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 - February 11, 2024
Detractor of Praise: Fatalism
God’s predestination of sinners is for God’s praise. Yet often predestination is construed as fatalism, even among Christians. But fatalism effectively makes God the author of sin, divine justice a charade, the gospel offer disingenuous, and man a heartless pawn. More importantly, it robs God of true worship. Romans 9 emphasizes the fact that God is glorified in His justice and mercy, not fatalism. Man is corrupt and culpable, consigned to disobedience. God is just and merciful, free to grant mercy on whom He pleases. Key to a biblical response to the charge of fatalism is the principle of means. God uses means. Answering this final detraction, Christ is restored to His rightful place in our economy of thought. Here we see just how profoundly praiseworthy predestination is.
Scripture References: Romans 9:24
