Podcasts about qohelet

Ecclesiastes begins:  The Words of the Preacher (Qohelet), son of David, King in Jerusalem, which references Solomon or someone in the Davidic Line.  Qohelet famously exclaims (in the King James), Vanity of Vanities, All is Vanity! T he ancient Hebrew uses “Hevel,” which differs from “vanity” in that it signifies empty air, like the breath we emit on a cold day.   Akin to our concept of vanity, however, the lament centers on much of life being meaningless. There is a notion that the Preacher is playing a role, pointing out how grim existence is without Faith.  He continues:   What profit hath a man of all his labors which he taketh under the sun?  In other words, What good has all your earthly work accomplished?  Further, the phrase, “under the sun” aptly contrasts our world with the transcendence of the heavens beyond. One generation passeth away and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever. The sun also arisesth, and the sun goeth down, and hastens to the place he rose.This poetry clashes with the majesty of the Creation story.  It is often considered part of ancient pessimistic wisdom literature, which lays bare the sadness and mundaneness endemic to life – in terms of the endless cycle of growth, decay and death.   However, this is the despair of one who lacks a view of the transcendent.    Qohelet continues to speak to fundamental observations every generation will uncover: The winds goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and returneth again according to its circuits.  The waters do the same – all rivers run into the sea;  yet the sea is not full.  The poetry is symbolicfor humanity never being able to get their fill from materialistic gains.   All things are full of labour; but man cannot express it.  The eye is not satisfied with seeing; nor the ear with hearing.  Though cryptic, this is generally understood to mean that no matter how wise, one will never fully understand this world.  Much is ineffable, including the questions of: Why are we here?, Why are things as they are?, Why is there suffering?, What is our purpose?  The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be, and thatwhich shall be done.  AND THERE IS NOTHINGNEW UNDER THE SUN.Is there anything whereof it may be said, see this is new?Truly, it hath been already of Old Time, which was before us.  There is no remembrance of former things, neithershall there be any remembrance of things to come .What we observe each day, so full-of-life and brilliant, will decay and die.   As to material riches (jewels, an amazing house, fancy car or new toy), they will lose luster.  All around us will be gone and forgotten. This goes for he who lived hundreds of years ago, just as it does for those who will be born hundreds of years from now.  Only though the Almighty, can we obtainsomething lasting.  Qohelet describes himself as King all over Israel in Jerusalem – the only mention of Israel in the Book.  In the mold of Solomon, Qohelet was renowned for his wisdom through contrasting the philosophies of the day and pursuing all knowledge under the sun.   Qohelet was in the position to find answers and guide humanity, but discovered there is only so much we can know.  He concludes that such pursuits are as futile as trying to capture the wind. His words imply that within each of us is the desire for a connection with something more, referencing the Bread of Life that Deuteronomy and Jesus speak to. Qohelet also devoted himself to madness and folly, perhaps referencing hedonistic pleasure and the hundredsof wives Solomon was attributed. His conclusion remained,  All is Vanity and Vexation of spirit.   Simply, you better look beyond Man for something more. To close the chapter Qohelet announces:  The wiser you become, the more you get frustrated in realizing what you don't know. For in much wisdom there is much grief; and he that increases knowledges increases sorrow.

Ludwig Monti"Il figlio, Gesù"Edizioni San Paolowww.edizionisanpaolo.itPietra miliare nella storia della Chiesa, il Concilio di Nicea, contro Ario che sosteneva che il Figlio Gesù fosse una semplice “creatura” e quindi “inferiore” al Padre, proclamò invece che «Gesù Cristo è Dio da Dio, luce da luce, Dio vero da Dio vero, generato, non creato, consostanziale al Padre». Cosa vuol dire tutto ciò? Chi è Gesù Cristo per noi, oggi? Partendo da questa domanda decisiva, Ludwig Monti, fine esegeta, nel presente volume ci propone un percorso che dalla cristologia “alta” di Nicea ci riporta a quella dei Vangeli. Lo fa prendendo in esame alcuni incontri di Gesù, lungo il suo ministero pubblico: relazioni che testimoniano il suo essere il Figlio di Dio nel suo “esserci-per-altri”. In una parola, la “pre-esistenza” del Figlio vista come “pro-esistenza”, vita donata per gli altri, come ben emerge dai racconti della passione, morte e resurrezione, culmine di questo percorso. Il Concilio di Nicea, dunque, come più volte ribadito da Papa Francesco, «affermando che il Figlio è della stessa sostanza del Padre, mette in luce qualcosa di essenziale: in Gesù possiamo conoscere il volto di Dio e, allo stesso tempo, anche il volto dell'uomo, scoprendoci figli nel Figlio e fratelli tra di noi».Ludwig Monti, già monaco della Comunità di Bose, è nato a Forlì nel 1974. Si è laureato presso l'Università di Bologna in Lettere Classiche, con una tesi in Letteratura Cristiana Antica (1993-1998). In seguito ha conseguito un Dottorato di ricerca in Ebraistica presso l'Università di Torino (2001-2004). Biblista e saggista, collabora alle riviste Parola, Spirito e Vita, Ricerche storico bibliche, Rivista Biblica, Rivista del Clero Italiano, Rivista Liturgica, Vita Pastorale e Credere. Tra i suoi volumi: Una comunità alla fine della storia. Messia e messianismo a Qumran (Paideia, 2006); Le parole dure di Gesù (Qiqajon, 2012); I Salmi: preghiera e vita (Qiqajon, 2018); Gesù, uomo libero (Qiqajon, 2020); L'infinito viaggiare. Abramo e Ulisse (EDB, 2020; con B. Salvarani). Con Edizioni San Paolo ha pubblicato: Le domande di Gesù (2019); Qohelet e Gesù (2021). Insieme a M. Cucca e F. Giuntoli ha curato la Bibbia uscita in 3 volumi per Einaudi nel 2021 (ideatore: E. Bianchi).IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarewww.ilpostodelleparole.itDiventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.

