There are many that help the Realm of God Grow

Verses: Romans 16 : 1 - 24

My thoughts about the verses:

I have to start this by explaining what I was taught as I grew up.  I came from a very strict denomination.  The lesson was simple everyone else was teaching the word of God wrong.  That there was only one true denomination and that was ours.  There even was a book called the blood of Christ that showed how we connected straight to Jesus and the early church.  It showed the many sacrifices that others had made through their shedding of blood so that the church would survive.

The hardest part of the lessons taught was the role of women.  There were only four things women could do to help people find Christ. 

1. Women could teach young children Sunday school until they hit their teen years.  
2. Women could only teach females when they became teens or older and those were Sunday school classes only.
3. We could invite people to Church so the preacher, who was a man, could tell them about salvation.  
4. Marry a man and go where he was called and be his helpmate.

I knew that I was called to serve God way before most people even understand the role Jesus wanted. The first Sunday after I accepted Christ in my heart, I was just eleven, I made a list of all those that I loved and who needed to have Christ in their life.  As they came to accept Christ I marked their name off the list because I knew that my prayer for them was working.  

Yet, I felt there was something else that I was supposed to do besides teach children.  My heart was telling me that adults needed to hear what I said.  Yet, I knew that the only way to do that was marrying a preacher and allow him to spread the news while I supported him.  Yet, I had a bigger problem with this I wasn't interested in men.  I struggled with this for years.  I even decided I would go to the college sponsored by our Church to help me find my place.  I still was failing at this because I was outshining some of the men who were called to be pastors.  I can remember being told that I needed to let the men shine if I was ever going to find the right husband.  They felt my calling but that was to be a perfect wife.

When I was outed I thought my world was over.  I knew that I was being shunned because my love was for women not men.  How could I do anything now.  School was gone my teaching of kids was gone.  I was an outcast that felt a calling but had no way of sharing it.  I knew God was with me but I didn't have a place to worship.  I began praising God on my own terms because I felt that I had to do something to worship the one that saved me.'

Then it happened I found Metropolitan Community Churches a place that was safe for me.  MCC was a place that not only condoned my love but affirmed it.  A lot of my family and friends from my past still don't understand how I could have believed what I know now as truth.  They feel that I have back slide and they pray for me to turn back to the faith that they have.  Yet, what I was learning is that I could have a voice and my spirit felt lifted.

Now what does all this have to do with this scripture.  Think about what is happening Paul is thanking those that have been working to bring Christ to those that needed to hear the word.  Look at all the Women that had a voice that were praised for the work that was being done.  I love the fact that one of the churches meet in the house of two women.  Just think about it the majority of the followers mentioned are women.  Imagine for a moment how liberating this is to all the women from different denominations that are kept in a patriarchal structure.

Also here is something that we must understand that each person who accepts Christ has a role to play in building the realm of God.  Not just straight men who preach fire and brimstone.  Children, the GLBTIQ community, women, those with disabilities and yes men all have a role to play.  We need to accept the call that God has placed on our heart so that we can lead people to find the peace that we have found.  If you feel that you do not have a place to worship look outside where you are.  There are many churches that understand that those that are marginalized have a place in the Realm and need to use their talents.  Don't just listen to the naysayers that push you away because you are different. Instead find those that accept you for who you are so that you can have a place to worship and bring joy to God.

Prayer:

Dear God thank you for loving each one of us.  We thank you for giving us places where we can worship you.  Thank you for sending Jesus so that we can have eternal life.  We thank you for opening your heart for all of us.  We pray that all your children will find a safe place to worship you.  Help us accept the call that you have for each one of us.  Help others understand that you want us all to serve you.  Help those that are struggling with their identity to find that place where they can feel free to serve you openly.  In the name of the Risen Savior we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Have you accepted Christ love for you?  Have you accepted God's calling for you?  Have you found a safe place to worship?  Are you struggling with how to Serve God and be the person that God created? Are you willing to step out and be who God wants you to be?