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 - October 16, 2022
Gospel of Promise
The central theme in this series has been “good news”—the one and only gospel. It unveils the only way that the unrighteous can be counted righteous before God. In it, the unjust are justified in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. Righteousness by faith over and against a presumed righteousness by works has been the leading edge. Now, Paul illustrates his thesis one last time, continuing with the example of Abraham. But this time his focus shifts from the act of faith and its function to the nature of faith in light of its object. It is about faith in God’s faithfulness. Here, Paul brings us full circle from Abraham to Christ and Him crucified and raised, showing that the gospel is about God’s promise, and promises are believed not earned.
Scripture References: Romans 4:13-25
