For years my notes on Romans sat in a 3-ring binder on my shelf. I had spent almost one year analyzing the text of Romans 5:12-8:13 but didn't know what to do with the notes. Sometimes I would discuss the topic with other pastors such as Doug Brown and Dave Bovenmeyer, men with great minds and a theological bent.

At other times, I would turn to Romans 6 to think through the entire passage again, sometimes for theological reasons, sometimes for personal reasons. But through the years my understanding was deepening.

Finally, one year, my wife Kathy asked me to make a commitment to her. She asked me to take one day a week to write. She was pretty strong about it. She didn't want a New Year's resolution that I would keep for a couple of weeks but a true commitment to her. She didn't tell me the topic either, but just told me to start writing. She stayed after me and kept asking how things were coming.

Am I glad! Coupled with that commitment was the thought, "I'm not getting any younger. I would not be a good steward if I didn't make the effort to write for others what I had learned from God's word." So, I made my promise to Kathy and for the next few years faithfully spent one day a week to organize my research into a coherent message.

Like the time at the local seminary library when I first examined the text in detail, these were rich times of fellowship with the Lord in His word, and they were times of hard work. I wrote, and rewrote the chapters many times. I wanted this to be my best effort.

One of my friends, Mark Marley, a Ph.D. candidate reviewed it for me. He told me, "Jonathan, your best gift is not in teaching." I was disappointed to hear that. I always thought I was a pretty good teacher. Then he continued, "Your best gift is writing." I felt much better then!

Mark says this about Dead Men Rising - "In this penetrating commentary, Pastor Williams investigates not only the theological implications of this daunting and curious passage, but its impact on the Christian life. Exegetically accurate, systematically coherent, and practically relevant, this treatment of justification and sanctification gives a sound rejoinder to the age old dilemma of reconciling my position in Christ with the relentless struggles in my daily walk. I commend this work to galvanize and refresh the weary and pessimistic soul!"

Look for Dead Men Rising this June in bookstores across the nation. You can also order at www.deadmenrising.com.