps us to be more generous with our welcome, understanding that God's love is abundant and never-ending.
Our scripture today reminds us not to regard others from a human point of view but to see them through the lens of Christ's love. This perspective transforms our interactions, making us more compassionate and understanding. Just as I experienced unexpected hospitality in a foreign land, we are called to offer that same level of welcome and love to those around us.
In conclusion, being an ambassador for Christ means embracing a lifestyle of continuous reconciliation and hospitality. It's about seeing every interaction as an opportunity to share God's love and to be a living testament to His grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Ambassadors for Christ: As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to extend God's love and reconciliation to everyone we meet. This role is not just a title but a lifestyle that requires us to be intentional in our interactions, reflecting God's grace and love in all we do. [03:52]
2. The Importance of Genuine Engagement: Engaging genuinely with others, especially visitors, involves asking open-ended questions that foster meaningful conversations. This approach not only makes others feel welcome but also opens the door for deeper connections and opportunities to share God's love. [27:48]
3. Continuous Reconciliation: Reconciliation with God is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. This continuous renewal helps us to be more generous with our welcome, understanding that God's love is abundant and never-ending. It encourages us to extend that same grace to others. [38:36]
4. Seeing Through Christ's Lens: Our scripture reminds us to regard others not from a human point of view but through the lens of Christ's love. This perspective transforms our interactions, making us more compassionate and understanding, and helps us to see the divine in everyone we meet. [46:34]
5. Hospitality as a Spiritual Practice: Offering hospitality is more than just a social nicety; it's a spiritual practice that reflects our faith. By welcoming others, we embody the love and grace of God, creating a community where everyone feels valued and loved. [52:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:52] - Announcements
[06:05] - Community Events
[26:36] - Southern Delaware Ambassador Experience
[27:48] - The Importance of Welcoming Visitors
[28:24] - Economic Impact of Tourism
[29:03] - Personal Reflections on Tourism
[30:47] - Being an Ambassador for Christ
[32:13] - Engaging with Visitors
[33:53] - Genuine Conversations
[35:34] - Personal Stories of Hospitality
[36:56] - Experiences of Being a Stranger
[38:36] - Continuous Reconciliation
[40:20] - The Call to Follow Christ
[46:34] - Seeing Through Christ's Lens
[52:46] - Hospitality as a Spiritual Practice
[58:15] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (NIV): "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:20?
2. How does the sermon describe the role of asking open-ended questions in engaging with others? ([33:53])
3. What personal experience did the pastor share about being welcomed in a foreign land? ([36:56])
4. How does the sermon define the concept of continuous reconciliation with God? ([38:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing others through the lens of Christ's love change our interactions with them? ([46:34])
2. What are some practical ways we can embody the role of an ambassador for Christ in our daily lives?
3. Why is genuine engagement with others, especially visitors, important in the context of sharing God's love? ([27:48])
4. How does the concept of continuous reconciliation influence our ability to offer hospitality to others? ([38:36])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you could have been more welcoming. How can you apply the principles of being an ambassador for Christ in similar future interactions? ([27:48])
2. Think of a time when you felt like a stranger. How did someone’s hospitality impact you, and how can you replicate that experience for others? ([36:56])
3. What are some open-ended questions you can ask to engage more genuinely with visitors or new people in your community? ([33:53])
4. How can you practice continuous reconciliation with God in your daily life, and how might this affect your relationships with others? ([38:36])
5. Identify one person in your life who might feel like an outsider. What specific actions can you take this week to make them feel more welcomed and valued? ([46:34])
6. How can you incorporate the practice of seeing others through Christ’s lens in your workplace or social circles? ([46:34])
7. What steps can you take to make hospitality a more intentional and spiritual practice in your home or church community? ([52:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Living as Ambassadors for Christ
As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to extend God's love and reconciliation to everyone we meet. This role is not just a title but a lifestyle that requires us to be intentional in our interactions, reflecting God's grace and love in all we do. Being an ambassador means representing Christ in every aspect of our lives, from our words to our actions. It involves a commitment to live out the values of the Kingdom of God, showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to all.
In our daily lives, this can be challenging, especially when we encounter difficult situations or people. However, it is in these moments that our role as ambassadors becomes even more crucial. By choosing to respond with love and grace, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's love. This not only impacts those around us but also deepens our own relationship with God. [03:52]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you struggled to show Christ's love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to better reflect your role as an ambassador for Christ?
Day 2: Genuine Engagement with Others
Engaging genuinely with others, especially visitors, involves asking open-ended questions that foster meaningful conversations. This approach not only makes others feel welcome but also opens the door for deeper connections and opportunities to share God's love. Genuine engagement requires us to be present and attentive, showing a sincere interest in the lives of those we meet.
In a world where superficial interactions are common, taking the time to engage deeply with others can be a powerful testimony of God's love. By asking thoughtful questions and listening actively, we create a space where people feel valued and understood. This not only strengthens our relationships but also provides opportunities to share the hope and love we have in Christ. [27:48]
Proverbs 20:5 (ESV): "The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out."
Reflection: Think of someone you will interact with today. What open-ended question can you ask them to foster a deeper, more meaningful conversation?
