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 - April 2, 2023
Incentives of Grace
Redemption is solely and entirely by God’s grace. It is never by or with any contribution of a sinner’s good deeds or intentions. In fact, condemnation is all that our deeds could ever merit. Yet deeds still matter. They simply serve a different purpose. Moral choices were never intended to work salvation for sinners. Rather, they always and ever serve to disclose our hearts, bearing witness to what we value and count as right and good. Addressing Christians, Paul brings Romans chapter six to a close by outlining several clear incentives of grace designed to stimulate the redeemed to live their moral lives more intently and exclusively for Christ.
Scripture References: Romans 6:20-23