Ecclesiastes or Qohelet  is a stand-out Bible book which has the potential to catch readers at the wrong time and infect them with a perception that life is meaningless.  However, if read at the right time, it is a window to what life is without living a God-centered life. This mysterious Book contrasts observable life cycles “under the sun,” versus the majesty of the heavens beyond.  It is especially relatable to the experiences of those not interested in Scripture; as many are compelled to concede the timeless Wisdom within. The Hebrew Title, Qohelet, remains something of a mystery.  The root, something like the sounds Q-H-L make, has been interpreted to mean: to assemble. We have a hint of a meaning, that begins with Q, which for for millennia has signified the unknown.  Qohlet later came to be interpreted to mean:  Preacher, in the sense of one who speaks or assembles sayings of wisdom in a House of God.  Another related interpretation is a searcher for truth. The Hebrew etymology influenced the Greek title. The Septuagint chose Ecclesiastes, with the Greek word "ekklesia" (ἐκκλησία), originally meaning "assembly" in a secular context, but later came to be used to refer to a church congregation.  Ecclesia, in Latin, correspondingly came to mean church and the Spanish and French are similar: iglesia and église. All are synonymous with an assemblage for the most sacred purpose.The Greek title references a searching for or an assembling of profound observations speaking to those cycles of life that are objectively observable.  There are certainly timeless observations in this Book, most notably from Chapter 3: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matterunder heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck/take/ up what isplanted (reap); a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stonestogether;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. In the opening verse of the initial chapter, Qohelet is identified as a son of David, which could refer to Solomon the Wise. Pointing to Solomon are multiple references to the Preacher's extravagant wealth There is also scholarly and rabbinical thought that this could reference one from the Davidic Line. Qohlet does have the persona of a radical preacher whose lessons shock you into listening.   There is some chance the writer of this Book was influenced by Greek thought as this material is thought to have been written around time of Alexander the Great, who conquered Palestine in 333 B.C., when there were substantial Hebrew trade and cultural connections with the Greeks.  Overall, the Preacher is attributed as having examined various philosophies of life.  Each of us in our own way, search and contend with the meaning of life but relatively few explore the subject so vigorously and adeptly. Many, just live and pick up what they can.  Some are those said to be in tune with the ways of life without questioning same.  They live more analyze.  This Book indicates either of these methods is NOT necessarily more fruitful.  There is an implicit admonition by Qohlet against the pride of intellectualism. A critical lesson of the Book is that searching for purpose apart from God is meaningless and the simple as well as intelligent come this realization, or miss the mark, in different ways, all in accord with our ability.  Simply, living by Man's way, or doing what is right in one's own eyes, is as futile trying to catch the wind.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14by Luke Wisley

Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8- Andrew Tran

Where am I going in life? This tends to captivate the modern mind. Qohelet, the author of Ecclesiastes, says that is our very source of pain. Workism is making us miserable, oppression is widespread, and people are lonely. Even wisdom fails in securing fame. In this chapter (4), we're offered a new question to ask. For our hearts to be indexed away from me, and to focus on we.

Ecclesiastes 9.13 - 10.20 and 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 by Tony Watts

