Talks

Matt introduces us to a new series: “Romans!”
Why Study Romans?
“All roads in the Bible lead to Romans”. (J I Packer)
“I was not a Christian, but when I had finished reading “Romans” I felt compelled to become one”. (Sir David Suchet)
“If the New Testament were the Himalayas, Romans would be Mount Everest. And the highest point of it is chapter 8.”
Understanding Romans – helps us even understand the rest of the BIBLE!
What did it mean in the original context?
The author of the letter “Romans” was Paul the Apostle and the writer was the Scribe Tertius. We believe that the Bible (including Romans) was inspired by God, making it more powerful than any other writing in history. The letter was written to the Christians in Rome, likely several groups of Christians who met in homes. Paul mentions 27 people by name: the letter was written to people Paul had a relational connection with, some were close friends and others had been with Paul as he faced trials, even prison! They represented a very diverse group of people: there were Greek, Latin and Jewish names, some of them were wealthy, others poor, and some even slaves. Some had Jewish backgrounds, others were Gentiles, including men and women. Paul writes to all of them and lists them alongside each other disregarding all hierarchical and patriarchal structures.
What does it mean for us in our context today?
The church should be Home for everyone!
Paul’s letter is still relevant for everyone!
The content of the letter is THE GOOD NEWS: Jesus! Paul says: “It is my job to share this good news and it is now yours as well. I am not ashamed and neither should you be!” We believe it is still powerful GOOD NEWS TODAY!
Death and sin have been defeated by Jesus (the Saviour) and now new life and eternal hope are on offer. This is the Good News of God.
The reality of our dark world is bad news, but Jesus’ GOOD NEWS shines all the stronger in it.