Recently, I shared about my interaction with an Internet technician who came to my home on a service call. Saturday night we had him and his family over for dinner. It was a wonderful evening of gospel conversation and hospitality.
Before They Took Off Their Coats and Shoes
The Smith Family (I am not using their real names) arrived on time. I watched from the window next to our front door as the young couple wrangled their two small boys (ages two and one) out of their car seats. I opened the door as they walked up the steps and welcomed them inside. While inviting them to take off their coats and shoes and to get comfortable, I introduced them to Mahria and Amanda.
Before Jane finished taking off the boys’ coats and shoes, she announced, “I have so many questions for you!”
“She’s done nothing but watch and talk about your videos and books for the last two days,” John explained with an almost apologetic tone.
“Oh, no worries,” I said. “We’ve got all evening to talk.”
“Can a person be born again and then not born again?” Jane asked. We had yet to walk up the short staircase from our entryway to the main floor of our humble but comfortable, split-level, 50-year-old home.
As we turned the corner around the banister at the top of the stairs into our living room, Jane announced with a beaming smile and a whisper, “I think John was born-again last night!”
“I look forward to talking more about that,” I replied in my own hushed tone (something my family and close friends don’t believe I have).
The parents placed their boys on the carpet and I introduced them to some toy cars and puzzles Mahria set out to entertain them. Once everyone was settled in the living room, my ladies returned to the kitchen to finish dinner preparations.
John’s Admission
John had overheard Jane’s remark about him being born-again.
“I don’t think I am born-again,” he asserted. I heard disappointment, almost resignation in his voice. I didn’t hear any defiance in his answer.
At first glance, one hearing such a statement might find it a cause for discouragement and concern. I didn’t see it that way. John’s admission made me hopeful–not at the prospect of John perishing in his sin. I was hopeful that John’s admission indicated that he had come to or was coming to the realization that his assertion to me just a couple of days ago that he was a Christian wasn’t valid.
When John was in my home fixing my internet connection, he told me he was “born into” Christianity. No one is born a Christian.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, LSB).
Between the time of John’s service call to my home and him arriving at my house for dinner, John’s thinking had changed. Something had happened.
A Non-Stop Q&A
The two-year-old headed to the kitchen where he must have peppered Mahria with whatever questions a boy that age could ask. I could hear Mahria in a grandmotherly voice answering him.
I set out to answer Jane’s first question, which amounted to an inquiry into whether or not a Christian could lose his or her salvation. Her initial question would serve as a reoccurring theme throughout the evening–one that, when answered, gave Jane clarity as to when the Lord likely saved her. It was probably not at the age of seven, which is what she initially reported. But more likely just a year or so ago, after the passing of her beloved grandmother.
The rest of the evening was a non-stop Q&A. It was absolutely wonderful.
This article would be book-length if I tried to communicate with any detail the myriad subjects we covered in our conversation. Knowing I cannot, in written form, do justice to the entirety of what took place, I can only best describe it this way. It was like taking a kid fishing for the first time, or like introducing a youngster to a game of catch and the fundamentals of baseball–the greatest game ever invented.
Beautiful Hunger and Thirst
Every question Jane asked came with an almost palpable hunger to learn. While some of her questions were based on poor theology, which is to be expected from a relatively new believer, never did she ask a question with a hint of skepticism. Not once did a look of suspicion cross her face as she waited for and listen to the answers I gave her. Jane’s face carried the wonder of a child. Her eyes sparkled with the look of a beggar who just found a soft, warm, fresh loaf of bread.
Jane was a veritable sponge. The only question in my mind was would I have enough answers; would I be able to answer as quickly as the questions were posed to me; would I be able to satisfy her spiritual thirst for knowledge. It was as if Jane was joyfully begging, pleading to better and more intimately know her God.
I have had many opportunities over the last 22 years of ministry to answer the questions of new believers, which includes people I believe I watched the Lord save and people I met for the first time shortly after their conversions. But I can honestly say I’ve never seen, I’ve never experienced this level of unbridled joy from a curious new convert. In hindsight, it makes me think of what it might be like when I one day see Jesus face-to-face. Will I, in utter silence, express stunned amazement? Or will I, with unfettered exuberance, ask question after question.
In all candor, my interaction with Jane made me want to be born-again again.
A Wonderful List of Subjects
To spare you an article the length of “A Pastor’s Sketches” (one of my favorite books), allow me to present you with a partial list, a wonderful list of topics covered during my three hours with John and Jane. Again, Jane’s first question dealt with the perseverance of the saints. Most of the questions came from Jane. John was equally engaged and he had questions of his own, but he spent more time listening than asking questions.
Jane’s first question launched us into an intellectual and spiritual journey that criss-crossed her newly regenerated heart and mind. It was like visiting every significant place of interest in the United States while traveling nonstop in an SR-71 Blackbird. There was little time to gather my thoughts or even catch my breath.
