Roman 1:8-16

Paul prayed for the belivers in Rome.
The believers in Rome, though not many, were active and known all over the world.
Why? Because they have faith in Jesus, and because Paul and other disciples were praying for them

WOW! This is great.
How many believers in your country/city?
We can make a different!

Paul prayed for believers in Rome, longed to see them and share spiritual gift to make them strong.
What is in Paul's mind, Paul wanted to co-work (not just teacher-student relationship) with believers in Rome. In other words, Paul saw the potential and importance of the Church of Rome. Paul wanted them also take part in the World Mission. (v.12)

Dr. Charles Van Engen said "Romans is Paul's greatest missionary book. Many believed that Roman is a doctrinal book. Right, but the reason why Paul taugth those Doctrine especially in Roman? It is because He wanted to build another Antioch Church!"

Paul shifted his gear into v14-16. Paul said he was obligated to share the gospel of Jesus to all the people, including people in Rome. This versus may seems to explain why he wanted to go to Rome,but behind the surface, Paul wanted to inform the Church in Rome the significance of sharing the gospel through his testimony. Paul further explained and urged the Church in Rome to be brave and not ashamed of the gospel!

* What are the key ideas here?
1. Paul prayed
2. The faith of the believers in Rome was well known all over the world, even under unfavourable situation.
3. Paul wanted to strengthen the Church and share spiritual gifts to the believers in Rome.
4. Paul used his example to teach the significant of sharing the gospel to the nations.

Actions:
1. Pray for the disciples in Sendai and Hong Kong.
2. Pray that they can be strengthen and gifted in Christ.
3. Pray that they will also take part in the World Mission.
4. Be pepared to share the gospel to other in my city. (prepare gospel bags with food/water/gospel tract/Portland Rescue Mission information. Bring them to the homeless nearby.)