EPHESIANS 4:1-2 – I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

THEME OF THE DAY: A GOSPEL-CONVERTING HOME.  Let me start with a disclaimer.  Today’s theme is not about how nice our homes are, how many Bible verses on plaques are hanging on the walls in our living rooms, or the amount of scripture magnets attached to our refrigerators.  I am referring to a home which Christ as the center, and His Lordship is felt just by walking into the house.  He is recognized as the Head of the home, and honored by His Word and prayer, or family worship, shaping the home.  There will be “something different” that is hard to explain but as real as real could be by those who have experienced a home where Christ rules in the hearts of its residents. The fragrance of the Gospel is there – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14).

A Christian’s home is to be a gospel outpost and as such, it should be viewed in two lights.

First, like all things in life, our homes are God’s and should be used to glorify Him – always.  That means our homes should be of such a spiritual quality in the books we own, the magazines we receive, the movies and shows we watch on television, the search histories on our browsers, the conversations we have, and the way people are treated all bear the marks of the Lord Jesus’ Presence – His holiness and the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  When the residents of a home are bearing these fruits, God is most glorified.

The second light by which to view our homes as gospel outposts is in the place of hospitality to sinners.  Our Lord Jesus was identified as a “Friend of sinners” – The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Luke 7:34). Who gave Him this title and where?  By the unsaved religious crowd and in a home, having a meal.  When is the last time we had a sinner or sinners (like neighbors, like co-workers, like unsaved friends) at our table for a meal?  Remember, they are not lepers or the enemy. They are fallen image-bearers who need to know the Savior, and our homes should be those places the Lord may use to bring them to Himself.

Let’s end with this true story and ponder what is being taught.  It is a good lesson and model for us as we seek “Gospel-converting homes and lives” – The story is told of Gordon Maxwell, missionary to India, that when he asked a Hindu scholar to teach him the language, the Hindu replied: “No Sahib, I will not teach you my language. You would make me a Christian.” Gordon Maxwell replied, “You misunderstand me. I am simply asking you to teach me your language.” Again the Hindu responded, “No, Sahib, I will not teach you. No man can live with you and not become a Christian.”

PRAYER: “Father, help me to make my home a Gospel-centered place more and more each passing day.”

QUOTE: “Be a friend of sinners like Jesus, the Friend of all Friends, for He uses His people to reach them for Him.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim