Finding Meaning In Life | Duane Roberts | Ecclesiastes 4

you [music] are the Lord. you [music] are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are King You are King of Kings. of Kings. of Kings. You are Lord You are Lord You are Lord of lords. You are king You are king of [music] of [music] of [music] kings. kings. kings. You are Lord You are Lord You are Lord of caught in [music] between my two caught in [music] between my two masterers.

A good [music] thing can take you A good [music] thing can take you without asking. Oh, where do I belong? Oh, where do I belong? [music] I said [music] the last time and I meant I said [music] the last time and I meant it. it. it. Oh, where do I? Will I [music] Will I [music] have a place and a safe [music] have a place and a safe [music] have a place and a safe [music] for a feast? for a feast? for a feast? Hold me home. But I got real good doing [music] what I But I got real good doing [music] what I should and I missed where I [music] >> All of our faith in the God who sees

>> All of our faith in the God who sees [music] us. A new generation will believe that you A new generation will believe that you are able are able are able [music] and you are faithful. All of our faith in the God who [music] All of our faith in the God who [music] speaks. and moving beyond [music] our wildest and moving beyond [music] our wildest dreams. Cuz you are able dreams. Cuz you are able dreams. Cuz you are able and you are faithful. and you are faithful. and you are faithful. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Come like a wild fire. Come like [music] Come like a wild fire. Come like [music] Come like a wild fire. Come like a rushing wind a rushing wind a rushing wind just like you did back then. Lord, I just like you did back then. Lord, I just like you did back then. Lord, I know you do [music] it. We need your know you do [music] it. We need your know you do [music] it. We need your holy presence. We need your power within holy presence. We need your power within holy presence. We need your power within just [music] like you did back then.

just [music] like you did back then. just [music] like you did back then. Lord, I know you do it and do it again. [music] We know the stories of your [music] We know the stories of your faith. [music] So, heaven on earth is what we [music] So, heaven on earth is what we pray. pray. pray. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All of our worship to your way cuz you >> All of our worship to your way cuz you >> All of our worship to your way cuz you are able. are able. are able. You are faithful. [music] [music] I know you do. I know you do. I know you do. We need [music] your holy presence. We We need [music] your holy presence. We We need [music] your holy presence. We need your power need your power need your power just like you [music] did my again.

again. [music] [music] [music] How many sinners is saved? How many How many sinners is saved? How many How many sinners is saved? How many bodies race? Look [music] at those empty bodies race? Look [music] at those empty bodies race? Look [music] at those empty [singing] graves. I know you'll do it [singing] graves. I know you'll do it [singing] graves. I know you'll do it again and again. [music] How many trains again and again. [music] How many trains again and again. [music] How many trains undone? undone? undone? How many battles won? How many battles won? How many battles won? He's only just be good. I know you'll do He's only just be good. I know you'll do He's only just be good. I know you'll do it again. it again. it again. How many [music] sodies? Look at those empty. Look at those empty. [music] I know you do it again. [music] I know you do it again. [music] I know you do it again. How many chains are How many chains are How many chains are [music] just just I know you do it again. [music] doing.

doing. We need your holy presence. [music] We need your holy presence. [music] We need your holy presence. [music] We need your power. We need your power. We need your power. Just like you did, Lord, I [music] know Just like you did, Lord, I [music] know Just like you did, Lord, I [music] know you're doing it. I know. Do it. [music] you're doing it. I know. Do it. [music] you're doing it. I know. Do it. [music] Do it again. I know the heart of my father. I know the heart of my father. Lowly and gentle with me Lowly and gentle with me Lowly and gentle with me all of the [singing] way. all of the [singing] way. all of the [singing] way. carrying me on the jour. I speak from my testimony I speak from my testimony in our history. Surely your goodness [music and singing] Surely your goodness [music and singing] and mercy is following my every step.

and mercy is following my every step. and mercy is following my every step. From my starting breath to my final From my starting breath to my final From my starting breath to my final [music] days [music] days [music] days and everyone [singing] and everyone [singing] and everyone [singing] in between. in between. in between. It's your covenant in your faithfulness It's your covenant in your faithfulness It's your covenant in your faithfulness that's covering [singing and music] that's covering [singing and music] that's covering [singing and music] over me. over me. over me. All the time that's passed. As I'm All the time that's passed. As I'm All the time that's passed. As I'm looking back, your goodness looking back, your goodness looking back, your goodness [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] is all I see. is all I see. is all I see. Your love [music] has kept me. Your love Your love [music] has kept me. Your love Your love [music] has kept me. Your love is keeping me [music] [music] Heat.

>> Hi everyone and welcome to Calvary >> Hi everyone and welcome to Calvary Online. We're so glad that you're Online. We're so glad that you're Online. We're so glad that you're joining us today. How's your summer been joining us today. How's your summer been joining us today. How's your summer been going? For me, my family's house is going? For me, my family's house is going? For me, my family's house is under some construction. So, it feels under some construction. So, it feels under some construction. So, it feels like the summer's been one big slumber like the summer's been one big slumber like the summer's been one big slumber party with all of my family. [music] party with all of my family. [music] party with all of my family. [music] But regardless, it's been super sweet. But regardless, it's been super sweet. But regardless, it's been super sweet. And whatever your summer is like, And whatever your summer is like, And whatever your summer is like, [music] I hope you're finding some time [music] I hope you're finding some time [music] I hope you're finding some time to slow down and reflect. Over the past to slow down and reflect. Over the past to slow down and reflect. Over the past few weeks, [music] it's been so few weeks, [music] it's been so few weeks, [music] it's been so refreshing to take a step back and look refreshing to take a step back and look refreshing to take a step back and look at the big picture of what life is all at the big picture of what life is all at the big picture of what life is all about as we're studying the book of about as we're studying the book of about as we're studying the book of Ecclesiastes, [music] Ecclesiastes, [music] Ecclesiastes, [music] which was written by King Solomon, often which was written by King Solomon, often which was written by King Solomon, often referred to as the wisest man who ever referred to as the wisest man who ever referred to as the wisest man who ever lived. And he wrote this to [music] lived. And he wrote this to [music] lived. And he wrote this to [music] answer the question of what is the answer the question of what is the answer the question of what is the meaning of life? We've learned that life meaning of life? We've learned that life meaning of life? We've learned that life is like [music] a vapor and that God has is like [music] a vapor and that God has is like [music] a vapor and that God has a purpose for every season in your life, a purpose for every season in your life, a purpose for every season in your life, even if you don't see it right [music] even if you don't see it right [music] even if you don't see it right [music] away. And this week in chapter 4, we're away. And this week in chapter 4, we're away. And this week in chapter 4, we're going to gain some perspective on work going to gain some perspective on work going to gain some perspective on work and relationships. There's a lot of and relationships. There's a lot of and relationships. There's a lot of things [music] in this life that can things [music] in this life that can things [music] in this life that can feel meaningless, and that's because feel meaningless, and that's because feel meaningless, and that's because only God can make them meaningful, and only God can make them meaningful, and only God can make them meaningful, and that's [music] what I'm excited to learn that's [music] what I'm excited to learn that's [music] what I'm excited to learn about today. Then, at the close of our about today. Then, at the close of our about today. Then, at the close of our teaching time, [music] we'll have a teaching time, [music] we'll have a teaching time, [music] we'll have a chance to share the Lord's supper chance to share the Lord's supper chance to share the Lord's supper together. So, if you've placed your together. So, if you've placed your together. So, if you've placed your trust in Jesus as your savior [music] trust in Jesus as your savior [music] trust in Jesus as your savior [music] and lord, find a moment during service and lord, find a moment during service and lord, find a moment during service to gather some bread or crackers and to gather some bread or crackers and to gather some bread or crackers and grape juice if you have it. So, [music] grape juice if you have it. So, [music] grape juice if you have it. So, [music] you can take part in communion wherever you can take part in communion wherever you can take part in communion wherever you're at. And right now, we're going to you're at. And right now, we're going to you're at. And right now, we're going to [music] start service a little bit [music] start service a little bit [music] start service a little bit differently. And that's because we just differently. And that's because we just differently. And that's because we just wrapped up kids conference here at the wrapped up kids conference here at the wrapped up kids conference here at the Fort Lauderdale campus. So, together,

