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 - December 23, 2018
Immanuel Praised
This message is a meditation on the central glory that the story of Christmas represents. It speaks of a glory designed to be the greatest joy-producing reality for humanity but known only in the hearts of the humble. In all the wonder of the Incarnation, the paradox of praise is most peculiar to the central glory of the Christmas story. The much needed reminder that Immanuel—“God with us”—is more about the nature and character of God than us, and yet by design is most satisfying to our souls. A more God-centered perspective of the whole of salvation is the lesson of this meditation of God in human flesh appearing. Praise to God and joy to man—this, and nothing less, is what we have to gain in Immanuel.
Scripture References: Matthew 1:18-23