Ecclesiastes 8:1-9:3, 9:9-12, Romans 8:37-39 By: Robert Ewers

Ecclesiastes 7.1 - 8.1 by Carl Robinson

Hoe zou je het vinden, na alles wat we geleerd hebben over de inhoud van de Bijbel, om te horen dat het leven zinloos is? Lucht en leegte, even ongrijpbaar als de wind? Misschien zou je de Bijbel wel dichtslaan. Toch is dit precies wat het boek Prediker doet. Maar wacht nog even! Voor je je handen in de lucht gooit: het boek gaat veel dieper dan deze oppervlakkige visie dat het leven niets voorstelt. Het eerste vers stelt ons voor aan ‘Prediker', een zoon van David en koning in Jeruzalem. Je kunt het Hebreeuwse woord voor Prediker, Qohelet, ook vertalen met ‘Leraar'. Letterlijk betekent het zelfs ‘iemand die mensen samenbrengt'. Wie deze man werkelijk was, dat weten we niet. Sommigen denken Salomo, of een latere koning. Of het is iemand die zich voordoet als een ‘Salomo-achtig figuur'. Om eerlijk te zijn, het is niet heel relevant om te weten wie deze Prediker is. Prediker is namelijk niet de auteur van dit Bijbelboek, maar een personage. Dat is een belangrijk onderscheid. Als schrijver gebruik ik personages om een bepaald punt te maken, maar dat wil niet zeggen dat ik het eens ben met wat hij/zij doet of zegt. Ik heb hem/haar wel nodig om het verhaal in een bepaalde richting te duwen. De auteur van Prediker gebruikt deze verteller op dezelfde manier. Hij introduceert Prediker, laat hem een monoloog houden en aan het eind vat hij samen wat Prediker heeft gezegd en verbindt er een conclusie aan. ‘Alles is leegte' ‘Lucht en leegte', begint Prediker. ‘Lucht en leegte, alles is leegte.' Feitelijk zegt hij, ‘Het leven is als rook. Je ziet het, je voelt het, maar het is ongrijpbaar en kan zomaar uit je handen glippen.' Hij gebruikt talloze voorbeelden om aan te tonen dat het eigenlijk niet uitmaakt wat wij doen. Zo heeft Prediker als koning feesten georganiseerd waarbij de wijn rijkelijk vloeide, paleizen en wijngaarden gebouwd, goud en zilver verzameld en het bed gedeeld met vele vrouwen. Hij is er niet gelukkiger van geworden (veel van deze dingen gaan zelfs tegen de geboden van God in). Sterker nog, tragedie lag altijd om de hoek. Hij krijgt zelfs een afkeer van het leven. Prediker is misschien daarom wel één van mijn minst favoriete Bijbelboeken. Het is allemaal zo neerslachtig en als je niet uitkijkt, ga je mee in de redenatie van Prediker en word je zelf depressief. Ik heb me zelfs vaak afgevraagd waarom dit boek eigenlijk is opgenomen in de Bijbel. Maar het punt is dat de schrijver Prediker tot de conclusie laat komen dat het leven niets voorstelt zolang hij de zin van het leven buiten God zoekt. Hoeveel mensen ken je niet die alleen maar voor feesten leven? Of voor geld verdienen? Of voor seks buiten het huwelijk en ander vluchtig genot? Dat heeft allemaal geen zin, ontdekt ook Prediker. De tijd tikt gestaag door en niets verandert. Onrecht en verdrukking zijn van alle tijden. Uiteindelijk ga je dood en weet niemand meer wie je was. Waarom zou je überhaupt betekenis zoeken in het leven? Waarom zou je hard werken om je doelen te realiseren? Denk eens aan alles wat het je kost! Tijd, energie, stress… Geniet van je jeugd Toch is Prediker zich bewust van God. Af en toe benoemt hij dat we God niet moeten vergeten en dat het beter is te leven zoals Hij dat wil. Dan is het wel degelijk mogelijk om vreugde te vinden in het leven, te genieten van eten en drinken, je (eigen!) vrouw te beminnen. Hij adviseert dus dat we ‘lucht en leegte' accepteren en dat we een ‘gematigd' leven leiden. Geniet vooral ook van de dagen van je jeugd, maar wel met ontzag voor God. Hier zie je weer het centrale thema van de Bijbel terugkomen, de oproep om op God te vertrouwen. Dat werkt bevrijdend. Als je op God vertrouwt, ben je namelijk in staat om te genieten van alledaagse dingen. Dan hoef je niet altijd maar ‘meer, meer, meer'. Dat is geen gemakkelijke les, geeft de auteur in de epiloog toe. Hij zegt dat we moeten luisteren naar de wijze lessen van Prediker, ook al zijn ze zo ‘scherp en puntig als een ossenprik'. Maar ga ook niet té ver. Je kunt je hele leven wel studeren om het geheim van het leven te ontrafelen, maar dat zal je niet lukken. ‘Alles wat je hebt gehoord, komt hierop neer: heb ontzag voor God, leef zijn geboden na. Dat geldt voor ieder mens, want God oordeelt over elke daad, ook over de verborgen daden, zowel over de goede als de slechte.' - Prediker 12:13-14

Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12 - Frank

Ecclesiastes 5.1-7 by Jesse Willsmore

Ecclesiastes 4:4-16 - Andrew Tran

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:3 Romans 8:18-25 - Andrew Tran

Ecclesiastes 1.12 - 2.26

Año XVIII. Núm. 111. El Libro del Eclesiastés nos ayuda a ubicarnos en nuestra existencia.

This week, BibleWorm continues our look at Ecclesiastes, aka Qohelet, focusing on 1:4-11 and 3:1-11. We ask ourselves—is it really true there is nothing new under the sun. We look at that most famous poem “To everything there is a season,” and see exactly why you'd best not look at only the net total of life's experiences. And we wonder what Qohelet might say about issues of justice in our time.

This week, BibleWorm begins our summer series on the Hebrew Festival scrolls with a look at Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 and 8:16-9:10. We discuss Qohelet's idea that everything is mere breath and ask what it means to live in a world where nothing adds up to much of anything. We talk about the inscrutability of God and why good people often suffer while the wicked get all the rewards. We ask whether it is possible to accomplish anything meaningful in life and, if not, how we might be better off to reorient our goals to enjoy the moments of each day, whether playing with a toddler or listening to the birds sing. Also, Amy asks what kind of person would use Ecclesiastes as a wedding text. Hint: It was not Amy.