Fort Lauderdale campus. So, together, Fort Lauderdale campus. So, together, let's watch how God has been working in let's watch how God has been working in let's watch how God has been working in our kids' hearts [music] and lives this our kids' hearts [music] and lives this our kids' hearts [music] and lives this past week. past week. past week. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. >> Welcome to Church Calvary. [music] We're >> Welcome to Church Calvary. [music] We're so glad you're here. Tonight we are so glad you're here. Tonight we are so glad you're here. Tonight we are celebrating all that God did at kids celebrating all that God did at kids celebrating all that God did at kids conference this [music] past week where conference this [music] past week where conference this [music] past week where hundreds of children got to learn more hundreds of children got to learn more hundreds of children got to learn more about our Lord Jesus and they got to about our Lord Jesus and they got to about our Lord Jesus and they got to learn about the truth of the power that learn about the truth of the power that learn about the truth of the power that we find in his name. And it is my prayer we find in his name. And it is my prayer we find in his name. And it is my prayer that [music] what God did in the hearts

that [music] what God did in the hearts that [music] what God did in the hearts of those children would be true in our of those children would be true in our of those children would be true in our hearts today. That we would know the hearts today. That we would know the hearts today. That we would know the truth of the power of [music] God's truth of the power of [music] God's truth of the power of [music] God's name. That we would know that in his name. That we would know that in his name. That we would know that in his name there is hope for the lost. There name there is hope for the lost. There name there is hope for the lost. There is freedom for the captives. [music] is freedom for the captives. [music] is freedom for the captives. [music] There is healing for the hurting. So There is healing for the hurting. So There is healing for the hurting. So whatever you came in tonight with, whatever you came in tonight with, whatever you came in tonight with, whatever carrying, I just pray that as whatever carrying, I just pray that as whatever carrying, I just pray that as we lift our voices up in faith, that we we lift our voices up in faith, that we we lift our voices up in faith, that we would remember that as we [music] would remember that as we [music] would remember that as we [music] cry out the name of Jesus, we would know cry out the name of Jesus, we would know cry out the name of Jesus, we would know that he still saves, that he still that he still saves, that he still that he still saves, that he still heals, that he still restores, that he heals, that he still restores, that he heals, that he still restores, that he still redeems. So join [music] with me still redeems. So join [music] with me still redeems. So join [music] with me tonight and let's worship our King tonight and let's worship our King tonight and let's worship our King Jesus. I pray into the atmosphere. I pray into the atmosphere. Spirit [music and singing] of God, Spirit [music and singing] of God, Spirit [music and singing] of God, you're here. You have you're here. You have you're here. You have all authority. [singing and music] all authority. [singing and music] all authority. [singing and music] Yes, he does. I pray over my heart and Yes, he does. I pray over my heart and Yes, he does. I pray over my heart and mind. [music] mind. [music] mind. [music] I am healed by your stripes. Your blood I am healed by your stripes. Your blood I am healed by your stripes. Your blood declares that I am free. [music] declares that I am free. [music] declares that I am free. [music] In the mighty name of Jesus, In the mighty name of Jesus, In the mighty name of Jesus, I [music and singing] pray.

I [music and singing] pray. I [music and singing] pray. Calling on the power of heaven. Calling on the power of heaven. Calling on the power of heaven. I proclaim. [music and singing] I proclaim. [music and singing] I proclaim. [music and singing] Every weapon formed against [music] me Every weapon formed against [music] me Every weapon formed against [music] me must praise must praise must praise in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] I [music] draw from any boundary I [music] draw from any boundary [singing] [singing] [singing] line. The enemy [music] has no right to line. The enemy [music] has no right to line. The enemy [music] has no right to come come come near my family. No sin could ever run undo. No sin could ever run undo. [music and singing] No matter the circumstance, the No matter the circumstance, the [singing] cross and seal my [music] [singing] cross and seal my [music] [singing] cross and seal my [music] destiny. destiny. destiny. Oh, in the mighty name of Jesus [music] Oh, in the mighty name of Jesus [music] Oh, in the mighty name of Jesus [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] I pray. I pray. I pray. Calling on the power of heaven. [music] Calling on the power of heaven. [music] Calling on the power of heaven. [music] I proclaim I proclaim I proclaim everywhere [singing] and he [music] must pray.

must pray. In the mighty name [music] of Jesus. In the [music and singing] mighty name In the [music and singing] mighty name of Jesus, of Jesus, of Jesus, I [singing] I [singing] I [singing] all the power of the realest [music] bring me to every bring me to every [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] heart of Jesus. [music] I will not fear. I will not fear when I will not fear. I will not fear when [music] the enemy comes near [music] the enemy comes near [music] the enemy comes near frame of my life is the blood of Jesus frame of my life is the blood of Jesus frame of my life is the blood of Jesus Christ. I will [music and singing] not Christ. I will [music and singing] not Christ. I will [music and singing] not fear. I will not fear. There's an army fear. I will not fear. There's an army fear. I will not fear. There's an army of angels here. I'm protected on our of angels here. I'm protected on our of angels here. I'm protected on our side by the blood of Jesus side by the blood of Jesus side by the blood of Jesus [music and singing] Christ. I will not [music and singing] Christ. I will not [music and singing] Christ. I will not fear. I will not fear. When the enemy fear. I will not fear. When the enemy fear. I will not fear. When the enemy [music] [music] [music] comes near comes near comes near the door of my whole [music] life is the the door of my whole [music] life is the the door of my whole [music] life is the blood of Jesus Christ. I will not fear.

blood of Jesus Christ. I will not fear. blood of Jesus Christ. I will not fear. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I will not fear. There's an army of I will not fear. There's an army of I will not fear. There's an army of angels here. I protect you all [music] angels here. I protect you all [music] angels here. I protect you all [music] [singing] by the blood of Jesus Christ [singing] by the blood of Jesus Christ [singing] by the blood of Jesus Christ [music] [music] [music] in the mighty name of Jesus. [singing] in the mighty name of Jesus. [singing] in the mighty name of Jesus. [singing] I I I call call call [singing] heaven. [music] [singing] heaven. [music] [singing] heaven. [music] I walk away I walk away I walk away everywhere and for the [music] dead. everywhere and for the [music] dead. everywhere and for the [music] dead. Oh, and I pray Oh, and I pray Oh, and I pray in the mighty [music] name of Jesus. In the [music] mighty name of Jesus. In the [music] mighty name of Jesus. I [music and singing] know I [music and singing] know I [music and singing] know the power of darkness. the power of darkness. the power of darkness. I [music] know [singing] I [music] know [singing] I [music] know [singing] everything to everybody. everything to everybody. everything to everybody. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> We give you glory tonight, Jesus.

>> We give you glory tonight, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] You alone are worthy of our praise. You alone are worthy of our praise. You alone are worthy of our praise. We sing together. Thousand generations. We sing together. Thousand generations. We sing together. Thousand generations. A thousand [music] generations A thousand [music] generations A thousand [music] generations falling down in worship to sing the falling down in worship to sing the falling down in worship to sing the [music and singing] song of angels to [music and singing] song of angels to [music and singing] song of angels to the living. And all who've gone before us and all And all who've gone before us and all who will believe who will believe who will believe will sing the song of ages to the end. will sing the song of ages to the end. will sing the song of ages to the end. His name is the highest. Your name is His name is the highest. Your name is His name is the highest. Your name is the highest. Your name is the greatest. the highest. Your name is the greatest. the highest. Your name is the greatest. Your name. Oh, all thrones [music] all thrones [music] in dominance. [singing] in dominance. [singing] in dominance. [singing] All powers and positions in your name All powers and positions in your name All powers and positions in your name [music] [music] [music] stands above them all. And the angels stands above them all. And the angels stands above them all. And the angels cry.

cry. cry. Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] Christ Christ Christ holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] and you are lifted [singing] [singing] If you've been forgiven, if you've If you've been forgiven, if you've If you've been forgiven, if you've [music] been forgiven, [music] been forgiven, [music] been forgiven, if you've been redeemed, if you've been redeemed, if you've been redeemed, sing the song forever to the end. sing the song forever to the end. sing the song forever to the end. [music] [music] [music] For if you walk in freedom, if you walk For if you walk in freedom, if you walk For if you walk in freedom, if you walk in freedom, for if you in freedom, for if you in freedom, for if you [music and singing] we'll sing the song forever. Amen. we'll sing the song forever. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. And the angels cry.

