In our last visit I concluded our biographical study of the apostle Paul. I mentioned that with this study as a foundation we are better prepared to study the major book in his written legacy, the book of Romans. I would like to start this project today. Let me encourage you to read the book over and over as we continue this study through the rest of this year.

 

Many would argue that Romans is the most important book in the Bible. It was St. Augustine found Christ as his Savior after hearing a verse from Romans being sung by a neighbor girl. Later he wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.” 

 

Blaise Pascal more recently wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” Read Romans carefully for it is the most thorough explanation of how to have that restlessness and vacuum satisfied.

 

The Christian faith and life begins with man’s recognition that he is separated from God by sin. Next, realizing where he can be when he takes by faith God’s provisions through Jesus Christ. The most precious of those provisions for the believer is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. When we give Him full control He frees us from all that holds us back and enables us to enter and do all that pleases God. Take special note of the practical instructions inherent in abundant living beginning with Chapter 12. 

 

We’ve done focus and amplify studies in the past of portions or chapters of the Bible. Since Romans is such an important book I would like to do a focus and amplify study with you of the whole book. Read it as if it is a letter. It has an introduction or salutation, then the main body of the letter and then some concluding remarks. I hope you’ll join us on this journey.