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Let all music rise up, awake by storm and sea. Come, give new time for me. Let heaven as thy last gleaming through all eternity. Round him, the Lord above. He holds his hands and sighs. His words and words in all of them make him be glorified. No angel in the sky can hold him there that sighs. God never gives his one regard, that his service so kind. Round him, the Lord above. Who triumph, Lord of great. Who comes victorious to the sky. For God's he came to save. His glory now be seen. Who died and rose on high. Who died eternal life to be at last at any time. Round him, the Lord above. One with the Father glory. One with the Spirit blooming. Come, young man, glorious one, to lead the endless race. For thou, for us, has died. We now hold true in this age of war and black and white. I must tell Jesus, Lord, my trials. I cannot bear these burdens alone. In my distress, he, when he will help me, he always loves and cares for his own. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, I cannot bear my burdens alone. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles. He is a kind compassion and prayer. If I not ask him, he will deliver. Think of my troubles within. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, I cannot bear my burdens alone. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. Tinted and dry, I need a great Savior, one who can help my burdens to bear. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, feel my fears and sorrows for shame. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, I cannot bear my burdens alone. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. Oh, how a world of evil allures me. Oh, how my heart is tempted to sing. I must tell Jesus, and he will help me. Over the world, love increases me. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus. Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to Steadfast Baptist Church. If we can go ahead and find our seats, we'll get started. If you could, turn with me to song number 207 in your hymnals, song number 207. Song number 207, we'll all sing it together, only a sinner saved by grace. Song number 207, I'll sing it together with you. I have not been, but God has been. When it happens, what is it I have been? The sins within my own face. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. This is my story, to God be the glory. I'm a sinner saved by grace. Once I was foolish and sinful, my heart, causing my distress from God to depart. Jesus, God be happy by grace. I now am a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. This is my story, to God be the glory. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Tears of an evil bear in the dark, cursing and taking, or else I will start, sinning and longing, fearing God's grace. But now I'm a sinner saved by grace. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. This is my story, to God be the glory. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Sufferers, sinners, are overjoyed. Hallelujah! I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. Only a sinner saved by grace. This is my story, to God be the glory. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. This is my story, to God be the glory. I'm only a sinner saved by grace. Great singing, everybody. Let's open up the service now together with a word of prayer. Lord, we love you, and we just thank you so much for this church. Thank you for everybody here. Thank you for the singing, the hymns, the psalms. And Lord, most importantly, your word, Lord, and the preaching we get to hear from it. We love you, and we just ask you to bless everything that this church does and fill it with your spirit. Amen. All right, for our next song, let's go to song number 112. Song number 112, a little bit of a slower song, but one of my favorites, Be Still, My Soul. Song number 112. Let's all sing it together on the verse. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. In every change, be faithful will be made. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. In every change, be faithful will be made. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. When peace shall be forever in the Lord, When disappoint, when grief and fear are gone, Sorrows will die, but purest joys be shown. Be still, my soul, in change and years of past, All sin and death, still peace shall be at last. Hello, and welcome to Steadfast Baptist Church. If you need a bulletin, just raise your hand. One of the ushers should be able to get you one if there are any left. Pastor Shelley is out of town tonight. He's preaching at Faithful Word Baptist Church, and I recommend you check out his sermon after we're done here, because I think he's going to bring the heat. On the front, we have our Bible Memory passage. We're working on Matthew 28. Anybody who can quote this to a non-family member will receive a special prize, and tonight, any kids younger than 18 who can quote this will get ice cream, and it's already freezing out, but kids still want ice cream anyway. On the inside, we have our service times. We have regional soul-winning and church stats. Additionally, we're in prayer for our expecting ladies. I want to call your attention to the back of the bulletin, our prayer list. We're praying for my grandmother-in-law, also for the Carlsons, for Ms. Tinika's mother, for Ms. Faith, her friend's mom, going through cancer treatment, for the Scotts, some health requests there, for the Garcias, and in fact, we have a praise report there for Ms. Ava's daughter giving birth to a healthy baby girl. That's great news. We're also in prayer for Brother Samuel's fiance, the visa process, and there was an update on that. I can't remember what it was, so Samuel, I'm going to call on you. Could you give us an update on your fiance? We approved, and we're waiting on it to come in the mail. Visa's approved, waiting on it to come in the mail. There you go, so prayer works, all right? We have the Goodwins with a request there for their friend Sarah's recovery from surgery and some of the follow-up visits. Brother Nick, for his mother's salvation. For Brother Sue Hale, his wife specifically, unfortunately, her father has passed away. Brother Billy, as well, praying for his coworker and for his coworker's son, rather. Additionally, Brother Tanner Furr, for his brother and his niece, custody rights for that person's daughter. There's a court date listed, and Ms. Ginger, again, unfortunate news here. She had posted in the chat group that her brother did pass away. The way she worded it was that it was, you know, he went to his forever home, and so sad situation there, but I'm going to lift up these requests in prayer now. Father in heaven, we just ask, Lord, that all of these requests be met by you. Sometimes things happen, and we don't quite understand why, specifically health situations, deaths, things of that nature, but, Lord, we ask that you would comfort those who need it now, that you would give them strength to go through the difficult times that they are enduring right now, and, Lord, also for all the other prayer requests on this list, Father God, that you would answer them, that you would give an answer that they are looking for, Lord God, and that you would comfort those specifically who really, really need it right now. And so we know that there is nothing too difficult for you, no situation too difficult for you, and certainly these requests are no exception, and, Lord, we ask for your intervention now. