We're beginning an extraordinary journey into one of history's most transformative texts - Paul's letter to the Romans. This remarkable document changed Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley forever, and through them, altered the course of Western civilization. Yet despite its profound impact, Romans wasn't written for academics but for ordinary believers seeking to understand the cosmic implications of the gospel.

Our panel of theologians and pastors unpack why Romans remains revolutionary today. Together we explore how Paul establishes his credentials as an apostle, reveals his passion for church planting, and declares he's "not ashamed of the gospel." This declaration serves as a gateway to understanding God's righteousness - not as a terrifying judgment but as compassionate rescue for those damaged by sin.

We dive deep into Romans 1, examining how creation itself testifies to God's glory, yet humanity has willfully blinded itself to this testimony. When we exchange worship of the Creator for created things, we distort our understanding and live contrary to our design, resulting in the destructive patterns of sin Paul so vividly describes.

The episode culminates with Martin Luther's breakthrough moment reading Romans 1:17, when he suddenly understood that God's righteousness wasn't about divine demands but divine gifts. This revelation transformed Luther from a terrified monk to a joyful believer who felt he'd "entered paradise through open gates." It's the difference between religion's "do" and the gospel's "done" - between our futile efforts and Christ's completed work.

Whether you're encountering Romans for the first time or returning to its familiar passages, this series will help you grasp how this ancient letter speaks powerfully to our modern condition. The gospel remains "the power of God for salvation," offering transformation to everyone who believes.

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