July 9, 2023 • Jerry Dusenberry • Ecclesiastes 11—12
If we embrace the reality of death before we die we can experience the life God wants us to have. However, we must listen to God and his words of truth. Without the Bible's truth in our lives, there is an absence of beauty. Without the Bible's conception of pleasure, we would construct our own, and it will always be driven by a selfish understanding of pleasure that will constantly narrow in around us. We need the word of truth to diagnose and push out the lies that will always lead us astray and to a dead end life.
Live it Up
July 2, 2023 • Jerry Dusenberry • Ecclesiastes 7
Learning to die well will help us know how to live well. Birth is all about potential, but death is all about fulfillment. Every time I see a coffin it preaches to me that the world is broken and fallen under the curse of death. Since death is certain and we can't take anything with us (except our souls), Ecclesiastes encourages us focus more on our bucket list than our to do list. But this list focuses on redemptive actions that please God and blesses others. Jesus shows us how to live well by living it up with a generous lifestyle.
It's A Wonderful Life
June 25, 2023 • Jerry Dusenberry • Ecclesiastes 4
Life is not only very temporary, but it's also not about us, but about making life better for someone else. When you are living for the success of others, or their enjoyment, it really is the best kind of self care because it means you are not living alone. Having people around, being in community and being a blessing to them is the best kind of self care as demonstrated by Christ.
Doing Time
June 18, 2023 • Jerry Dusenberry • Ecclesiastes 3
Ecclesiastes tells us to learn now, today, that there really is a time for everything. Learning now that the seasons I am in will not always be the seasons of my life can at least help to prepare me for the chapters that God has yet to right. We live in the now but there is alway a then.
Diminishing Returns
June 11, 2023 • Jerry Dusenberry • Ecclesiastes 1—2
