As Paul continues his explanation of the church and its function to the Ephesians, he emphasizes the maturity that is to happen as the church and engages and develops together. Paul calls them to develop discernment, so that they can avoid false teaching. Teaching is critical for believers, but false teaching is destructive and must be discerned and avoided. Instead, the church must be growing together, living out the truths of Jesus together. The metaphor that Paul uses for the church here, a body, functioning together and enjoying growth as each individual member contributes to the whole. We must function as a mature body, building each other up, so that together, we fully display Christ.

The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

As the Teacher, Solomon, brings this book of wisdom to a close, he calls the reader to a faithful commitment to his Creator God. After again affirming the the hevel of life, he turns to offer a final word of wisdom. The word hevel has at least four senses throughout Ecclesiastes: transient, empty, ironic and frustrating, and each appears numerous times throughout the book. As Solomon concludes, he states the conclusion of the whole discussion is this - fear God (rever or be in awe) and keep his commands. Every human being is seeking to be satisfied, happy and fulfilled. Truly being fulfilled only comes as we are rightly related to God through Jesus. Satisfaction is only enjoyed through revering God and following his instructions for living. 

As Solomon writes Ecclesiastes, as the teacher (Qohelet), he expresses various aspects that everyone experiences in life. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon rehearses the frustration, futility, irony and fleeting nature of life. The difficulties that exist are described throughout Ecclesiastes as hevel or vanity (futility). This theme consistently appears throughout this wisdom literature. Together, all of these frustrations can be rightly engaged, only as we rightly engage God through his revealed word. God offers the perspective and strength that we need to endure the hardships, trials and frustrations that life presents. This is why Solomon calls everyone to fear God and to keep his commands – to follow his instructions. This will not take away the frustrations of life, but it does offer a proper framework by which view them.

As Solomon, the Teacher, continues the wisdom offered in Ecclesiastes, he turns now to address the approach we should take to life, because it is hard, uncertain and often unfair. Here Solomon suggests that the best approach is with boldness and with joy. The challenge to be bold begins with pointed financial and life advice. Solomon encourages wise risk, because there are no guarantees in this uncertain and unfair life. He warns against anxiety and fear because we cannot know everything and manage all risks. Despite the difficulties of life, be joyful, enjoy the life that you have and the kind gifts of God. As believers, we must respond with grace and wisdom to the hardship and uncertainties of life demands boldness & joy.

As Solomon writes Ecclesiastes, as the teacher (Qohelet), he expresses various aspects that everyone experiences in life. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon rehearses the frustration, futility, irony and fleeting nature of life. The difficulties that exist are described throughout Ecclesiastes as hevel or vanity (futility). This theme consistently appears throughout this wisdom literature. Together, all of these frustrations can be rightly engaged, only as we rightly engage God through his revealed word. God offers the perspective and strength that we need to endure the hardships, trials and frustrations that life presents. This is why Solomon calls everyone to fear God and to keep his commands – to follow his instructions. This will not take away the frustrations of life, but it does offer a proper framework by which view them.

Our guest, Dr. Rock LaGioia, explained and challenged us to cultivate healthy relationships. Healthy relationships demand real connection, we must go beyond the superficial. You also have to genuinely care for others. Finally, you respond to others, you must genuinely listen and engage. These specific traits were true of Paul in his ministry with the Corinthians, despite their response to Paul. These relational traits must characterize the church for the church to truly be the community of believers that Jesus intended the church to be. 

Throughout 2 Corinthians Paul addresses the impact of suffering on ministry, life and the message; the complexity of human relationships at times - the suffering they can cause and the joy of being reconciled when we obey and follow the guidance of the Spirit in our lives.

The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

As Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, he explains the gifts that Christ has given to the church through his triumph over death and sin. Jesus ascended as a visible reminder of his triumph and provides gifts for the church as a tangible demonstration of his triumph. The purpose of these gifts is for the equipping of believers, to do the work of ministry with one another, which leads to the entire body being built up. These purposes accomplish the ultimate goals of mature unity among the believers, as they practice and live in community with one another. Through Christ’s gifts, you, as a member of the body must be built up to mature, fullness in Christ.

