Category: Hospitality

As you know I spent the last week preaching a gospel meeting in Lubbock at the Indiana Avenue church of Christ. The brethren there have long stood for truth, and were very accepting of the lessons I preached while there.

In addition to their kind reception of the preaching, they were hospitable to Debbie and I. This is the same group that adopted Josh when he was going to school at Texas Tech, and who are opening their arms and hearts to Kahley Paulsel as she begins her time there. I have a great fondness for all of them.

It is a wonderful thing to have such a kinship and affection with the faithful, wherever you go. All of us have received warm welcomes when traveling, even when meeting other Christians for the first time. In 3 John, the apostle commended Gaius for his hospitality, “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church” (3 John 5-6a). We are so grateful that there are many of Gaius’ ilk among the people of God in our generation.

I also appreciate the brethren here at West Side, as many of you exhibit the same willingness to be hospitable. It is important for each of us to examine our hearts, and our practice to ensure that we are pleasing God. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:8-10).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.

Audio

The practice of hospitality is emphasized as an important part of the Christian walk. Gaius was commended by the apostle John for his expressions of hospitality for “the brethren and for strangers” (3 John 4).

Gaius’ hospitality included the keeping and feeding of preachers of the gospel of Christ. Because of his help to them, John said that Gaius did “well”, and indicated that when we receive these men, “we may become fellow workers for the truth” (vs. 8).

We put up a meal list for brother Micky Galloway, who will be preaching for us in our meeting April 3-8. This is your opportunity to emulate Gaius, and receive the commendation of our Lord.

If you show hospitality to a preacher, he gets a meal, but you get a far greater blessing!

3 John 5-8

Gaius was a wonderful and hospitable man. This is evident from our text, where the beloved apostle John commends him for the love he showed for “the brethren and for strangers.”

Though hospitality is a physical thing, it is a spiritual work. It is a means of supporting the Christian laborer, as evidenced by the words of our text, “If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well.” One who is doing the Lord’s work should be encouraged and helped in that work. This is something that even the babe in Christ is able to do. To put it simply, you may not be able to eloquently share the word, but you can supply a comfortable bed and warm meal for those who do!

2 John 9-11 also indicates that the work of hospitality is a spiritual endeavor. John there indicates that the offer of your home to a teacher is the equivalent of extending the hand of fellowship. That is why we are not to extend such hospitality to a false teacher, for “he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (11).

Hospitality is the Lord’s work!

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

The term “hospitable,” in this text, is easily defined. It means “fond of guests.” The concept of Christian love demands that we not be grudging regarding the keeping and care of guests. Having brethren into your home is an expression of love, care and appreciation for them.

Next week the brethren here have an opportunity to have a preacher of the gospel into their home. Brother Greer is doing us a great service in preaching the truth of God’s word. It is a great gift that we are unable to repay in kind. But, we can be hospitable to him, and we can do it without grumbling! (Spaces remain available on the meal list).