The landscape of church right now presents a range of possibilities. There are churches that champion causes familiar to political conservatism. There are churches that champion causes familiar to political progressivism. The Book of Romans challenges us to see a gospel that is beyond causes or political affiliation.
In Jesus there is no separation. In Jesus all things are made new. This reminder that the gospel calls us to faith more than to stances is needed in times like ours where angry fundamentalism can be seen on both the right and the left. The letter to the Romans shows us what hopeful faith can look like. Such faith can bring healing and peace in uncertain times.
For our series on Romans, the selected scripture and theme will be introduced at All Church. The following week the Small Church content will echo the All Church content and provide a chance to dig deep into the application of the text.
A video overview of the first four chapters of Romans in animation created by the Bible Project Romans 1-4 | Watch
Accessible commentary from Canadian scholars Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh, who combine a close reading of the Book Romans with a love for justice and a desire to see it lived out in our current context | View
Thoughtful conversation between theologians NT Wright and Preston Sprinkle about Romans 8, also the subject of a recent book by NT Wright | Watch