Life today is fast-paced and distracting. Our lives are bombarded with continual phone calls, text messages, emails, social media updates, etc.
Think about email for a moment. How often do you check your email each day? How often does it distract you?
The glory of God the Creator is seen in nature, while the grace of God the Redeemer is found in Scripture.
We live in a culture that is increasingly uncomfortable with truth claims. In 2016, many assert, "Sure, you can claim personal truth, but your truth may not be my truth."
Claims to objective truth on doctrine, morals, or ethics appear old-fashioned today. Truth has been discarded and replaced by tolerance and personal preference.
Airbnb is an innovative company allowing travelers to connect directly with hosts who rent out their home or a room. This service allows travelers to find affordable, clean accomodations and for homeowners to supplement their income.
But what did travelers in the Roman Empire do for accomodations in the 1st century? More specificially, how did Christian businessmen and missionaries find hospitality on the road?
Decent accomodations for travelers were difficult to find in the New Testament era. As a result, many missionaries relied on the hospitality of men such as Gaius, a friend of the Apostle John.
John commends Gaius for his hospitality to those spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. He writes, "It is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God" (3 John 5-6).
Gaius continues to follow the truth of the Gospel (despite traveling false teachers in the area) and demonstrates his commitment to the truth through hosting Christians in his home. They needed food, shelter, and support; and they received that from Gaius and his family. The Apostle John's praise for Gaius reminds us of two important truths:
1. To remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives.
2. To use what God has given us to advance the church of Jesus Christ.
Gaius used his home to give hospitality to missionaries traveling the Roman roads announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What has God given you that you can use for his Kingdom?
What has God blessed you with that you can use to benefit the church of Jesus Christ?
When you read the Bible, what do you expect to learn? Do you expect to find ways to become a better person or live a more successful life? Perhaps a few tips on how to become a better parent or employee?
How many different alerts do you have set up in your life?
Many people purchase identity theft protection which alerts them when someone steals their Social Security number and begins using it illegally.
You may also have alerts set up on your credit card, your financial accounts, your personal email, and on social networking sites.
