New Bible Reader? Read This Book Next

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If you haven’t read my previous post “New Bible Reader? Here’s Where To Start” you might want to do so before reading on.

After a study of Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, here’s my recommendation for your next study. Oh, and by the way, by “study”, I don’t mean some theological exercise but, instead, just reading with an open mind and heart. Before reading, just ask God to open these scriptures up to you and cause His Holy Spirit to help you to see into–and accept–the concepts you see introduced there. Let God, our Abba Father, show you how much He loves you through His Word.

So, anyway, here’s my suggestion: Read the Book of Romans.

We’ve now gone from three of Paul’s shortest epistles, or letters, to his longest. But don’t be afraid. There’s no rush to get through. Just take your time and read it as a love letter to you from our Heavenly Father.

This letter has been called “Paul’s testament” and is a detailed doctrinal statement of Christianity. I hesitate to use that terminology but don’t be scared off by words like “doctrinal.” Just think of this book as being a source of enlightenment to you about what it means to be a Christian–what “everyday Christianity” is all about.

Paul points out that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23) but that we are restored to our rightful relationship with God “…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

Our knowledge of God’s grace and forgiveness frees us from sin, anxiety, guilt, depression and a negative self-image, for these things are no longer based on us and our actions but on the finished work of Christ Jesus.

So, read Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians (and to us). The first seven chapters show what Christ did for us. Chapter 8–sometimes called the gateway to the Holy Spirit, speaks of the role He has in our lives.

Love,
Brother Bill

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