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 - August 25, 2019
The One Who Heals From Sin
Crowds that marveled now fear. Opposition has increased. Each of Jesus’ works are marked by greater impossibility. All has escalated. This is the third in a three-set series of miracles and each progressively answers the question, “What sort of Man is this?” The Man that can calm a dreadful storm and command demonic spirits with a mere word, now authoritatively forgives sins—a prerogative universally accepted as being of God alone. In this remarkable scene, Jesus reveals Himself for the first time as the One who heals from sin. The story is as much gripping as it is dripping with irony. The forgiveness of a paralytic occasions healing. But which of the two is the greater miracle? God is blasphemed. But who is committing blasphemy? The all-important focus that offers us hope and healing is found in the answer to the penetrating question, “What sort of Man is this?”
Scripture References: Matthew 9:1-8