And the angels cry. And the angels cry. Glory [music] Glory [music] Glory [music] all creation all creation all creation Christ you are. You are holy. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your people say your people [music] [music] to the kingom. to the kingom. to the kingom. My God is holy. [music] My God is holy. [music] My God is holy. [music] You are in [music] Your name is the highest. Oh, your name Your name is the highest. Oh, your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the highest. [music] Your name [singing] [singing] [singing] is the greatest. is the greatest. is the greatest. >> Your name is stands [music and singing] >> Your name is stands [music and singing] >> Your name is stands [music and singing] above all in all thrones in dominions above all in all thrones in dominions above all in all thrones in dominions in dominance in dominance in dominance or [music and singing] powers in or [music and singing] powers in or [music and singing] powers in position to your name.

Sing it again. Sing [music] it again. Sing it again. Sing [music] it again. Jesus, your name is the highest. [music] Jesus, your name is the highest. [music] Jesus, your name is the highest. [music] Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name [music] [music] [music] stand [singing] your your you You will always be You will always be holy, holy, holy, [music] [music] [music] holy forever.

You will always You will [music] always You will always You will [music] always be your holy Jesus. your holy Jesus. [music] bow [singing] bow [singing] before your throne. All [singing] the elders All [singing] the elders cast their crowns before the lamb cast their crowns before the lamb cast their crowns before the lamb of God [singing] of God [singing] of God [singing] and sing and sing and sing you worthy of it all. you worthy of it all. you worthy of it all. [singing] For from you are [singing] all things, For from you are [singing] all things, [music] [music] [music] and to you are all things.

and to you are all things. and to you are all things. You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the glory. All the saints [singing] and [music] All the saints [singing] and [music] angels bow [singing] bow [singing] before [music] your throne. All the elders All the elders cast [music] cast [music] cast [music] their crowns [singing] before the lamb their crowns [singing] before the lamb their crowns [singing] before the lamb of God and king. [music] of God and king. [music] of God and king. [music] You're worthy [singing] of it all. [singing] [singing] You are worthy of it all. [music] You are worthy of it all. [music] You are worthy of it all. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, for from you [music] are all things and for from you [music] are all things and for from you [music] are all things and [singing] to you are all things. [singing] to you are all things. [singing] to you are all things. [music] You deserve the glory. You are worthy of it all. You are worthy of it all. [music and singing] Lord Jesus, [music and singing] Lord Jesus, [music and singing] for from you are all things and to you for from you are all things and to you for from you are all things and to you are all [music and singing] things.

are all [music and singing] things. are all [music and singing] things. You deserve glory. Day [music and singing] Day [music and singing] night, night and day, let in sense of night, night and day, let in sense of night, night and day, let in sense of life. [singing] life. [singing] life. [singing] Day and night, night and day, let Day and night, night and day, let Day and night, night and day, let incense [music] arise. [singing] incense [music] arise. [singing] incense [music] arise. [singing] Day and night, night and day, [music] Day and night, night and day, [music] Day and night, night and day, [music] let incense arise. let incense arise. let incense arise. Day and night, [music and singing] night Day and night, [music and singing] night Day and night, [music and singing] night and day, let incense arise. and day, let incense arise. and day, let incense arise. Day [music] and night, night and Day [music] and night, night and Day [music] and night, night and [singing] day, let incense arise. [singing] day, let incense arise. [singing] day, let incense arise. Day night and [music] day [singing] Day night and [music] day [singing] Day night and [music] day [singing] so rise. so rise. so rise. Day night and day. Hey Hey my [music] and to you are all things. [singing] and to you are all things. [singing] You deserve the glory.

You are worthy. You [music] are worthy You are worthy. You [music] are worthy of you. [music and singing] you. [music and singing] For you are all For you are all For you are all and to you are all praise. [music] and to you are all praise. [music] and to you are all praise. [music] You deserve the glory. [singing] [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Let's pray together. [music] Lord, you are so worthy of our praise, Lord, you are so worthy of our praise, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You are truly [music] worthy, oh God. You are truly [music] worthy, oh God. You are truly [music] worthy, oh God. Lord, I pray that you would receive our Lord, I pray that you would receive our Lord, I pray that you would receive our worship, Jesus. We thank you, oh Lord. I worship, Jesus. We thank you, oh Lord. I worship, Jesus. We thank you, oh Lord. I pray, oh God, that you would prepare our pray, oh God, that you would prepare our pray, oh God, that you would prepare our hearts for your word, Lord. That you hearts for your word, Lord. That you hearts for your word, Lord. That you would steal our [music] minds and our would steal our [music] minds and our would steal our [music] minds and our hearts, Lord Jesus. That you would speak hearts, Lord Jesus. That you would speak hearts, Lord Jesus. That you would speak to us, Lord. Father, that you have a to us, Lord. Father, that you have a to us, Lord. Father, that you have a word for us, Lord. Lord, I thank you, word for us, Lord. Lord, I thank you, word for us, Lord. Lord, I thank you, [music] oh God, for the freedom to be [music] oh God, for the freedom to be [music] oh God, for the freedom to be able to worship you, Jesus. Thank you, able to worship you, Jesus. Thank you, able to worship you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. We are so grateful for you, Jesus.

Lord. We are so grateful for you, Jesus. Lord. We are so grateful for you, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] And we honor you and we praise you, And we honor you and we praise you, And we honor you and we praise you, Lord, Father. And we pray all these Lord, Father. And we pray all these Lord, Father. And we pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. things in the mighty name of Jesus. things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. You guys can have a seat. Well, >> Amen. You guys can have a seat. Well, good evening everybody. Welcome to good evening everybody. Welcome to good evening everybody. Welcome to Calvary. My name is Doug and we're so Calvary. My name is Doug and we're so Calvary. My name is Doug and we're so glad that you're here and joining us glad that you're here and joining us glad that you're here and joining us this weekend. If it's your first time, this weekend. If it's your first time, this weekend. If it's your first time, we want to give you a special shout out. we want to give you a special shout out. we want to give you a special shout out. You know, here at Calvary are about one You know, here at Calvary are about one You know, here at Calvary are about one thing and that's making disciples. And thing and that's making disciples. And thing and that's making disciples. And we do that by connecting people to God, we do that by connecting people to God, we do that by connecting people to God, connecting people to people, and connecting people to people, and connecting people to people, and connecting [music] people to outreach. connecting [music] people to outreach. connecting [music] people to outreach. And one of the best ways that you can And one of the best ways that you can And one of the best ways that you can find out how we do that is by scanning find out how we do that is by scanning find out how we do that is by scanning the QR up on the screen or in front of the QR up on the screen or in front of the QR up on the screen or in front of you on the seat. Hey, next weekend we you on the seat. Hey, next weekend we you on the seat. Hey, next weekend we want to let you know that it's July 4th. want to let you know that it's July 4th. want to let you know that it's July 4th. That's a really big deal. Our country is That's a really big deal. Our country is That's a really big deal. Our country is turning 250 years old turning 250 years old turning 250 years old and we want you guys to celebrate. Maybe and we want you guys to celebrate. Maybe and we want you guys to celebrate. Maybe go see some fireworks, have a barbecue, go see some fireworks, have a barbecue, go see some fireworks, have a barbecue, spend time with family, friends. [music] spend time with family, friends. [music] spend time with family, friends. [music] Uh we're not going to be hosting Uh we're not going to be hosting Uh we're not going to be hosting Saturday night service that night, but Saturday night service that night, but Saturday night service that night, but we want you to join us on Sunday, the we want you to join us on Sunday, the we want you to join us on Sunday, the next day at the 9 or the 11. And listen, next day at the 9 or the 11. And listen, next day at the 9 or the 11. And listen, speaking of celebrations, we celebrated speaking of celebrations, we celebrated speaking of celebrations, we celebrated 40 years as a ministry this past fall.