Pour fêter notre 50e épisode, on a décidé de s'attaquer à un gros morceau : le Livre de l'Ecclésiaste, aussi appelé Livre de Qohélet.Quelles sont les influences philosophiques de ce livre de sagesse ? Que raconte-t-il et comment se termine ce livre surprenant ?Réponse avec Lana Del Rey, The Who, The Weeknd (et le reste de la semaine aussi), The Byrds… bref, plein de groupes anglophones qui commencent par The. Mais aussi avec un peu d'arithmétique, un peu d'hébreu et même une pointe de reggae.Il y a un temps pour tout, et le moment est venu d'écouter ce podcast sous le soleil !Bien prixmement vôtre,Toute l'équipe au complet (que des numéros 10 dans ma Team)Pour aller plus loin, découvrez nos articles ayant inspiré ce podcast :https://www.prixm.org/articles/introduction-au-livre-de-l-ecclesiaste-qohelet-bible = intro généralehttps://www.prixm.org/articles/vanite-et-poursuite-de-vent-la-vie-et-la-mort-qohelet-bible = tout ça c'est du venthttps://www.prixm.org/articles/il-y-a-un-temps-pour-tout-bible-ecclesiastique = il y a un temps pour touthttps://www.prixm.org/articles/rien-de-nouveau-sous-le-soleil-origine-bible-qohelet-nietzsche-eternel-retour = Rien de nouveau sous le soleilhttps://www.prixm.org/articles/vanite-des-vanites-tout-est-vanite-bible-explication = vanité des vanités x Abel la buéeHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Join us in hearing from Pastor Jeremy Carmichael in his current series, Making Sense of Life as we go through Ecclesiastes, and hear about "The Vanity of Wisdom".In this sermon, you will hear an answer to the following three points:1. What is wisdom?2. Why does Qohelet conclude that the pursuit is vain?3. How does Jesus save us from this vanity?Do you have some more questions for us? Send them to online@gardenvalleychurch.org!

ACERCA DE LA SERIE: Salomón, quien se cree que es el autor de Esclesiastés, reflexiona sobre sus acciones en las distintas etapas de la vida. Ha tenido una vida larga, intensa y plena. Ha tenido acceso a riquezas, conocimiento, placer y a través de estos a intentado razonar la función del hombre en la tierra. Pidió sabiduría a Dios y este se la concedió en abundancia. Está en toda la capacidad de ofrecer una visión amplia sobre cómo disfrutar la vida debajo del sol. Sus reflexiones deben ser estudiadas de manera íntegra, como una predica, para no sacar de contexto sus posiciones iniciales. ACERCA DEL MENSAJE: Este es el primer mensaje de una serie corta basada en uno de los libros más fascinantes e interesantes de la Biblia: Eclesiastés, también conocido como Qohelet.  Nos resistimos al tiempo y sus cambios, bajo la ilusión de una “vida estable”, y la estabilidad es eso: humo, vapor. La mayoría de las personas se aferra a cada época como si aferrarse ayudase a que el tiempo se vuelva más lineal, más… estable. Sin embargo, la sabiduría que nos ofrece el pasaje es: “Hay algo con lo que no puedes luchar, cada tiempo tiene sus características y su bagaje, y nada puede cambiarlo.” Audio MP3 Fecha: 05 de Mayo, 2024 Autor: Fausto Liriano

J.J. and Dr. Menachem Fisch decided that this is the time for studying the philosophy of the book of Qohelet, and they don't study it in vain. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgFor more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcastsMenachem Fisch is the Joseph and Ceil Mazer Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy of Science at Tel Aviv University and Co-Director of the Frankfurt-Tel Aviv Center for the Study of Religious and Interreligious Dynamics. He has published widely on the history of 19th century British science and mathematics, on rationality and agency, and the philosophy of Talmudic legal reasoning. His recent work explores the limits of normative self-criticism, transformative dialogue, rabbinicliterature's dispute of religiosity, the rationality of scientific framework transitions, Jewishresources for a pluralist political liberalism, the theo-political roots of Israel's retreat frompolitical Zionism, and reflexive emotions.

Laura Bernardi"Il timor di Dio"Oltre il rispetto e senza pauraEdizioni Messaggero Padovawww.edizionimessaggero.itChe cos'è il timor di Dio? Spesso questo atteggiamento è recepito alla stregua di un sentimento di riguardo, legato alla soggezione provata di fronte a qualcosa – a Qualcuno – di più grande, verso il quale non è possibile altro che stupore, devozione e riconoscenza; altre volte viene assimilato all'inquietudine generata dall'antico monito “Dio ti vede!”, che porta in sé qualcosa di misterioso e più strettamente minaccioso. Oltre il rispetto e senza paura, accompagnati da Qohelet – acuto e sensibile sapiente dell'Antico Testamento – in questo testo cerchiamo invece di individuare una possibile rilettura e applicazione del timor di Dio, lasciandoci guidare da ciò che egli osserva e descrive nel suo lungo e attento meditare, fino alla sintesi con cui afferma che «Chi teme Dio riesce bene in tutto» (Qo 7,18).Laura Bernardi, docente di religione cattolica presso la scuola secondaria di secondo grado, ha conseguito la licenza in teologia nell'indirizzo di Studi biblici presso la Facoltà teologica dell'Italia Settentrionale di Milano. Collabora con la Scuola di spiritualità dell'Istituto teologico Sant'Antonio Dottore di Padova e con l'Ufficio per l'insegnamento della religione cattolica della diocesi di Piacenza-Bobbio.IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarewww.ilpostodelleparole.itDiventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.

A conversation with Rabbi Aubrey L. Glazer.

•Thriller• Italien 1551: Während sich der Strick der Inquisition immer enger um die Miquez und ihre Verbündeten zieht, macht sich Ludwig daran, seinen ewigen Widersacher Q zur finalen Abrechnung aus dem Versteck zu locken. // Von Luther Blissett / WDR 2018 // www.wdr.de/k/hoerspiel-newsletter Von Luther Blissett.

As we come to the end of this book, Qohelet encourages us to ponder deeply the meaning of life, despite all the meaningless we face everyday. Given the shortness of life, make sure you are living for what really matters!