Day 3: The Process of Continuous Reconciliation
Reconciliation with God is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. This continuous renewal helps us to be more generous with our welcome, understanding that God's love is abundant and never-ending. It encourages us to extend that same grace to others. Reconciliation involves a daily commitment to align our hearts and actions with God's will, seeking His forgiveness and extending it to others.
This process of continuous reconciliation transforms our relationships and our communities. As we experience God's grace and forgiveness, we are empowered to offer the same to those around us. This creates a culture of grace and love, where people feel safe to be vulnerable and seek healing. [38:36]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step towards healing that relationship today?
Day 4: Seeing Through Christ's Lens
Our scripture reminds us to regard others not from a human point of view but through the lens of Christ's love. This perspective transforms our interactions, making us more compassionate and understanding, and helps us to see the divine in everyone we meet. Seeing through Christ's lens means looking beyond external appearances and circumstances to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
This shift in perspective can profoundly impact our relationships and our communities. When we see others as God sees them, we are more likely to respond with empathy and kindness. This not only strengthens our relationships but also creates a more inclusive and loving community. [46:34]
1 Samuel 16:7b (ESV): "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you begin to see them through Christ's lens and respond with compassion and understanding?
Day 5: Hospitality as a Spiritual Practice
Offering hospitality is more than just a social nicety; it's a spiritual practice that reflects our faith. By welcoming others, we embody the love and grace of God, creating a community where everyone feels valued and loved. Hospitality involves more than just opening our homes; it means opening our hearts and lives to others, creating spaces where people feel safe and accepted.
In practicing hospitality, we reflect the inclusive and generous nature of God's Kingdom. This not only blesses those we welcome but also enriches our own lives, as we experience the joy of giving and receiving love. [52:46]
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: How can you practice hospitality today, whether through a small act of kindness or by inviting someone into your home or life?
Quotes
1. "When we think about the fact that tourism is the largest employer in this county, and it brings not just jobs, but it brings a kind of purpose to our area. And maybe, maybe that might help us. By the way, you know, some of you may know I'm a school bus driver. I love driving in that bus lane. When I find out that school buses could drive in it too, I'm like, no way." [29:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want their experience to be a good experience, because I'm an ambassador now. I'm ambassador trained. So, not only did we learn how to, why we might want to offer a welcome to folks who are clogging our, I mean, joining us to celebrate the wonderful area, and by the way, remember, that celebration goes on. They only get to enjoy it for a few weeks, and they got to pay tons for the privilege. We get to enjoy it year-round because of them, right?" [30:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's an extraordinary thing that we can do for each other, and I think it's all the more extraordinary. Let me just ask a question. Just take a quick, I am going to ask for a show of hands here, and you could do it online as well, now that we're finally online. I'm so sorry. Sorry, guys, but anyway, we tried. We got it. We weren't online for a while. ASL, though, ASL was online 100 percent, because it would be, especially on a day like today." [35:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Be reconciled to God. What is that like? The word for reconciliation, and I love to, where is reconciliation again? It's looked like, no, oh, that's right. I know reconciliation. I know reconciliation. You know why I know reconciliation? I'll tell you why I know reconciliation, because I was brought up on charges for being a little bit too lenient on this gay issue, not really, and being open-hearted and open-minded, and I wasn't supposed to do that." [40:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It doesn't take much, except at the very beginning, maybe takes everything to be reconciled to God. It doesn't say, remember what that was like a long time ago. It says to experience that on a regular and ongoing basis. Maybe one of the reasons why we're so stingy with our welcome is we don't feel welcomed ourselves." [43:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's important to remember that this life-giving love that God has showered down on us, first of all, it's important to remember it's still yours. It never ends. Most often the Bible calls it not some stagnant pool in a cistern, caught off somewhere. You know what? It happens to water. If you keep it cooped up too long, it rots. And so it is sometimes in the church where we're like, no, no, no, no, no. We might run out of this life-giving water, so we've got to keep it sequestered." [45:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Be reconciled to God. And just as I started the curriculum at the end, I'd like to go to the beginning to round out the curriculum of how we continue to be ambassadors of Christ in a world filled with loneliness. Do you remember how the passage begins? Regard one another. It talks about how we regard one another, and that's an interesting word. A bit archaic. It involves seeing, but it also involves something beyond seeing." [46:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Don't regard those from a human point of view any longer. And then it says, and again, it's another one of those lines that you might just sort of throw away because we've already got the good line, right? It says, once we view Jesus in this way. And I think Paul is making a deliberate connection between the way we view others and the way we view Jesus." [48:04] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I have a unique kind of experience with immigration because I was an immigrant for about a year in Japan, and there were all kinds of things that I experienced there. I remember one night my lips were chapped, and I went out into Yokosuka, and I was going to find some chapstick, which sounded like a good idea until I got a block in the place, and I'm like, I'm illiterate, and there's no English anywhere." [49:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Japan was a strange experience also because not only was I an immigrant, I was, like so many immigrants to this country, a hated immigrant because I represented the United States military. That had dropped, not one. But two atomic bombs. The only country that's ever done so anywhere, on cities filled with civilians. That's our legacy." [51:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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