March 31, 2022

Romans 15:14-33 (HCSB)
From Jerusalem to Illyricum

14 My brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of God’s good news. My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus regarding what pertains to God. 18 For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed, 19 by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. 20 My aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but, as it is written: Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.
Paul’s Travel Plans 
22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23 But now I no longer have any work to do in these provinces, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through, and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, 26 for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs. 28 So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds to them, I will visit you on the way to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that the gift I am bringing to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you. 33 The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.

Lea Hibdon 
Chad and I had a wonderful first connect class at Temple. After covid, there was some stirring in us, and we discussed branching off to start another class with our connect leader. We took a leap of faith last year and started “The Table: where everyone is welcomed.” A member made us a scrap wood table that sits in the middle of our class to remind us that we all have different spiritual gifts to bring. In fact, we’ve had 7 different people lead a lesson and help us apply these verses to our lives. Very much like Paul, I am incredibly proud of how this class has evolved but Christ is how it was accomplished. He knew our hearts, desires, and it came to fruition with some awesome Christian friends to encourage the vision! God stirring in my heart again. What's going to come of this class, who’ll take the next leap to do what God is calling: to walk with other Christian believers and keep up the faith? What will it look like to see other disciples begin to lead? Pray for your leaders and church. We’re growing, and it’s because people are hearing the call.

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