Living in Paradox – Eccl 7:1-14
Consider the following: “the first shall be last;” “to be great you need to be a servant;” “consider it all joy when you face various trials.” These are paradoxical statements that we can find in the Bible. A paradox should make us step back and think about the truth that is being presented. In our passage today we will see several paradoxes that may help us adjust our thinking.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Oct 21, 2018Living in Paradox – Eccl 7:1-14
Living in Paradox – Eccl 7:1-14Consider the following: “the first shall be last;” “to be great you need to be a servant;” “consider it all joy when you face various trials.” These are paradoxical statements that we can find in the Bible. A paradox should make us step back and think about the truth that is being presented. In our passage today we will see several paradoxes that may help us adjust our thinking.
- Oct 14, 2018Approach with Caution Eccl 5:1-7
Approach with Caution Eccl 5:1-7
How do you get ready to come to church? Oh yes we all choose our outfit. But what about our mindset? How do we prepare to join with others in turning our focus to God? Besides that, have you ever made a promise to God? Did you keep it? The Teacher reminds us each to take God seriously. - Oct 7, 2018The Value of Community (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
The Value of Community (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
Our digital age has provided opportunity for more and more people to be isolated. But God did not create us to live in isolation, but to live in community. The Teacher considers the importance of the most basic form of community, two people supporting one another. He leaves us with a mystery as we strive to understand the third strand. Today we will consider the value of community. - Sep 30, 2018Stopping the Treadmill of Discontent (Ecclesiastes 4,5,6)
Stopping the Treadmill of Discontent (Ecclesiastes 4,5,6)
It seems that from the beginning of time as we know it, humanity has had an insatiable desire for some kind of personal prestige bound up in the false promises of wealth and power. We will take some time to look at these themes woven into Ecclesiastes chapters 4, 5, and 6. What we will find is that the way to get off the endless treadmill of these empty pursuits is the unlikely path of surrender. - Sep 23, 2018Does anybody really know what time it is? (Ecclesiastes 3)
Does anybody really know what time it is? (Ecclesiastes 3)
The teacher writes a beautiful poem describing the order in the universe. And yet he regrets that we still cannot know God’s work. He is frustrated by injustice and by the reality of desiring to know the future but only being able to live in the moment. So we are left with two options: adopt fatalistic materialism or pursue faith in the eternal, creator God who knows far more than we do and has the end game in mind. - Sep 16, 2018Never Enough (Ecclesiastes 2)
Never Enough (Ecclesiastes 2)
What makes you stand in awe and wonder? What intrigues you? It seems as we live in this age of immediate information there is less that stirs wonder in our hearts. In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 we discover that life lived on its own terms, no matter the pleasure, accumulation, or achievements is still a dead end - Sep 10, 2018It Doesn’t Make Sense…or Does it?
It Doesn’t Make Sense…or Does it?
We search for meaning in a lot of places. We spend money trying to stave off the aging process. We amass wealth, and property, and grown up "toys" yet still as a culture we are not happy. We look to have greater influence and power and yet nothing really changes. What is the point? That is life "under the sun" without God. - Sep 9, 2018It Doesn’t Make Sense…or Does it?
It Doesn’t Make Sense…or Does it?We search for meaning in a lot of places. We spend money trying to stave off the aging process. We amass wealth, and property, and grown up "toys" yet still as a culture we are not happy. We look to have greater influence and power and yet nothing really changes. What is the point? That is life "under the sun" without God.
- Sep 2, 2018God just wants me to be happy, right?
God just wants me to be happy, right?
As we look at this last of our Christian Urban Legends it provides us an entry into our series in Ecclesiastes. Is my happiness really a priority to God? The answer to that question may surprise you. We will look at the concept of terms like happy, blessed, and joy in the Bible and in so doing discover God’s recipe for true happiness - Aug 27, 2018Got Questions?
- Aug 27, 2018A Ministry Method that Continues to Change the World
- Aug 26, 2018Got Questions?
Got Questions?
Over the past few weeks we have been collecting questions from our congregation. These have focused on matters in Scripture that have either been unclear or that have been unfortunately twisted into Christian Urban Myths. Today Pastor Scott will address those questions and seek to provide a Bible centered framework for thinking. - Aug 19, 2018A Ministry Method that Continues to Change the World
A Ministry Method that Continues to Change the World
We live in a world of newer, and better ideas and gimmicks. Each promising to be better than the other. It is good to get back to basics. Today, we will discover that Jesus’ strategy to reach the world with the good news of salvation, is still applicable in 2018. - Aug 12, 2018If I give 10% will God make me wealthy, right?
If I give 10% will God make me wealthy, right?
Some people look at God as an investment plan. They donate a percentage of income and God gives a return on their investment. But why is that not the case for every person? Where in the Bible are we commanded to tithe? What is God’s standard for giving? What does God promise me when I give? We will try to unravel this Christian Urban Legend. - Aug 5, 2018“If I Have Faith I can do anything…right?”
“If I Have Faith I can do anything…right?”
Sometimes it seems people treat faith as a magic wand. We just wave it and God answers. Other times it can be used as a club to make God do what we want. So what is faith and how do we exercise it? We must be careful to trust God and not demand of God. How do I apply the passages regarding moving mountains and asking what we want from God?