40 years as a ministry this past fall. 40 years as a ministry this past fall. And that's a big deal. That's a really And that's a big deal. That's a really And that's a big deal. That's a really big deal. And uh we've been praying this big deal. And uh we've been praying this big deal. And uh we've been praying this prayer out of Habacook. God, do it prayer out of Habacook. God, do it prayer out of Habacook. God, do it again. Do it again. Do it again in the again. Do it again. Do it again in the again. Do it again. Do it again in the next 40. And uh we're all about passing next 40. And uh we're all about passing next 40. And uh we're all about passing that vision on from one generation to that vision on from one generation to that vision on from one generation to the next. And tonight, we want to share the next. And tonight, we want to share the next. And tonight, we want to share a couple uh ministries that we partner a couple uh ministries that we partner a couple uh ministries that we partner with and all that God is doing through with and all that God is doing through with and all that God is doing through this campaign. [music] this campaign. [music] this campaign. [music] So check it out. Hey Calvary, I'm Sammy and I have an Hey Calvary, I'm Sammy and I have an exciting update about our from one exciting update about our from one exciting update about our from one generation to the next campaign. generation to the next campaign. generation to the next campaign. Together, we're creating more space for Together, we're creating more space for Together, we're creating more space for people to encounter Jesus, grow as people to encounter Jesus, grow as people to encounter Jesus, grow as disciples, and impact [music] the world. disciples, and impact [music] the world. disciples, and impact [music] the world. And today, we're seeing that vision come And today, we're seeing that vision come And today, we're seeing that vision come to life far beyond [music] our campus in to life far beyond [music] our campus in to life far beyond [music] our campus in Guatemala. What God is doing there is a Guatemala. What God is doing there is a Guatemala. What God is doing there is a powerful reminder that when [music] we powerful reminder that when [music] we powerful reminder that when [music] we step forward in faith, he uses it to step forward in faith, he uses it to step forward in faith, he uses it to reach people across generations and reach people across generations and reach people across generations and across the globe. So, let's watch as across the globe. So, let's watch as across the globe. So, let's watch as Pastor [music] Jeff Stone shares how God Pastor [music] Jeff Stone shares how God Pastor [music] Jeff Stone shares how God is using this ministry to make an is using this ministry to make an is using this ministry to make an eternal impact.

the streets. Roughly a couple months the streets. Roughly a couple months later, we were walking down this road later, we were walking down this road later, we were walking down this road here and we saw a forell sign. After, here and we saw a forell sign. After, here and we saw a forell sign. After, you know, some ne negotiation and God you know, some ne negotiation and God you know, some ne negotiation and God opening the doors, we landed a deal and opening the doors, we landed a deal and opening the doors, we landed a deal and so we we began to make this our new so we we began to make this our new so we we began to make this our new home. home. home. Then God opened another door. We are at Then God opened another door. We are at Then God opened another door. We are at Calvary Christian School. We are located Calvary Christian School. We are located Calvary Christian School. We are located in the middle of Kit Alteneango. Uh in the middle of Kit Alteneango. Uh in the middle of Kit Alteneango. Uh we've been here for 3 years. It's a 9 we've been here for 3 years. It's a 9 we've been here for 3 years. It's a 9 [music] acre property that God has [music] acre property that God has [music] acre property that God has blessed us with and we absolutely love blessed us with and we absolutely love blessed us with and we absolutely love it. Christ is the only way that we'll it. Christ is the only way that we'll it. Christ is the only way that we'll see revival in this city. This school see revival in this city. This school see revival in this city. This school [music] is that vehicle. It's going to [music] is that vehicle. It's going to [music] is that vehicle. It's going to give us those opportunities and we've give us those opportunities and we've give us those opportunities and we've seen it happen. Now, we're here at seen it happen. Now, we're here at seen it happen. Now, we're here at Calvary Shayla. This is God's provision, Calvary Shayla. This is God's provision, Calvary Shayla. This is God's provision, God's faithfulness, and this is our new God's faithfulness, and this is our new God's faithfulness, and this is our new building. God is [music] so faithful as building. God is [music] so faithful as building. God is [music] so faithful as we've been praying for two years now for we've been praying for two years now for we've been praying for two years now for the perfect location [music] and today the perfect location [music] and today the perfect location [music] and today here we are.

>> I think the meaning behind the church is >> I think the meaning behind the church is like God can take one small step and do like God can take one small step and do like God can take one small step and do so many things. [music] so many things. [music] so many things. [music] Just through this church, God has Just through this church, God has Just through this church, God has brought so much healing, restoration. He brought so much healing, restoration. He brought so much healing, restoration. He formed our family. But I think this is a formed our family. But I think this is a formed our family. But I think this is a fresh start and a fresh opportunity to fresh start and a fresh opportunity to fresh start and a fresh opportunity to say, "God, what do you [music] have for say, "God, what do you [music] have for say, "God, what do you [music] have for us?" us?" us?" >> But this building isn't the story. The >> But this building isn't the story. The >> But this building isn't the story. The story is what God has done in the lives story is what God has done in the lives story is what God has done in the lives of all the people in the past [music] 10 of all the people in the past [music] 10 of all the people in the past [music] 10 years. This building simply creates more years. This building simply creates more years. This building simply creates more opportunities for the story to continue. I truly [music] would say I'm very very I truly [music] would say I'm very very grateful for everyone's generous heart grateful for everyone's generous heart grateful for everyone's generous heart in Calvary Fort Lauderdale um and all in Calvary Fort Lauderdale um and all in Calvary Fort Lauderdale um and all the campuses. We are in this [music] the campuses. We are in this [music] the campuses. We are in this [music] place because God's called us, but we're place because God's called us, but we're place because God's called us, but we're also in this place because of your also in this place because of your also in this place because of your partnership and all that you guys have partnership and all that you guys have partnership and all that you guys have supported us for [music] the past 10 supported us for [music] the past 10 supported us for [music] the past 10 years. So, thank you.

What an incredible [music] picture of What an incredible [music] picture of God's faithfulness. What makes this God's faithfulness. What makes this God's faithfulness. What makes this story even more meaningful is that story even more meaningful is that story even more meaningful is that Pastor Jeff's ministry journey began Pastor Jeff's ministry journey began Pastor Jeff's ministry journey began [music] right here at Calvary through [music] right here at Calvary through [music] right here at Calvary through Calvary House, our Christc centered Calvary House, our Christc centered Calvary House, our Christc centered residential program for men and [music] residential program for men and [music] residential program for men and [music] women seeking freedom from addiction. In women seeking freedom from addiction. In women seeking freedom from addiction. In Jeff's time at Calvary House, God Jeff's time at Calvary House, God Jeff's time at Calvary House, God [music] transformed him from the inside [music] transformed him from the inside [music] transformed him from the inside out, breaking chains of addiction and out, breaking chains of addiction and out, breaking chains of addiction and igniting a passion to share the [music] igniting a passion to share the [music] igniting a passion to share the [music] gospel with the nations. As part of the gospel with the nations. As part of the gospel with the nations. As part of the From One Generation to the Next From One Generation to the Next From One Generation to the Next campaign, we've also been investing in campaign, we've also been investing in campaign, we've also been investing in renovations [music] renovations [music] renovations [music] and updates to the residential housing and updates to the residential housing and updates to the residential housing for our Calvary House men's program, for our Calvary House men's program, for our Calvary House men's program, creating spaces where more people can creating spaces where more people can creating spaces where more people can experience [music] hope, healing, and experience [music] hope, healing, and experience [music] hope, healing, and freedom through Christ. Stories like freedom through Christ. Stories like freedom through Christ. Stories like Pastor Jeff's remind us that [music] Pastor Jeff's remind us that [music] Pastor Jeff's remind us that [music] this campaign is about far more than this campaign is about far more than this campaign is about far more than buildings or projects. It's about lives buildings or projects. It's about lives buildings or projects. It's about lives being transformed by Jesus. It's about being transformed by Jesus. It's about being transformed by Jesus. It's about people encountering Christ, [music] people encountering Christ, [music] people encountering Christ, [music] growing as disciples, and carrying his growing as disciples, and carrying his growing as disciples, and carrying his mission into the world. And every one of mission into the world. And every one of mission into the world. And every one of us has [music] a part to play. So, thank us has [music] a part to play. So, thank us has [music] a part to play. So, thank you for being part of what God is doing you for being part of what God is doing you for being part of what God is doing through Calvary. [music] through Calvary. [music] through Calvary. [music] If you'd like to follow along with If you'd like to follow along with If you'd like to follow along with campaign updates and celebrations, or campaign updates and celebrations, or campaign updates and celebrations, or simply learn more, visit the link on simply learn more, visit the link on simply learn more, visit the link on [music] the screen. Together, we're [music] the screen. Together, we're [music] the screen. Together, we're building a legacy of faith, passing the building a legacy of faith, passing the building a legacy of faith, passing the hope of the gospel from one generation hope of the gospel from one generation hope of the gospel from one generation to the next.

It's so amazing. And again, we want to It's so amazing. And again, we want to say thank you to those of you that have say thank you to those of you that have say thank you to those of you that have been giving and serving and praying been giving and serving and praying been giving and serving and praying together. God is using all of us to do together. God is using all of us to do together. God is using all of us to do some amazing things. And if you want to some amazing things. And if you want to some amazing things. And if you want to find out more about all the things that find out more about all the things that find out more about all the things that are happening with that, you can stop by are happening with that, you can stop by are happening with that, you can stop by our table in the lobby after church and our table in the lobby after church and our table in the lobby after church and one of our team members would love to one of our team members would love to one of our team members would love to speak with you. Hey, tonight we are speak with you. Hey, tonight we are speak with you. Hey, tonight we are journeying through the book of journeying through the book of journeying through the book of Ecclesiastes. And if you've got your Ecclesiastes. And if you've got your Ecclesiastes. And if you've got your Bible, we want you to turn to chapter 4. Bible, we want you to turn to chapter 4. Bible, we want you to turn to chapter 4. If you'd like a Bible and you didn't If you'd like a Bible and you didn't If you'd like a Bible and you didn't bring one, it's okay. Simply raise your bring one, it's okay. Simply raise your bring one, it's okay. Simply raise your hand and one of our ushers are going to hand and one of our ushers are going to hand and one of our ushers are going to put a Bible in your hand and that's our put a Bible in your hand and that's our put a Bible in your hand and that's our gift to you. And tonight we've got a gift to you. And tonight we've got a gift to you. And tonight we've got a special guest speaker. He's one of our special guest speaker. He's one of our special guest speaker. He's one of our own. You guys are in great hands. It's own. You guys are in great hands. It's own. You guys are in great hands. It's going to be an amazing service. So, will going to be an amazing service. So, will going to be an amazing service. So, will you warmly welcome Pastor Dwayne you warmly welcome Pastor Dwayne you warmly welcome Pastor Dwayne Roberts? [applause] [applause] >> Good evening, Calvary. How's everyone >> Good evening, Calvary. How's everyone >> Good evening, Calvary. How's everyone doing today? doing today? doing today? >> Praise the Lord. Thank you uh for >> Praise the Lord. Thank you uh for >> Praise the Lord. Thank you uh for allowing me to be able to share uh God's allowing me to be able to share uh God's allowing me to be able to share uh God's word with you. Um, as um, Doug said, we word with you. Um, as um, Doug said, we word with you. Um, as um, Doug said, we are going to be in Ecclesiastes chapter are going to be in Ecclesiastes chapter are going to be in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. Um, but before we dive into the word 4. Um, but before we dive into the word 4. Um, but before we dive into the word of God, uh, we are grateful uh, for all of God, uh, we are grateful uh, for all of God, uh, we are grateful uh, for all that God has done through the 40 years that God has done through the 40 years that God has done through the 40 years and through the generosity. Uh, but and through the generosity. Uh, but and through the generosity. Uh, but we're also a church that is sensitive to we're also a church that is sensitive to we're also a church that is sensitive to what is actually happening in our world.

what is actually happening in our world. what is actually happening in our world. Many of you heard of the stories Many of you heard of the stories Many of you heard of the stories happening in Venezuela with the two happening in Venezuela with the two happening in Venezuela with the two earthquakes that took place uh, this earthquakes that took place uh, this earthquakes that took place uh, this past week. And so we want to take a past week. And so we want to take a past week. And so we want to take a moment to just simply pray. moment to just simply pray. moment to just simply pray. Pray that God would be present there. Pray that God would be present there. Pray that God would be present there. Pray for those that already know that Pray for those that already know that Pray for those that already know that they lost lives, but but the death toll they lost lives, but but the death toll they lost lives, but but the death toll continues to to rise. And so if you continues to to rise. And so if you continues to to rise. And so if you would just take a moment with me, if you would just take a moment with me, if you would just take a moment with me, if you would just simply bow your heads so we would just simply bow your heads so we would just simply bow your heads so we could take a moment to to pray for those could take a moment to to pray for those could take a moment to to pray for those that are in pain and in grief and in that are in pain and in grief and in that are in pain and in grief and in fear. fear. fear. And so, Father, we take a moment And so, Father, we take a moment And so, Father, we take a moment to acknowledge that you're the God of to acknowledge that you're the God of to acknowledge that you're the God of all comfort all comfort all comfort that can comfort no one like you can that can comfort no one like you can that can comfort no one like you can with your presence. with your presence. with your presence. And so, heavenly father, we are asking And so, heavenly father, we are asking And so, heavenly father, we are asking for for you to be present in the lives for for you to be present in the lives for for you to be present in the lives that are those of those that are fearful that are those of those that are fearful that are those of those that are fearful right now, for those that are grieving, right now, for those that are grieving, right now, for those that are grieving, for the rescue efforts that are taking for the rescue efforts that are taking for the rescue efforts that are taking place. Father, we pray by your grace and place. Father, we pray by your grace and place. Father, we pray by your grace and your sovereign will that more lives your sovereign will that more lives your sovereign will that more lives would be saved than lost.

would be saved than lost. would be saved than lost. And God, we pray as a church and thank And God, we pray as a church and thank And God, we pray as a church and thank you that we get the opportunity to pray you that we get the opportunity to pray you that we get the opportunity to pray for them. And Father, I pray that this for them. And Father, I pray that this for them. And Father, I pray that this would just be another time where you would just be another time where you would just be another time where you show yourself strong on those that are show yourself strong on those that are show yourself strong on those that are weak right now. And we pray this in weak right now. And we pray this in weak right now. And we pray this in Jesus name. And everybody said, Jesus name. And everybody said, Jesus name. And everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. And you might be wondering as a >> Amen. And you might be wondering as a >> Amen. And you might be wondering as a church, what do we do when we see church, what do we do when we see church, what do we do when we see crisis? Well, as a church, we are crisis? Well, as a church, we are crisis? Well, as a church, we are already started to work with partners on already started to work with partners on already started to work with partners on the ground. So on the ground right now, the ground. So on the ground right now, the ground. So on the ground right now, Samaritan Purse, Convoy of Hope, Food Samaritan Purse, Convoy of Hope, Food Samaritan Purse, Convoy of Hope, Food for the Poor is already there on the for the Poor is already there on the for the Poor is already there on the ground. We are committed as a church to ground. We are committed as a church to ground. We are committed as a church to send $50,000 worth of relief funds send $50,000 worth of relief funds send $50,000 worth of relief funds already to the efforts that are there. already to the efforts that are there. already to the efforts that are there. And we're also working with our And we're also working with our And we're also working with our missionaries that are in Karacus right missionaries that are in Karacus right missionaries that are in Karacus right now. And and just tonight, if you didn't now. And and just tonight, if you didn't now. And and just tonight, if you didn't know, we have similar missionaries that know, we have similar missionaries that know, we have similar missionaries that actually went out there and start to actually went out there and start to actually went out there and start to work in the hallway, very involved. So, work in the hallway, very involved. So, work in the hallway, very involved. So, they're engaged with us right now as we they're engaged with us right now as we they're engaged with us right now as we speak. We want to know as we look at the speak. We want to know as we look at the speak. We want to know as we look at the way we see generosity, we see what God way we see generosity, we see what God way we see generosity, we see what God is doing in Guatemala. He's doing a is doing in Guatemala. He's doing a is doing in Guatemala. He's doing a great work. We see what God is doing at great work. We see what God is doing at great work. We see what God is doing at Calvary House. But we also have this Calvary House. But we also have this Calvary House. But we also have this approach where we actually respond to approach where we actually respond to approach where we actually respond to the vulnerable in our world that's far the vulnerable in our world that's far the vulnerable in our world that's far beyond what God could ever do locally.

