Raintree Community Church

Text:  Genesis 7-8   God's Global Judgment (Genesis 7) Noah believed God's Word and obeyed His command. God uncreated what He created through a worldwide flood due to man's sin   God's Gracious Deliverance (Genesis 8) God mercifully protected and delivered Noah and his family from judgment. God covenants with Noah to never destroy the world in the same way again.

Text:  Genesis 6:1-22   Man's Continual Wickedness (Gen. 6:1-5) Marriage has become demonized by fallen angels. God shortens man's life span due his wickedness. The restless evil of man's heart has been revealed in his pursuit of violence.   God's Comprehensive Judgment (Gen. 6:6-7) God was grieved to His heart over the wickedness of man. God resolved to judge man for his wickedness under penalty of death.   God's Compassionate Grace (Gen. 6:8-22) In His grace, God shows His favor to Noah and his family In his life, Noah walked with God, proving that he had a close relationship to Him. In His grace, God makes a covenant with Noah and prepares him to be delivered from the coming flood.

Texts:  Genesis 5:1-32; Romans 5:12-21   The Generations of Adam (Gen. 5:1-32) God made man and woman after His likeness for His glory. The refrain of each generation ends in universal death: “And he died.” Enoch walked with God by faith and did not face death due to God's grace (Hebrews 11:5-6).   The Regeneration in Christ (Rom. 5:12-21)  Through Adam's sin, death came to all generations. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we can be made alive and justified by His grace to live with Him forever.

Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11   The Apostolic Assertion Concerning the End (v. 7a)   The Urgent Duties in Light of the End (vv. 7b-11a) The duties concerning their personal life (v. 7b) The activities in their community relations (vv. 8-11a)        The duty of mutual love (vv. 8-9)        The duty of mutual service (vv. 10-11a)   The Goal in Christian Living (v. 11b)

Text:  Genesis 4:1-26   The Righteous Attitude of Worshipping God (Genesis 4:1-4) God graciously provides Adam and Eve with two sons: Cain and Abel. Abel is portrayed as the one who brought an acceptable offering to the Lord with the right heart attitude. In the New Testament, Abel's offering and his actions toward God are declared as righteous (Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12b).   The Ruinous Outcome of Worshipping Self (Genesis 4:3, 5-24) Cain worshipped God on his terms with a selfish attitude of pride. Cain's angry response to God's correction and murder revealed his worship of self. God's warning and condemnation was also mingled with grace. In the New Testament, “the way of Cain” is portrayed as a pursuit of personal gain marked by evil (Jude 11; 1 John 3:12a).   The Redemptive Plan of Our Sovereign God (Genesis 4:25-26) Even in the midst of murder and revenge, God's plan to save His people cannot be thwarted. God appoints the line of Seth for the Messiah to come and call true worshippers to Himself. Consider Christ, “the mediator of the new covenant,” who atoned for our sin with His own blood (Hebrews 12:24).

Texts: Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 6:1-6   Baptism Portrayed in Following Jesus The significance of being baptized into the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). The theology behind being baptized into the body of Christ (Colossians 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-6).   Baptism Practiced Within the Church The Biblical mode of baptism The appropriate age of baptism The central goal of baptism

Texts: Matthew 3:13-17, 28:16-20   Baptism Exemplified in Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17) In Jesus' baptism, God the Father declared His approval of Jesus and the Gospel message He would proclaim. In Jesus' baptism, He identified Himself as the One who would be our substitute and endure God's judgment for us. When we are baptized, it symbolizes our repentance and cleansing from sin.   Baptism Commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20) Proclaiming the Gospel leads to making and maturing disciples of Jesus. Proclaiming the Gospel leads to baptizing believers in God's name who follow the words of Jesus. Proclaiming the Gospel is empowered by God's enabling presence.

Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Revelation 19:1-9   Communion Practiced by the Church (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) Communion is a time to look beyond ourselves to ensure that we are in a right relationship with one another. Communion is a time to look back in remembrance and thanksgiving of Christ's sacrificial death. Communion is a time to look within through self-examination. Communion is a time to look forward to our Lord's return and proclaim the Gospel to others.   Communion Anticipated in Heaven (Revelation 19:1-9) Our celebration of communion on earth by remembering and proclaiming Christ's death will one day culminate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven. This celebration will mark the final death blow to sin and death, and we will rejoice in the salvation, glory, and power of our Savior as He clothes us in His righteousness.

