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 - December 18, 2022
Grace Abounding in Christ
Romans 5 magnifies the glory of Christ by celebrating the gospel’s faith-alone-justification. The chapter has been developing the theme of glory guaranteed in Christ. In its progression, commending confidence steps into an unexpected comparison between Adam and Christ. The exalted language of a “much more” Christ adds to the crescendo. Having completed his contrast between Adam and Christ, Paul finally reveals his real interest in mentioning the cosmic tragedy anchored in Adam. The chapter concludes with a culminating crown. The last word is not about Adam, sin, or death. The curtain comes down with Christ alone at center stage, compelling our confidence in Him. Nothing could sum up better the cornerstone of confidence than the glory of grace abounding in Christ.