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. On the inside of the bulletin, we have upcoming events. The cruise mission trip is happening now. On March 8th, there is a Spanish soul-winning marathon on the 9th, so the next day, bright and early, 8 a.m., there will be a Spanish breakfast. That sounds fun. March 2nd, the kids' choir are going to begin practicing, and then on the 22nd, there will be a spring recital, which I'm looking forward to, and be mindful of the church reminders on the bottom of the bulletin. We want to make sure everybody is safe in the building. That's all I have for announcements. Brother Dustin, if you would lead us in our next song. All right, for our next song, let's go to our black binders here and find Where the Spirit Blows. It should be at the back of the binder. Where the Spirit Blows. Where the Spirit Blows. Let's all sing it out together on the verse. Jesus, for me, Lord, let him see, and let him lie, still in his sight. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, flow, flow, flow. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, yellow and brown, to every town, not just the Jews. Let's go with Jews. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, flow, flow, flow. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, my spirit shine, ease me on by, for eternity, always with me. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, flow, flow, flow. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, keep my spirit down, send my spirit down, on me arose, rushing our foes. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, flow, flow, flow. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, he gives my way, all on his way, faithful saves, empties my praise. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow, flow, flow, flow. Where the Spirit Blows, he will flow. All right, great singing everybody. Now if y'all can please remain cast around, go ahead and turn your Bibles to Genesis chapter number 18. That's the book of Genesis chapter number 18. piano plays softly piano plays softly Genesis chapter number 18. The Bible reads, And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre, and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. And he lift up his eyes, and looked, and lo, three men stood by him, and when he saw them, he ran to them from the tent door and bowed himself toward the ground, and said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant. Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts, after that ye shall pass on. For therefore are you come to your servant, and they said, So do as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened unto the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf, tender and good, and gave it unto a young man, and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf, which he had dressed, and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee, according to the time of life. And lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well-stricken in age, and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old, shall I have pleasure, my Lord being old also? And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of assurity bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed, I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not, for she was afraid, and he said, Nay, but thou didst laugh. And the men rose up from thence, and looked towards Sodom, and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham, that thing which I do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after me. And they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he had spoken of him. And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether, according to the time according to the cry of it, which is coming to me, and if not, I will know. And the men turned their faces from thence, and went towards Sodom. But Abraham stood yet before the Lord. And Abraham drew near and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Perventure there be fifty righteous within the city. Wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked. And that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee. Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said, Behold, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous. Wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake. And he said unto him, O let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Peradventure there shall be thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it if I find thirty there. And he said, Behold, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake. And he said, O let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak it but this once. Peradventure ten I'll be found there and he said I will not destroy it for ten sake and the Lord went his way as soon as he Had left communion with Abraham and Abraham returned unto his place. Let us pray heavenly Father Lord. Thank you for this church Thank you for allowing us to be here I just pray that you'd be with brother Ben film with your Holy Spirit to preach your word unto us and help us to Receive that Lord make application to our lives. Praise in Jesus name. Amen Amen, I want to open by thanking pastor Shelley for the opportunity to fill in for him tonight We're there in Genesis chapter 18 There's a lot going on in this chapter But I'll be focusing on the beginning portion of it where it says in verse number one and the Lord Appeared unto him in the plains of mammary and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day And he lift up his eyes and looked and lo three men stood by him and when he saw them he ran to meet them from the tent door and bowed himself toward the ground and said my Lord if Now I have found favor in thy sight pass not away. I pray thee from thy servant we have here Abraham who was met by Two angels and an appearance an Old Testament appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ And of course, we know that this is Jesus because the Bible tells us no man had seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him and This is one of several different Old Testament appearances of Christ that's not the scope of the sermon though Rather what I'll be talking about is something a little different for me but still a subject that is brought up in Scripture repeatedly at its hospitality and the title