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 25, 2021
Readiness for Radiance
A clarion for readiness is sounded. Christ promises His majestic, visible, universal, and unmistakable return in superlative glory and power. Now, He moves from prediction with certainty to preparation with expectancy. Of Christ’s return, certainty marks its truth not its timing. Here we are confronted with the practical purpose of prophecy. Jesus directs attention not to additional information but to the practical implications of the information already given. He stresses the fact that the timing of His return is unknowable and indeterminate. His coming will be without warning, swift and sudden, interrupting the ordinary course of life. Using several illustrations, Jesus calls for constant vigilance, alertness, sobriety, expectancy, and faithfulness. Surprise and astonishment at His epic revelation will overcome not only the world but also many professing followers of Jesus. Readiness is His charge. But far more than being ready for a cosmic event, we are called to be ready for the personal radiance of Christ’s majesty—personally.
Scripture References: Matthew 24:36-51
