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 1, 2019
The Christ-Centered Christ
After warning His Twelve about inevitable persecution, Jesus calls their hearts away from fearing men to fearing God. More than presenting a few cold reasons, He bids a radical reordering of their values. Now, in no small manner, He crowns His call for their hearts with the supremacy of Himself. Christ is above all. He is to be valued above all—even the most important, God-ordained relationships. All is to be done or lost for His sake. This is where He first bids any would-be follower to die (to self) and follow Him. His words cannot pass for good teaching if He is anything less than God. Such primacy is reserved for God alone. He is either a megalomaniac or Messiah. He is truly either deranged, deluded, or deity. Everything—even your own life—is to be centered on Him. This passage reminds us in Christ’s words that His coming was not man centered. He is the Christ-centered Christ and this is our greatest blessing.
Scripture References: Matthew 10:34-39
