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 - July 14, 2019
Responding to Jesus
The crowds are astonished by His teaching and miracles. But He is not an entertainer. Nor has He come to give people a better life now. His words speak of treasuring God and seeking His kingdom to come—living this life for the next. His miraculous works afford a preview of that kingdom, a foretaste of the fruits of His sin-bearing work. His name is Jesus because He has come to redeem and save His people from their sins (1:21). The point of this passage is how not to respond to this Jesus. He is worthy of our total devotion, demanding a complete reorientation of life with Him at the center. He shares highest priority with no other. To follow Him is to leave all idols and excuses. To step into His security is to step out of worldly security. Responding to Christ rightly will cost greatly.
Scripture References: Matthew 8:18-22
