Show Hospitality To One Another

  THE WHY OF HOSPITALITY . . .   Showing hospitality is putting flesh on the gospel.   THE WHAT OF HOSPITALITY . . .   Showing hospitality is intentionally choosing to engage, not to separate or isolate.   "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."  Romans 15:7   "Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly."  Simplest Way to Change the World   Showing hospitality is not reserved only for those you like and who are like you.  (Luke 10:25-37; Ephesians 2:11-13)   "We who formerly hated and murdered one another . . . now live together and share the same table.  Now we pray for our enemies and try to win those who hate us."  Justin Martyr, second-century church father   God is pursuing every tribe, tongue, and nation and He does so through a hospitable people who have been redeemed by a hospitable God.    Showing hospitality opens the door for authentic community.   "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."  1 Thessalonians 2:8   "Great community is forged, not found."  Todd Wagner, Lead Pastor at Watermark Community Church   Showing hospitality changes the world.    When we welcome others as Christ has welcomed us, it can change the world.