Our culture tells us that life is better when there is nothing stopping us. Proverbs, however, explains that there are definite things to avoid in the pursuit of true happiness. For the one who doesn't lose sight of wisdom, doesn't withhold good and doesn't envy the wicked, there is the assurance of being in God's confidence. 

The blueprint of the local church is the Word, fellowship and worship. The first local church devoted themselves to this blueprint. It is through these means that the Lord Jesus continues to build His church. 

The truly happy one is the one who finds wisdom. Wisdom satisfies, shepherds us on the right path and secures us. Wisdom is so important to being truly happy because in finding it we find God, who created everything by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Thus, wisdom reveals that true happiness is found in being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. 

At Pentecost, Peter preaches the first church's first sermon. The Holy Spirit blesses the preaching of the gospel and adds 3,000 souls to the church. We can draw confidence from the fact that we proclaim the same risen Jesus. Also, we are encouraged that the Holy Spirit works powerfully to build up God's people and rescue the lost through the preaching of God's Word.

The lifetime benefits of wisdom are seen in this passage through the rhythm of command and promise. Yet, we must approach this passage cautiously, looking at God's blessings flowing to us through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

The coming of the Holy Spirit is in fulfilment of the Father's promise and the Son's gift at His glorification. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience Jesus' presence, the assurance that Jesus has paid for our sin through His sacrifice and receive Jesus' assistance in our witness to others. In this way, every Christian is connected to the events of Pentecost.

When tragedy strikes personally or nationally, we desperately need a foothold for our faith. In 1 Kings 14, we see that in the midst of His judgement, He is both just and merciful. This ultimately points us to Jesus through whom God brought salvation through judgement and displayed His justice and mercy. Thus, we are assured in the most horrific tragedies God still accomplishes His good purposes.

After dedicating 5 chapters to the Last Supper, John finishes his gospel with Jesus' resurrection appearance at a breakfast. In sharing a meal with his disciples, Jesus displays the open access and fellowship His people enjoy with God through His work. There is now, in Christ, no guilt in life and no fear in death. 

Jesus’ trial before Pilate confronts us with the question, “What shall we do with Jesus?” Though we have all rejected Him, we are called to turn to Him as the King who rescues us from God’s wrath.

Acts 1:12-26 takes place after Jesus' ascension. The apostles are called to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit. However, this waiting isn't unproductive. Peter strengthens the group by calling them to trust in God's sovereignty and to fulfil Scripture by appointing a replacement apostle for Judas. This episode teaches us that whatever period of staying or waiting we may experience in life, there is always opportunity to both trust and obey God.

In Proverbs 2, a father sits down with his son and explains the importance of pursuing wisdom. Wisdom reveals the One true God and rescues us from wicked and destructive paths.

We're prone to being sidetracked in all sorts of ways in life. The same is true with the mission we've received to share the good news of Jesus. Instead of scolding, Jesus gives two assuring words to put us back on track: 'witness' and 'return.' 

God's wisdom is personified as a woman who calls everyone to listen. Wisdom is made publicly available, but many refuse it. All who ignore God's wisdom are choosing judgement. Yet, for all who would listen to wisdom's appeal, they will receive security and live without dread of disaster.

The launch of the most significant religious movement in history is without fanfare. Yet, this launch gives insight into how Jesus built, continues to build and will build His Church: by God's Word and by God's Spirit. 

We are surrounded by many voices in this world. Who do we listen to? The voice of our peers are enticing, but they are not wise. It's only in God's voice that we hear the voice of wisdom.

In Proverbs 1:1-7, wisdom is defined and its audience identified. Wisdom is living in harmony with reality; it is living corum deo - before the face of God. Wisdom calls to the simple, the youth and the wise to the right fear of God as the governing principle of our lives.

The apostles are interesting because of their ordinariness. They weren't the smartest, wealthiest or most influential people. Yet, they were purposefully and deliberately chosen by Jesus to be His messengers and witnesses. The ministry of the apostles gives us certainty regarding the gospel and clarity regarding the makeup and mission of the local church.

The Lord's Day often comes with a variety of questions. Is there a Christian Sabbath for the church? If there is, how does Jesus' Person and work influence how we keep it? Are there things permissible and not permissible? Things encouraged or discouraged? In these two Sabbath accounts, Jesus (who is Lord of the Sabbath) provides us with answers.

Fasting is not something we often think about. The idea of depriving oneself in a self-gratification obsessed culture seems ridiculous! However, is fasting an appropriate activity for a Christian? In Jesus' answer to this question we find gospel principles not just for fasting, but for any act of devotion and service to God.

In the calling of Levi we are exposed again to our greatest need. Jesus is the Great Physician who came to heal the sin-sick. Similar to Levi, our calling as Jesus' disciples is to praise God for His salvation and point others to Jesus.