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 4, 2021
Days of Darkness - Part 1
Ours are days of darkness—tribulating times. True, all is not as dark as it can be. Variation and seasons of greater and lesser intensity are felt like contractions in pregnancy. Nevertheless, darkness is what we should expect in the world when the Light of the world leaves. This affliction and ripple will be felt in nature and culture. The absence of Christ characterizes the “progress” of our world, and its judgment. Far from fueling doomsday madness, Jesus begins answering His disciples with a deeply sobering descriptive warning. The church is to expect difficulties, distresses, and disasters until her Lord returns. But built into this projection is a promise: Christ will certainly come in unmistakable glory. Tribulating times are to remind us of Christ’s judgment in absentia and to prepare us for His Parousia (majestic presence). The Light of the world will one day invade and eradicate all darkness, shining glory throughout a new creation.
Scripture References: Matthew 24:4-14
