RETHINKING HOSPITALITY

As I have been studying 3 John this week and the subject of hospitality, my mind has been broaden beyond the usual context we think of concerning this character quality that the Bible so often speaks about.  Of course, understanding its true meaning to be "love of strangers," in itself makes us think twice about whether we are truly hospitable.  But, beyond that it seems that hospitality is often associated with having people into our homes.  I'm thinking we need to realize it goes way beyond that to a way of life that continually loves everyone we meet--everywhere.  Is not my chatting with a 3 year old grandson as much hospitality as providing a delicious meal for guests in my home?  Is not welcoming with open arms those I don't know at church, also hospitality?  How about greeting cheerfully those I see in public places, whether I know them or not? 

"If you are a Christian professor, either Christ is glorified or put to shame in you, His saint; and either it is true of you that you do all things in the Name of the Lord Jesus and so glorify His Name, or that through you the Name of Christ is ‘blasphemed among the nations.’ Choose which of the two it shall be!"  Alexander MacLaren

Let's encourage one another in this valuable Christian quality this Thursday morning as we study 3 John.

RESURRECTION REJOICING

One of my favorite of Ezra's paintings is this one depicting possibly what the first Resurrection morning may have looked like.  May we all be rejoicing as we remember that amazing day. 

 1 Corinthians 15:3-4"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures," 
 

HE BECAME SIN, WHO KNEW NO SIN

One of the most outstanding things God has said deals directly with Himself, you, and me.  2 Corinthians 5:21"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  It is beyond our little minds to fully comprehend how God, who spoke and the vast universe came into being, humbled himself and became a human so that he could suffer and die for what we have done wrong.  Amazing grace--amazing love! 

He became sin, who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing, love so amazing

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all       Chris Tomlin

Some deeper thoughts about this great event in history that we celebrate this weekend.  "Christ knew no sin. He was made Sin; not a sinner, but Sin, a Sin-offering, a Sacrifice for sin. The end and design of all this was, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, might be justified freely by the grace of God through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Can any lose, labour, or suffer too much for Him, who gave his beloved Son to be the Sacrifice for their sins, that they might be made the righteousness of God in him?"  Alexander MacLaren

Yes, we are having Ladies Bible Study tomorrow (Thursday) and studying 2 John.  Also, don't forget Good Friday service at 7 and a great celebration on Sunday of the Resurrection at 10:30 preceded by a Sea of Galilee breakfast at 9:15.