A Little Help from Friends…and Brothers
In Romans 15:22-29, Paul writes about how the churches in Macedonia and Achaia made financial contributions to the church in Jerusalem. Paul is carrying those contributions to Jerusalem. Here are the verses: “22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” One church helping another church is such an important part of being a part of the body of Christ. I’m in Westernport, MD with thirty people from Buffalo Valley helping Westernport COB put on a vacation bible school. It is such a privilege for us be here. Though we are the “helping” church, we are being blessed in so many ways by helping. My exhortation for you, whether in a church context or in an individual context, is to look for ways that you can help those who need the help. By doing so you have a chance to live out the servant nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ.