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 25, 2024
The Offense of Christ
Romans 9–11 deals with the problem of Israel’s unbelief. The center of this section concentrates with a new focus on Christ our righteousness. This opening passage reviews the chief reasons for Israel’s failure. But it does so only for the purpose of celebrating Christ. Here we see that the glorious and gracious Christ was counted as an offense. But this principle is not unique to Israel. Christ is an offense to all who trust in wrong views of God and self. Christ is an offense to all self-righteousness, religious and non-religious. The substance of this message is desperately needed. It proclaims Christ and Him crucified, to God’s glory and man’s joy.
Scripture References: Romans 10:1-4, Romans 9:30-33