Texts: Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29   Communion Foreshadowed in the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14) Communion's roots can be traced back to Passover, where the Israelites were saved from death and delivered from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites marked their doorframes with the blood of the lamb and God “passed over” His people. The feast of Passover is a celebration of this event.   Communion Fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 26:26-29) Communion is demonstrated in the bread (Christ's body being broken) and the cup (Christ's blood being poured out). These symbols portray the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our sins.

Text:  Genesis 3:7-24   The Destructive Outcome of Sin (Gen. 3:7-13) When we choose to sin, we experience guilt and shame. When we choose to sin, we hide from the consequences. When we choose to sin, we blame others. Gospel implication: Christ died in our place and took our punishment.   The Devastating Curse of Sin (Gen. 3:14-19) God pronounces a curse on the snake and the ground because of sin. God pronounces ongoing consequences of sin in child-bearing, relationships, and work. Gospel Implication: God promised that a Redeemer would come to crush our enemy and conquer sin.   The Divine Judgment For Sin (Gen. 3:20-24) Clinging to the hope of God's promise, Adam gives his wife the name Eve (“life-giver”). God clothed Adam and Eve in garments of skin to cover their nakedness. God drove out Adam and Eve from the Garden, signifying the breach of fellowship that had taken place. Gospel Implication: In Christ we are given new life, eternally forgiven, clothed in His righteousness, and welcomed into His kingdom.

Text:  Genesis 3:1-7   Satan's Deceitful Devices (Genesis 3:1-5) Satan is the crafty serpent in the Garden of Eden (Revelation 12:9). Satan strategy involves attacking and distorting God's Word. Satan's goal is for us to doubt and disobey God's Word   Man's Defiant Disobedience (Genesis 3:6-7) Adam and Eve disobeyed God's Word in unbelief, seeking their own moral autonomy. Adam and Eve's sinful pattern in Genesis 3 is paralleled for us in James 1:13-16 and 1 John 2:15-17.   God's Promised Savior (Romans 5:12-17) Through one man's (Adam) sin, death has passed to all of us and reigns over us. Through the Gospel of Christ, we can be justified by grace and live eternally with Him.

Text:  Genesis 2:18-25   God's Providential Design in Creating Us for Relationships God did not create us to be isolated, but for community and relationship. God provided man with a helper that perfectly complemented him. God ordained marriage to be a covenant relationship that is freely enjoyed with one man and one woman for a lifetime of love without shame.

Text:  Genesis 2:4-17   God's Providential Design in Creating All Things (Genesis 2:4-7) The generations of the heaven and the earth refer to the God's creation of man and woman. God's name (Yahweh-Elohim) declares Him as both Creator and Covenant-Redeemer. God created a perfect setting for man to live and breathes His life into him.   God's Providential Design in Creating Us to Work (Genesis 2:8-17) God placed man in the Garden of Eden with abundant provision and beauty. God created man with a responsibility to work and keep the Garden of Eden. God commanded Adam to abstain from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to establish His good authority.

Text:  Genesis 2:1-3   Divine Rest Inaugurated in God's Finished Work of Creation God finished His work of creation. God rested from His work of creation. God blessed and sanctified the seventh day.   Our Eternal Rest Fulfilled in Christ's Finished Work of Redemption The theme of God's rest is seen in the future rest that awaits those who belong to God in salvation. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, we can enter His eternal rest through faith in Christ and repentance (Hebrews 3:7-4:13). Christ calls us to find rest for our souls in Him alone (Matthew 11:27-30).

Text:  Genesis 1:26-31   As God's Image-Bearers, We Represent Him on the Earth (1:26-27) God made us after His image and likeness, distinct from the rest of creation. God made us male and female for His glory. Implication: Our value and identity are tied to bearing the image of God. Therefore, we should seek after Him and bear His image in a way that pleases Him.   As God's Image-Bearers, We Fill and Rule Over the Earth (1:26b, 28-30)  God has given us the responsibility of reproducing His image on the earth. God has provided us with sustenance from His creation and given us the responsibility of dominion over His creation. Implication: This blessing and commission God has given us should lead us to delight in Him and depend upon Him.   Conclusion: “God saw that it was very good.” (1:31) All that God made was good in His sight, with nothing incomplete or imperfect. All of creation worked in perfect harmony as God had designed.