This Sunday we'll also be back with Qohelet for a couple more weeks as we wrap up our study on the book of Ecclesiastes.

We are nearing the end of this rich book. Qohelet begins offering more guidance about how to live well. This week in chapter 11:1-6, he offers some guidance about how to live a purposeful life in the face of such an uncertain world.

This Sunday we'll be looking at the subject of suffering and how to deal wisely with our seasons of pain. As we process the atrocities of the terrorist attacks in Israel, and the many innocent children, women and men who have been killed in Israel and Gaza, it is overwhelming to know what to do, what to think, or how to pray. Qohelet offers us wisdom to think about not just our own suffering, but also the suffering we witness in the world. ** This sermon was co-written by Corey Widmer and Kevin Germer of Christ Presbyterian Church, Richmond Sermon sources: - Philip Ryken, “Why Everything Matters”. The open story about Thomas Boston comes from Ryken's chapter on this section. - David Gibson, "Living Life Backwards." The “Legoland” illustration idea comes from chapter 3 of this book - Zack Eswine, “Recovering Eden.” - Christopher JH Wright, “Hearing the Book of Ecclesiastes” - Peter Enns, “Ecclesiastes”

In the Scripture text for this Sunday, Qohelet turns back to his research on on the meaning of life, this time exploring the topic of money and wealth.

This Sunday we'll look at the serious subject of injustice, and how Qohelet grieves over the way things often work in the world. Notes for the sermon “The Scandal of Injustice,” Oct 1, 2023 ** This sermon was co-written by Corey Widmer and Kevin Germer of Christ Presbyterian Church, Richmond Sermon sources: - Miroslav Volf, “Exclusion and Embrace” - Christopher JH Wright, “Hearing the Book of Ecclesiastes” - Philip Ryken, “Why Everything Matters” - Peter Enns, “Ecclesiastes”

This Sunday we'll continue our journey with Qohelet, this time looking at this experiment with work. Can the work of our hands bring meaning and significance to our lives under the sun?

This week, we'll be getting into the rest of chapter 1 and a bit of chapter 2, learning about Qohelet's experimentation with knowledge and wisdom.

This week, we'll be getting into the rest of chapter 1 and a bit of chapter 2, learning about Qohelet's experimentation with knowledge and wisdom.

This week, our Scholar-in-Residence, Professor David Sperling, led our group in a discussion of the Afterlife of King Solomon. The books of Proverbs, Qohelet, and the Song of Songs, are known as Wisdom Literature and are attributed to King Solomon, although they were probably written centuries later. But such was the reputation of Solomon that attributing it to Solomon might have given the texts more weight. The text of this podcast is available on our blog.If you like this podcast, you might enjoy the book Biblical Origins: The Political Intent of the Bible's Writers, by renowned Bible scholar Dr. S. David Sperling.

Pastor Tom Ascol continues with his series on Ecclesiastes. Today’s message, entitled “rejoice and remember,’ is built around Chapter 11:7 through Chapter 12:8. Modern western culture seems obsessed with youthfulness. Yet youth is fleeting. Since aging and death are certain, Qohelet, the Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes, urges readers to recognize these truths and remember their Creator to enjoy life. The Preacher has little sympathy for superficial outlooks on life. He is realistic; life must be lived in a fallen world. While this sounds discouraging it need not be. Throughout, Ecclesiastes has shown we are to enjoy life. In today’s passage, we are taught enjoyment is possible through remembering our Creator. The Preacher tells us life is good, full of blessings we often take for granted. These blessings, the author uses light as one example, are worthy of rejoicing, particularly as we recognize their origin in the Creator. Still, as we rejoice we are warned, remember the coming “days of darkness.” No one escapes life without many days of darkness. Real joy, however, is not dependent on painless, problem free living. Paul, in fact, wrote he was “sorrowful yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). While we may have troubles and sorrows, as we remember we have a loving Savior sovereignly watching over us we too can be sorrowful yet rejoicing. Qohelet moves on. He calls out to and encourages young people. He understands youth are to make the most of their life, walking in the way of their heart, consciously removing vexations, unnecessary stresses and worries. It is a time of opportunities with a life ahead. The call is for the young to dedicate themselves to remembering and knowing their Creator, knowing and living within the bounds of Scripture as a day of judgment is coming to those who ignore God for the “fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Rejoice responsibly then, knowing what is yet to come. Rejoicing in one’s youth can done properly only as one remembers one’s Creator. Parents have a responsivity to train the young. As the young get older they assume some of that responsibility. Remembering the Creator when you are young prepares you for that which is ahead. Old age with its accompanying problems await those who, for a time, escape death. The Preacher writes beautiful poetry warning of these trouble affecting teeth (grinders), eyes (windows), hearing (doors on the street), and more, sleep, the voice, balance, fears, greying, physical disabilities, desire and death. Far better to know the Creator, to establish a relationship of trust and presence, when one is young in preparation for the time of trouble, then to wait until one is in those troubles. Besides, God neither owes nor makes guarantees regarding times to come to Him. God says, “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Those who delay do so at their own eternal peril. Still, God waits for the living to come to Him. Trust Him through the completed work of Jesus Christ so you may remember your Creator and rejoice in the life God has given. This sermon was given by Dr. Tom Ascol on February 19, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Join the FAM at press.founders.org/fam to support and enable Founders Ministries to continue producing free content. Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ Subscribe to Founders Ministries: https://fo

