Participant Guide: guides daily study and preparation for discussion in the weekly group meeting. The expectation for daily study will be no more than thirty minutes.

Invitation To Romans

8 sessions, 60-90 minutes

Experience required: In Depth Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Compare what Paul writes in Romans to what theologians like Augustine, Luther and Calvin say in trying to understand Paul in their time. At the end of this study your group will have a more informed commitment to Pauls radical vision of Gods relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the "love of God in Christ Jesus." The weekly video segments first present text read aloud against a backdrop of a wide variety of church settings followed by a conversation between a church historian and a church theologian about the text. The second weekly video is led by story teller, Michael Williams, who shares snapshot views of how Romans has been read through history. This study is meaty and extremely enjoyable for those students with some familiarity of Romans and with a strong biblical foundation to rely on. Sessions:

1. An Orientation to Romans

2. The Righteousness of God and the Faith of Jesus

3. Abraham, Father of All

4. Christ, the New Adam

5. Sin, Law, and Grace

6. Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility

7. The Salvation of Israel and the Nations

8. Love and Humility Are the Making of God's Kingdom