Eternity
The Book of Ecclesiastes
Never Enough
September 8, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 2:1–11
What would your life look like if you had unlimited resources? I'm talking about virtually infinite wealth. What would you spend your money on? What would you spend your time doing? Who would your friends be? What would your relationships look like? Where would you live? What would you be pursuing? What would you live for? As we continue our journey searching for the meaning of life with Ecclesiastes, we get a glimpse of what goes on in the man's heart as he "tests it with pleasure." Could pleasure be the purpose of life?
Working Hard?
September 15, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 2:12–26
Do you have a job? Do you want a job? Do you hate your job? Do you want another job? (Sorry to be asking you these questions if today is your day off!) We’re always either preparing to work, working, or resting from work. Because work is such a substantial part of our lives, if we don’t learn to enjoy it, we’ll never learn to enjoy life. The cheery Ecclesiastes, in considering work, concludes by saying: “So I hated my life” in 2:17 and “I hated all my toil” in 2:18. Can you give a hearty amen to this conclusion? Well then you’re in luck, because this sermon is for you!
Tick-Tock
September 21, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 3
Scripture teaches that God has created everything, including time. In Ecclesiastes 3, God the Poet gives us a poem to understand time with our minds and hearts; to see how He has created everything beautiful in its time. Time is the fundamental and ineradicable feature of our lives. The unbelievable brevity of our lives deeply conflicts with the deep-seated yearning for permanence. We experience only time, yet we desire timelessness. Why, for heaven's sake? Where did we ever learn of this thing called eternity, to desire it? If our lives have always been characterized by time, why don't we feel at home in it? Do fish complain about being wet? Perhaps there is land? Why do we complain about time? Perhaps there is eternity?
A Handful of Quietness
September 29, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 4
Ever feel stressed out? Ever wonder if Christianity offers any resources to help you handle the pressures of daily life? God doesn't call us to withdraw from this stressful world; He instead gives us a deep peace that transcends our stress. He does this through a deep, abiding relationship with Himself, and deep, life-giving relationships with our friends. As we continue our journey through Ecclesiastes, we'll learn about some relationship killers, that add to our stress and destroy our peace of mind. Join us to learn what they are and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ helps us take them head on.
Fear God
October 6, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 5—6
What do you fear? Financial security of your future? Not finding true love? Finding true love, and losing it? Do you fear for you health? Do you fear death? Did you know that the number one most often repeated commandment in the Bible is "Do not fear"? Scripture also teaches that "perfect love casts out all fear." And yet, the Bible uses the word "fear" at least 300 times in reference to God. Scripture teaches that the beginning of wisdom is "the fear of the Lord." But what in the world does it mean to fear God? Why should I fear a loving God? How do I both love and fear God? Tomorrow, we are covering Ecclesiastes 5 & 6, where the Teacher tells us "Fear God." Join us to learn how "fear of God" is the beginning of a fearless, joyful and meaningful life.
The Heart of the Wise
October 13, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 7
How would you define the word "wisdom"? It's not a word that's used often in our culture. The biblical concept of wisdom is much deeper than simply knowledge. I think a helpful definition is: understanding ultimate reality as defined by God and having the ability to live in accordance with it. But that's the catch, isn't it? Lots of us know what's right and good for us, but so often we don't have the ability to act on it. There's always another tug on our hearts.
Enjoy Life!
October 27, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 9
Have you ever had a near death experience? I'm talking about coming face-to-face with death, your life flashing before your eyes, and you think, "This is it!!" Well, do you remember the rest of that day, or that week? What did you think about life? You loved it, right?! You felt SO ALIVE! You cherished every breath, you savored every morsel of food, you hugged your loved ones so much tighter! You began to enjoy life! And then life continues to happen, and we're numbed to the joy of being alive.
Sow Your Seed
November 17, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 11
Who you are today is a direct result of your past. Your previous thoughts, desires, actions, and relationships have shaped your present reality. Scripture describes this reality by using the agrarian language of reaping what you sow. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon tells us "Cast your bread upon the waters for you will find it after many days." He's not talking about feeding ducks in Frog Pond. He's talking about sowing generously when you can, so you will reap an abundant harvest. In verse 6, he says "in the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know what will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good." The law of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life: money, health, relationships, education, vocation, marriage, children, and is especially true in the spiritual realm. Join us tomorrow to learn about how to wisely apply this principle in our lives to reap a harvest of plentiful blessing.
Remember God
November 24, 2013 • Ecclesiastes 12
It's funny that we would need to be reminded to remember God. But on second thought, it makes all the sense in the world. I'm always forgetting to remember God! It's as if I suffer from spiritual amnesia. If I'm not constantly reminding myself about God, I just keep forgetting. Other stuff just gets in the way of God. It's not like I'm purposefully ignoring God; it's just that my busyness crowds him out. Ecclesiastes reminds us: don't let life crowd out God.