of my sermon is hospitality Hospitality there's lessons we can derive from the Bible on this subject But on the onset I want you to see just how enthusiastic that Abraham is here and The reality is when it comes to hospitality I'll get into some practical lessons in a moment when it comes to hospitality We have to remember that in the ancient world. It was necessary to dispense this to people because there weren't hotels back then and So when someone was coming from out of town a foreigner coming from out of town as a visitor often they had no choice but to stay with someone and It was a demonstration of hospitality to open up your home to that stranger to that foreigner to that out-of-town Visitor today we use this word a lot more broadly We use it to mean We use it to mean different things and we can apply it in different ways I would look at it this way I would say that there are you could argue different degrees if you will of hospitality There's the kind of hospitality that you would show to like I've been talking about an out-of-town visitor There's the kind of hospitality that you would show to somebody when you just invite them over as a guest for dinner Or you invite them for fellowship you invite them for lunch you invite them to your home for a few hours and Hopefully they don't overstay their welcome, right? but the idea is that you're inviting somebody into your home for dinner for fellowship that is One of the ways we can show people hospitality and it is within the scope of the sermon tonight Also taking people out to eat doing good unto them outside of your home I think you could use hospitality in that way as well. You can show people hospitality one to another in this vicinity in church or by taking them out to a restaurant doing things for people outside your home Where you're meeting their needs their needs rather you're meeting their needs and really? The broadest way possible to look at this concept is simply that you're meeting other People's needs You're placing their burden on yourself. And that's really the theme of the message is placing the burden of others on Yourself and if you have that kind of mentality, you'll be well on your way to being a hospitable person Meeting other people's needs that's so important an online definition I found is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests visitors or Strangers and I think that's an accurate one. Obviously, that's why I put it in the notes, but By way of introduction, let's actually look at what the Bible says on the onset about this concept of hospitality Turn to Romans chapter 12 in the New Testament Romans chapter 12. We'll be going back to this story I want to look at the enthusiasm of Abraham in a moment I want to look at some principles that we can extract from this story and Genesis chapter 18 and talk about lessons we can learn about Hospitality that we can apply to our lives But before doing that, I want to look at what the Bible says. Let's talk a little about what the Bible says on this subject In clear terms verse 9 Romans 12 verse 9. Let love be without Dissimulation Abhor that which is evil cleave to that which is good. So we have an Exhortation to love without the veil of deceit without the veil of of deceit We want our love to shine We want it to be a parent but it can't shine and it cannot be Apparent to others if it's veiled by deceit if it's fake if you have a fake love and I think that is what? The Bible is describing in Romans chapter 12 But let's continue in verse 10 and I'll explain why that's relevant It says be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love and honor Preferring one another so we started the passage by talking about what? not having a fake love a love that is veiled by deceit and then it continues I think expanding on that concept by Mentioning this idea of being kindly affectioned and Showing brotherly love so important Let's look at verse 11 not slothful in business fervent in spirit serving the Lord rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation Continuing instant in prayer now. Here's what I really wanted to highlight distributing to the necessity of Saints and again when we look at hospitality, that's what it's all about meeting other people's needs alleviating their burden, but then it says given to hospitality given to Hospitality something all of us should be as Christians receiving strangers entertaining them with kindness not expecting a reward in in return Showing brotherly love to each other showing brotherly love preferring one another preferring one another providing for each other again bearing each other's Burdens a crucial concept we see in the Bible. Look, let's look at job 31 turn if you would to job chapter 31 and hospitality so important so impactful that it's even brought up multiple times in the qualifications of a bishop which tell us that someone who wants to pastor should be a lover of Hospitality a lover of good men by the way sober just holy temperate You say well, it seems like your pastor really loves all these other pastors Especially in the new IFP movement and outside of it as well. Well that tells me that he's meeting this qualification right here He is a lover of good men and that's what we should be as well. And one of the ways we can Demonstrate that is by showing hospitality to good men as well when they're coming from out of town to visit Opening up our homes to them whether it's just for a few hours for dinner, or maybe they need a place to stay lodging This is a great way for us to really show our Charity to show our charity Lodging strangers is brought up actually in the you could call it the qualifications of a widow to receive Assistance from the local New Testament Church if she have lodged strangers it says this is someone worthy of assistance Also exemplified in the book of Acts multiple times But once by Lydia a seller of purple who constrained the men of God to abide Job 31 brings this up again in verse 32 job 31 verse 32 the stranger Did not lodge in the street, but I opened my doors to the traveler again Speaking to travelers those who are out of town coming in and staying lodging temporarily an act of generosity an act of Generosity, that's what I'm talking about tonight and you know some people they've been blessed We know job certainly had a nice-looking bank account and There are people who've been blessed with Beautiful homes well you can use that as an opportunity to open them up to Foreigners out-of-town visitors to come in and stay temporarily inviting people also over for dinner Sharing what you've been blessed with with others Sharing what you've been blessed with with others of course if you're comfortable It's important that we vet those that we allow into our lives in this way because unfortunately it is a dangerous world and people have been taken advantage of people's kindness people's generosity It's been taken advantage of in this wicked sinful world we live