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 10, 2019
To the Jew First for Christ
Matthew brings us to a new chapter in redemptive history. We are met with a limited and localized mission uniquely transitional in essence and transcendent in effect. Though often overlooked, an important new link in the chain of providence that gave us the gospel is here revealed. It was most relevant to Matthew’s audience and though in a different hue it remains most relevant to us. The unfolding of the Father’s plan to glorify the Son through redemption is essential to a right understanding of this passage. The Messiah was promised to Israel. Jesus demonstrates that God is faithful to His promises and the blessing of the nations depends on it. This important link has a surprising plot twist. Because Jesus went to the Jews first, God is glorified and man’s everlasting joy is made possible.
Scripture References: Matthew 10:1-15