Text:  Genesis 1:1-25   The Creator of All Things (Genesis 1:1) The eternal triune God (“Elohim”) created everything. God's glorious attributes are seen in everything He has made (Psalm 19:1-4a; Romans 1:18-20). We are made for His glory and are accountable and dependent upon Him (Romans 11:36; Acts 17:24-28).   The Creation of All Things (Genesis 1:2-25) God's work of creation begins with Him filling the formless void with His glory. God created all things in six literal days by His powerful word, declaring it to be good by His glorious standard. We were made to worship the Creator, not worship the creation (Psalm 95:1-7a; Romans 1:21-23).

Text:  Genesis 1:1   Introduction: Why Study Genesis? It sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible. It gives us the purpose of God for mankind. It describes the origin and effects of sin. It anticipates God's answer to our problem of sin, a seed coming through the line of Abraham. It describes the origin of the nation of Israel and the Promised Land. It reveals the character of God to us.   The Historical Background of Genesis Genesis is a book of beginnings, and the first of the five books of the Pentateuch. Genesis was penned by Moses while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.   The Thematic Structure of Genesis Genesis 1-11 sets the foundation in broad terms of how the world was made and the fall of man. (wide angle lens) Genesis 12-50 focuses on the family of Abraham and how God's promise will be fulfilled to send redemption to His people. (zoom lens)   The Creator God of Genesis (Genesis 1:1) Our God is the mighty and everlasting Creator and Sustainer of all things, and we are accountable to Him as His creation. Our response to God should be one of worship and submission, where He is exalted.

Text:  James 1:19-25   Listen to the Word Openly (vs. 19-20) Be quick to hear – “I am eager to listen.” Be slow to speak – “I will not make excuses.” Be slow to anger: “I will not justify my disobedience.”   Receive the Word Humbly (vs. 21) Receiving the Word requires putting our sin away. Receiving the Word involves accepting it as salvation for our souls.   Obey the Word Persistently (vs. 22-25) A forgetful hearer has been informed by the Word, but not transformed by the Word. A faithful doer has been transformed by the Word to freely live out his identity in Christ. Josiah & Jehoiakim: A Lesson in Responding to God's Word (2 Kings 22:8-12; Jeremiah 36:1-3, 20-24)

Travis Thompson preaches to us from 1 Samuel 17. 

Christmas Eve Service   Text: Titus 3:3-7   Who We Were as Sinners (3:3) Because of our sin, we were entrenched in our rebellion against God and enslaved to our desires. Result: We had no hope to save ourselves from eternal death     (Ephesians 2:12; Romans 6:20-23).   Who We Are in Christ (3:4-7) Because of Christ, we can be saved out of our sin by His mercy, given new life through the Spirit, and justified by His grace. Result: We become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  

Texts:  Exodus 34:5-8; John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:7-12   The Steadfast Love of God Declared in His Name (Exodus 34:5-8) This is the first passage where God declares His character to us. He is full of mercy, grace, faithfulness, and love with forgiveness for sinners.   The Stunning Love of God Demonstrated in His Son (John 3:16-17) God's love came down to us in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Christ's condescension in love to us, we can be saved unto eternal life through faith in Christ.   The Sacrificial Love of God Displayed in His People (1 John 4:7-12) God's sacrificial love for us was clearly displayed in the incarnation and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for our sins. Since God's love abides in us as believers, we are now compelled and equipped to love others sacrificially.

Texts: Isaiah 55; Luke 2:8-12; 1 John 1:1-4   The Invitation of Satisfying Joy in Christ (Isaiah 55) God calls us to be satisfied in Him and seek Him alone. God reveals Himself to His people through His Word. God promises to lead His people into His joy and peace.   The Gospel of Great Joy in Christ (Luke 2:8-12) The Gospel is the good news of great joy for all people who believe it. The Gospel comes to all people through the Savior, Christ the Lord.   The Fullness of Shared Joy in Christ (1 John 1:1-4) The eternal Son of God came to this earth in the incarnation to bring us into fellowship with God. This shared fellowship with Christ and one another leads to fullness of joy.

Texts:  Micah 5:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-22; Philippians 4:6-7   Christ Came to Be Our Peace (Micah 5:1-5) Peace is defined in Scripture as “shalom,” which means wholeness or completeness. Christ's coming inaugurated a “shalom” that would bring strength to His people and culminate in His eternal reign.   Christ Came to Make Peace With God and Man (Ephesians 2:11-22) Christ broke down the wall of hostility between God and man through His atoning work on the cross. Christ's atoning work brings wholeness and reconciliation to our relationships.   Christ Came to Bring Peace Within our Hearts (Philippians 4:6-7) Christ provides us with the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds. Christ is our refuge of peace for all the moments of our lives.