in and Turn it to turn to Romans 16 Romans chapter 16, so we should take precautions We should be sure those we are opening up our homes to wanting to show hospitality toward We should be sure that when we do this our kids are protected Don't take it for granted that your kids will be safe with anyone Anyone we want to make sure our kids are protected especially when we have unfamiliar people or Those who maybe you don't know them that well coming into your home. That would be common sense be sure that If you're gonna open up your home to someone that it's not someone who gives you the creeps We have an intuition for a reason don't we and let me tell you something every single time I've tried to suppress that feeling in my gut that says stay away from this person danger danger danger danger And I didn't listen to it. I should have listened to it Now look obviously we shouldn't just go around and assume every single person is a potential Judas and be Jaded against people or anything like that. That's not what I'm talking about. It's not what I'm Endorsing at all, but you just look there's an unmistakable feeling and if you get that with someone Perhaps that's not a good candidate to have stay over for multiple nights in a row and to be around your family and Especially if you're gonna allow people to get close to you in this way and be a regular Visitor inside your home to stay overnight multiple nights in a row perhaps I would say just at the very least make sure it's someone who shares your values you know, the Bible says can to walk together except they be agreed and as far as someone coming in to my home and Corrupting my children. It'll happen over my dead body I will have to die before I lay down and allow that to happen So that's the mean part of the sermon. I'm gonna go back to being nice now Romans 16. It says in verse number one. I Commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church, which is at St. Croix This is a woman to be commended women Have so many really awful role models. They could potentially look up to in this world Well, I would say that rather than those people. Let's look at a woman like Phoebe Let's look at this commendable woman here. And one of the attributes she has is that she's a servant of the church in verse 2 It says that you receive her in the Lord has become a saint and that ye assist her in Whatsoever business she hath need of you for she hath been a suckerer of many and of myself also What's the reputation Phoebe has she was a suckerer? She was a helper in other words. She's commended for this She provided assistance she provided help the attributes of a hospitable person and a hospital person is someone essentially who has a servant's heart and If you want to be known as a hospitable person, if that's the reputation you want to have for yourself Then you need a purpose in your mind now to have a servant's heart put other people's needs Even above yours James chapter 2 let's turn there next James chapter 2 And I just want to preach what James 2 is actually saying There's a lot of sermons about what it's not saying and there's a need for that. No question because of how often This passage is twisted, but let's actually just preach what it is saying in verse 14 What does it profit my brethren though a man say verse 14 in James 2 though a man say he hath faith and Have not works can faith Save him if you have faith without works, then don't expect to be saved the individual actually that it's talking about here is Receiving carnal salvation in the next verse don't expect anyone To be saved carnally don't expect their needs to be met if you're not adding any works to your faith verse 15 I think exemplifies this it says if a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say unto them depart in peace be he warmed and filled not Withstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body What doth it? Profit faith without works didn't save that person faith without works isn't going to help other people It's not profitable for other people It's not going to do good to other people and we see that if you want to add Some works to your faith one of the ways that you could do that is hospitality meeting other people's needs as described in James chapter 2 and verses 14 through 16 verse 17 says even so faith if it hath not works as dead being alone a faith that doesn't have works and in This context we're talking about meeting other people's needs quote-unquote saving their flesh Then that faith is a dead one meaning. It's not producing anything. It's not profitable for anyone else Let's go back to Genesis 18, and we'll get into some specific applications So I think I've highlighted the importance of this concept and what the Bible says about it But I think it's important to realize that You may want to Invite people over you may want to even offer your abode You know some folks in the hood may call it a crib not me though. You may want to offer that to visitors But they may say no right so it's a it's important to not have an entitlement attitude about this and Get all bitter and angry with someone if they do say no My philosophy is this if I invite somebody over and they say no and there's zero attempt at a Reschedule right they don't say anything like I'm busy on that day, but what about this other date? They don't give me a reschedule then maybe I'll try After a while one more time I'll just try one more time, and then if they say no again and again don't reschedule with me I got the hint they ain't interested. This is my personal philosophy It's my personal opinion. You know you could do things a little different if you want, but I think in general I'm getting the hint at that point. They're not interested, so hey just take no for an answer They don't want to have that kind of close relationship Maybe they just want to see me here in church not necessarily outside of these walls That's okay, and sometimes that happens you know and that's fine look at the end of the day Even if no one in here ever wants to see me outside of these walls I'm still showing up y'all are gonna have to do a lot more than that to get rid of me all right Because we're here for the Lord Jesus Christ ultimately okay Let's keep the main thing the main thing this is all tertiary stuff here But hey if somebody doesn't want to have that kind of relationship. No problem you move on to the next one I'm sure somebody else will be interested as long as you show yourself friendly as long as you're not a Weirdo as long as you know how to talk it just like a normal person just normal I think the barometer is low to make friends. It is just be a normal person Walk-up to someone talk to him easy. I think at least Genesis 18. Let's look at verse number one. We'll get into some Specific applications, and I'll read verse 1 again I know we already read it, but let's do it again and the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of