Acts 13-14 recounts the first overseas mission trip as Paul and Barnabas go with the gospel on their first missionary journey. As we watch their mission, there is much for us to learn  about the heart of mission and what to expect as we go with the gospel today.

As Paul drew his letter to a close last week, he greeted all those he knew and was, no doubt, reminded how susceptible all of them are to being led astray. Today we are reminded of our need to be established in the truth of the Gospel.

Today's passage is a simple list of greetings, but its unusual length, placement and details points to the efficacy of the name of Jesus, whom Paul, the church in Rome, and all the saints now call upon.

Paul now sets out his plans to visit Rome. As he details his itinerary, he invites us to consider the importance of ministry partnership and resting together in God's providence.

Paul's letter to the Romans has been theologically rich and personally confronting, but he hadn't even visited the church in Rome, nor planted it. Now at the very end of his letter, he offers an introduction to affirm his ministry to them, offering us insight into how we receive the ministry of others amongst us.

Here we come to the climax of the book of Exodus. God's rescued people now build the tabernacle, and God makes his dwelling among them. As we reflect on this, we see how God dwells with us as his people today, and we look forward to the time when God's glory will fill the whole earth.

Continuing in this series in Exodus, we see Israel break their covenant with the Lord as they create and worship a golden calf, jeopardizing their relationship with God. In response to Moses' intercession, God graciously forgives and restores. This reveals to us much about our idolatrous hearts as well as God's heart to show mercy.

Continuing in Exodus, we hear the instructions the Lord gives to his people about his dwelling place among them. These chapters are filled with imagery that reveals the grace and mercy of God who comes to make his home with us.

This week we see how God brings his rescued people to Mt Sinai to worship him just as he promised. At this mountain God gives his people the Law, instructing them how to live as his rescued people, his treasured possession.

On the journey from the Red Sea to Mt. Sinai, God's people complain about the lack of food and water, and they cry out as they are attacked from enemies. In response to Israel's grumbling and cries for help, God, time after time graciously provides. May we learn from their examples to resist grumbling and instead to trust in the God who always provides abundantly and graciously for his people.