beyond what God could ever do locally. beyond what God could ever do locally. We see how God is working globally We see how God is working globally We see how God is working globally through your generosity. through your generosity. through your generosity. So tonight we're going to just ask if So tonight we're going to just ask if So tonight we're going to just ask if you feel so led, if you feel called to you feel so led, if you feel called to you feel so led, if you feel called to give to any one of these efforts, as give to any one of these efforts, as give to any one of these efforts, as Sammy said on the video, it's not about Sammy said on the video, it's not about Sammy said on the video, it's not about buildings, it's about people. Can I get buildings, it's about people. Can I get buildings, it's about people. Can I get an amen? an amen? an amen? >> And right now there are people that are >> And right now there are people that are >> And right now there are people that are in need. So, if you feel so led to give in need. So, if you feel so led to give in need. So, if you feel so led to give tonight, scan our QR code. There's ways tonight, scan our QR code. There's ways tonight, scan our QR code. There's ways that you can actually give. And like we that you can actually give. And like we that you can actually give. And like we said, all of that generosity actually said, all of that generosity actually said, all of that generosity actually goes to a place where we'll see the goes to a place where we'll see the goes to a place where we'll see the mission of God moving forward. So, thank mission of God moving forward. So, thank mission of God moving forward. So, thank you for supporting families, for you for supporting families, for you for supporting families, for supporting the next gener generation, supporting the next gener generation, supporting the next gener generation, and supporting people that are in crisis and supporting people that are in crisis and supporting people that are in crisis right now. Without further ado, I do right now. Without further ado, I do right now. Without further ado, I do want to read and start our sermon as want to read and start our sermon as want to read and start our sermon as well. So, as I always do, would you mind well. So, as I always do, would you mind well. So, as I always do, would you mind would you not mind mind standing for the would you not mind mind standing for the would you not mind mind standing for the reading of God's word with me? We're going to read Ecclesiastes We're going to read Ecclesiastes 4:es 1-6.

1-6. Ecclesiastes 4:es 1-6 says, "Again, I Ecclesiastes 4:es 1-6 says, "Again, I Ecclesiastes 4:es 1-6 says, "Again, I looked and saw all the oppression that looked and saw all the oppression that looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun. I saw was taking place under the sun. I saw was taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed and they have the tears of the oppressed and they have the tears of the oppressed and they have no comforter. Power was on the side of no comforter. Power was on the side of no comforter. Power was on the side of their oppressors, and they have no their oppressors, and they have no their oppressors, and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead comforter. And I declared that the dead comforter. And I declared that the dead who had already died are happier than who had already died are happier than who had already died are happier than the living who are still alive. But the living who are still alive. But the living who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has better than both is the one who has better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the never been born, who has not seen the never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. And I evil that is done under the sun. And I evil that is done under the sun. And I saw that all toil and all achievements saw that all toil and all achievements saw that all toil and all achievements spring from one person's envy of spring from one person's envy of spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a another. This too is meaningless, a another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Fools fold their chasing after the wind. Fools fold their chasing after the wind. Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one hands and ruin themselves. Better one hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility handful with tranquility handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing than two handfuls with toil and chasing than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. If you're a notetaker, after the wind. If you're a notetaker, after the wind. If you're a notetaker, tonight's title is finding meaning in tonight's title is finding meaning in tonight's title is finding meaning in life.

life. life. Finding meaning in life. Let's bow our Finding meaning in life. Let's bow our Finding meaning in life. Let's bow our heads and pray. Lord, thank you for your word for your word that is opened up to us that is opened up to us that is opened up to us that is living and active, sharper than that is living and active, sharper than that is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, working its way any two-edged sword, working its way any two-edged sword, working its way down to the joints and the marrow, down to the joints and the marrow, down to the joints and the marrow, discerning the thoughts of the heart. discerning the thoughts of the heart. discerning the thoughts of the heart. Lord, I pray tonight as we open your Lord, I pray tonight as we open your Lord, I pray tonight as we open your word, would you open us up as well word, would you open us up as well word, would you open us up as well to the things that you desire to say and to the things that you desire to say and to the things that you desire to say and speak? speak? speak? Lord, our prayer is that we would not Lord, our prayer is that we would not Lord, our prayer is that we would not leave the same way that you we walked leave the same way that you we walked leave the same way that you we walked in. Lord, that the word would have power in. Lord, that the word would have power in. Lord, that the word would have power to change, to transform, to enlighten. to change, to transform, to enlighten. to change, to transform, to enlighten. Lord, I pray as John prayed that we Lord, I pray as John prayed that we Lord, I pray as John prayed that we would decrease and you would increase. would decrease and you would increase. would decrease and you would increase. Lord, I pray as your messenger that the Lord, I pray as your messenger that the Lord, I pray as your messenger that the words of my my mouth and the meditation words of my my mouth and the meditation words of my my mouth and the meditation of my heart would be pleasing in your of my heart would be pleasing in your of my heart would be pleasing in your sight. Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

sight. Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer. sight. Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer. And I pray this in Jesus name. And And I pray this in Jesus name. And And I pray this in Jesus name. And everybody said, everybody said, everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> You may have a seat. How do you find How do you find the meaning in life? the meaning in life? the meaning in life? As we started studying the book of As we started studying the book of As we started studying the book of Ecclesiastes, I I think about Solomon Ecclesiastes, I I think about Solomon Ecclesiastes, I I think about Solomon who has who has who has everything that a human could want. everything that a human could want. everything that a human could want. Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, power, power, power, a palace, a palace, a palace, could buy anything. The wisest and could buy anything. The wisest and could buy anything. The wisest and richest man. But his conclusion at times richest man. But his conclusion at times richest man. But his conclusion at times leave you confused. leave you confused. leave you confused. seems like he's struggling to find the seems like he's struggling to find the seems like he's struggling to find the meaning of life. And he uses this term meaning of life. And he uses this term meaning of life. And he uses this term all the time. Life is what? We should all the time. Life is what? We should all the time. Life is what? We should know this. >> Meaningless. >> Meaningless. You ever try to catch vapor as you spray You ever try to catch vapor as you spray You ever try to catch vapor as you spray it? [snorts] You ever try to chase wind it? [snorts] You ever try to chase wind it? [snorts] You ever try to chase wind anybody and be successful?

anybody and be successful? anybody and be successful? You can't do neither. You can't do neither. You can't do neither. So, as we open up this chapter, it's So, as we open up this chapter, it's So, as we open up this chapter, it's interesting to me. We'll get through all interesting to me. We'll get through all interesting to me. We'll get through all the verses and there is no mention of the verses and there is no mention of the verses and there is no mention of God. God. God. Not one time. And I think about this. Not one time. And I think about this. Not one time. And I think about this. Imagine a world Imagine a world Imagine a world without God. without God. without God. Imagine we lived in a godless society Imagine we lived in a godless society Imagine we lived in a godless society where God did not exist or the things of where God did not exist or the things of where God did not exist or the things of God didn't exist or the people of God God didn't exist or the people of God God didn't exist or the people of God did not exist. that under the sun all we did not exist. that under the sun all we did not exist. that under the sun all we saw was what the earth had to offer. How saw was what the earth had to offer. How saw was what the earth had to offer. How would that world or how would this world would that world or how would this world would that world or how would this world be? So you think about this question, So you think about this question, can you truly find meaning can you truly find meaning can you truly find meaning without God? Anybody? I don't know how without God? Anybody? I don't know how without God? Anybody? I don't know how people do it. I mean, I've been saved 20 people do it. I mean, I've been saved 20 people do it. I mean, I've been saved 20 plus years and I wonder how do people plus years and I wonder how do people plus years and I wonder how do people make it in this world without God. Can I make it in this world without God. Can I make it in this world without God. Can I get an amen if you agree with me? It's get an amen if you agree with me? It's get an amen if you agree with me? It's like, how do you make it without like, how do you make it without like, how do you make it without connecting vertically with your creator?