mammary, and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day and We have an opportunity for Abraham to show hospitality to the Lord to the Lord himself And think about this what if I told you that You had that exact same opportunity that Abraham had Right We all do have that opportunity And I'll explain more in a minute verse 2 and he lift up his eyes and looked and lo Three men stood by him and when he saw them he ran Notice that he ran To meet them from the tent door and bowed himself toward the ground Jesus two angels Appear to Abraham who runs to meet them quickly bows point one Offer your guests a warm welcome Offer your guests a warm welcome. You have no idea the impact that can make I know it sounds like something that We could potentially overlook maybe doesn't seem that important, but offer your guests a warm welcome That's what Abraham does he greets his guests here with You could argue Exuberance he meets his guests with warmth with with kindness with enthusiasm, and there's no indication I think on the onset in the very beginning that he even knew this was God I think he figured it out very quickly though and It's very welcoming now remember we all have this same opportunity We have the opportunity To actually greet the Lord you say what are you talking about? I'll read this for you You don't have to go there Colossians 3 it says and whatsoever you do do it heartily as To the Lord and not unto men so the Bible says that we should do what we do whatsoever We do should be done heartily should be done with vigor with fervor with a hundred percent effort And that includes welcoming people into your home do it as you would to the Lord Jesus Christ himself You know it was Jesus who said verily I say unto you it as much as he have done it under one of the least Of these my brethren ye have done it unto me and just as Abraham greets the Lord with Enthusiasm and he displays hospitality toward him in that way Hey, we have that same chance to do that in our life toward the brethren because there's a concept that exists in Scripture how you treat the brotherhood is how you're treating the Lord Jesus Christ himself How you treat the brotherhood is how you're treating Jesus so keep that in mind Before you answer the door looking like you'd rather see anyone else when they come visit you Some of you are like when did I ever do that to you? I'm not necessarily talking about anyone specific all right Some of this is just preventative. I'm just preaching the Bible You know if you want to get offended. That's your choice look at 1st Peter 4 1st Peter chapter 4 How we treat others is how we treat Jesus so yes Jesus literally isn't gonna come knocking on your door I get that but his brethren will if you invite them over So be careful how you treat the brethren God is watching how you treat the brethren how you treat other Christians 1st Peter 4 it says in verse 9 1st Peter 4 in verse 9 1st Peter 4 9 use hospitality one to another But pay attention to this without Grudging without Grudging so we have to offer this selfless service Without grudging meaning that you do it without this weird apprehension with a bad attitude But rather you do it out of charity out of love Without grudging here's what grudging would look like oh great. You're here All right come on in I guess No, how about a handshake how about a smile great to see you come on in You know here's another way that people can have a grudging attitude about hospitality When they start asking questions like this, and when are you gonna return the favor? Now look if it's just a joke I've done. I've said this as a joke. That's fine, but when you're really serious and You Get a bad attitude about inviting people over because you start questioning like what are they gonna return the favor you know That's not right. That's not right and Look ideally yes, we should use hospitality one toward another Meaning that you do return the favor if somebody lets you stay at their house, especially overnight You know logic would dictate you do the same thing when you're in their area I get that and even when it comes to inviting people over for dinner if they did that for you ideally You would do that for them trust me. I get it, and I'm not downplaying that or Claiming that it's unimportant however We shouldn't get overly obsessed with getting repaid in fact The Bible tells us it's more blessed to give than to receive and so actually true love true charity is Doing good to people not expecting anything in return you know it's a bad attitude to keep score at home and Have a little notepad that says well. I invited this person over 30 times. They invited me over two times This is well out of balance. I am now angry. No that's not how it should work rather We should just be thankful for the chance to bless other people hoping for nothing again So the Bible says hoping for nothing again You know it's Jesus the Lord Jesus Christ himself who extols the idea of doing good to those who cannot necessarily Do good to you doing good to those who cannot necessarily? Return the favor back to you doing good to those who may not Immediately make you feel so great about it and give you the attention that you're seeking Just doing good to those who Frankly may never repay you ever but Jesus still says to do good to them anyway and Offer a warm welcome to them Regardless if the score at home reads a hundred to zero in terms of invitations that doesn't matter That doesn't matter. We're here to bless people. Just wash the Saints feet and stop worrying about it so much That's what I would say let's go back to Genesis 18 My second point is make your guests comfortable make your guests comfortable Abraham did this for sure. Let's look at verse 3 when we get back there make your guests comfortable Not uncomfortable right verse 3 it says in Genesis 18 and and said my lord if now I have found favor in thy sight Pass not away I pray thee from thy servant let a little water So he's comforted with a drink because it was hot folks All right, so the Middle East it was hot and he offers him some water. I pray you be fetched and Wash your feet and rest yourselves Under the tree a home is ultimately a place of rest. You want to make sure your guests can Experience that for themselves provide them with rest Abraham provides them with that He provides them with water as well. He tells them to wash their feet and a chance to wash their feet But really what I wanted to focus on is that he offers him water offers him a drink the Bible tells us and whatsoever Excuse me I misquoted that and whosoever shall give to drink on a one of these Little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple He shall in no wise lose his reward And so we see that offering even a cup of cold water to offer someone comfort in an act of hospitality is An act that will lead to a reward that you can't lose because he can't lose your rewards anyway But this is something that God will bless you for this is something that God will