The journey of a believer has its share of adventures, with both mountain top and valley experiences.  But the one constant, especially for the believer, is that we can live these experiences together.

Paul concludes his letter to the Roman church with an acknowledgement of believers in Rome and companions with him in his ministry which was in Corinth at the time.  No man is an island, and Paul made a lot of friends, many who have come to Christ through his ministry. The attitude of gratitude and acknowledgment of Paul for others is quite amazing. It demonstrates that Paul made friends and discipled those he brought to the faith in the Lord. He did not try to live an isolated life; he had friends in the Lord, and he appreciated them.  Paul, always a teacher, also took time to warn his friends in Rome to not stray from the Truth. Jesus taught that love for God and others is the summation of the Law. (Matt. 22:40 ESV).  Solomon put it this way; “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl. 4:9-12 ESV)

This week, as we continue our series Live By Faith, we'll see Paul's heart for the many people who helped him in his ministry.  In Romans 16:1-24, Paul appreciates and acknowledges the believers who had an impact on his ministry, and he provides a warning against those who would teach contrary doctrines to the Gospel.  Let's learn from this important passage together.