Special Guest, Dr. Rock LaGioia, spoke to us from John 12:12-19 on Palm Sunday.

Each of the gospels records the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. John, as the other gospel writers, emphasizes the coming King, Jesus, the promised deliverer sent from God. Even more, Jesus is the the Son of God, the King of all and his coming calls each one of us to follow him as King and to yield our lives to him as King. Each individual must make the decision to follow Jesus as their own personal King and Lord of their lives. Jesus is the King over all, but we must yield ourselves to him as our King. 

Throughout the Gospel of John we see the truth that Jesus is the promised one, the anointed one from God through his signs, witnesses, and statements; and he has come to rescue humanity from sin.

As Paul writes to the church at Corinth, he explains his own method for enduring suffering and actually being renewed even while suffering. The trials, hardships and various forms of suffering in life all can be so overwhelming and difficult. Paul presents his own mindset about suffering and difficulties, while he ministers to these believers in Corinth. We must remember that our suffering and hardship is only temporary in this life - even if it lasts our entire lifetime. Your present, temporary suffering must not prevent you from being renewed and gazing toward the eternal - daily. 

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 Jesus speaks to his disciples on the night before he would die, he instructs them about the Spirit, the helper, the Spirit of truth that he would send to them. Jesus begins with the conditional statement, "If you love me, you will keep my commands." This statement asserts the truth that genuine love for Jesus results in actions. This is not rigid or legalistic, but simply, knowing what Jesus values through his words, we long to follow them and honor him as we do. This is impossible for us in our fallen, mortal condition, and we need help - supernatural help. This is the role of the Spirit, to empower us to love Jesus and keep his commands. Therefore, the Spirit of God, of Truth, is essential for our spiritual growth and edification. 

The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit are often confused by modern interpreters. What is the role of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? Does the work of the Spirit always produce shocking, miraculous signs? Everything that we believe about the Holy Spirit must begin with the instruction that Jesus offers his disciples in the upper room, the night before he is tried and dies. This instruction about the Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the foundation for any true, accurate understanding of the Spirit. With this in view, the five explanations of the Spirit given by Jesus, recorded in the gospel of John frame our view of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to empower us, to teach us, to convict us and to indwell us forever.

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.