reward you for Once again place the burden of your guests on yourself and that's what he does verse 5 and I will fetch a morsel of bread. So now he's offering him food and Comfort ye your hearts after that you shall pass on for therefore are you come to your servant and they said so do as thou Has said what's Abraham's mentality comfort ye your hearts? That should be how we react to visitors coming over comfort ye your hearts refresh yourself Refresh yourself provide food provide provide drink so that your visitors can be strengthened and Also, if it's the summertime crank that H back up don't be cheap If it's winter put that heater on don't be cheap, you know, I shouldn't be seeing my breath if I'm coming to visit All right, I get it inflation the bills can catch up Sometimes they can get a little expensive but for a couple of days you can bite the bullet and Make sure that it's comfortable in terms of heating and cooling But what's the idea you make your guests comfortable by making them feel ultimately at home? Just make them feel at home, you know as the Mexicans say mi casa is to casa right mi casa is to casa let's look at verse actually before we do that I Wanted to mention one other thing here. We know the Good Samaritan Brought the Levite to an inn and took care of him That's hospitality taking care of people a good hosts revives the spirits of their guests Offering them comfort sustaining them caring for them Make your guests comfortable and here's a really great way to do that Be mindful of your pets. Let's look at Exodus 21 Exodus 21 I Want to give you a disclaimer right now, all right, I am NOT a dog guy So you may argue what I'm about to say includes some bias I'm just being totally transparent with you. I don't really like dogs. Now. There's some cute dogs I'll pet them They're they're friendly I get it I'm still never owning one. All right, I'm never owning one but I Think everyone should be able to agree with what I'm about to say Even if you love dogs, even if you think dogs go to heaven even if you are in love with Your pet dog Fred or whatever you named it You should agree with what I'm about to say here. All right, this shouldn't be controversial. Let's look at verse 28. You're in Exodus 21 The Bible tells us if an ox gore a man or a woman that they die Then the ox shall be surely stoned and his flesh shall not be eaten But the owner of the ox shall be quit So if an ox kills a man or a woman you put the thing to death All right, you line it up against a wall and you do what needs to be done to the ox I'm glad you're with me so far. Let's look at verse 29, but if the ox were Want to push with his horn in time past he has a Reputation for hurting people and it hath been testified to his owner and he hath not kept him in No precautions taken but that he hath killed a man or a woman the ox shall be stoned and his owner Also shall be put to death So if the owner is aware that his animal has a proclivity To hurt people to kill people and he doesn't place any safeguards to prevent that from happening what does the Bible say the ox and Its owner are liable both are put to death So what's the principle here be mindful of the animal you own you say I love animals great God bless you. I hope you own 50 of them Just if you know that they can bite someone's head off it may be a good idea to place a safeguard So that they don't do that to a visitor that's all I'm saying and I feel like we can all agree on that and specifically if you have an aggressive dog and you know that it can bite people that it has a Propensity to bite people it's aggressive. It's angry Somebody comes over Put that thing in a separate room perhaps Throw it in a cage if you have to But make sure that there's a safe distance between the animal and your guests so that they feel comfortable because I don't know about you guys, but I Feel uncomfortable when I'm afraid for my life, so we should Strive to make our guests as comfortable as possible By being mindful of our pets You Know some people are like hey meet my dog lucky and the things just like frothing at the mouth and I'm like Can we you know keep it away from me or something like that? Oh, no, he doesn't bite. He's good. The dogs just like like about to pounce on you and It's like dude. Your pitbull is gonna rip my kids limb from limb. Can you put it away, please? That's all I'm saying and It's just important that you realize not everyone is going to be Receptive to that kind of thing. So just be careful with your pets. Let's go back to Genesis 18 Be mindful of the animals you have in the house Especially when kids are coming over, you know, nothing would piss me off more than my kid getting bit by a dog it's already happened it's really annoying and It just made me very angry so we want to be careful With our dogs you say you're picking on dogs. Yeah, I am picking on dogs. You're right I am because cats don't do this kind of thing. Okay there I said it point number three Everyone's pissed off at me now point number three feed your guests a quality meal feed your guests a quality meal You know if you're gonna feed your visitors It's not the time for hungry man, it's not the time for microwave microwavable food, let's feed him some quality Let's make sure that we feed them some quality. That's what Abraham does notice verse 6 and Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah and said Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal need it and make cakes upon the hearth and when it talks about making cakes upon the hearth, it's talking about Excuse me making bread and first of all, what I wanted you to notice is that Abraham tells Sarah what to do There's no question who the man of the house is It's Abraham and he's telling Sarah what to do and to get ready because some guests are coming over We have flour for baking. It's need it's basically beating it up and You know getting prepared to bake it. I'm not a baker So you'll have to you know Bear with me here verse number seven and Abraham ran under the herd and fetched a calf Tender and good and gave it unto a young man and he hasted to dress it now notice It said that it was a calf. That was what tender and good, wasn't it? Tender and good. This is a prime quality piece of meat right here a prime quality piece of meat and Notice the speed at which Abraham is moving. What does that tell us? It tells us he didn't have a lot of time to prepare neither. Did Sarah this seemed to be last-minute and Sometimes that's what happens. I think what we're seeing in the chapter Indicates to us that all of this was a last-minute deal. Sometimes we don't have a lot of time to prepare. That's okay Do the best you can and a prime quality piece of meat is prepared. It is tender It is good Verse 8 and he took butter and milk. It's just getting better and better and the calf which he addressed and said it before them and he stood by them under the tree and they Did eat not only does he feed his guests, but