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 - August 13, 2017
Heralding the Holy One
The sermon seeks to unfold the text to show that John the Baptist is the Almighty King’s—the Holy One’s—herald. Leveraging the momentum of the previous two chapters that present Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the only God-man, Matthew connects the prophetic anticipation of a forerunner, a herald, to prepare the way of the coming Holy One. The fundamental note that is struck in this passage is the holy nature of Christ and the utter sinfulness of man. In the coming of this Holy King, people will experience the “Day of the Lord.” Repentance is a prerequisite to relationship with this King. Themes of purification and judgment are the necessary corollaries to the presence of the Holy One amid sinful people. But the point of the passage goes beyond a focus on sin; it is truly and ultimately about the majesty of Christ. Therefore, there is much grace to be tasted here as well, but only for those who repent in adoration to the Holy One who comes endowed with much humility and love for unworthy subjects.
Scripture References: Matthew 3:1-12