connecting vertically with your creator? connecting vertically with your creator? And as we dig into chapter 4, you see And as we dig into chapter 4, you see And as we dig into chapter 4, you see Solomon is this teacher. He's like a a Solomon is this teacher. He's like a a Solomon is this teacher. He's like a a researcher and he's looking around at researcher and he's looking around at researcher and he's looking around at all of these things under the sun. all of these things under the sun. all of these things under the sun. And in this chapter, he talks about this And in this chapter, he talks about this And in this chapter, he talks about this this word oppression this word oppression this word oppression and how again he looked and he saw and how again he looked and he saw and how again he looked and he saw oppression. And if you want a working oppression. And if you want a working oppression. And if you want a working definition of oppression, it is all definition of oppression, it is all definition of oppression, it is all abuses in various kinds of power abuses in various kinds of power abuses in various kinds of power where the weak where the weak where the weak are actually taken advantage of and they are actually taken advantage of and they are actually taken advantage of and they can't do anything. can't do anything. can't do anything. It's the injustice that chapter 3 talk It's the injustice that chapter 3 talk It's the injustice that chapter 3 talk about where there's wickedness and about where there's wickedness and about where there's wickedness and injustice and God will judge the injustice and God will judge the injustice and God will judge the righteous and wicked deeds. righteous and wicked deeds. righteous and wicked deeds. We see things in the world like genocide We see things in the world like genocide We see things in the world like genocide and even parental abuse and trauma and and even parental abuse and trauma and and even parental abuse and trauma and pain caused by people pain caused by people pain caused by people that have power and they're oppressing that have power and they're oppressing that have power and they're oppressing the weak.

the weak. the weak. And can I just say more and more as I And can I just say more and more as I And can I just say more and more as I get older, I am more sensitive to this, get older, I am more sensitive to this, get older, I am more sensitive to this, it burdens me sometimes to see it burdens me sometimes to see it burdens me sometimes to see things happening in the news. things happening in the news. things happening in the news. And sometimes you say to yourself, is And sometimes you say to yourself, is And sometimes you say to yourself, is anyone anyone anyone going to bring them comfort? going to bring them comfort? going to bring them comfort? Solomon said, I saw it and they have no Solomon said, I saw it and they have no Solomon said, I saw it and they have no comforter. And the word comforter is comforter. And the word comforter is comforter. And the word comforter is this word to to actually sigh. When you this word to to actually sigh. When you this word to to actually sigh. When you see something in the news, you just go. see something in the news, you just go. see something in the news, you just go. [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] [sighs] I mean, that's horrible. I mean, that's horrible. That's terrible. That's terrible. That's terrible. But the word comforter means there's no But the word comforter means there's no But the word comforter means there's no one actually coming alongside. It has one actually coming alongside. It has one actually coming alongside. It has this this idea that goes from the Old this this idea that goes from the Old this this idea that goes from the Old Testament. There's no deliverer. There's Testament. There's no deliverer. There's Testament. There's no deliverer. There's no person that's compassionate. It's no person that's compassionate. It's no person that's compassionate. It's almost like there's no Holy Spirit almost like there's no Holy Spirit almost like there's no Holy Spirit that's coming alongside to help that's coming alongside to help that's coming alongside to help these people.

When you think about our perspective When you think about our perspective versus God's perspective, Solomon is versus God's perspective, Solomon is versus God's perspective, Solomon is seeing seeing seeing the oppression, the oppression, the oppression, but God also sees but God also sees but God also sees the oppression. God also sees every cry. the oppression. God also sees every cry. the oppression. God also sees every cry. Man itself is limited. Solomon can't see Man itself is limited. Solomon can't see Man itself is limited. Solomon can't see all, but he's actually seeing these all, but he's actually seeing these all, but he's actually seeing these things right in front of him. Which things right in front of him. Which things right in front of him. Which which he declares actually, it's which he declares actually, it's which he declares actually, it's interesting. He says, "I saw the tears interesting. He says, "I saw the tears interesting. He says, "I saw the tears of the oppressed." Which means he got of the oppressed." Which means he got of the oppressed." Which means he got close. close. close. Like to see somebody crying, you got to Like to see somebody crying, you got to Like to see somebody crying, you got to get real close. get real close. get real close. You see the tears You see the tears You see the tears of people in pain. And he declares, and of people in pain. And he declares, and of people in pain. And he declares, and I'm going to go somewhere this. He I'm going to go somewhere this. He I'm going to go somewhere this. He declares that the dead who already died declares that the dead who already died declares that the dead who already died is better. He's actually saying it is is better. He's actually saying it is is better. He's actually saying it is better not to be born into this world than to be oppressed. Well man, than to be oppressed. Well man, Solomon's got a limited view. First Solomon's got a limited view. First Solomon's got a limited view. First point, if you're taking note, is this.

point, if you're taking note, is this. point, if you're taking note, is this. We find meaning We find meaning We find meaning in God's perspective. We find meaning in in God's perspective. We find meaning in in God's perspective. We find meaning in God's perspective. Because just as God's perspective. Because just as God's perspective. Because just as Solomon is seeing everything under the Solomon is seeing everything under the Solomon is seeing everything under the sun, God sees everything under the sun. sun, God sees everything under the sun. sun, God sees everything under the sun. And because there's no mention of God, And because there's no mention of God, And because there's no mention of God, we got to look at this from not a man's we got to look at this from not a man's we got to look at this from not a man's perspective. We got to look at perspective. We got to look at perspective. We got to look at oppression and things happening around, oppression and things happening around, oppression and things happening around, not from a limited perspective, but we not from a limited perspective, but we not from a limited perspective, but we got to get our eyes and our connectivity got to get our eyes and our connectivity got to get our eyes and our connectivity to God's perspective to be able to see the cries to be able to see the cries of the people. You read this in in of the people. You read this in in of the people. You read this in in Matthew chapter nine. Jesus when he sees Matthew chapter nine. Jesus when he sees Matthew chapter nine. Jesus when he sees the crowds harassed, watch this. He says the crowds harassed, watch this. He says the crowds harassed, watch this. He says in verse uh chapter 9 verse 36-38, when in verse uh chapter 9 verse 36-38, when in verse uh chapter 9 verse 36-38, when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on he saw the crowds, he had compassion on he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and them because they were harassed and them because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. helpless like sheep without a shepherd. helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The Then he said to his disciples, "The Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers harvest is plentiful, but the workers harvest is plentiful, but the workers are are are >> All right, I'll set you up Saturday >> All right, I'll set you up Saturday >> All right, I'll set you up Saturday night." You came in a little low there.

night." You came in a little low there. night." You came in a little low there. I mean you I said the workers are I mean you I said the workers are I mean you I said the workers are >> few. >> few. >> few. >> Few. That's how I sounded. >> Few. That's how I sounded. >> Few. That's how I sounded. >> Are you ready? >> Are you ready? >> Are you ready? >> Then he said to his disciples, "The >> Then he said to his disciples, "The >> Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers harvest is plentiful, but the workers harvest is plentiful, but the workers are are are >> few. Ask the Lord of the harvest. >> few. Ask the Lord of the harvest. >> few. Ask the Lord of the harvest. Therefore, to send out workers into his Therefore, to send out workers into his Therefore, to send out workers into his harvest." harvest." harvest." One of the things I noticed about One of the things I noticed about One of the things I noticed about Solomon is this. He had the power Solomon is this. He had the power Solomon is this. He had the power to do something about the oppression. He to do something about the oppression. He to do something about the oppression. He was close enough to see the tears, was close enough to see the tears, was close enough to see the tears, but he didn't do anything. but he didn't do anything. but he didn't do anything. And I think about And I think about And I think about not just did he have power, not just did he have power, not just did he have power, he had proximity. he had proximity. he had proximity. And sometimes in life, you have And sometimes in life, you have And sometimes in life, you have proximity to something that God may say, proximity to something that God may say, proximity to something that God may say, "Could you be the one that I send out "Could you be the one that I send out "Could you be the one that I send out into the harvest into the harvest into the harvest to go connect with those people that are to go connect with those people that are to go connect with those people that are oppressed oppressed oppressed and down? Could you be even you? Yes, and down? Could you be even you? Yes, and down? Could you be even you? Yes, maybe today you don't have a lot of maybe today you don't have a lot of maybe today you don't have a lot of power or prestige. Maybe go I don't have power or prestige. Maybe go I don't have power or prestige. Maybe go I don't have all the finest. But but could you be an all the finest. But but could you be an all the finest. But but could you be an instrument of comfort instrument of comfort instrument of comfort to someone?