he feeds his guests Quality a tender and good calf is fetched We know that he already gave him water to drink. We also have bread made We also have butter and milk mentioned here because those are good things the Bible mentions butter and also mentions milk as a positive So I think we should have that in our diet. We should be drinking milk butter should also be involved as well I know a lot of people think that butter is horrible for you, but I really don't see that in my Bible at all And if you're wondering where to get some really good milk, I recommend Costco. I think Costco has the best milk For me personally some of you only drink raw milk, that's that's your deal. I'm not gonna argue with you on that but You know, if you don't only drink raw milk Costco, you know thumbs up from me there. But anyway This is a prime quality meal It's given to Abraham's guests and you know, we just don't want to cheap out on something like this If we have people coming over, let's give them some quality. Let's prepare the food. Let's make sure that it's good and Delectable as well you could say But we want to make sure that this is food that our guests actually want to eat, right? We want to make sure they like what we are preparing to the best of our ability to our knowledge We want to make sure that they're gonna eat what we prepare meaning ask him just ask him Hey, you like Italian you like Chinese you like Mexican do you like Middle Eastern? What is it that you like and I'll prepare it for you do you like a good steak? I mean everybody will say yes to that I would think But be sensitive to other people's diets though. We want to be sensitive to the way other people consume food Maybe they're different than us and the Bible brings up in Romans 14 You don't have to turn there But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat now walkest thou not charitably destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died So be sure whatever you serve it's something your guest will actually partake in and For example, if you know, they don't eat meat Probably a good idea not to serve them that go with something else. Maybe they're a vegetarian Hey, that's fine. You know, give him a salad whatever it is that vegetarians eat verse 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah and said make ready Quickly three measures of fine meal and knead it and make cakes upon the hearth I know we read that but I wanted to focus on a different aspect of that verse and My fourth point is be prepared for your guests be prepared in general You got to have an attitude that says I am prepared in all aspects for people to come over not just the food not just the carnal meal that you're Providing for them, but you want to be prepared as a whole for people to come over just as Abraham very quickly Prepared himself for these visitors a hospitable person is prepared to entreat visitors and and basically they have a house that is clean they got the house ready and Presentable it doesn't look like a hoarder lives there or anything like that. It's nice. It's clean It's kept Etc to the best of your ability depending on how much time you have to prepare This is something you want to do make your house. Look presentable Let's go to 2nd Kings 4 2nd Kings chapter 4 and I'll show you an example of this regarding the Shunammite woman in 2nd Kings chapter 4 and verse 9 2nd Kings chapter 4 and verse 9 a Hospitable person is prepared to entreat visitors like this in 2nd Kings 4 and verse 9 And she said unto her husband behold now I perceive that this is an holy man of God which passeth by us continually so this Shunammite woman recognizes Elisha is the man of God and what happens next? Well, we know that She prepares for his arrival Elisha would often travel through this region and He receives an act of hospitality in verse 10. It says let us make a little chamber I pray thee on the wall and let us set for him there a bed at a table at a stool and a Candlestick, I mean look at this right here a bed table stool Candlestick and it shall be when he cometh to us that he shall turn in thither The home is prepared for the arrival of Elisha and it's eventually offered to him this hospitality dispensed to him, but the Shunammite woman prepared first a Bed a table a stool and a candlestick go to Philemon verse 22 Philemon verse 22 This is a positive example for us We need to be sure that our homes are prepared If the type of hospitality being offered is That which involves an overnight stay for either one or more nights Then you're gonna want to make sure that your home is prepared That's exactly what the Shunammite woman did and Philemon verse 22. It says but with all prepare Me also a lodging for I trust that through your prayers. I shall be given unto you So the Apostle Paul is talking about preparing for a Lodging prepare for him to actually be lodged and When it comes to hospitality, we want to make sure that we're prepared. Now. What are some specific applications here? I've already brought this up, but make sure the home is clean make sure that it's kept vacuum Mop declutter do the things that the women in this room know about the most Here's one politely set expectations Your visitors aren't going to know the boundaries if you don't communicate with them what those boundaries are So there may be certain rooms. You don't want anyone to enter. Here's a big one Maybe you prefer that your visitors take their shoes off You know who's big on this Asians they don't want you by and large Is that right? Yeah, they don't want you by and large To have your shoes on if you're that kind of person you want to make sure you communicate that beforehand Politely though. You don't have to be a jerk about it. Just politely remind people Hey, you know, I prefer if you maybe took your shoes off put your coat over there You can even grab the coat for them Etc stock up on food and drinks and desserts, you know, what's annoying you go to somebody's house and it runs out of food No, make sure that thing is stocked up man Stock that thing up with some foods some drinks some desserts And as a guest, you know, hey be merciful about this All right, and don't be a jerk. But if you're a host go to the supermarket beforehand Plan any activities you may want to do together This is part of being prepared as you're you're planning for Activities that you may want to do you may want to play some board games You may have some outings you want to do with your visitors as they stay for a few days plan those out beforehand So that way you can offer it to your visitor. Hey, I was thinking we could go here Especially if they're not familiar with your city, maybe they don't know a lot about the DFW area Well, you do you could offer to take them out to different museums and sites and sounds in the area Parks and different things different activities that are available for us here offer that prepare for that beforehand You also want to make sure that you