Texts: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23; Romans 15:8-13   Christ, the Promised Savior (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23) Christ came as the prophesied Messiah who would bring salvation to sinners walking in despair and darkness. Christ came to be our Emmanuel, “God With Us.”   Christ, the Hope of the World (Romans 15:8-13) Christ became a servant for the sake of God's truth and in fulfillment of God's promises. Christ brings a certain and eternal hope to all who believe in His name, filling them with joy and peace.

Text: Colossians 4:7-18   Gospel Gratitude for Faithful Service (4:7-11) Paul was grateful for the Gospel's transformation in the church that prepared them for faithful service. We can be grateful for how the Gospel has transformed us and placed us in ministry together.   Gospel Gain From Fruitful Service (4:12-16) Paul was encouraged to see the sacrificial service of others bearing fruit in the church. We can take heart in the power of the Gospel to grow us and empower us to serve Christ faithfully.   Gospel Grace For Future Service (4:17-18) Paul was looking forward to all that the God would accomplish through His church. We are called to fulfill the ministry God has called us to do by the power of His grace.

Text: Colossians 4:5-6   Gospel Urgency with Wisdom (4:5) We are called to conduct ourselves in biblical wisdom to those around us. We are called to use our time wisely for the Gospel's sake.   Gospel Fluency with Grace (4:6) We are called to speak grace-filled words that are seasoned with the flavor of Christ. We are called to respond to others with grace-filled answers that point them to Christ and His Word.

Text: Colossians 4:2-4   Dependance Upon Christ in Prayer (4:2) Pray with steadfast consistency. Pray with persistent watchfulness. Pray with Godward gratitude.   Devotion to Christ's Mission Through Prayer (4:3-4) Pray for opportunities to declare the Gospel. Pray for obedience to make the Gospel known.

Text: Acts 1:1-11 Jeff Fitzgerald preaches to us about how Christ's last command to His disciples as He ascended into heaven must be our first commitment as we live out our discipleship here on earth.

Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1   Christ-Centered Servanthood (3:22-25) We are called to obey our superiors as unto the Lord for His glory. We are called to serve wholeheartedly in all things for the Lord and His reward and reckoning.   Christ-Centered Supervision (4:1) We are called to treat those we lead with respect and equality, knowing that Jesus is Lord and supreme over all.

Text: Colossians 3:18-21   Christ-Centered Submission (3:18) Christ calls and empowers wives to submit to their husbands in a way that brings glory to Him.   Christ-Centered Love (3:19) Christ calls and empowers husbands to love their wives in a way that treasures them with gentleness.   Christ-Centered Obedience (3:20) Christ calls and empowers children to obey their parents in every way that pleases Him.   Christ-Centered Parenting (3:21) Christ calls and empowers parents to shepherd their children in a way that proves their love for them while not provoking them to become embittered or lose heart.

Texts:  Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30; Romans 15:1-7; Romans 12:3-8   We Serve in a Gospel-centered Partnership (Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30) We are saved into a partnership with one another through the Gospel. This partnership manifests itself in a life worthy of the Gospel that strives side by side together.   We Serve in a Gospel-centered Culture (Romans 15:1-7) We are called to a unity and harmony by Christ. We are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.   We Serve through Gospel-centered Gifting (Romans 12:3-8) We are equipped to serve one another by the grace that saved us in Christ. Each gift is an opportunity to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God.

Texts: Colossians 2:6-10; Ephesians 4:11-16   We are Rooted in Christ Together for Gospel Growth (Col. 2:6-10) We are established in Christ. We are steadfast in Christ. We are fulfilled in Christ   We are Equipped in Christ Together for Gospel Ministry (Eph. 4:11-16) We are equipped by the Word through gifted shepherds. We are matured by the Word through the Christ's working. We are discipled by the Word through one another.

Texts: Psalm 95:1-7a; 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:7   Worship: The Attitude of the Heart (Psalm 95:1-7a) Worshipping God is about an internal attitude before it is an external activity. Worshipping God reframes our reality around God's Word.   Worship: The Transformation of the Life (2 Corinthians 3:18) Worshipping God leads to a life that beholds the glory of Christ. Worshipping God leads to a life that is transformed by the glory of Christ.   Worship: The Proclamation of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:1-7) Worshipping God leads to faithful Gospel ministry that is fueled by God's surpassing power. Worshipping God leads us to proclaim Christ, not ourselves.

