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 - January 24, 2021
Life’s God and Death’s Gain
The way of the kingdom is not paved by earthly success or status, riches or religion, money or morality. Here, Jesus turns popular belief on its head. The kingdom belongs to such as are—in this world—pitied, not envied (19:14; also 1 Corinthians 15:19). And this is ultimately linked with what one treasures. Personal hope and assurance of belonging to the kingdom has more to do with what one treasures in life and in death, now and then. It has to do with who or what one serves as God. One’s gain at death correlates with one’s God in life. So, what this passage exalts is the most stunning of all that it reveals.
Scripture References: Matthew 19:16-26
