Romans - Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook: Good News that Changes Everything

by Melissa Spoelstra

Find the good news that brings hope and spiritual renewal.

We live in a world full of bad news. The media recounts stories of natural disasters, violence, and conflict. In the midst of all this heartbreak, we can’t lose sight of the fact that God has given us good news. We call it the gospel. It reminds us that God loves us and longs to redeem our suffering. He stepped out of eternity and into time to send us His one and only Son. The gospel truths shared with the early church at Rome echo into our day, reminding us that we still have good news to embrace personally and to share with others.

In this six-week study of the Book of Romans, we will be highlighting significant concepts regarding the good news about faith, grace, daily life, God’s plan, relationships, and eternity. Whatever bad news we may receive, in Romans we will find good news to encourage and transform us.

Join Melissa in taking a posture of listening and learning as we approach this powerful book packed with good news. Let’s ask God to do a mighty work in and through us as we study so that we might be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around us!

Bible Study

- A six-week study of the Book of Romans.
- Encourages women with the good news of the gospel, regardless of what bad news they are facing.
- Women will be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around them.
- Study offers different levels of commitment for women in every season of life.
- Strong, solid Scripture study from popular Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra.


"All too often, God's Word can seem intimidating and hard to understand even, especially with books like Romans. In this study Melissa helps us take in the truths of Romans in a way that makes a difference in our lives today. Getting beyond the surface of reading God’s Word for feel-good feelings, Melissa helps us read to know God better and, as a result, build godly confidence that will stand no matter what may come in our lives." ―Lynn Cowell, Author of Make Your Move and Brave Beauty , and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer

In a bad-news world, how deeply we need to bathe our hearts afresh in the good news of the Gospel! Melissa’s beautiful study on Romans makes room for an invigorating encounter. Her teaching and insight caused the words to leap off the page, leaving me more deeply enthralled with this important book of God’s great narrative.
―Allison Allen, Speaker and Author of Shine and Thirsty for Discovering God’s Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season

Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World, and the forthcoming Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

Reviews

[Sherrese Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romans should be a study that all believers do. It is a great Book of the Bible. 

I truly enjoyed the study of the book of Romans by Melissa Spoelstra.  Many of her questions were thought provoking and caused me to stop and consider my actions as they relate to my obedience to the Word of God. I think it is a great study. I will be using her study guide this fall in one of my online study groups.

I enjoy all her studies that I have. 

I recommend the study of Romans. Ladies grab a copy.

[Tricia Mcwilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Growing In Faith Through Romans"

This author has a way of teaching that is authentic, clear, encouraging and always points to Jesus.

Romans can be a challenging book that is packed with many powerful truths. The author breaks these truths down in ways we can all understand.

Two of my favorite quotes from the study are:

"God works even the messy parts of life together for good for those who love Him."

"God is calling us into the light—not to earn His love but to grow in it."

Each chapter in the book includes sections on:

Big Ideas
Scripture Focus
Memory verses
Questions to answer and think about.
Other scripture reference to go with what we're studying.
Dig deeper sections
Talk with God-prayer
Video guide
Weekly wrap up

This Romans Bible study is very insightful with a book of the Bible most have heard of, but don't always understand.

I received an advance readers copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion of it.  I'd highly recommend this study.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everything may seem like it’s going wrong in our world, but we have the Good News that lasts forever.”

If you are looking for a in-depth Bible study that gets you to dig into your Bible daily, Romans: Good News that Changes Everything by: Melissa Spoelstra is a book that you will want to pre-order! The book releases on August 6th. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this study.

Romans is a 6 week study, that is split into 5 lessons per week. Each lesson tackles a small chunk of Romans, and there is a memory verse for each week as well, that is practiced daily at the end of each lesson. The 5 weekly lessons also end with a prayer, and each has a “big idea”. I really appreciated having the big idea to help me bring together every that I had learned while reading that day.

I love that Melissa didn’t shy away from explaining difficult concepts such as justification, sanctification, and glorification. I also enjoyed how each daily lesson focused on a few verses from Romans at a time, so I studied the whole book from start to finish, but did not feel overwhelmed. I understand Romans so much better now, and that helps me to further understand the Gospel and the rest of the New Testament. I read and study my Bible daily, and it can be tricky to find a study that I both enjoy and really challenges me, and this study fulfilled both needs for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to increase their understanding of the book of Romans, and what Jesus sacrifice on the cross means for us as believers!

[Mary Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good News found in Romans

“God’s family plan includes a gracious invitation to all who will believe Him.”

