INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ROMANS

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

BASIC INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS:

- as shared by Pastor/Evangelist, Rev. Don Schink

AUTHOR: Paul… Saul (afterward called Paul) was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, of Jewish parents, who possessed the right of Roman Citizens. Paul was sent to Jerusalem as a young boy for the purpose of receiving a Jewish education. He studied under the infamous Rabbi Gamaliel. He was incorporated with the sect of the Pharisees. As a Pharisee, he was marked by pride, self-confidence and intolerance. As such, his persecution of Christians prior to his conversion to Christianity on the Road to Damascus came quite natural. However, once Divine Providence and grace converted him, Paul became a zealous promoter and successful defender of Christianity.

The Book of Romans appears to be directed to the Roman people, primarily to those living in Rome. When Scripture in Romans is studied in various sections, or various individual verses, rather than taking the book as a whole, it is harder to ascertain the spirit and truth of the overall writings. Thus it is most advantages to study the book as a whole, verse by verse, from beginning to end. It is only when a group studying Romans is patiently led through the entire Epistle that one senses the splendor and power of Paul’s gospel.

So it appears that it would be very easy to miss precious truths if one fails to study Paul’s Epistle to the Romans in depth from beginning to end. My purpose is to prepare and present this study, verse-by-verse, section by section, chapter by chapter, in basic terms to enable us to glean truths, as we trust the Holy Spirit to teach, guide, direct and enlighten us as only He can do.

In 1970, after first moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, I began listening to a pastor on the radio named Chuck Smith, who taught the Bible verse-by-verse, chapter by chapter and book by book. I not only was intrigued but discovered that by following along with his method of sharing the Word of God, that I was learning a lot. I not only appreciated applying these teachings in my own heart and life, but also discovered the effectiveness is sharing the Word of God with others in this same way.

Then after receiving what I felt was a clear unquestionable call into the pastorate ministry, upon attending Nazarene Bible College of Colorado Springs, Colorado, I found myself under the teachings of Dr. Charles Baldwin, an outstanding Bible teacher who taught and preached God’s Word using the same method. His was a strong emphasis on expository preaching and teaching. Although I do some occasional topical preaching and teaching, I am committed to carry on sharing God’s Word as I’ve learned from such great Bible teachers as Pastor Chuck Smith and Dr. Charles Baldwin, amongst others. I have discovered through these scholars that the Bible is its own best interpreter, utilizing related Scripture passages to illustrate important truths. I also enjoy a sense of humor, using illustrations from life, today, as I have seen and admired from another great Bible teacher and theologian, Dr. Norman Oke. Thus this method naturally comes forth, which I trust that you’ll appreciate as I share studying the Word of God, verse-by-verse, chapter by chapter and book by book.

Even so, any one-study series cannot possibly fully interpret or teach all that there is to say. But I’m sure that this series will be a blessing to all whom will prayerfully take the time to study and to reap the spiritual benefits of the truths as found here. May God bless and may His Spirit enable and enlighten us to see all that he would have us to see as we go through this study together.

(Scripture quoted in this study is from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.)

Please address any questions or comments to my email: PastorDonNM@gmail.com

Go to - http://romans1vs1.blogspot.com/

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Since Update on February 25, 2010