🔹 Story 1: Abraham Welcomed Strangers and Received a Promise
Main Characters: Abraham, Sarah, three visitors (angels/the Lord)
Story Summary: Abraham warmly welcomed three travellers, offering rest and a feast. The visitors revealed themselves as messengers of God and announced Sarah would bear a son.
Key Verses: Genesis 18:1–15
Theme Connection: Abraham’s generous hospitality led to a life-changing promise—the birth of Isaac.
🔹 Story 2: Rahab Hid the Spies and Was Saved
Main Characters: Rahab, Israelite spies, Jericho’s leaders
Story Summary: Rahab protected two Israelite spies, risking her life. In return, she and her entire household were spared during Jericho’s destruction and welcomed into God’s people.
Key Verses: Joshua 2; 6:22–25
Theme Connection: Her hospitality and courage brought salvation and legacy—she became part of Jesus’ lineage.
🔹 Story 3: The Shunammite Woman Provided for Elisha
Main Characters: Elisha, Shunammite woman, her husband
Story Summary: A generous woman built a room for Elisha, consistently caring for his needs. God rewarded her with a son and later raised him from the dead through Elisha.
Key Verses: 2 Kings 4:8–37
Theme Connection: Her consistent hospitality led to both miraculous blessing and restoration.
🔹 Story 4: The Widow of Zarephath Fed Elijah and Received Provision
Main Characters: Elijah, widow, her son
Story Summary: A poor widow gave her last bit of food to Elijah during a famine. God miraculously multiplied her flour and oil, and later, her son was raised from the dead.
Key Verses: 1 Kings 17:8–24
Theme Connection: Even small acts of hospitality bring great reward when offered in faith.
🔹 Story 5: Lydia Opened Her Home and Became a Church Leader
Main Characters: Lydia, Paul, Silas
Story Summary: Lydia welcomed Paul and his companions into her home after her conversion. Her home became a base for the Philippian church, and her hospitality supported the Gospel.
Key Verses: Acts 16:14–15, 40
Theme Connection: Hospitality can open the door to lasting spiritual influence and Kingdom work.
🔹 Story 6: Obed-Edom Housed the Ark and Was Blessed
Main Characters: Obed-Edom, David, Israelites
Story Summary: After Uzzah died, the Ark of the Covenant was kept in Obed-Edom’s house. In just three months, God abundantly blessed his household.
Key Verses: 2 Samuel 6:10–12
Theme Connection: Welcoming God’s presence with reverence brings unmistakable blessing.
🔹 Story 7: Cornelius Practiced Generosity and Encountered God
Main Characters: Cornelius, Peter, angel of the Lord
Story Summary: Cornelius was known for his hospitality and generosity. God honoured his prayers and kindness by sending Peter to preach the Gospel, leading to salvation for his entire household.
Key Verses: Acts 10:1–48
Theme Connection: Hospitality opens hearts and homes to divine visitation and transformation.
🔹 Story 8: Martha and Mary Welcomed Jesus
Main Characters: Martha, Mary, Jesus
Story Summary: Jesus often stayed in the home of Martha and Mary. They were privileged to witness His miracles and teachings, including the resurrection of their brother Lazarus.
Key Verses: Luke 10:38–42; John 11
Theme Connection: Consistent hospitality led to deep friendship with Jesus and extraordinary revelation.
🔹 Story 9: Simon the Leper Hosted a Dinner for Jesus
Main Characters: Simon the leper, Jesus, woman with alabaster jar
Story Summary: In Simon’s home, a woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. Jesus honoured her act and said it would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached.
Key Verses: Matthew 26:6–13
Theme Connection: Hospitality creates space for worship and becomes part of God’s redemptive story.
🔹 Story 10: Gaius Commended for Supporting Traveling Teachers
Main Characters: Gaius, John, Christian workers
Story Summary: Gaius was praised by John for his faithful hospitality to traveling preachers. His generosity advanced the Gospel and honoured the truth.
Key Verses: 3 John 1:5–8
Theme Connection: Faithful hospitality strengthens the Church and brings joy to spiritual leaders.
🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme
- Hebrews 13:2
- Proverbs 11:25
- Matthew 10:40–42
- Luke 14:12–14
- Romans 12:13
- 1 Peter 4:9
- Galatians 6:9–10
- Acts 16:14–15
- 2 Kings 4:8–10
- 3 John 1:5–8