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The Cornerstone
This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11
Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia
Volume 9 * Number 31* August 5, 2007
I Can Do All Things Through…
Christ! “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Christ is our strength through all kinds of adversity and joy. Paul had learned how to be content no matter what circumstances he found himself in. With little or a lot he was satisfied at that moment and time. Christ was his strength.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Without Christ as our source of strength, we will not be able to do anything. We will only bear fruit if we abide in the source of our nourishment, the Vine, Jesus Christ.
We cannot rely on physical bread either to give us the real strength which is needed in life. We must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) Jesus said “He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24 Sent by the Father, Jesus was able to proclaim Himself to be the “Bread of Life” John 6:35 The words of Jesus strengthen us. He help us in times of trouble! He encourage us in times of despair and commends us in times of joy. No matter the condition, Jesus’ words provides the strength needed to do “all things.”
Is Christ your Strength?
Stacy Crim
Practicing Hospitality
Jeff Carr
The intentional practice of hospitality can be the best and hardest thing you'll ever do. It can bring a host of difficulties but also a wealth of joys. Hospitality is an area that can easily fall into neglect, but the book of Hebrews (13:12) warns against doing so. Hospitality is not just to be practiced once a year at Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it should be a constant attitude and practice. Romans 12:13 says we're to "practice hospitality." This literally means we are to pursue it, and the verb implies continuous action.
According to the 1828 Noah Webster dictionary, hospitality is "the act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality." The root meaning of hospitality is the Latin word hospes, which literally means "guests." In its purest sense, hospitality is sharing our home, lives, personal space, and resources without communicating a need for performance or an expectation of return.
Hospitality should be done out of a grateful heart for all God has done for us, not out of obligation. We are to practice hospitality to one another without complaint (1 Peter 4:9). To be a good steward of God's grace means we let our hospitality be an extension of God's hospitality to us.
Grace is the hospitality of God to welcome sinners not because of their goodness, but because of his glory. In creating a universe, God made room for others. This act of divine hospitality allows us to share in the love of the divine community. The end of all things is God's great open house where there is feasting and gladness forever. Now that's hospitality!
The Lord repeatedly instructs us to practice hospitality. In addition, one of the mentioned qualities required to be an elder is the faithful practice of hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8). There are many examples of the New Testament believers practicing hospitality (Acts 16:15, 21:8).
Those who regularly practice hospitality have a special ability to focus his or her attention on a guest. They are able to clearly communicate that it is their privilege to have guests in their home. They value the presence of others in their lives and often do this without words; their actions alone speak volumes.
Galatians 6:2 admonishes us to bear one another's burdens. The practical art of bearing the burdens of others includes hospitality, which is an expression of love. Simply ask yourself, "How can I draw people into a deeper experience of God's hospitality by the use of my home?"
During Hurricane Katrina, a home in the Houston area was open to my family (including our 2 cats!) without reservation. I was convicted! I was once invited to stay at the home of a Christian family whom I never met. When I arrived at the home someone let me in and there were notes all over the house basically saying “please, make yourself at home.” This family wasn’t home to receive me but I felt like a king for the night I stayed there by myself. I have known some who neglect hospitality with the excuse "My house is too small." There is no house is too small to show God's love.
Opportunities to extend hospitality are bountiful. Perhaps a recent widow is lonely. Maybe a new believer at your congregation could use friend. Perhaps someone is traveling through your area and could use a place to stay. Forget trying to impress anybody. Paper plates and cups are just as useful as fine China. Hospitality comes from the heart; it doesn't require spotless homes, gourmet meals, and perfectly behaved children. Making room for others means we welcome them into our lives just as they are. A relaxed, "this is who we are" atmosphere takes the pressure out of hosting others.
Not everyone is naturally hospitable, but we are all called to practice it as the opportunity arises. The Swedish theologian, Krister Stendahl, once said, "Whenever, wherever, however the Kingdom manifests itself, it is in welcome."
Hospitality isn't just a nice thing to do if we can; it's the very embodiment of our faith. When we faithfully practice hospitality, we can leave an indelible mark in the lives of others whom God brings at just the right time. And any time is the perfect time to practice hospitality.
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