Ephesians 2:19 (TLB) “Now you are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.”
1 Peter 4:8-9 (NIV) “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
How do you become hospitable with a church family?
Definition of hospitable – Friendly, kind, and considerate toward guests
1. I will be friendly and kind towards people in my church family
Acts 2:42 (TEV) “They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship…”
Fellowship is getting to know each member because you belong in God’s family
Which statement best describes you?
|
You like to spend your time alone and to be by yourself |
If there is a new person around, you introduce yourself and your friends |
1 Peter 3:8 (TLB) “You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.”
Lighthouse operates on the basis of relationships not rules. The greater the relationship you have, the fewer rules you need. The stronger relationship you have, you just trust people more!
2. I accept and will fellowship with each member of God’s own family
Romans 12:5 (NIV) “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
John 13:35 (TLB) “Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
In CLASS 201, you learned fellowship is one of four habits of a disciple. Discipleship is disciplined habits whereby you “put off the old self with its habits, and put on the new self…which God id continually renewing.” Col. 3:9-10
Which statement best describes you?
|
Even if you don’t hear from a friend for several days and don’t know why, you don’t try to get in touch |
When someone is missing from a church service you are likely to call them to see if they are ok. |
Hebrews 10:19 (Phillips NT) “Let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds.”
1 Corinthians 12:27 (MSG) “You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything.”
Serve one another – Gal 5:13
Accept one another – Rom. 15:7
Forgive one another – Col. 3:13
Greet one another – Rom. 16:16
Bear one another’s burden’s – Gal. 6:2
Be devoted to one another – Rom. 12:10
Honor one another – Rom. 12:10
Teach one another – Rom. 15:14
Submit to one another – Eph. 5:21
Encourage one another – 1 Thess. 5:11
EVERY MEMBER NEEDS TO BE A PART OF A SMALL GROUP TO BELONG
3. I am to spend the maximum of my time in the ministry that best expresses who I am to help my church family.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (TLB) “The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.”
Hebrews 6:10 (TEV) “God will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians.”
Your hospitality is shown in your kindness and generosity by meeting the needs of your church family through your spiritual gift
What statement best describes you?
|
I was created in Jesus Christ to do good works |
I don’t think I need to help any member of this congregation |
1 Peter 2:5 (TEV) “You will serve as holy priests…you have been chosen by God himself--you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God's very own--all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
YOUR PRIMARY IDENTITY IS YOU ARE A MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST
1 Peter 4:10 (TLB) “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.”
Do you think most believers at lighthouse know you as being:
Warm, Kind, and Generous or cold, uncaring, and stingy
THE KEY TO BEING HOSPITABLE IS CONTINUING JESUS’ MISSION
Jesus expects you to continue his life mission.
4. My life mission must include His life mission.
If you want to be like Jesus then your life mission must include his life mission.
John 17:18 (MSG) “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.”
In CLASS 401, you’ll learn continuing his mission is not an option, suggestion, or a possible good idea, it’s a command!
Luke 24:47 (NLT) “With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: `There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.'”
John 20:21 (NIV) “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
JESUS’ MISSION FOR LIFE IS:
· MY MANDATE FOR LIFE,
· MY MESSAGE FOR LIFE
· MY METHOD FOR LIFE
· MY MOTIVATION FOR LIFE
· MY MISSION FOR LIFE
Which statement best describes you?
|
His mission matters to me |
I don’t care about His mission |
If you are a Christian, His mission is not optional. You are either obedient or disobedient!
The more His mission matters to you, the more hospitable you will be.
Why, because people matter.
1 Peter 2:9 (MSG) “You are the ones chosen by God, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you.”
RECAP
1. I will be friendly and kind towards people in my church family
2. I accept and will fellowship with each member of God’s own family
3. I am to spend the maximum of my time in the ministry that best expresses who I am to help my church family
4. My life mission must include His life mission
So that, you will love each other deeply, and offer hospitality to one another without grumbling!
Publisher's Note: Gerry White is the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church and Christian Academy in Hurricane.
The congregation of Lighthouse Baptist Church
worships the Lord every Sunday morning.
Traditional worship service is at 9:00.
Contemporary worship service starts at 10:30.
Sunday School meets at: 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday night worship service is at 7:00.
AWANA meets at 6:45 Wednesday nights from
September through May.
Lighthouse Christian Academy is a Bible-based
Christian School, pre-school through 6th grade.
Day Care is 1-5 years old. There is also an
after-school program.
Lighthouse Baptist Church and Christian
Academy are located at 2440 US Route 60, in
Hurricane.
The church phone number is: 304-562-3900.
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