Growin' Up Gregory

1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's word; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.  To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.  Amen." God gives His children spiritual gifts, not for our sake, but for the sake of building up others.  He has given us all various gifts that we need in our services for Him.  Peter calls on each of us to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts that we have been given.  As a steward, we know that our duty is to manage the concerns of someone else.  That is to say that believers offer God service from the gifts that He has given to us.  We are stewards of His provision, not owners.  Those who spoke were to recognize that they were representing God's words and not their own opinions...

Part 1 of Showing Hospitality was shared yesterday if you want to read it first.  Otherwise, jump on in here. 1 Peter 4:8-9 - "Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaining." Love is not a feeling; it's a deep commitment for another's good that is shown through action.  The word translated "love" designates a decision of the will rather than an emotion.  Biblical love is often characterized by self-denying commitment.  Love covers a multitude of sins because of its readiness to forgive and its ability to breakdown walls of hostility and bring reconciliation. Like love (our highest command) hospitality is not a suggestion.  The above verse reads, "Be hospitable to one another."  It didn't offer an option of when convenient, when you feel like, when you want to - we are commanded to show hospitality.  But hospitality is more than a few simple acts,...

The City of Union is affectionately known as "The City of Hospitality."  But what does being hospitable really look like?  Hospitality is nothing new, and being hospitable is certainly a spiritual characteristic - actually a command that Christians must embrace as we welcome those coming to faith in Christ.  Our graciousness and hospitality to those outside our circle is what attracts people to the gospel that we profess.  So what does all this mean?  "Ground your service and love in hospitality." 1 Peter 4:7 - "The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer." First, let's look at where Peter is coming from with his declaration that "the end of all things is near" so that no one has the idea that he was some sort of crazy end times prophet kind of guy and to protect his credibility since he wrote this letter nearly 2,000 years ago.  Peter shared later in his writings (2 Peter 3:8) that the Lord's timeta...