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 26, 2020
A Heart for Christ
In the afterglow of Christ’s theophany, it is of no small significance to converge intently on the subject of worship. This is a familiar passage to all who honor the principle of sola scriptura. But even our reverence for Scripture is penultimate. The worship of God is alone ultimate. And worship belongs to God alone. Jesus affirming the same (4:10), just has (14:33) and will again receive worship (28:17). He is more than Messiah. He is more than the Servant of God—He is God. But only those with a heart to honor the Scriptures will see and understand. Sadly, the religious authorities of Israel do not have a heart for Christ. They are more concerned about defilement according to their traditions than about the worth of Jesus. Worship is the theme and identifying key hindrances to right worship the directive. But the aim, not surprisingly, has more to do with possessing and cultivating a heart for Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 15:1-20
