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 - January 28, 2024
Detractor of Praise: Parity
God’s predestination of sinners is for God’s praise. But many point to the flipside of election as a problem that detracts praise. The assumption in the argument is that if God positively chooses some then by the rules of antithesis He negatively chooses others. This sermon seeks to address the assumption of parity in predestination. Key to a biblical response is the principle of asymmetry. God does not reprobate and redeem in some sort of equal ultimacy. The idea that humanity is a morally neutral batch from which God randomly elects some for heaven and some for hell makes a mockery of God’s righteousness, violating His very character. God is just. God is merciful. But God is not behind salvation and condemnation in the same way. Salvation is undeserved, condemnation is deserved. Salvation is by grace alone; condemnation is by justice alone. God delights in lavishing mercy on sinners, but He does not delight in their destruction. Clarifying these principles helps to promote greater praise to God for His gracious work in predestination.
Scripture References: Romans 9:21