Melissa Spoelstra has a unique and captivating style of teaching that helps me better understand and apply scripture in my life. This is a 6 week study with 5 lesson per week. It’s very well organized with each lesson ending with a prayer and a big idea, which summarizes the day. Melissa has a way of tackling really hard Biblical concepts and making them easy to understand. I love the way things are explained and the extra insights in the margins, as well as the daily Memory Verse Exercises (they really do work!).
I’ve done several of Melissa’s studies, and I always come away feeling in closer relationship with God.
I highly recommend this study!

[Deborah Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to be on the launch team for Romans Bible Study by Melissa Spoelstra! Melissa writes in a clear, down to earth style and ALWAYS emphasizes the important messages that God has given to us. Even though I had previously studied Romans, I found new insights and reinforcement of the wonderful gift of Gods Grace. Don't pass up this study just because you feel you already know the message of Romans. I loved when Melissa said "You may already enjoy many long-time spiritual friendships, but none of us has ever met our friend quota...If we have established closed circles, then we leave no room for those in need of community. Paul showed that the good news is meant to be lived out in community." This truly applies in our world today.

[Leanna Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! From Week 1 to Week 6 you will be digging deep into various passages from Romans, completing daily studies, memorizing scripture, applying main ideas and finishing each day with PRAYER! I love that Melissa Spoelstra allows for three levels of study (including my favorite, “Basic”), and I found myself challenged by the in-depth insights and questions within each new day! Quite different, and an amazing gem of a study on the book of Romans!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Spoelstra’s Bible study on Romans is one of the best studies I’ve done! She explains Paul’s letter to the Romans in such a way that you can understand. She helps you relate it to your own life in today’s world and reminds us that we have a God who loves and cares for us. Thank you Melissa for sharing your knowledge with us!

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study really encouraged and reminded me of the freedom that comes from walking in the truth of our identity in Christ. I loved the author’s practical examples in the accompanying leader’s guide videos and warm demeanor that inspires me to dig into God’s word and makes Romans both interesting and practical for our every day lives.

[Bethany Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study that encourages and teaches you at the same time. Format is so easy and content is so rich. Can’t wait to read more of these studies.

[Diana Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was incredible. So much healing for me through this. The author has a way of making something seem so simple and easy to understand. How I came across the author was a God thing.

[Virginia Grounds]

Loved the Bible Study. Just what I needed in preparation for the fall.

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa does this bible study so eloquently. We walk
through Romans verse by verse. This is a weekly by day study. With weekly scripture memory verses. Total of six weeks. Amazing study !

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Chapelstreet women’s ministry elected Melissa Spoelstra’s Romans as our spring 2021 study, I had no idea how relevant Romans is for such a time as this! Romans reminds us that even when our circumstances are puzzling and threaten to steal our hope, we can place our confidence in Christ, knowing he fulfills every promise he makes. Even when many things in life disappoint us, God‘s hope never fails us when we believe and receive. Even when we encounter situations that remind us of our need for good news, the hope of heaven, the Holy Spirit, and the love of God serve as a spiritual compass, helping us navigate life’s daily struggles. Even when we wonder where God is amidst this puzzling pandemic, the Lord calls us to trust him to be faithful, gracious, and merciful. Our relationship with the Lord infuses us with hope that transcends circumstance. Peace permeates pandemic. Courage cuts through COVID. Victory over virus! Amen and amen!

[Micah Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Melissa’s bible studies for years, but she really took it a step further with this one! I love how each week she gives you the areas of Scripture you’ll be digging into throughout the week! She really breaks the lessons down and shows you how it can be applied to our lives today, even with Scripture that you’ve read so much it doesn’t pack as much of a punch at first glance anymore. She really has a way of helping you to look at Scripture from new angles. Definitely recommend!

[Katy Kretzschmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the privilege to study an advance copy of ROMANS: GOOD NEWS THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING by Melissa Spoelstra this summer. The study has opened my heart in so many ways; it’s amazing. For those who have truly never looked deeply into Romans and only really know “...all things work God works for the good of those who love Him...” (8:28), this is the one for you.
The study is six weeks long, broken down to five days a week for study. Each week Melissa teaches what was actually happening in Rome in the time Paul wrote this book. You will learn about the Jews and Gentiles in this time of inequality; Paul’s struggles to spread God’s word and bring all the people together and most importantly (to me) how Paul’s love of God and His people kept him going when you and I would have quit and not looked back at such hardships.
This study would be wonderful for group or individual studies. It will bless you in ways you never imagined.
#romansbiblestudy #melissaspoelstra

[Kelly Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a great and thought provoking study released by one of my favorite Bible Study Teachers. She provides some great background information on the time period and people that Paul is writing to. Justification, redemption, and salvation for the Jewish believers and the Greeks only by the grace of God through faith is the theme. Be prepared to answer thought provoking questions (some hard or painful) as you draw closer to Jesus and deepen your faith.

