Romans is a much-beloved and yet daunting book of the Bible. Almost every chapter could be a sermon series in itself. The major themes are God's righteousness (Ch. 1-4), God creating new humanity (Ch. 5-8), God fulfilling his promise to Israel (Ch. 9-11), and God unifying the church (as a multi-ethnic people) (Ch. 12-16). Our goal in this series is not to offer an exhaustive study of every part of the book but to move through significant sections quickly enough for people to catch the supreme statement of theology, according to Karl Barth: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. What does not change in a rapidly changing world? What is not up for a vote every 4 years? We find a sure foundation in Jesus to build a meaningful life.

You and I are invited to live "in view of God's mercy" (cf. Romans 12:1), as expressed most clearly through the life and ministry and death and resurrection of Jesus. It is truly life-transforming. We often look for security in others' approval, finances, education, patriotism, group tribalism, health, kids' success, relationships, control, independence, reputation, giftedness, etc. These are often good things on which we are placing too much weight. We are simply asking too much of them. As we consider the words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, may we come to find our deepest security in the only One who can bear the weight of our lives.

Weeks:

• September 1 – Romans 1:1-17

• September 8 – Romans 1:18-3:20

• September 15 – Romans 3:21-4:25 (COMMUNION)

• September 22 – Romans 5:1-21

• September 29 – Romans 6:1-23

• October 6 – Romans 7:1-25

• October 13 – SERVE DAY

• October 20 – Romans 8:18-30

• October 27 – Romans 8:31-39 (COMMUNION)