For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed,
a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,
just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:17
Editor’s note: This week marks the launch of the new study through Romans! You can view Laura’s Introductory teaching lecture here:
The theme for the book of Romans is righteousness. It is a topic with sobering significance. Our destiny for eternity hinges on being declared right before God. Does that stir up a little (or a lot) of fear? Does the thought of standing before Almighty God bring on concern, trepidation, confidence, anxiety, or peace?
Many of us seldom think about the end of our life – we are too busy pedaling hard to stay
ahead for today! But we are concerned with the future: we buy insurance, lock our doors,
invest in a 401(k), and keep a flashlight in the nightstand.
If we have a plan for future contingencies here on earth, shouldn’t we also plan for eternity?
Are you counting on checking enough “good girl boxes” to get in? Are you determined to earn the proverbial Boy Scout merit badges (volunteer hours, paying it forward, supporting worthy causes, donating your time and money) to impress God?
Here’s the reality: your good will never be good enough. (And neither will mine.) Even Billy Graham and Mother Theresa would be left out, if humanity’s good deeds could satisfy divine righteous requirements.
Our righteousness can ONLY come from God. We receive it as a gift. It is not a reward for good deeds, a “salary” for services rendered. It comes by faith.
That truth – righteousness by faith alone in Christ alone – is one we will unpack, explore, and expound upon as we work, study, meditate, and pray our way through Romans over the next several months.
Will you join us for the journey? I hope you will!
Here are the ways you can get involved – presented in order from the least to the most time consuming:
- Subscribe to the Cross My Heart Ministry YouTube channel and watch the weekly
teaching posted each Friday. The playlist for Romans can be accessed here and will be
updated weekly as new videos are added: https://bit.ly/2FkLkdz - Read the passage covered for the week on your own.
- Purchase the study guide from Joy of Living (print or download versions available) here: https://bit.ly/3bOQN89
- Ask a friend to study along with you and then meet up (in person or virtually) to discuss the daily questions.
- Reach out to me at cross.my.heart@cox.net about joining one of our Zoom groups for small group discussion.
Romans has often been referred to as “Christianity 101” because in it, we find foundational truths of Christianity. In a very clear and systematic way, Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) illuminates what we are to believe … and then challenges us to the “obedience that
comes from faith.” (Romans 1:5).
Come jump in with us by viewing the Introductory Lesson here: https://bit.ly/33li1iR
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