In Romans chapter 7, Paul expands upon the failure of the Old Testament Law to produce righteousness in us, and our sinful natures. The Law helps us recognize sin and name it. Sadly, despite the Law’s inherent goodness, there is no human way to escape sin’s influence. However, Paul uses an example from marriage to […]

Paul uses the word slavery 15 times through 23 verses of chapter six, and most often he’s referring to sin. When he tells his readers that they are free from sin, the word he uses means “not a slave.” Literally. It seems like he’s trying to tell us all something: living in freedom is an […]

This message spotlights a problem that we all have in common. We sense it. Things just aren’t right, not everything anyway. And though we seem to enjoy small celebrations of goodness at times, most of us also suspect that those are the exceptions rather than the rule. We hold elections. We spend money. We change […]

Within the first couple of verse in chapter five, Paul outlines chapters 5-8. However, in verse three he turns quickly to the question of suffering. Human suffering presents us with one of life’s greatest challenges. Why does a good, loving, and all-powerful God allow suffering? Rather than offer an apology, Paul asserts that we should […]

Addressing a mixed community of Gentile and Jewish believers, Paul seeks to offer them clarity. Some of the churches in Rome leaned towards a Gospel of good works: be good and God will bless you. Others, leaned into tradition and religious ritual as a means to remain in right relationship with God. The Apostle offers […]

We all judge other people. It’s a very human thing to do but it’s not a Jesus thing. Why? Because judging others makes us a hypocrite. When we judge others, we also judge ourselves. We agree that there are standards they fail to meet, and when we make that assessment, we unconsciously include ourselves. If […]

Romans chapter one, verses 18-32, painted a bleak picture of a hopelessly broken and sinful humanity. Chapter 2 takes this even further, pointing out that even those religious people who have tried to “do the right thing” fall short of God’s standards. God demands absolute perfection, meaning that no one is in right standing before […]

As we continue our series, we discover that Paul has some hard words for humanity. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul describes the reality of the situation between God and the people he created. While God reveals himself to all, but many people have rejected him. They have exchanged the goodness of God for what seemed good […]

Having greeted them, identifying himself, Paul offers his readers a formal introduction in the manner typical of an Ancient Classical letter. These ten verses are densely packed, addressing Paul’s gratitude for the faithfulness of the Roman churches and his deep desire to be with them, sharing mutually encouraging ministry, The Apostle also shares his life’s […]