Teaching

Questions are like keys. They open doors, prompt us to seek answers, and lead to important discoveries. Some questions are more important than others because so much depends on them. One of the most important questions is: Who is Jesus? Was he a fraud who deceived his disciples and then millions of people around the world? A madman who suffered from delusions of grandeur? Or was he who he claimed to be? Who was he? In search of the answer to this question, we embark on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, because we know that much depends on this answer.

Every time Christmas comes around, we can recall the most beautiful story — how God became man and came into the world to save us.

Reading the four Gospels, we discover that each evangelist presents these events from a slightly different perspective. Some focus on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, while others, speaking of His coming, go back to the creation of the world or to the prophecies of the Old Testament.

However, they all essentially tell one Story — the Story of Salvation. And we can do more than just listen to it.
We are invited to become part of it — by following Jesus, its main Character.

As we go through life, we hear many different voices. We ignore some of them, while paying more attention to others. From this cacophony of sounds, we must choose the right ones, because so much in life depends on who you listen to.

However, in the daily hustle and bustle, it is easy to miss the most important voice—the voice of God Himself.

In the story of the prophet Elijah, everyone faces the same challenge:
Will they listen? Will the king listen? Will Israel listen? And even — will the prophet himself listen?

In this story, full of noise and conflicting voices, there are those who not only heard but also listened. Sometimes these are very unexpected people.

But the most important question is:
Will I hear — and will I listen?

Jesus entrusted us with the task of spreading the Good News of salvation to the ends of the earth. However, we are not the first to carry out this task. Therefore, in search of inspiration for action, we want to learn from those who were there at the very beginning – by reaching for the Book of Acts.

As we read it, we discover that despite numerous adversities, the Gospel preached in the power of the Holy Spirit is unstoppable. It breaks down barriers and transforms people’s lives, often those of the least expected.

The Acts is a book in which a lot really happens. It is worth reading so that something will also happen in your life — and in the lives of the people God puts in your path.

When children are young, they learn by observing adult behavior. Teenagers have their idols, whom they admire and try to emulate. Even adults look for role models who inspire them and follow their views. However, in this world where everyone follows someone, Jesus’ invitation remains relevant: “Follow Me and imitate Me.”

This is a call to something more than just admiring His teaching, drawing inspiration from His views, or even recognizing Him as a moral authority. Following Jesus changes our whole life. It means that we decide to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus does.

Travel and conversation complement each other perfectly. It is best to travel in good company, because every trip then becomes an opportunity to exchange thoughts, but also to enjoy silence together. Summer, a time of vacations and trips, is a good time to remember that God is the most important companion on our journey—including the greatest journey of all, called life. And if we are already traveling with Him, then – apart from the moments when we are silent and just enjoy each other’s company – it is also worth enjoying conversation.

That is why this summer we will read a series of psalms called pilgrim or travel psalms, because they were recited during the journey to Jerusalem. It is a journey through the twists and turns of life – from sadness and loneliness to community and worship. However, the most important thing about it is that we can walk and talk with God Himself.

What do we mean when we say that something is “spiritual” or not? In today’s world, this word has accrued a multitude of meanings and associations. Meanwhile, Scripture shows us that everything we do with our lives is spiritual in nature – “whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31) and should reflect His nature. So how can what we do reflect the Trinitarian nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Since the beginning of history, kingdoms have appeared and disappeared. Old ones were replaced by new ones. Each successive kingdom lived in the belief that it would be able to avoid the mistakes of its predecessors. Rulers wished to write themselves into the annals of history with the hope that their descendants would cement their legacy and make the names of their fathers famous forever. However, time is not a loyal companion of history. It is a ruthless judge that condemns great and small to decay, defeat and oblivion. Such is the destiny of every kingdom. And of every king. Except for one…

Of all the spiritual practices the disciples could have asked Jesus to teach them, they chose this one: prayer. Jesus himself not only taught them how to pray, but through stories and parables showed them how humble and persistent prayer can change reality. “Interrupting heaven” – this is what John Ortberg wrote about prayer, and this is what we will want to learn with Jesus’ disciples during Lent.

Andy Stanley once said, “Your lack of responsibility will eventually become someone else’s responsibility.” In other words – if you don’t take responsibility for what has been entrusted to you, someone else will have to take that responsibility for you. A wise life is one in which we don’t blame others, but face challenges; we don’t burden others with the need to lead us by the hand, but we ourselves can become a support for others.

The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to reflect and learn from past experiences, as well as to plan and prepare for the future. Therefore, we would like to invite you to a New Year’s reflection on life, and more specifically, on how not to waste life. We will find out by reading the teachings of the ancient sages contained in the Book of Proverbs.