We are a forgetful people in a land of distractions. Our minds are easily captivated by trivial and temporary inducements. New things quickly become old. In our mind’s eye even glory tends to fade and warnings tend to wane. It is no wonder that we who are invisibly united to Christ and visibly in and not of this world live in constant need of renewal. And what is true for the Christian is true for the church. This is a series that seeks to renew the mind of the church. Not so much by reviewing what she is called to do as much as what she is called. As with the Christian so with church, her God-given identity defines her. We who are the church are a people for God and none other.
Before we return to the book of Romans, we will be looking at the what scripture says about the Church, in its nature, how she expresses herself in song, and how the church cares and equips for its members.
The messages from this series can be found here:
Manny Pereira - November 29, 2020
Sojourning Sufferance
Suffering is God’s idea. Not for hateful pleasure, but heavenly purposes. God’s people will recognize suffering as part and parcel of sojourning. Living in a cursed realm necessarily entails loss and pain. This is true for all. But for saints, it is the representative reminder that this is not our home—our hopes are directed heavenward. Having addressed the saints as sojourners, calling them to unnatural submission for the sake of the Savior, Peter now draws particular attention to Christ-centered suffering. Submission to unrighteous authorities often leads to righteous suffering. And this was the way of Christ. Such was the cup that He drank for our salvation. For us, suffering is not left to tragedy but is designed to draw us closer to our Savior, both for our comfort and His character in us. In this second message of sojourning for the Savior, we will again look to First Peter for divine guidance. Our aim is for unity in how we should step as a church in submission, suffering, and strength in our present trials. But it is also preparatory. We desperately need to be armed with this way of thinking for the journey ahead, for the sake of the Suffering Savior.
Scripture References: 1 Peter 3:8-17
