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 - June 18, 2023
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit - Part 2
There is only one gospel. It is the good news of Christ crucified, of which Paul says he is not ashamed. In sum it proclaims, “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Indeed, Romans is written to expound the gospel. Chapter 8 opens in celebration of it with a unique emphasis on the part and power of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is gloriously trinitarian. The inestimable work of Christ is not left to sinners to apply. Not only does the Spirit regenerate the sinner, apply the atoning blood of Christ, and condition and pattern their new mind to abide, He also takes up residence within them as the guarantee of a salvation yet to be fully realized. The greatness of Christ’s work is applied through the greatness of the Spirit’s work. This is the message that Paul here proclaims. It is the gospel of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References: Romans 8:9-11
