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 8, 2020
Maker and Master of Marriage
The King has set His face toward Jerusalem. And the narrative of His journey is quite symbolic. It begins a new section, calculated to reorient His disciples toward the kingdom. A life lived toward the kingdom does not center on self. And this principle is taught first at the first level of society: the family. A self-seeking life undermines marriage and family—the most fundamental unit of God’s created design for humanity. So when the Pharisees sought to trap Jesus with the highly sensitive and hotly debated subject of marriage and divorce, Jesus responds with an unexpected and penetrating renewal of God’s original design. He masterfully exposes their man-centered paradigm and unravels conventional thinking, values, and priorities. A stunning authority is put on display as He reclaims authorship and authority over marriage. Their trap failed. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is directing His own to live toward His kingdom. Beginning at the beginning, He reveals that He is the Maker and Master of marriage.
Scripture References: Matthew 19:1-9
