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 - May 16, 2021
Messiah Mystery
A turning point has been reached. Jesus now questions His questioners—to free not ensnare them. The last words are His. Three staccato schemes to entrap Him are countered with a crown. The question of authority (21:23) is answered by identity (22:44). Jesus is claiming His crown. The series of attacks against Jesus were based fundamentally on the refusal of Israel’s leaders to acknowledge Him as Messiah. But mere association of identity will not do. Their views were impoverished. Jesus was not the sort of Messiah that Israel was looking for because their idea of Messiah was inadequate and corrupted. So Jesus poses the Christ question to open their eyes to the glorious yet mysterious nature of Messiah. It raises a mighty watershed that has decisively divided Judaism and Christianity. Blasphemy hangs in the balance. All turns on the Messiah mystery.
Scripture References: Matthew 22:41-46
