As we start a new series on the letter to the Romans, we see Paul giving his credentials to the church in Rome and stating why he is writing. He is a Servant, an Apostle, a Preacher and a Missionary of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. As we study this letter I pray that the Gospel would take root in our lives and then flow out to others.

Setting Aside is the spiritual principle that we apply to saving. When we set aside our finances it; relieves anxiety, empowers our calling, prepares us for life's storms, fights against instant gratification and fosters generosity.

In a world that wants us to find happiness by gaining more and more possessions, Jesus wants to speak to us about the importance of living simply. When we live simply we gain; contentment outside of our possessions, a new perspective on what our real needs are, we become free from debt so we can invest in God's kingdom and we learn to live by faith.

When we believe and trust in the gospel message, Jesus comes into our lives and we are brought into this wonderful heavenly relationship with God through Him. But He also brings us into a relationship with one another, other believers who have responded to the same gospel message. He wants us to partner together so that we may continue to share this message with the whole world. This is what we see happening with Paul and the church at Philippi, Paul says he "prays with joy because of their partnership in the gospel."

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and as He sends us out into the world He tells us to look for People of Peace to share the Gospel with. What is a Person of Peace? It is someone that will welcome both the messenger and the message and be a doorway for a whole new community coming to hear the Gospel. Today we look at Lydia whose heart was opened by God to receive the message of salvation and then opened the way for others to hear the Gospel.