Pastor Tom Ascol continues his series on Ecclesiastes with a message entitled “Entrepreneurship in the Kingdom of God” built upon Ecclesiastes 11:1 – 6. Our passage today calls us to become entrepreneurs of life. We are to stop playing it safe and living scared. Rather, we are to live openly, daring to make a difference. Though the initial illustration may not be clear to present-day readers, the lessons in our passage are plain. First, be bold yet wise. In biblical times setting to sea was risky but after the return voyage it was usually very profitable. Investing may not be as tricky today as in the past but it can be just as risky so wisdom is still a necessity. Nevertheless, investing helps build for the future. Further, Qohelet, the author of Ecclesiastes, advises us to diversify our investments, similar to today’s warning about putting all our eggs in one basket. Though interpreters are split about whether v. 2 speaks to benevolence or aggressive investment, we may not need make a distinction. Instead, there is merit in both positons We should give generously and invest aggressively to have even more to give in the future. God, after all, is the great Giver, having given His Son for our salvation. We need his righteousness; we need the atonement only His death can supply. Have you received of God’s generous giving? There is no reason, however, to think these verses apply only to our money. The same that is true of our treasure is true with our time and our talent. Our lives should be marked by meeting needs in whatever manner is appropriate. Perhaps the greatest of those needs is making Christ known. Qohelet, however, is not calling us to some romanticized view of life. Instead, he wants us to invest our lives for a good cause. Obviously, we do not know everything and so we rely on God. However, we do know somethings; a full cloud will spill rain, a tree lands where it lands when it falls Just as a farmer always afraid to sow due to weather conditions will not have a harvest, every hesitancy to take a risk for Christ comes with a plausible rationalization? Believers are to leverage their lives for the Lord. Qohelet continues. We are to work humbly and hopefully. We should know our place; we are but creatures and fallen creatures at that. We know little of the noble workings of God. When we accept our positon, we are on the way to living for him, the life to which we were originally called. Working humbly, investing wisely, trusting God will then give true hope. We will be bound up in God’s plan, living our lives for him as we should. God calls us to be entrepreneurs for the kingdom. At the end better by far to hear “well done good and faithful servant” than to hear “you wicked and slothful servant.” Live your life for Christ, use that which has been entrusted to you for Him. Bring Him glory by the way you live the life He has given you. This sermon was given by Dr. Tom Ascol on February 12, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Join the FAM at press.founders.org/fam to support and enable Founders Ministries to continue producing free content. Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ Subscribe to Founders Ministries: https://founders.org/enews/ All Founders Ministries resources are copyrighted and any use and distribution must be approved by Founders Ministries.

Pastor Tom Ascol continues his series on Ecclesiastes with a message entitled “Of Flies, Snakes and Birds: The Value of Wisdom and Danger of Folly” centered on Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20. The lives of many people, people striving to live life wisely, have been stained by a temporary lapse of judgment speaking foolish words or carrying out some foolish actions. Such a lapse shows the value of wisdom and the danger of folly. The lesson is simple, be wise and avoid folly, but living that lesson is difficult. Yet, Qohelet, the author of Ecclesiastes, writes wisdom is important in governance. Wisdom can overcome what appears to be great disadvantage. Even a poor, wise man can advise a king. When wisdom is disregarded, as the butler forgot Joseph in Joseph’s prison narrative, it is forgotten to the hurt of people. Wisdom should be preferred to foolishness but wisdom is vulnerable. One foolish move can spoil years of wisdom; a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The vulnerability points to the need to exercise care in choosing friends. Foolish friends lead others astray and do foolish things which impugn the wisdom of the wise. One need look no further than Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Upon becoming king, he listened to foolish advisors ignoring the wisdom of experienced men, to his hurt and the hurt and division of the nation! Wisdom and folly lead to different inclinations, wisdom to the right, a biblical place of blessing, while folly leads to the left, a place of lesser blessing or cursing. Being wise leads to understanding. It is the mark of a person of God. Fools, on the other hand, do not look to God, losing site of the fundamental reality that they are creatures of a great Creator. What is worse, folly in high places turns the world upside-down. Qohelet then goes on to give four examples of the failure to exercise wisdom such as a stone cutter falling prey to a large rock falling on him. While folly can harm your daily life being wise improves it. Qohelet also gives examples of wisdom in action. Qohelet concludes with several proverbs, some dealing with our manner of speech. The words of the wise win him favor. This was true of Jesus even as fools turned from or against Him. Thus, our speech should be reminiscent of Jesus’ speech, seasoned with salt, full of light. Otherwise, just as with fools, our words may consume us. Jesus noted that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Are our words kind, edifying, building up or do our words tear down? Do our words exude wisdom or reflect foolishness? The Bible states the fool says there is no God. It also states the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Have you exercised basic wisdom and come to the Lord not only for wisdom but salvation? It is only Jesus, by His completed work on the Cross of Calvary, that can save us. Come to Him today. This sermon was given by Dr. Tom Ascol on February 5, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Join the FAM at press.founders.org/fam to support and enable Founders Ministries to continue producing free content. Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ Subscribe to Founders Ministries: https://founders.org/enews/ All Founders Ministries resources are copyrighted and any use and distribution must be approved by Founders Ministries.

