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 - March 28, 2021
Precommitted Unbelief
Jesus has shown Himself to be the Christ—the rightful King with authority and power to claim what is His. In response to His portending actions that unveil both His fulfillment and Israel’s failure, Jerusalem authorities question Jesus’ authority. But assumptions drive what is accepted as authoritative. Evidence is inadequate to change one’s heart. The mind is not neutral. Loves and lusts are more powerful to persuade than facts and figures. Here again irony colors the scene. But this time the audience is to see beyond the mask of the self-righteous. Again, appearances prove to be opposite of reality. Pride precludes belief. Jesus illustrates these principles through a simple parable. The word picture He draws subtly orders all the lines to a one-point perspective: Jesus. He will save His people from their sins. He is “God-with-us”—the way, the truth, and the life—the only hope for entering the kingdom of God. Israel should have listened to God’s messenger and believed his message. All was evident and clear. Yet Israel’s officials demonstrate a precommited unbelief. There is much in this passage for the heart of every age to ponder.
Scripture References: Matthew 21:23-32