Here are some of the other theological places we visited:
- Do all children go to heaven?
- Are children born innocent?
- Is there an age of accountability?
- Do I have to know the exact day I was saved to be saved?
- Seventh-Day Adventism (John’s first wife was part of the religion)
- Roman Catholicism (John was raised in the religion)
- What does it mean to be unequally yoked?
- Ordo Salutis
- Repentance
- Sanctification vs. Works Righteousness
- Counting the cost
- Idolatry
- Apologetics
- Engaging Jane’s gay, Muslim brother
- The importance of the local church in the life of the believer
I admit I experienced a bit of frustration as I compiled the above list. I was frustrated that I couldn’t remember everything we talked about.
“Do Christians Struggle with Sin?”
As we all sat at our dining room table enjoying dinner, Jane asked me another question. “Do Christians struggle with sin?”
I explained to Jane that when God causes a person to be born-again by His grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, he or she is freed from the penalty of sin and from the power of sin. (Here is a concise and helpful article on the subject.) This part of the conversation allowed me to communicate an abbreviated version of my testimony to John and Jane, during which I emphasized the progressive nature of sanctification in the life of the believer. When the Lord saved me, there were habitual sins He immediately removed from my life. There were other sins over which it took longer for me to experience victory.
It was at this point there was a bit of a lull in the Q&A, which allowed me to direct my attention elsewhere. It was time to inquire of John directly.
Time for John to Hear the Gospel
“John, you mentioned when you first got here that you don’t think you are born again. So, something has changed since the other day when you told me you were a Christian. What happened?” I asked.
“I’m not sure,” he replied.
With that, I launched into a proclamation of the law and the gospel. In doing so, I employed two analogies (the lawnmower and the courtroom) to help John distinguish works that are a fruit of salvation from works-righteousness and to help him understand the penal, substitutionary atonement of Christ.
I took my time communicating the gospel to John. I think Jane smiled the entire time. John’s eyes were locked on mine.
“Well, I’ve said a lot. What are you thinking right now?” I asked John.
“I’ve gotta try harder…” He offered.
“Nope,” I interrupted. “Stop trying.”
I explained again the free gift of eternal life that is found only in faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).
During the evening, John admitted that up until recently he was a “raging alcoholic” (his words). He also admitted to a vice that he didn’t even weakly try to defend.
“John, is there any sin in your life that you love so much that your willing to die and go to hell so you can enjoy that sin in this life?” I asked.
“No,” John unhesitatingly replied.
“Then turn to Christ and live while God has given you time,” I called.
A Wife’s Pleading
“You need to be born-again!” Jane urged. “Why won’t you be born again?”
Jane wasn’t angry or frustrated with her husband. She loved him. She desperately wanted for John what God had graciously given to her–eternal life. Jane’s sweet and heartfelt outburst took me back 33 years when a young man filled with zeal and very little knowledge begged his wife to be saved.
I reached across the table and gently rested my hand on Jane’s forearm. “Salvation is of the Lord, Jane. He will save everyone He has determined to save,” I explained. This led to a conversation about predestination and God’s sovereignty in salvation.
The little ones were starting to run out of gas. For the two active boys, it was getting late. While certainly unintended but seemingly on cue, the one-year-old fell from the hearth (he’s a climber) and split his lip on the corner, on the way down. Just a minor flesh wound, a small ice pack and a damp paper towel calmed the now-cranky child.
As we made our way to the front door, both John and Jane expressed their desire to visit again. An open invitation was immediately extended to them.
We said our goodbyes. John pulled the front door shut behind him as he left.
I sat down on the carpeted stairs. I lowered my head and took a deep breath. Full of joy and a bit overwhelmed, I thanked the Lord for what had just happened. It was the best kind of tired–gospel tired.
I collected myself and made my way back upstairs to find Mahria and Amanda both slouched on the couch, with their arms spread to their sides.
The Gift of Hospitality
It dawned on me that I had barely seen my ladies all evening. I also realized that I had barely seen the two rambunctious children, too.
I could tell my ladies needed to be debriefed and maybe a bit of a pep talk. They weren’t angry, frustrated, or upset. Not at all. Not in the least. The looks on their faces were that of two women defusing after a critical incident.
“First, I want to thank you. You both were amazing tonight. The hospitality you showed that young family was amazing,” I said. I shared with them the list I had compiled in my mind–a list of the many things they accomplished in preparation for and during the evening.
“I want to make sure you have the right perspective about what happened tonight,” I explained. “Because of what you did tonight, because of the way you partnered with me in ministry and showed such wonderful hospitality, I was allowed almost three hours of uninterrupted ministry with John and Jane. They weren’t distracted by their kids because you were taking care of them. Tonight wouldn’t have happened without your help. Thank you.”
My two ladies mustered the strength to smile.
I included the phrase “the gift of hospitality” in the title of this article which has grown into a short story. The Bible speaks of hospitality.
“Contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality” (Romans 12:13, LSB).
“Having a reputation for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in affliction, if she has devoted herself to every good work” (1 Timothy 5:10, LSB).
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2, LSB).
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9, LSB).
Evangelicalism wrongly speaks of hospitality much the same way it wrongly speaks of evangelism–as if it were a spiritual gift given only to a special few Christians. The Bible doesn’t speak of evangelism as a “spiritual gift.” Rather, the Bible commands Christians to engage in evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Likewise, the Word of God commands Christians, all Christians, to be hospitable.
So, my reference to “the gift of hospitality” in the title of this story is not to say, “Look at me and my family. We have a gift.” On the contrary; my family and I have only begun to learn how to be hospitable. As I’ve previously testified, up until about five years ago the giving and receiving of hospitality was not part of my family’s DNA. It intentionally was not even on our radar. That’s my fault.
However, the Lord is sanctifying us, all of us, in this area. Praise God! So, when I use the phrase “the gift of hospitality” in the context of this story it is to say that Mahria, Amanda, and I received a gift the other night. We were gifted with the opportunity to be hospitable to strangers (1 Peter 4:9). It donned on us after the Smiths left that we did not know their last name. It wasn’t until I texted them later in the evening and asked for their last name that we even knew what it was.
While we were hospitable to the Smiths, it wasn’t because we were endowed with some special, spiritual gift. Rather, we were blessed to receive a special gift from God, a present, a blessing as He allowed us to be hospitable to strangers in our home and further sanctifying us in this area of our lives. Again, praise God.
A Glorious Postscript
Last night I had a text exchange with John. It went like this.
John: “How is it known that Mohammed was a false prophet. Jane’s brother is trying to argue [against] it again.”
Me: “The article in this first link is a bit technical, but it is an argument Jane’s brother can’t defeat. If he tried to argue that the Bible has been corrupted, send him this. And the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18 is shown to be fulfilled by Jesus in Acts 3:14-22.”
John: “How did you know he was trying to point out [that there] are Bible contradictions, etc?”
Me: “Because I’ve talked to many Muslims and, like atheists, they work from a very small playbook of arguments.”
John: “He tried every argument [you] listed. Her brother did say today he no longer wants to be gay. He wants to leave the guy he is with and meet a woman and have a family.”
Me: “That’s wonderful news. But keep in mind, making a good moral decision does not make him right with God. Unless he repents and received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he will be a heterosexual who is going to hell . . . And John, please keep in mind, until you repent and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are in the same boat as Jane’s brother.”
John: “I have. I know my only way to salvation is to put my love and trust in Jesus. Without that in my life, I have nothing . . . I sat Jane down tonight and asked her if we could become missionaries in order to help others find Christ and put their lives into his hands.”
Me: “Wait. Are you telling me that since I saw you last night you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”
John: “I’m pretty sure it happened a week ago. I just didn’t understand what was causing me to feel different. I had to actually sit down and think about it. Who I’ve been lately is nowhere near the person I have been in the past. I don’t get angry or short-tempered like I used to. I know that doesn’t mean anything, but I know my heart has changed, and I know without Christ nothing in my life matters. Nothing.”
Me: “So, is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?”
John: “Yes. He is mighty. He is king.”
Me: “Praise the Lord!”
Whether it happened a week ago, Saturday night, or sooner than that, it appears the Lord has saved John.
John and I spent the next 90 minutes exchanging more texts. He had been watching the videos of at least one false teacher. I sent him a video to show him why he shouldn’t watch or listen to the teacher. I also sent him the names of MacArthur, Sproul, Washer, and Baucham, letting him know that he would find a plethora of videos of these solid teachers. Within minutes, he texted to tell me he was listening to one of Sproul’s sermons.
I ordered John’s first study Bible. I should be able to give it to him on Thursday.
John has accepted my invitation to disciple him.
Pray that John’s is a “good soil” conversion. Pray that I will be able to help him grow in his faith.
There are some questions about the church John and Jane are attending. Pray the Lord gives them both wisdom and discernment.
And, please, join me in praising and thanking God for what He did and is doing. To Him and to Him alone be all the praise and honor and glory. He alone is worthy.
Kathleen Kelly says
What a mighty God we serve! This is an amazing testimony!! Thank you for sharing and thank your ladies for their gift of hospitality! Praise God!!!
Jess Lankford says
Praise God, thank you for sharing Tony.
Maria Kehoe says
WOW!! What an opportunity to share the gospel and to disciple someone. An opportunity like this is something that true believers pray to happened to them.
Someone reading this may think well Tony is very versed in God’s word, and true that, but it shouldn’t stop us as believers to answer questions the best to our knowledge of the word of God. And if we don’t know the answer then search out the truth of God’s word with the one being discipled. That is also a great opportunity for the believer to grow with the one who is being discipled.
May God truly bless you in the ministry He has given you to steward over. I think I speak for many in saying we appreciate you!