the Game Get In the Game! Romans 15:8- 16:23

St Paul… Superhero

John Wooden UCLA Bruins

The guy who puts the ball through the hoop has ten hands…

Value Your CALLING...

Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit... Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. Romans 15:15-16, 25

The High Cost of PRIESTHOOD

I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:27-28

The High Privilege of SERVANTHOOD

Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26

But Nobody Makes a Difference ALONE! It Takes ALL KINDS...

You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together, we can do great things.

If you do not point and say thanks, you do not play.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16:1-2 GENDER Barriers

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Romans 16:3-5 RACIAL Borders

Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. Romans 16:23b CLASS Boundaries

“Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.” Jimmy Durante

But the Circle is Not ALL- INCLUSIVE

There is Still a BATTLE to Fight

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:17-19

Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him.

There is Still a VICTORY to Be Won

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20