The Journey to Nebbi
In which Daniel, Jon, and Megan travel to northwestern Uganda to visit a new Words of Hope radio station, and nearly get washed away enroute. The day was mild and sunny as we set out for the Nebbi region of northwest Uganda. At the start I naively asked, “The drive is what, about five hours?” […]
The Heavenly Hospitality of Jesus
Read: John 14:1-14 I go to prepare a place for you. (v. 2) When someone I love is coming to my house to stay, I get to work! I dust and vacuum the spare bedroom, and make sure there are clean linens on the bed. I set out clean towels and stock the kitchen with my […]
The Humble Hospitality of Jesus
Read: John 13:1-17 Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (v. 1) We stated at the beginning of this series that hospitality isn’t about entertaining or impressing people; it’s about welcoming others into our homes and lives. Hospitality is a practical way to demonstrate love for others in […]
Hospitality and Gospel Workers
Read: 3 John Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. (v. 8) Jesus once said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Jesus’ ministry required him to go from town […]
Hospitality and Discipleship
Read: Acts 18:18-28 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (v. 26) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books.” While we tend to think that great […]
Love and Hospitality
Read: 1 Peter 4:1-11 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (v. 9) As we enter the holiday season, it’s good to note the ways that we as Christians can not only celebrate, but also find ways to bless others. There’s a lot of greed and consumption during this time of the year, but there are […]
Hospitality for Our Enemies
Read: Romans 12:9-21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (v. 21) Polycarp was a leader in the church of Smyrna, which suffered heavy persecution from the Romans during the second century. When he was in his eighties, Polycarp was forced into hiding, but he was betrayed to the authorities. When Roman […]
Hospitality and Leadership
Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach . . . sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable. (v. 2) What would you include in your list of the most important qualities of a good church leader? Would hospitality be on that list? Hospitality made Paul’s list! Here in 1 Timothy 3, Paul discusses the qualifications for “overseers,” or pastors and […]
Hospitality and Evangelism
Read: Luke 5:27-39 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. (v. 29) Do you think of your home as a center for evangelism? While it’s easy enough to invite someone to church, many people aren’t comfortable in […]