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Articles in Pastoral Reflections

Who Has Not Stopped Showing Kindness? Preaching Ruth 2:20
August 2, 2013 – 2:13 pm | Comments Off on Who Has Not Stopped Showing Kindness? Preaching Ruth 2:20
Who Has Not Stopped Showing Kindness? Preaching Ruth 2:20

by Peter Lau

Here is a detailed analysis of the relationships among Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and God as reported in the Book of Ruth. The Ḥesed in Ruth springs from a generous spirit whose self sacrifice helps those in need without regard for one’s own peril.

The Right Environment: Hospitality in Judges and Ruth
May 2, 2013 – 11:40 am | Comments Off on The Right Environment: Hospitality in Judges and Ruth
The Right Environment: Hospitality in Judges and Ruth

by John W. Herbst

The Old Testament Books of Judges and Ruth are set in the same time period—Israel prior to the establishment of the monarchy—but hospitality clearly “works” in one but does not fare so well in the other. This intriguing article explores the reasons why.

Hospitality
May 2, 2013 – 11:39 am | Comments Off on Hospitality
Hospitality

by Matilda G. Chase

Travel in the ancient mid-east was treacherous and so when strange travelers showed up in a community, they were welcomed, given food, water, and foot washing as a way of providing hospitality, and also for protection of the host. Once travelers were offered food and rest, they were less likely to attack or steal from the host’s community.

Christian Hospitality Is Not Nice
May 2, 2013 – 11:38 am | Comments Off on Christian Hospitality Is Not Nice
Christian Hospitality Is Not Nice

by Farrell Graves

Both American and Japanese hospitality assume that there is a distance that must be bridged, the only difference being from which shore the bridge is to be built. In Christian hospitality, there is nothing to bridge since it starts with mutual identification.

Hospitality—a Dynamic Tension
May 2, 2013 – 11:37 am | Comments Off on Hospitality—a Dynamic Tension
Hospitality—a Dynamic Tension

by Christopher Carter

Our understanding of hospitality is rooted within the experiences of our childhood home, our respective ethnic and geographic cultures…guided by our religious and/or philosophical perspectives.

Hospitality from Genesis to Revelation
May 2, 2013 – 11:36 am | Comments Off on Hospitality from Genesis to Revelation
Hospitality from Genesis to Revelation

by Kang-Yup Na

From the very first act of God’s creation of heaven and earth (Genesis 1.1) to the eschatological vision of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21.1), hospitality…illuminates every canonical book toward spiritual insight and nourishment…the conceptual world of the word ‘hospitality’ embraces the entirety of Christian theology, piety, and mission.

When I Was a Stranger
May 2, 2013 – 11:35 am | Comments Off on When I Was a Stranger
When I Was a Stranger

by Amy Bell Finiki

In her travels overseas, the author learned experientially about hospitality: “It is in how we are treated, how we want to be treated, and how we treat others that is the truth of genuine hospitality.” Hers is a tale of adventure and discovery.

A Wedding in Cana
May 2, 2013 – 11:34 am | Comments Off on A Wedding in Cana
A Wedding in Cana

by Austin Park

The author digs into the bible to show how hospitality is a core principle for Jesus, and he poses some intriguing questions about Jesus’ behavior in this unusual tale of Jesus’ first miracle.

Gospel Hospitality—From Jesus to Us, From Us to Others
May 2, 2013 – 11:33 am | Comments Off on Gospel Hospitality—From Jesus to Us, From Us to Others
Gospel Hospitality—From Jesus to Us, From Us to Others

by Brandt L. Montgomery

Jesus wants us to do what is right instead of constantly worrying about always being right. He asks that we be welcoming to others just as He is welcoming to us.

Entertaining Angels
May 2, 2013 – 11:32 am | Comments Off on Entertaining Angels
Entertaining Angels

by Elaine Chan

Sometimes the opportunity to be hospitable to a stranger may seem like too much trouble, imprudent, or even dangerous, but Hebrews 13.2 tells us “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Preaching and the Hospitable Church Community
May 2, 2013 – 11:31 am | Comments Off on Preaching and the Hospitable Church Community
Preaching and the Hospitable Church Community

by Robert LaRochelle

While falling attendance is a problem for many churches, the answer as to how to stop that trend may lie in how newcomers perceive the congregation—not by having a welcoming committee of a few select members, but by extending genuine hospitality by everyone to everyone.

‘In The Image and Likeness of God’: From Ancient Rabbis to Modern (Feminist) Jews
February 1, 2013 – 3:14 pm | One Comment
‘In The Image and Likeness of God’: From Ancient Rabbis to Modern (Feminist) Jews

By Naomi Koltun-Fromm

This probing analysis of ancient Hebrew texts offers revealing clues as to why the apparent bias against women became part of the ancient culture as reflected in the Hebrew Bible. This article offers a rich resource for pastors interested in exploring feminist issues.