If our purpose is to be like a first-century church, how do we get there? The book of Romans contains more pieces of the puzzle on how to be the church than any other book in the Bible. Just as Paul understood who he was in Christ, we must understand the same. Our identity as believers is very different from what we used to be. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… Romans 1:1 ESV Paul’s message was to believers in Rome. 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 ESV Our (yours and mine) - Gospel message is for the world. The Great Commission – Matt 28:18-19 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:18-19 ESV This is the purpose of the church worldwide. And GCCC is no exception. We don’t get an exemption. The Great Commission is the reason the church exists. We should be as earnest as Paul’s to share the full Gospel message. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:8-12 ESV The power of the Gospel is a foundational piece of the puzzle 1 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 ESV This power helps us: • Identify who we are in Christ • Know we are no longer what we once were • Gives purpose to our church and to us individually • Creates a desire to share its message • Allows us to be unashamed to be called a Christian What’s Next? Questions for reflection and discussion • Am I ashamed of the Gospel in any way? • Has transformation happened in my life? Is it continuing to happen? • Am I eager to share the Gospel? • How much would I endure to share it?