The Book of Romans. It was Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome to prepare them for his arrival. It’s kind of like a good submarine sandwich… complete with everything from your protein to your veggies.
Romans is divided into two parts: what to believe, and how to behave.
It’s found in the Bible following the Gospel, the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments, and the Book of Acts.
Remember, the Romans were also the oppressors of the Jews, and the ones who put Jesus to death. The Gospel outlines Jesus’ journey to the fulfillment of the prophecy, or promise from centuries before of how a leader would rescue the Jews from their oppressors. The Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, or “The Gospel,†contain the most powerful story ever, about the humble carpenter’s son who is the Messiah, and his journey… how he was betrayed by those he loved, and how he died for us. I wrote about this shortly after Easter, The After Party and The Empty Tomb. This year I related to Jesus more than ever before. Being a growing Christian is a good thing!
The Book of Acts is where I left off after Easter. It’s an accurate account of the birth and growth of the early Christian Church. Acts in where the fire is built.
… and on to the Book of Romans. I guess I have this mental picture of a Roman as a soldier in a chariot, fully armored, draped with weaponry, and ready for battle. You know, the dudes that manhandled and slayed Jesus. And while reading through the Book of Romans my impression begins to change, much like the Romans must have. So maybe we’re not talking about all of the same people. There were more than a handful of people in Rome at the time. I want to believe that some of these same people saw the light through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
… and the mental picture for me now is of Chariots on Fire for Jesus!! Yep, The Holy Romans. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.†Romans 8:28. To paraphrase the footnotes in my Bible, it’ doesn’t mean that all that happens to us in good… Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-term good.
… and I’m inspired…
Maybe, just maybe, there’s someone out there on the fence, or far away from God at the moment… eating a submarine sandwich… and they’re reading this… and they decide to give the Book of Romans a try.
It’s all right there.
For a Win.
His Win!!!
