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 - September 26, 2021
Stewards of Grace to One Another
The invisible realities at work in Christ’s church are profound. Tragically, they are all too often undervalued. A revolutionary principle exists within the church that holds out the answer to a universal predicament, the hope of the ages, and the final resolution of all division, strife, enmity, and death. Exclusively, the church is graced with Christ in us in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The gospel effects more than establishing a right relationship with God—it joins diversities of people together into samples of a whole new humanity. In Christ, we are collectively a new creation whose fellowship should be marked by holistic devotion to Christ /and/ one another. The church exists to make much not of the church but of Christ. The idea is massive. God is at the center, Christ is the means, the Holy Spirit is the agent, the gospel is the key, love in service and support is the hallmark, and joy-filled fellowship is the outcome. We, the church, are stewards of these graces to one another.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1-8
From Series: "Stewards of Grace"
More Messages Associated With "Church Membership"...
September 30, 2018
The Preciousness of the Church
Manny Pereira
Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Peter 5:1-9-4
July 28, 2019
Obedience: How Christ's Church Deals with Sin
Manny Pereira
Matthew 18:15-17
