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 23, 2020
Manifesting the Mysteries of Christ
On the path of increasing illumination, we have reached a summit of disclosure and declaration. An encounter full of wonder and awe is unfolded before us. Everything turns on one glorious revelation: Jesus is the Christ. As the parables spoke of the secrets of the kingdom, so this passage verbally unveils the secrets of Christ the King. It is a passage marked with firsts. In their own heart, soul, mind, and strength, no one understands, but God is here pleased to grant the beginnings of grasping Christ’s glory. It is not so much about a man’s confession as it is God’s revelation. It is about light shining out of darkness. For the first time, a man explicitly declares Jesus to be the Christ. Only after the person of Christ is revealed, can His plan be rightly known. Conspicuously, the first mention of Christ’s church immediately follows. Then, with stunning and fearful awe, the first disclosure of the cross is directly given. Here the marvelous mysteries of Christ are manifest unlike anywhere else.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:13-23