ask about any allergies that your guests may have so that you don't have an unfortunate incident where they break out in hives or something after you Feed them, of course, hopefully by that point they would you know realize they're about to eat something They're allergic to but my point is is just communicate with them Ask them if they have any preferences for their diet preferences in terms of allergies now Here's one where you could argue. Okay, you're going a little over-the-top here But I don't think so. My wife's done this in the past make a welcome kit Why not make a welcome kit? So you're sort of replicating the experience they would have at a hotel that is a business of hospitality now what do I mean by a welcome kit I'm talking about you could make a Basket Where you have some essentials in there shampoo soap different soaps things like that You could put toothbrushes toothpaste And you could put your Wi-Fi password in there as well. So they don't have to ask and be annoying but my point is Make a welcome kit so that they feel like they're at home. That's something you can prepare Surprise your guests with their favorite snack Everybody loves that I've stayed at people's homes before and I was surprised with some Oreos And that brought a smile to my face You can do the same for your visitors as well. But really the most important one that I wanted to provide some detail on is We want to mentally prepare to socialize we want to actually socialize with people who come over and Not just doom scroll on our phones the entire time And I think that's a big thing today With our society is people are addicted to screens and they can't get off of them. Even when they have visitors over it's like you can get off Facebook for a couple of hours and Socialize with your visitors. Look at Proverbs 16 go to Proverbs chapter 16 Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time to speak And I would argue hey when you have people over it's a time to speak. It's a time to talk I'm not saying if you glance at your phone every once in a while, you're evil wicked bad. That's not what I'm saying But if you're just stuck on your phone the whole time It may be time to rethink that strategy and actually socialize with the people Who are coming over to see you to spend time with you? Proverbs 16 says in verse 24 Proverbs 16 and verse 24 pleasant words are as an honeycomb Sweet to the soul and health to the bones so we see that pleasant words they are sweet and Comforting as well, you know Not only do we comfort our guests with the carnal things that we offer them the food and the drink and and the home But also by our words, we don't just meet their physical needs But also the need that they have for fellowship as well You know one of the deaf in the definition that I brought up in the beginning of the sermon about hospitality it brought up Entertainment and yeah, we should entertain our guests We should make sure that we are talking to them that we are engaging in conversation with them that we're present That we're present in the moment wanting to spend time with them Proverbs 16 and verse 24 it brought up how the pleasant words are sweet to the soul and Of course, we know that the soul is the part of us that interacts with our fellow man It's the spirit the part of us that interacts with God and we know the body enjoys that savory meat We know that well, let's offer all three to people when they come over especially that fellowship words that are sweet to the soul Last place I'll turn is Galatians 6 and then I'll be done Galatians 6 Say what's the point of the sermon hospitality? It's that easy. Let's show hospitality to others and That entails being a burden-bearer like I've already said The Bible tells us let nothing be done through strife or vainglory But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look, not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others You know what a hospitable person looks on the things of others It's not selfish wanting to bless people without keeping score at home hoping for nothing again That should be us look at verse 2 Galatians 6 and verse 2 Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ You want to be hospitable bear other people's burdens meet their necessities Esteem others have a servant's heart This is how you epitomize hospitality and please please please please please Let's fix our reputation as Christians because I am sick and tired of hearing about how hospitable Muslims are they have that reputation Even in our crowd you'll notice. I mean they are nice They're gonna split hell wide open But when you meet them out summoning they could be friendly I get that certainly a lot friendlier than Jews They don't have a reputation for hospitality in my opinion, but you know, it shouldn't be that Muslims outshine us in this area. It shouldn't be that Buddhists outshine us in this area So weird idolatrous religion it shouldn't be that Hindus outshine us in this area That shouldn't be the case. It shouldn't be that Catholics outshine us in this area We should have reputation. We should have the reputation as a Bible believing Christian Where people look at us and they say those people are hospitable I may not agree with every single one of their doctrines, but these are hospitable people They will open up their home. They're kind they're courteous. They're loving they have charity That's the kind of reputation we should have You Know have the attitude that says, you know I'm gonna be the kind of host that meets the needs of my guests I'm gonna be the kind of host that makes their burden my burden. I'm gonna be the kind of Christian that exemplifies epitomizes hospitality the kind of Christian who is given to hospitality the kind of Christian who uses hospitality without grudging the kind of Christian who displays hospitality a lover of hospitality Without grudging like I've already said with a good attitude without some weird ulterior motive But rather out of a genuine love for people out of a genuine love Even for the lost if you were to invite them over for dinner or something like that But certainly out of a genuine love a genuine love for our brothers and sisters Sisters in Christ because how you treat each other is how you would treat the Lord Jesus Christ how you treat each other is How you're treating Jesus according to the scripture. So let us all make a commitment to show some hospitality With that I'll close father in heaven We thank you so much for this church and I pray that all of us would be given to hospitality Hospitality help us Lord in this area so that we're not out shined by wicked and weird false religions out there But rather so that we are known as truly kind courteous loving Hospitable people toward others. We love you and in Jesus name. I pray amen All right in closing let's go to song number 217 Song number 217 He included me Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Everybody you were all dismissed