King of the Mountain
Solomon continues to write in his journal about the sad truths he's discovered as he searched the world under the sun. In these verses, he asserts that no matter how much we know, there will be problems, frustrations, and challenges we simply can't solve. Moreover, knowledge and information do not eliminate life's sorrows. Trusting in the world's wisdom is never the answer; we must trust in the wisdom and the word of God.
Chasing After Bubbles and Chickens
In our culture, there is a constant quest for more. But what is enough? King Solomon had, literally, everything. But he discovered through his life that even that wasn't enough to give life meaning. And through the thousands of years since then, this fact has been rediscovered time and time again. But, as Christians, we know the Source of true meaning and satisfaction, and we are able to live a life of purpose because of Jesus.
In a World of Smoke and Mirrors
Have you chased after something only to find that once you "got" it, it wasn't actually satisfying? You felt duped by it all. For those living just for the things of this life (what Solomon deems as everything "under the sun"), life's pursuits are, in fact, ultimately unsatisfying and meaningless. Only with God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ can life have real significance. Here, Pastor Davey continues applying the timeless wisdom of King Solomon's Book of Ecclesiastes.
Tied to the Treadmill of Life
King Solomon uses the word "vanity" 37 times in Ecclesiastes, beginning with verse 2 where he uses it five times, emphasizing this original Hebrew word meaning vapor, futility, senselessness, and frustration. In other words, Solomon begins his journal by describing how human lives come and go as the world continues turning. And he warns us that if we keep our gaze "under the sun"--and don't look to God's purpose for us--life is indeed a futile vapor.
Becoming Wise All Over Again
To this day, King Solomon is touted as the wisest man to ever live. Although he asked God for the wisdom he was given, he quickly turned away from following God, and his life became self-centered and destructive. Only in his last days did he remember the Truth and return to the Wisdom-giver. With urgency, Solomon tells us to learn from his mistakes--to remember our Creator God all our days, regardless of life's ups, downs, and uncertainties.
The Gambler
We don't learn much about Epaphroditus from Paul's letter to Philippi, but we learn enough to know how vital he was to Paul's ministry. Stephen introduces us to this unsung hero of the New Testament in this portion of his series, "Humility."
Making Plans in Pencil
Paul planned to visit Rome, but was instead imprisoned by Felix for two years. When he was finally allowed to leave, his ship capsized in Malta. Paul learned early in his ministry that "the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9)."
Satisfied with Second Place
Contrary to popular opinion, God's criterion for Church leaders isn't charisma, experience, eloquence, and education; it's humility.
No Reserves; No Retreats; No Regrets
We'll never live a life without regrets if we aren't committed to living today without regrets. Paul shows us what that commitment looks like in Philippians 2:16-18.
Leaving the State of Discontent
Discontentment is a virus in the Church today. It travels on the winds of gossip, snuffing out joy in every heart it passes through. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:14-15 why it can have no place in a believer's life.