The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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<strong>the</strong> same as to accept Him and to reject <strong>the</strong>m as to reject Him (Mt. 10:40-42). He even goes so<br />
far as to state that to accept a stranger is equivalent to accepting Himself (Mt. 25:35,40).<br />
Jesus, <strong>the</strong> Son <strong>of</strong> Man who had “no place to lay His head“ (Mt. 8:20), was totally dependent upon<br />
<strong>the</strong> hospitality <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. It was so <strong>of</strong> many <strong>of</strong> His followers. Paul asked <strong>the</strong> Colossian believers to<br />
welcome Aristarchus if he came to <strong>the</strong>m (Col. 4:10). To Philemon, Paul wrote and asked that a<br />
guest room be prepared for him (Philemon 22).<br />
Examples<br />
Gen. 18:1-8 Abraham provided water and all kinds <strong>of</strong> food so that three visitors could be<br />
refreshed and fed.<br />
Luke 10:38 <strong>The</strong> home <strong>of</strong> Mary, Martha and Lazarus was always availabe to Jesus. This was<br />
His favorite place to stay.<br />
Acts 9:43 Simon, <strong>the</strong> tanner, provided lodging for Peter for some time.<br />
Acts 10:48 Cornelius, <strong>the</strong> centurion, invited Peter to stay in his home for a few days.<br />
Acts 16:15 Lydia invited Paul and his team to stay at her house.<br />
Acts 16:34 <strong>The</strong> Philippian jailer, after his conversion, invited Paul and Silas to his house<br />
and fed <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Acts 21:4 Paul and his companions stayed with some disciples in Tyre for seven days.<br />
Acts 21:7 Paul and his companions stayed with some bro<strong>the</strong>rs at Ptolemais for a day.<br />
Acts 21:8 Philip, <strong>the</strong> evangelist, provided hospitality for Paul and his fellow workers for<br />
several days.<br />
Acts 21:16 Mnason, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early disciples, provided a home for Paul and his<br />
companions.<br />
III John 5-8; Rom. 16:23 Gaius was known as one who practiced hospitality.<br />
CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WITH THIS GIFT<br />
Enjoys providing food and lodging for those in need.<br />
Easygoing.<br />
Tends to be friendly and outgoing.<br />
Great ability to make people feel comfortable and “at home.”<br />
Deep love for people and enjoyment in having people around.<br />
Sensitive in spotting strangers or people who look lonely or uncomfortable.<br />
Doesn’t mind having unexpected guests in home.<br />
Considers <strong>the</strong> home a real place <strong>of</strong> ministry to o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Provides <strong>the</strong> home for those passing through who need a place to stay.<br />
Enjoys participating in church suppers or social events.<br />
Tends to be nonjudgemental. Readily accepts people as <strong>the</strong>y are.