Romans 1:8-16
Paul wrote to his Roman Christian Brothers and Sisters and told of how he longed to see them. He thanked God for them because they where sharing their testimony with others. Everyone who visited Rome began to hear of the great faith the Romans had in Jesus and this brought great JOY! to Paul (v8). Paul prayed for his Brothers and Sisters in Christ consistently but longed to see them again (v9-v10). Paul's wish was to visit the Roman Christians to inspire them in their faith and receive encouragement from them as well (v10-v11). Paul explained the reason he is having trouble coming out to Rome is because he is busy preaching to those who do not know Jesus but he was eager to share with them the Good News (v12-v15). Because Paul was not ashamed to tell others about Jesus. He knew that God's goodness clearly seen through death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and it was through faith that he proclaimed this message (v16).
So how do we compare to this today. Do spend time praying for fellow believers or do we spend time gossiping and "bad mouthing" them? Are we eager to spend time with others Christians to grow in the faith? Or are we eager to meet so we can sin with people we go to church with? Are we busy sharing the Gospel with others or do we just keep it professional and won't even mention our faith? Are we unashamed of Jesus or do we shame Him before others with our words, lifestyle, and our fear of sharing the Gospel? How do we compare?
We should want Christian Fellowship because we need the encouragement to and prayer to continue a strong Christian Walk, you cannot do this alone (Hebrews 10:25). This more than just going to church on Sunday. This calling others and praying with them, this is spending time with someone reading the scriptures, and this holding each other accountable for their actions. We are to share the Gospel because we are all ambassadors of Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). So we express how God has changed our life since we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. We can do this by sharing our testimony and giving God glory for everything and in everything. When people see that we love the Lord and we live a life that shows our love for God, they come to know who Jesus is. But we do this by faith and cannot be ashamed (Matthew 10:33), we are not a fearful people because God's Spirit within us produces power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). So I urge you to seek fellowship with other Christians and share the Gospel no matter what the cost.
Stay focused you can do this!
In His JOY!
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