paul’s letter to the romans
a new series
One of the most exciting and invigorating things as a preaching pastor is beginning a new sermon series from a “book” of the Bible (I put that word there in quotes, because Paul’s missive to the Romans isn’t a book, it’s a letter). It’s like curling up in a new sweater on a cool day sitting by a fire: it’s so comforting. Because I know where we’ll be studying and feeding from as a church family for likely the next year and a half or so.
Martin Luther had this to say about Romans:
Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.
(Martin Luther, Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, A.D. 1522)
Honestly, to consider preaching this letter is daunting.
And yet, also very exciting.
Because in these pages I believe our church will be taken over mountain range after mountain range of the majestic grace of God, in a way that the Holy Spirit will use to humble us, galvanize us into a harmonious family, and fill us with missionary zeal to proclaim God’s grace for God’s glory for the joy of all nations and peoples.
And it begins this coming Sunday, God willing. With one, single opening sentence from Paul:
(it’s one sentence in the original, though the English CSB breaks it into four.)
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, and set apart for the [Good News] of God—2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures—3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David, according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, 6 including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.
7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I can’t wait for Sunday!
