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 - July 5, 2020
Ironies of Herod and Christ's Herald
As the secrets of the kingdom unfold, more of Christ and His mission are brought to light. But not all is pleasant. The path He illumines is often painful and disturbing. His light shines high hope into deep darkness—heaven into our world. But not without exposing shameful realities. Jesus has just suffered rejection from His own hometown like a crownless king. In that light, we are met with a murder story in a world of pride, power, and perversion. A flashback scene retells the fateful tragedy. Herod, a corrupt pseudo king, butchers John the Baptist, Christ’s herald. Though He is not in the story, closer examination reveals that it has more to do with Jesus than meets the eye. It is a passage rich in illuminating ironies.
Scripture References: Matthew 14:1-12
