As one is transformed by grace, one becomes a dispenser of grace. In this way, grace can and should be a most compelling argument for the truth claims of Christianity. Consider this statement: “Some people reject Christianity based on a decision to have nothing to do with it; others have a vague sense of hostility toward it. Since they may be rejecting Christianity because of a distorted view of it, it is essential that believers make clear what Christianity is all about.”[i]
If grace is not presented clearly – in word and in life – then its vitality and productivity will be obscured. One expositor asserts: “If the transforming power of God is at work in me, changing me, it will also be at work through me.”[ii] Grace lived out is attractive and authenticating. The world needs grace, and Christians carry the message of grace. Christians ought to produce appropriate verification of the transforming power of grace in their lives. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides a fitting conclusion: “The world today is looking for and desperately needs true Christians. Men would know that there is dynamic in the Christian gospel; they would know that this is a [living] thing; they would not go looking for anything else. They would say ‘Here it is.’ And when the world sees the truly Christian man, it not only feels condemned, it is drawn, it is attracted.”[iii]
A key way for the church to exercise practical grace is through hospitality. I was happy to see on Sunday that all of the booklets, How Can I Grow in Hospitality? were taken from the kiosks. We will have more booklets available – they are currently on order. If you’d rather not wait for them to be delivered, you can order from the link above. Let me reiterate my encouragement to you – take a Sunday night (or two, or a few) this summer to invite someone or a family you don’t know well* and bless them. “Hospitality is an expression of love to God and others. It is pointing another image-bearer Godward by welcoming that person into our lives and hearts for the sake of Christ. True hospitality is the open-handed acknowledgement of the goodness of God toward us that overflows to others.”iv
*A really good idea might be to invite a visitor to GBC
[i] Alister E. McGrath, “Apologetics to the Romans,” Bibliotheca Sacra (Oct.-Dec. 1998), 391
[ii] Zane C. Hodges, “Making Your Call and Election Sure: II Pet. 1:5-11” Journal of the Grace Evangelical society (Spring, 1998), 26
[iii] D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1959-60), 18
ivKeri Folmar, How Can I Grow in Hospitality? (Crossway 2024) p.15
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