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 - February 21, 2021
Mercy Alone
Peter missed it. James and John missed it. There is no place for pride or proud merit in the kingdom. No one will have eternal life and kingdom rewards but by mercy through Christ and Him crucified. With masterful subtlety, this passage presents a moving climax to what has gone before and brilliantly prepares the path for what lies ahead. The self-important are blind to their need and the needs of others—they fail to see the majesty of Christ and feel His mercy. Self-seeking is contrary to the King who champions compassion. Here Jesus puts His deep humility on display. We see Him serving the last, not being served. He exercises His great power for mercy. Even here paradox is pictured. Indeed, the first will be last, the rich can be poor, and the blind may see better than all of Israel. Here the blind clamoring of the disciples for first place is silenced by the seeing cry of blind men for mercy alone.
Scripture References: Matthew 20:29-34
