For some theologians and many believers,Paul’s letter to the Romans is the heart of the Christian faith- but what they see as the central message isn’t my favorite part• chapter 8 and this chapter speak directly to our need• that is, our connection to God and life in the Spirit◦ then chapter 14, where we learn what living our faith looks like in practice- a natural division occurred in churches of the Roman Empire• the split occurred along both ethnic and cultural lines◦ they consisted of both Jewish and Gentile members◦ Paul was clear re: his ministry, to Jews first and also to Gentiles• in some churches, this became a problem – Galatians◦ there is a hint of that same tension here (and in Colossians)◦ only it has a slightly different look – based on practice