Text: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14   Consider the Weighty Words of Wisdom (12:9-12) God's wisdom is like a goad that spurs us onward. God's wisdom is like well-driven nails that fix our hearts to truth. God's wisdom comes to us from the Shepherd of our souls.   Consider the Whole Duty of Man (12:13-14) We are called to walk in the fear of God. We are called to obey the Word of God. We are energized and equipped by God to walk in His ways (1 Thess. 5:23-24).

Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8   Live Every Day With Faith in God's Plan (11:1-6) We must live surrendered lives before the face of God, trusting in God's sovereign plan. The future may seem uncertain to us, but we can trust in the certainty of God's faithfulness.   Live Every Day With Gratitude for God's Gifts (11:7-10) We must celebrate our days before the face of God, rejoicing in all He has given and done for us. We must live wisely before the face of God, knowing we are ultimately accountable to Him.   Live Every Day in Remembrance of God's Name (12:1-8) We must live our days before the face of God, for the glory of God alone. We can face suffering and death before the face of God knowing that He will safely bring us into His presence to dwell with Him forever. (2 Cor. 4:13-18)

Text: Ecclesiastes 10   Foolishness Will Lead You Astray (10:1-4) A little bit of foolishness goes a long way to lead your heart astray from God's wisdom. A little bit of foolishness leads to a life that lacks any sense.   Foolishness Will Lead You to Ruin (10:5-14) Foolishness will inevitably cause your downfall into destruction. Foolishness will inevitably consume you through your reckless words.   Foolishness Will Lead You to Indolence (10:15-20) Foolishness will cultivate a lifestyle of laziness and apathy. In the end, we must leave foolishness behind and look to Christ as our power and wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-25)

Text: Ecclesiastes 9   The Unfailing Hand of God's Providence (9:1) As we consider our lives, the future often seems uncertain and unpredictable. Therefore, we must rest our lives in God's sovereignty and trust in His promises.   The Inescapable Reality of Our Death (9:2-6) Death is the great leveler and the inevitable event for all mankind. Therefore, we still have hope while we live if we will trust in the salvation of Christ.   The Meaningful Enjoyment of God's Gifts (9:7-10) In this life, God has given us wonderful gifts to enjoy that we do not deserve. In view of our death, we learn to rightly assess and appreciate what God has given to us.   The Trustworthy Nature of God's Wisdom (9:11-18) When we view life under the sun, it seems uncertain, unpredictable, and unrewarding. When we view life from God's perspective, we see how His wisdom surpasses everything else.

Text: Ecclesiastes 8   Be Submissive to Earthly Authorities (8:1-9) We must wisely align ourselves under earthly authorities because they are set up by God. Our submission and obedience ultimately rests in God.   Fear God as the Ultimate Authority (8:10-13) We must walk in the fear of the Lord despite the evil we experience around us. We know that God is the final authority and judge of all.   Look to God's Unfathomable Wisdom (8:14-17) Life can seem unfair and unjust when viewed from our limited perspective. We must submit to God and His unlimited wisdom to make sense of life's challenges.

Text: Ecclesiastes 7   Consider God's Lessons on Death (7:1-6) God presents death to us as a teacher who instructs us on what is most important in life.   Consider God's Wisdom on Life (7:7-12) God calls us to be self-controlled, eternity-focused, and to prize wisdom over wealth.   Consider God's Work of Providence (7:13-18) We must trust in the sovereignty of God and walk in the fear of God.   Consider God's Provision of Wisdom (7:19-29) Wisdom is often sought after, but rarely found in the minds of mankind. Wisdom can only be found in God through Christ, the source of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

Text: Ecclesiastes 6   The Pointless Pursuit of All Earthly Things (6:1-6) Satisfaction cannot be found in wealth, possessions, and honor. Satisfaction cannot be achieved in a full bank account, a thriving family, and a long life. Satisfaction can only be found in an eternal God who put eternity in our hearts.   The Limitless Longing in All People (6:7-9) We all have an insatiable desire that cannot be satisfied apart from God. We can either find our satisfaction in God, or we can chase after the wind.   The Certain Cycle of All Events (6:10-12) Human words and effort cannot change the inevitable end of all things. There is no meaning to life apart from God. Consider Christ, the Bread of Life as your ultimate satisfaction (John 6:35).

