With our biographical study of the apostle Paul done we’re prepared to study his major written legacy, the book of Romans.  I encourage you to read this book as we begin our study through the rest of this year. 

Many argue that Romans is the most important book in the Bible.  It was St. Augustine who 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 later 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.”  Romans is the most thorough explanation of how to have that restlessness and vacuum satisfied.

The Christian faith and life begins with man recognizing he is separated from God by sin.  Then, realizing what happens when he by faith receives God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.  The most precious gift 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 what pleases God.  Note the practical instructions inherent in living abundantly as found beginning with Chapter 12. 

Since Romans is such an important book let’s do a focus and amplify study of the whole book.  I’s a letter with an introduction, the main body of the letter and then concluding remarks.  I hope you’ll join us on this year long journey.