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 - May 28, 2023
No Condemnation in Christ
Out from the suffocating reign of the law of sin and death Paul steps his readers into a new atmosphere. An exclamatory gasp of fresh new life-giving breath is sounded: “No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” It is thoroughly celebratory. But not because something new is being announced. Rather the occasion of this celebration points to a crowning blessing that he has saved for last. Considered by some to be the greatest chapter in the Bible, Romans 8 opens and closes presenting Christ as the ground and goal of the gospel. It uniquely features the Holy Spirit as the sign and seal, power and preserver, liberator and leader of all in Christ. The celebration of this golden chapter joins the gospel wonder of both justification and sanctification in Christ by the Spirit.
Scripture References: Romans 8:1-4