Pastor Tom Ascol continues the series in Ecclesiastes with a message entitled “Enjoy Your Life in a Fallen World” built upon Ecclesiastes 9:1–12. An initial reading of today’s passage might leave one to believe no matter how hopeful a situation may be, there is always a likely downside. This pessimism tinges a person’s outlook robbing them of experiencing deep, genuine joy. In one sense, living “under the sun” as we have seen, this pessimism may make sense but believers are charged to live with joy. In fact, Ecclesiastes is a book about joy. Today’s text informs us the world is broken. Nevertheless, our lives are gifts from God and are to be enjoyed. Honest reflection show obvious troubles in life yet obedience to the imperatives in this chapter will create joy for the obeying believer. In verses 1–6 the author, Qohelet, recalls from Chapter 8 that man cannot grasp all God’s work on earth. He then moves to Chapter 9 and points out that all humanity is subject to the same realities, good and bad. Though we rightly aspire to wisdom and righteousness, we all are under the inscrutable sovereignty and will of God. Our understanding is limited by our fallibility and our limited power of evaluation. Recognizing the reality of sin and the consequences of sin are absolutely foundational to thinking rightly about life. Qohelet tells us what we already know; death is coming. Still while there is life there is hope, hope of being forgiven and being reconciled to God. For this sin is the very reason Jesus came into the world. Powerless to save ourselves, powerless to even think rightly, we are all in need of a savior Therefore, there exists the need to entrust ourselves to the one with power to save and set things right. Verses 11 and 12 continue the author’s reflections on life. Unpredictable things happen. David and Goliath stories abound. Death comes unexpectedly. Like birds in snare or fish in a net, troubles and death come upon us unawares. Yet in the middle verses of this passage, verses 7–10, Qohelet encourages joy. Despite our individual circumstance, God has created the world for us to enjoy. There is no encouragement to sin, as, for example, might be the result of too much drink, but we ought to enjoy what eat and drink God has provided. Rejoice in what He has given, in what He has provided. Enjoy life with “the wife whom you love,” both directly encourages enjoyment and indirectly teaches love as a command. Finally do whatever you do joyously and wholeheartedly. Find something worth giving your life to and do it with delight and passion. The world is fallen so it cannot provide ultimate satisfaction. Neither can we make it work the way for which it was designed. Rather, recognizing God created it and continues to rule, we place our assurance in Him and move confidently to the future as we enjoy that which He has provided for the day. This sermon was given by Dr. Tom Ascol on January 22, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Join the FAM at press.founders.org/fam to support and enable Founders Ministries to continue producing free content. Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ Subscribe to Founders Ministries: https://founders.org/enews/ All Founders Ministries resources are copyrighted and any use and distribution must be approved by Founders Ministries.

Qohelet ends his teachings with a call to remember God while you are young. He describes in very poetic language what growing old is like. Once Qohelet's words are finished in 12:8, the narrator again chimes in to reiterate that all of this can be summed up succinctly: Fear God and keep His commandments. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

Qohelet ends his teachings with a call to remember God while you are young. He describes in very poetic language what growing old is like. Once Qohelet's words are finished in 12:8, the narrator again chimes in to reiterate that all of this can be summed up succinctly: Fear God and keep His commandments. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

Pastor Tom Ascol continues in the series on Ecclesiastes with a sermon entitled “How to Live Well” centered on Ecclesiastes 7:15 – 29. As we have seen, the author, Qohelet, has been brutally honest about life on earth having identified a seeming lack of fairness. In today’s passage, he wrestles with the unfairness of the young dying and the wicked prospering. Qohelet teaches three lessons the first of which is “Sometimes the world does not make sense.” The author is not alone in his struggle (for example, see Psalm 73). In fact, Qohelet claims attempting to ‘live by the rules’ does not guarantee things will go well. An honest assessment of life, from Abel to the present, teaches us our sin has broken the world and things are not fair. Thus, v. 16 teaches us not to have too much or too little regard for how we live. Of course, we should live in obedience to God seeking His glory. We are to fear the awesome God (v. 18). But, the danger in having too much regard for the way we live is that we then try to manipulate God, as if because of our presumed righteousness we can somehow demand or expect God’s blessing. This was the mistake of the Pharisees; living an externally holy life while ignoring the heart does not work. We should not expect guaranteed results in a world fallen away from God. The second lesson is that “Wisdom and righteousness are good but limited.” Wisdom is extolled throughout Scripture. There is, however, a limit to human wisdom, even the wisdom given to humans by God. We do not have the wisdom God has; His ultimate wisdom, the wisdom that explains everything including Qohelet’s observed apparent unfairness in life, is beyond our grasp. Similarly, we are limited in our righteousness. Paul, in Roman’s 3, even references Ecclesiastes; there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. We are all flawed, a truth that should make us humble in encountering the flaws of others. Just as we need mercy we should extend mercy. So, we cannot make life work by our own wisdom or our own righteousness. Both the wisdom and righteousness we need are only to be found through Jesus Christ. If we want to live well in this world we can do so only through trusting Jesus who will then become wisdom and righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:30). Our third lesson is “There are warnings that should govern our outlook on the world.” Qohelet gives us four. Verse 26 shows sin is seductive and destructive; vv. 27-28 shows ultimate meaning and purpose cannot be discovered through human ingenuity; v. 28 shows there are virtually no truly righteous people in the world, and; v. 29 shows the reason the world is broken is because of human sin. All this points to one overarching fact: the only way to find the lives for which we were created and for which we long, is to be reconciled to the God who made us, and the only way to be reconciled is through Jesus Christ. Today, humbly trust God in his goodness and love for us. This sermon was given by Dr. Tom Ascol on January 8, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Join the FAM at press.founders.org/fam to support and enable Founders Ministries to continue producing free content. Follow Founders Ministries: Website: https://founders.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundersMin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoundersMin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundersministries/ Subscribe to Founders Ministries: https://founders.org/enews/ All Founders Ministries resources are copyrighted and any use and distribution must be approved by Founders Ministries