One of our elders, Sid Werges, preaches to us from John 15:12-13.

Text: Ecclesiastes 5   The Posture of Intentional Worship (5:1-7) As we worship God, we are called to guard our steps carefully, take our vows seriously, and approach God humbly in awe.   The Poverty of Loving Money (5:8-17) We must recognize the fleeting and unsatisfying nature of pursuing wealth.   The Pleasure of God-Centered Contentment (5:18-20) We must learn to be content in the Lord and find joy in His sufficient provision for us.

Text: Ecclesiastes 4   Oppression Without Comfort (4:1-3) Oppression without comfort leads to misery and despair.   Envy With Anxiety (4:4-6) Envy with anxiety leads to a dissatisfied restlessness.   Wealth Without Contentment and Community (4:7-8) Wealth without contentment and community leads to loneliness and emptiness.   Life With Companionship (4:9-12) Life with companionship leads to community and wholeness.

Text: Ecclesiastes 3    God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Comprehensive (3:1-8) The statements in these verses give the full range of the human experience after the Fall in Genesis 3. From birth to death and everything in between, there are no gaps in God's sovereignty and His plan of redemption.   God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Providential (3:9-15) God has created everything for His glorious purpose; therefore, He will make all things beautiful according to His time. God has put eternity in our finite hearts; therefore, our toil only makes sense and brings joy when it is God-centered.   God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Just (3:16-22) God stands as the eternal Judge over all; therefore, He will execute justice according to His will. In the end, death comes to us all; instead of living in denial, we must be prepared for it.

Our Youth Director, Drew Erickson preaches on Revelation 1: Christ the Son of Man is the ruler over the kings of the earth and will build His Church and save His people from every tribe, tongue, nation, people and language.  Christ, the Son of Man will return in glory, and all those who have rejected Him will be judged.

Text: Ecclesiastes 2   The Emptiness of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3) The pursuit of pleasure apart from God may lead to momentary happiness, but ends in permanent emptiness.   The Futility of Worldly Achievement (2:4-11) The pursuit of finding life's meaning in worldly achievement may take you to the top, but it will ultimately end in gaining nothing.   The Limitations of Worldly Wisdom (2:12-17) The pursuit of intellectualism may lead to acquiring knowledge, but the wise and fool all come to the same end in death.   The Satisfaction of God-centered Living (2:18-26) All accomplishments and achievements without God at the center lead to emptiness and frustration Satisfaction in life is found in the hand of God, who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy.

Text: Ecclesiastes 1   Life is Short in Light of Eternity (1:1-7) Our lives are the equivalent of a vapor that appears for a brief time. When our lives are centered on God, then our focus is not on the brevity and emptiness of this life, but on eternal life.   Life is Wearisome Under the Sun (1:8-11) Our lives can feel exhausting, monotonous, and futile. When our lives are centered on God, then our satisfaction is found in Him and His Word.   Life is Meaningless Apart from God (1:12-18) Our lives are wrapped up in striving and searching for meaning. When are lives are centered on God, then our life is not meaningless striving after the wind, but pursuing God and His wisdom.

“Ecclesiastes: Living in Light of the End” (Book Overview)    The Author of Ecclesiastes The human author is announced in 1:1 as the “Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” This is most likely referring to Solomon, who also wrote the Book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon. When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom instead of wealth and honor, which God granted to him in abundance. (1 Kings 3:5-15). However, Solomon went astray from God's wisdom to following His own heart. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as he seeks to make sense of his life.   The Arrangement of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes is bookended with these phrases: “All is vanity” and “Fear God and keep His commandments.” The word vanity is a key word in the book that refers to life being a “breath” or “vapor.” Ecclesiastes is arranged for the reader to see what life looks like when it is lived backwards.   The Aim of Ecclesiastes The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to help us to live our lives backwards – in light of the end. This book helps us to loosen our grip on the temporal and live for the eternal.

The Priority of Obedience - Psalm 119:1-8   The perspective of all the faithful on the priority of obedience (vv. 1-3)   They experience the happiness of obedience (vv. 1-2) They experience the practicality of obedience (v. 3)   The perspective of God on the priority of obedience (v. 4)   His standard concerning obedience (v. 4a) His burden concerning obedience (v. 4b)   The perspective of the psalmist on the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8)   His positively phrased plea for enablement points to the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8a) His negatively phrased plea for communion points to the priority of obedience (v. 8b)