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 - August 2, 2020
None Deserving
Jesus’ road of self-disclosure takes a shockingly unexpected turn. It is a dramatic encounter full of significance. This biographical narrative is about Jesus and is interested in explaining Him. Some have stumbled here, puzzled and even disturbed by what has been called uncharacteristic and offensive. But the Scripture is perfectly unashamed of Jesus. The text makes sense only in its context. Its glory rests on more than human honor. The light of deity shines still with tremendous emphasis. Jesus is the divine Messiah who receives the worship of God. Though promised by covenant to the Jews, by them He is being rejected. Now a plot twist emerges. Unforeseen sight amid privileged blindness is put on display. The hearts of His own are far from Him. Now the defiled draw near. It is a story of outrageous mercy. These are the inscrutable ways of God. They testify that none are deserving of Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 15:21-28