She also has included a great way of helping to memorize scripture. This is by far my weakest skill. With a fill in the blank format, similar to what The Story uses, you are helping to cement it into your mind.

She also includes great boxes of extra insight that take your understanding further with definitions of specific terms and references to them in the Bible.

If you have never tried a study by Melissa, this is a great one to delve into. I may do this one again.

[Anita Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really is the good news that changes everything! And, it is the message that we need to read and re-read. This study on the book of Romans is accessible to someone new to Bible study and it is a fresh challenge for those who have studied Romans before. Melissa is a gifted writer who provides thorough background, solid commentary and thought-provoking questions all in an easy to read style and rhythm. She highlights the Big Idea for each day, gives short prayers that cover the lesson called "Talk With God" and the Weekly Wrap Up is a great summary page to record personal application. This is an excellent study for individual or groups.

[Deanna Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Church Women’s Bible Study went through this and it was wonderful. Romans is my favorite book in the Bible and I enjoyed diving deeper into the book and gaining more insights. Melissa brings a lot of knowledge to her studies and helps to peel back the layers. She’s great at providing historic insight that brings clarity to what is happening in this letter from Paul. She also challenges your thinking and really encourages you to put these new revelations into practice in your life. We just scratched the surface with this one and it really excited our group to find ways to go in deeper with Romans.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW-Romans Bible Study is excellent ! Melissa challenges us to dig deep and study Paul's letter to the Romans. She has a way of engaging you in difficult topics. The weekly lessons are well organized and thought provoking. The practicality of the lessons will encourage you. There is scripture memory, summaries of each lesson along with prayer.
Be prepared to read,study and discuss; it will renew and refresh you. Read the "Good News that Changes Everything".
So grateful to be a participant on the Romans Bible Study Launch Team.

[Taylor Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a great and informative study on the book of Romans. It dives into the Good News of the Gospel and God's ultimate plan for us. Although we are plagued with bad news in this earthly world and throughout our lives, the Gospel offers us hope and peace.

The study book was easy to participate in and offered a deeper dive via online if desired. The videos that went along with the study seemed a little dated and corny. I definitely will participate in another study by Melissa Spoelstra.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved doing this Bible study at church. It had so much relevance for me personally and also what is going on today in the world. The accompanying videos we watched each week were also great. Not too repetitive of the material and really helped tie everything together. I'd never given much thought to Roman's before going through this workbook but it made me look at Paul and the history of the church in a different way.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit it, I skipped around a lot in this, but, still, Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible, but I don't know that I've ever done a 6-week study that tries to cover the whole of it. I really enjoyed the parts. Some was review of things I vaguely remember learning in confirmation classes and some at least felt all new to me. This was a great study to dig into the meat of some of the basics of faith and the early church.

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study is a great way to learn about the book of Romans. There is a the right amount of in-depth information and honest reflection. Readers will benefit and learn more about the Bible and themselves through this study. I would recommend this study to groups who are looking to start going through books of the Bible or people who want to study Romans on their own.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always thought the book of Roman's was basically the path to salvation. Through this study, I learned it is so much more. This is my 4th study by this author and I feel so much closer to God with each of her studies. I look forward to more from this author as i continue on my path with God.

[Anne Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study on the book of Romans! 5 days a week work and so good! You can't go wrong with this study.

[Lyndsey Henricksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bible with the BFCOC ladies from September-December 2019

[Elaine Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Bible Study book!

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and smart. Application for everyday life. This author really teaches the Bible. I’ll participate I. More of her studies. God knew what he was doing with the plans for Melissa!

[Erin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this Bible Study as it was challenging and I learned so much about Paul’s letter to the Romans.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Melissa Spoelstra's new study Romans Good News that Changes Everything early this summer. I have been working my way...slowly I might add...through this study and it is very well done. Theologically sound. She has certainly done her homework! I have been challenged on many levels in my own spiritual walk. I wondered how in the world she was going to do justice to Romans in just 6 weeks as it is a Book that is not only hard to understand but packed with so much deep spiritual truth. In other words, Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, can be a very intimidating book, yet Melissa unpacks it in such a way that makes it easier to understand. Each week is broken down into 5 days of focused study on a particular thread Paul is weaving to help the Roman believers to understand. For example, in the first week covers Romans 1-3 exploring faith. Week 2 covers Romans 4-5 and unpacks hope. Some of the days she delves deep into theology, other days the focus is more personal and applicable to everyday life. Most importantly it is a study about the Good News of Jesus and how He alone is the game changer. For those of you leading studies or small groups this is certainly a study to consider!