The Book of Romans is more than an old letter in the Bible. It is a clear and powerful reminder that people cannot fix themselves or make themselves right with God by trying harder. We need Jesus. Romans shows us that God’s righteousness—His right way of making people right with Him—comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote this letter to believers in Rome before he had ever visited them. He cared about them deeply. He prayed for them, wanted to encourage them, and longed to help them stand strong in the truth. Even though they were living in a time of relative peace, Paul knew that peace could be dangerous if people became spiritually sleepy.
That speaks to us today. We do not only need truth when trouble comes. We need truth before trouble comes. When life feels calm, it is easy to get distracted, comfortable, or careless. But God calls His people to stay awake, stay humble, and stay close to Him.
In Romans 1:16–17, Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. In simple words, Paul is saying, “I am not embarrassed about Jesus. I am not afraid to tell people that the good news still works. God can save anyone who puts their trust in Him.”
Righteousness can sound like a big religious word, but it simply means being made right with God. We cannot earn that by being good enough, religious enough, smart enough, or strong enough. It is a gift from God. Jesus makes us right with God when we trust Him, and then He teaches us how to live in a way that honors Him.
This is why Romans is still needed today. Our world does not need more noise, anger, pride, or empty promises. We need repentance. We need the gospel. We need the power of God to heal hearts, bring people back to truth, and change lives from the inside out.
Paul’s introduction to Romans reminds us that the gospel is not weak, outdated, or irrelevant. It is still the power of God. It still saves. It still changes lives. It still reveals God’s righteousness. And it still calls us to live by faith when many people are living by fear, pride, confusion, or compromise.
My prayer is that we will not be ashamed of the gospel in this generation. May we wake up where we have grown cold, return where we have wandered, and speak with love where we have been silent. Jesus Christ alone can make us right with God, and Jesus Christ alone can bring true healing to any heart, family, church, or nation that turns back to Him.
May the grace, joy, and peace of God be yours through Jesus Christ our loving Lord. To Him be glory, now and forever. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026