Who are these people?Who are these people?What would YOU be willing to do for them?

What would you do for a stranger?

For the Love of a StrangerFor the Love of a Stranger-- the importance of hospitality

Loving Strangers is a Basic Loving Strangers is a Basic Principle of the GospelPrinciple of the Gospel

Jesus died for strangers (Ephesians 2:11-13; Colossians 1:21-22)

Preaching to strangers was Paul’s mission (Romans 15:15-20)

We should see strangers as people to whom we can show love!

In Hebrew, the word for “foreigner” literally meant “guest”.

In Greek, the word for “hospitality” literally means “love of strangers”

Love Obligates us to be Love Obligates us to be Hospitable to Strangers & BrethrenHospitable to Strangers & Brethren

This was true among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 25:35)

It is to be true among Christians (Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13; Luke 14:12-14; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8)

The Practice of Hospitality The Practice of Hospitality May Involve…May Involve…

Feeding a fine meal (Genesis 18:2-8)

Taking people in overnight (Job 31:32)

Providing protection (Genesis 19:1-11)

Being willing to share whatever you have (1 Kings 17:10-15)

Why YOU Should be Why YOU Should be HospitableHospitable

To express love (1 John 3:16-18; Romans 12:10-13; 13:8-10)

Because of the possibility of entertaining a heavenly guest (Hebrews 13:2; Luke 24:28-29; Matthew 25:34ff)

To be a good steward (1 Peter 4:9-11)

To promote the gospel (3 John 5-8; Luke 19:2)

Who are these people?

Anthony, Silvia, Doña Nina. Gardner Hall baptized Silvia into Christ on November 11, 2007