Romans 1:1-17
In this letter, in the beginning of this letter, we hear the introduction of Paul as an apostle, and powerful Good News of Jesus Christ. From there, the letter continues into something we might take for granted. Paul asserts that he prays for them, that he thanks God for them and that he hopes to strengthen them, and that they may mutually encourage one another in faith.
That’s a big thing. For most of you, imagine that Billy Graham is coming to Marion, to First Presbyterian, and in his letter in advance, he writes that he is hoping to be encouraged by our faith. Imagine that.
Is this how we think of one another? That we can all be encouraged in faith by one another? That we all pray for one another? As Paul writes to Rome ahead of his trip in that direction, this is what he wants them to know at the very start. Is this what we teach people at the very start of our faith relationships?