With a series of imperatives Qohelet begins the last section of this "vain" book. He instructs the hearer to live life in the way of wisdom, which means to realize there are limits to what one can know. To involve oneself in diverse endeavors is good because the future is unknown to us. Ultimately, we should live life with the knowledge that God watches and judges all actions. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

With a series of imperatives Qohelet begins the last section of this "vain" book. He instructs the hearer to live life in the way of wisdom, which means to realize there are limits to what one can know. To involve oneself in diverse endeavors is good because the future is unknown to us. Ultimately, we should live life with the knowledge that God watches and judges all actions. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

The difference between wisdom and foolishness is stark. The Qohelet uses many examples to hammer home the idea that wisdom has great advantages for those who apply it, whereas foolishness can lead to a quick downfall. But still, wisdom can't answer all the questions you may have. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

The difference between wisdom and foolishness is stark. The Qohelet uses many examples to hammer home the idea that wisdom has great advantages for those who apply it, whereas foolishness can lead to a quick downfall. But still, wisdom can't answer all the questions you may have. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

The Qohelet is still perplexed by life and how things are distressing because there is no way to tell that what happens to the righteous is any different than what happens to the wicked. Yet he admonishes his readers still to the idea that God knows what he is doing and he has a plan. What is good to do for sure is to eat and drink and enjoy life with the loved ones God has given you--for "God approves of this!" Wisdom will have its limits, but in this at least, you kind find a daily peace and enjoyment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

The Qohelet is still perplexed by life and how things are distressing because there is no way to tell that what happens to the righteous is any different than what happens to the wicked. Yet he admonishes his readers still to the idea that God knows what he is doing and he has a plan. What is good to do for sure is to eat and drink and enjoy life with the loved ones God has given you--for "God approves of this!" Wisdom will have its limits, but in this at least, you kind find a daily peace and enjoyment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eatscripture/support

Ecclesiastes, along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Song of Solomon, is in the Wisdom Literature section of the Old Testament. These books deal with the way the world works. They mix direct statements with analogies and word pictures. Sometimes it addresses big problems—like why there is evil in the world—and other times it deals with smaller issues that can be addressed with common sense—reckless words are harmful so watch your mouth. Wisdom Literature is like philosophical writings of today with one BIG difference. Philosophy (love of wisdom) seeks to understand ourselves and the world around us in a humanistic way. Wisdom Literature seeks to understand ourselves and the world around us in a theological way. And, of course, Wisdom Literature is inspired by God. Ecclesiastes: Intro and Overview The Book The Hebrew title of the book is Qohelet, a word that means “Preacher,” or “Convener” or “Collector.” When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek (The Septuagint), the work ekklsia was used to describe “one who calls the assembly together.” The English versions kept the Greek title, Ecclesiastes. The Hebrew word, hebel, is found 29 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. It is a “multipurpose metaphor.” Literally, it means: “mist,” “vapor,” or “breath.” Figuratively it means: “meaningless” and “futile.” Throughout the book, Solomon describes life “under the sun” as short, elusive, confusing, and wearisome (Eccl 1:3-11). The Man Solomon was a man of wisdom, wealth, and power. The last verses of 1 Kings 4 tell us that God “gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29). He wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. People from all the nations came to hear him lecture on trees, plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. He “was wiser than all other men…” (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon's annual income of 666 talents of gold—a conservative estimate of $300 million in today's economy. Solomon had all the resources to try to address life's “vanity.” He tried to fill his empty soul with work, pleasure, and more money. But at the end of the day, all was futile “under the sun.” Solomon's conclusion After a life of trying to find satisfaction, Solomon concluded, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl 12:13-14). Solomon came to the realization that life “under the sun” was vanity. But life lived “over the sun,” loving God and an eternal perspective, counted for eternity. Why a Study of Ecclesiastes is Important 1. Ecclesiastes helps us deal with the biggest and hardest questions that we still ask today. 2. Ecclesiastes will help us live a life that truly honors God. Three Questions There are two kinds of people sitting at every funeral. There are those who say, “This is terrible, tragic, sad, and uncomfortable. I can't wait to get out of here.” There are others who see the box in front of the room and know that one day they will be in the box. This group contemplates three questions: How will I be remembered by my family first, and then others? What is my accounting before God going to be like? Where will my soul be when my body is in the box? DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo. LIVING GROUNDED Learn more about how you can grow deeper and embrace the foundational truths of the Christian faith with Living Grounded. Whether you're just starting out in faith or you've been a Christian for years, Living Grounded offers truth, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage. Contact gdevore@biblechapel.org to get connected. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org. CAMPUS FACEBOOK GROUPS You're invited to connect with The Bible Chapel family in your campus Facebook Group. Look for Facebook Groups at facebook.com/biblechapel and click on Groups on the left side. FIND AN ENCOURAGER TODAY! JOIN A SMALL GROUP Community Groups are our easiest on-ramp to community at The Bible Chapel; these groups use sermon-based questions to dive deeper into weekly messages. Visit biblechapel.org/smallgroups to learn more and sign up!