Bulletin Articles
God’s Powerful Plan for Our Bodies & Having a Heart for Hospitality
God’s Powerful Plan for Our Bodies -BH
“Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet, the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power” (1 Cor. 6:13 - 14)
How we use our bodies matters to God. For example, in 1 Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to “flee immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18). Some of them thought they could use their bodies for the pursuit of sexual sin (1 Cor. 5:1). But is there is nothing empowering about sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:18). In contrast, there is an eternal power that awaits those who glorify God with their bodies. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, we also will one day be raised “through His power” (1 Cor. 6:14).
Paul makes the same argument in Philippians 3. In that chapter, he warns about people “whose god is their appetite” (Phil. 3:19). In other words, they are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Time. 3:4). He reminds them how degrading this is and presents a more dignified plan for the body. This plan includes transforming “the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:21).
God wants us to be ready for that glorious day when Jesus comes back and transforms our bodies for the “new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). The next time you are tempted, remember that your body is not for immorality but for the risen Lord who will also one day raise us up.
Having a Heart for Hospitality -LH
When you think of the hospitality industry, what comes to mind? For many, it conjures images of hotels, the perfect meal, and captivating entertainment. With an entire industry dedicated to hospitality, it can be easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that our efforts must live up to perfection. However, hospitality looks different in the Bible.
Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18)
When angels appeared to Abraham and Sarah in Mamre, they dropped everything to offer shelter and prepare a meal for them. Abraham's joy didn't derive from creating the perfect experience to flaunt his possessions. He saw it as an opportunity to be a servant (Genesis 18:3).
Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
Nabal’s selfishness led to division between him and David. This division could have easily escalated and did when David commanded his men to strap on their swords to confront Nabal. Abigail used hospitality to diffuse the situation. Acting quickly, she packed an abundance of food and drink for David. (1 Samuel 25:18-19) Her offering and apology were accepted, bringing peace to what otherwise would have ended in bloodshed.
Jesus (John 21)
If anyone had an excuse not to show hospitality amid busyness, it was Jesus. He did not have a home to invite others to (Matthew 8:20). Instead, Jesus practiced hospitality with what was available at the moment. Having a humble servant’s heart, Jesus served His apostles after His resurrection. In the final chapter of John, He invites them to breakfast on the shore of Galilee (John 21:12).
In every example, it was not about perfection. It was about the company involved and the opportunity to serve others. As we consider opportunities to show hospitality and invite each other into our homes, let us not let perfection get in the way of meaningful time with one another.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Pet 4:8-9).
