2The Epistle of Romans is the theological cornerstone of the New Testament, the greatest of Paul's epistles. Romans focuses on relationships between Jew and Gentile, deals with tensions in this church by showing that Jewish and Gentile Christians require a righteousness that can be obtained only as a gift of God and must be lived out in personal Christian life. RIGHTEOUSNESS IN ROMANS Gospel Righteousness (Rom. 1). The Gospel is about a righteousness which comes from God "by faith." Need for Righteousness (Rom. 2-3). The Jew with the Law and the Gentile without it have sinned and desperately need a righteousness neither possesses. Righteousness and Faith (Rom. 3-4). God always accepts faith in place of the righteousness human beings do not possess. Jesus' sacrifice of Himself makes this possible and is the basis for the forgiveness freely offered to Old and New Testament saints. Righteousness realized (Rom. 6-8). Faith unites the believer with Jesus in His life and His death. The Holy Spirit within gives us the power to live righteously here and now if we live by faith. Righteousness in history (Rom. 9-11). God consistently operates on principles imbedded in the Gospel in Old Testament as well as New Testament eras. Righteousness in the faith community (Rom. 12-16). Believers are to live out God's righteousness in relationships within the Christian community. Paul gives a beautiful description of righteousness as God's character finds expression in the way Christians live together in the Lord. Pastor John H. Walker: married to Cynthia, is the father of two daughters, was called to the gospel ministry in October1982; ordained as Minister of Christian Education1990; Assistant Pastor, Faith Memorial Baptist Church, 1986-2014 Educational Preparation: Wayne State University, School of Social Work, -1978, MSW: Dallas Theological Seminary, 2004, MACE degree.