How can we prioritize spreading the Gospel in our personal and community life? Longing That Fuels Mission – Romans 15:23 “ But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you ”. • Paul’s “longing” shows a restless passion to reach people who still need the Gospel. • His travel plans were shaped by one overriding aim: make Christ known wherever He had not been named (vv. 20-24). • Our lives gain focus when we cultivate that same holy restlessness: “Where is Christ still unknown in my circles?” Seeing the Unreached Around Us • Neighborhoods with no active church presence. • Coworkers who have never heard a clear Gospel presentation. • Family members who know religion but not relationship with Christ. • Community events where Christian voices are absent. Personal Steps to Prioritize the Gospel 1. Daily surrender of schedule – Romans 12:1: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” – Ask, “Lord, interrupt my plans so Your message can flow through me today.” 2. Intentional conversations – 1 Peter 3:15: “always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” – Set a goal to share a testimony or Scripture snippet each week. 3. Hospitality with purpose – Luke 14:12-14: invite those who cannot repay. – Use meals, coffee, game nights to build relationships where the Gospel can naturally surface. 4. Consistent prayer for specific names – Colossians 4:3-4: “pray…that God may open a door for our message.” – Keep a short list on your phone or fridge; pray daily. 5. Stewardship of resources – Philippians 4:15-17: churches partnered financially in Paul’s mission. – Budget line for missions, tracts, or supporting a local evangelistic outreach. Community-Wide Mobilization • Corporate vision casting – Acts 1:8: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of earth—layers of local to global engagement. – Regular testimonies on Sundays ignite shared passion. • Training and equipping – Ephesians 4:12: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” – Workshops on conversational evangelism, apologetics, and discipleship follow-up. • Strategic partnerships – Acts 13:2-3: church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas. – Link with campus ministries, pregnancy centers, prison chaplains—multiply reach. • Visible community presence – Matthew 5:16: “let your light shine before men.” – Service projects, sports leagues, cultural festivals—venues to live and speak the Gospel. • Regular evaluation – Philippians 1:12: “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” – Celebrate fruit, adjust methods, keep the mission central. Overcoming Common Hurdles • Fear of rejection—remember 2 Timothy 1:7: “God gave us a spirit not of fear.” • Busyness—refuse to let good activities crowd out the Great Commission (Mark 1:38). • Feeling unqualified—trust the Spirit’s power (Acts 4:13; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Living With Paul’s Itinerary Mindset • Start local, dream global—share across the fence and pray for nations (Psalm 96:3). • Hold plans loosely; hold the Gospel tightly. • Measure success not by comfort but by Gospel penetration. A Life Aligned With Heaven’s Priority When Romans 15:23 shapes our hearts, every calendar entry and budget line becomes a runway for the Gospel. Let Paul’s longing be ours until every neighbor and every nation hears, “Christ died for our sins…was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). |
    |