This week I would like to focus on the practice of “radical hospitality”. One of the most beautiful pictures we see in the New Testament is that of the early Christians gathering in one another’s homes, sharing meals, and welcoming both neighbors and strangers alike (Acts 2). If the message of Jesus was going to be heard by others, it needed to be experienced in the context of relationships marked by kindness, welcome, acceptance and friendship. And that’s what the early Christians practiced as a way of life. In other words, they were hospitable. What would it look like for us to once again commit to hospitality as a core distinctive of following Jesus together? On a personal level, it might look like us inviting a neighbor over for a BBQ or calling someone on the phone that you know spends most of their time alone. For us as at FPC, it might look like us welcoming newcomers on Sunday morning or inviting them to lunch after church. It could mean utilizing our building and property to gather people for social events, meeting community needs or supporting our mission partners. It might mean opening up your home and hosting a small group Bible study. In any case, it will require that we dare to believe Jesus’ teaching that real life and lasting joy is only found when we lay aside personal convenience for the sake of loving others. I can’t wait to see what God does through us as we do that together!

-Kenny