The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

Wisdom, though limited, is essential to counteract the uncertainty & folly of life in our world. Real wisdom comes from God alone, through a relationship with Jesus.

As Solomon writes Ecclesiastes, as the teacher (Qohelet), he expresses various aspects that everyone experiences in life. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon rehearses the frustration, futility, irony and fleeting nature of life. The difficulties that exist are described throughout Ecclesiastes as hevel or vanity (futility). This theme consistently appears throughout this wisdom literature. Together, all of these frustrations can be rightly engaged, only as we rightly engage God through his revealed word. God offers the perspective and strength that we need to endure the hardships, trials and frustrations that life presents. This is why Solomon calls everyone to fear God and to keep his commands – to follow his instructions. This will not take away the frustrations of life, but it does offer a proper framework by which view them.

As Paul continues his message to young pastor Timothy, he offers him a charge to motivate his work among the church at Ephesus. Paul reminds Timothy that he serves in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, and he will give account for his ministry. Paul charges Timothy to serve as God and Christ Jesus witness his labor. Paul gives Timothy five commands in verse 2. Paul also addresses the way that believers respond to the word proclaimed. This message of Paul to Timothy also applies to each of us as believers. As followers of Jesus, we must be faithful to truth, applying God’s word and living by its instructions. 

The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

As Paul continues in Romans, he turns to the issue of sin. Sin does not and must not reign in our lives, because we have been joined to Christ - we are in union with him. In verses 3-4, Paul uses baptism as a picture, a reminder of our union with Christ. Because we are in union with Christ, we are dead to sin, it no longer has the power in our lives. Paul calls these believers in Rome and us today, to stop yielding ourselves to sin. Stop allowing sin to be the boss in our lives. This is possible because of our union with Christ in his death and in his resurrection. Baptism is a vivid picture of our union with Jesus.

Throughout Romans, Paul offers a defense of what he believes and teachers about the gospel for these believers in Rome he has not yet met. Some of these believers may have been questioning him, his message, and how it relates to Judaism. Paul writes to explain at length the connection of Jesus, the gospel and to defend it, in spite of the rejection of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah by many Jews.

As Paul continues to explain the process by which God transforms our life, he continues to build the case on the basis of the useful words of God. The word of God is profitable for teaching. Teaching leads to rebuke or reproof, as we learn the truths of God, they inform us of all the areas we fall short, the words of God show us our sin. At that point, we have a choice to make - obey and turn or continue in our sin. This turn is described by Paul to correction, to correct our way and follow his way, his words, his truth. The process concludes with ongoing training in righteousness. This process leads to believers that are complete and equipped for every good work. The words of God have the power to transform and equip you for every good work. 

The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

As the teacher, Solomon, continues his discussion of life's enigmas, he addresses one of its cruelest certainties - death. Death will come for all, no matter who you are or what you do. Life is better than death and Solomon calls us to lean into living, enjoy life, rejoice in the good gifts of God to you. The seeming injustices and enigmas of life cannot be fully understood in our mortality, so we must trust our good and sovereign God and his work in our world. Despite life’s unpredictability and the certainty of death, our God can be trusted entirely.

As Solomon writes Ecclesiastes, as the teacher (Qohelet), he expresses various aspects that everyone experiences in life. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon rehearses the frustration, futility, irony and fleeting nature of life. The difficulties that exist are described throughout Ecclesiastes as hevel or vanity (futility). This theme consistently appears throughout this wisdom literature. Together, all of these frustrations can be rightly engaged, only as we rightly engage God through his revealed word. God offers the perspective and strength that we need to endure the hardships, trials and frustrations that life presents. This is why Solomon calls everyone to fear God and to keep his commands – to follow his instructions. This will not take away the frustrations of life, but it does offer a proper framework by which view them.