to someone? to someone? I think about us doing four kids. Why do I think about us doing four kids. Why do I think about us doing four kids. Why do we partner with four kids? Because the we partner with four kids? Because the we partner with four kids? Because the system says that there are kids fost system says that there are kids fost system says that there are kids fost that are being fostered that are that that are being fostered that are that that are being fostered that are that that maybe are not well taken care of, that maybe are not well taken care of, that maybe are not well taken care of, but but they can use a Christian home. We do that once a year. But maybe, but We do that once a year. But maybe, but maybe could you be that home that could maybe could you be that home that could maybe could you be that home that could be an instrument of comfort be an instrument of comfort be an instrument of comfort for those in foster care? for those in foster care? for those in foster care? They need a home that's centered on They need a home that's centered on They need a home that's centered on Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. A couple of months ago, last month, we A couple of months ago, last month, we A couple of months ago, last month, we did this good neighbor day. And and at did this good neighbor day. And and at did this good neighbor day. And and at our campus, there was a school next our campus, there was a school next our campus, there was a school next door. There is a school next door called door. There is a school next door called door. There is a school next door called Freedom Shores. Freedom Shores. Freedom Shores. 500 police show, 500 people show up, 500 police show, 500 people show up, 500 police show, 500 people show up, families, bounce houses, games, the families, bounce houses, games, the families, bounce houses, games, the whole nine yards. But but the assistant whole nine yards. But but the assistant whole nine yards. But but the assistant principal came up to me and she said, principal came up to me and she said, principal came up to me and she said, "You know, "You know, "You know, the state is thinking about cutting the the state is thinking about cutting the the state is thinking about cutting the funding for free meals for families."

Then I asked the question, how many Then I asked the question, how many families are we talking about? families are we talking about? families are we talking about? 700 families. 700 families. 700 families. And I don't know about you, some And I don't know about you, some And I don't know about you, some families don't have the money to even families don't have the money to even families don't have the money to even send their kids to school with lunch. send their kids to school with lunch. send their kids to school with lunch. Sometimes the only meal they have Sometimes the only meal they have Sometimes the only meal they have is what they get at school. is what they get at school. is what they get at school. I mean, they're right next door. And we're like, Lord, show us. And we're like, Lord, show us. People are coming up. Hey, Pastor People are coming up. Hey, Pastor People are coming up. Hey, Pastor Dwayne, we want to be able to solve that Dwayne, we want to be able to solve that Dwayne, we want to be able to solve that problem. And we're working now to see if problem. And we're working now to see if problem. And we're working now to see if they do not approve they do not approve they do not approve free meals, what as a church can we do? free meals, what as a church can we do? free meals, what as a church can we do? So when you look at things from from So when you look at things from from So when you look at things from from God's perspective, there's a reason why God's perspective, there's a reason why God's perspective, there's a reason why we do for kids. There's a reason why we we do for kids. There's a reason why we we do for kids. There's a reason why we do local outreach. Yes, it's great to do local outreach. Yes, it's great to do local outreach. Yes, it's great to give a meal, but man, more than a meal, give a meal, but man, more than a meal, give a meal, but man, more than a meal, these people need Jesus. These people these people need Jesus. These people these people need Jesus. These people need hope. These people need change. need hope. These people need change. need hope. These people need change. These people need somebody to walk These people need somebody to walk These people need somebody to walk alongside. These people need a little alongside. These people need a little alongside. These people need a little bit more comfort.

Psalm 82:3, you could take note, says Psalm 82:3, you could take note, says that we defend the weak and the that we defend the weak and the that we defend the weak and the fatherless and we uphold the cause of fatherless and we uphold the cause of fatherless and we uphold the cause of the oppressed. Maybe you can be an the oppressed. Maybe you can be an the oppressed. Maybe you can be an instrument of comfort so you can find instrument of comfort so you can find instrument of comfort so you can find meaning meaning meaning in your life. And then Solomon pivots, in your life. And then Solomon pivots, in your life. And then Solomon pivots, says the fool folds their hands says the fool folds their hands says the fool folds their hands and sort of just sits and does nothing and sort of just sits and does nothing and sort of just sits and does nothing and basically ruins themselves. This is and basically ruins themselves. This is and basically ruins themselves. This is a picture of somebody that is lazy, a picture of somebody that is lazy, a picture of somebody that is lazy, complacent. complacent. complacent. Anybody know somebody lazy? Anybody know somebody lazy? Anybody know somebody lazy? >> If they're next to you, do not raise >> If they're next to you, do not raise >> If they're next to you, do not raise your hand. Do not look left. Some of your hand. Do not look left. Some of your hand. Do not look left. Some of y'all like, "My kids need to be in here y'all like, "My kids need to be in here y'all like, "My kids need to be in here listening to these messages. I feed them listening to these messages. I feed them listening to these messages. I feed them every day and they lazy. They don't want every day and they lazy. They don't want every day and they lazy. They don't want to clean their room. But he says that's meaningless, too. But he says that's meaningless, too. What about people that What about people that What about people that don't find anything to do?

don't find anything to do? don't find anything to do? So, all they're doing is ruining So, all they're doing is ruining So, all they're doing is ruining themselves. And some translation says themselves. And some translation says themselves. And some translation says they they consume their own flesh. they they consume their own flesh. they they consume their own flesh. Even Solomon wrote, it's just like they Even Solomon wrote, it's just like they Even Solomon wrote, it's just like they they have no interest and no meaning. they have no interest and no meaning. they have no interest and no meaning. And that's sad. And that's sad. And that's sad. Now, I would say this way. If you are Now, I would say this way. If you are Now, I would say this way. If you are here here here and you're looking for meaning and you and you're looking for meaning and you and you're looking for meaning and you think that you have no purpose and think that you have no purpose and think that you have no purpose and you're trying to discover meaning, I you're trying to discover meaning, I you're trying to discover meaning, I would say you're in a great place would say you're in a great place would say you're in a great place because if you don't know Jesus, he will because if you don't know Jesus, he will because if you don't know Jesus, he will give you purpose. If you don't know give you purpose. If you don't know give you purpose. If you don't know Jesus, he will give you meaning. If you Jesus, he will give you meaning. If you Jesus, he will give you meaning. If you don't think that you were created for don't think that you were created for don't think that you were created for something by God, something by God, something by God, you just need to get connected with him you just need to get connected with him you just need to get connected with him and he will give you purpose. and he will give you purpose. and he will give you purpose. He will give you direction where you He will give you direction where you He will give you direction where you need to go. need to go. need to go. So he says people fold their hands. So he says people fold their hands. So he says people fold their hands. Says better one handful with tranquility Says better one handful with tranquility Says better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing than two handfuls with toil and chasing than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. I want to go back up. I after the wind. I want to go back up. I after the wind. I want to go back up. I missed verse four. He says, "And I saw missed verse four. He says, "And I saw missed verse four. He says, "And I saw that all toil." Come back with me. I'm that all toil." Come back with me. I'm that all toil." Come back with me. I'm sorry. I went ahead to verse five. So, sorry. I went ahead to verse five. So, sorry. I went ahead to verse five. So, so if you're with me, just come back to so if you're with me, just come back to so if you're with me, just come back to verse four.

verse four. verse four. That happens when you're passionate that That happens when you're passionate that That happens when you're passionate that you just want to get through your you just want to get through your you just want to get through your message. Verse four says, "And I saw message. Verse four says, "And I saw message. Verse four says, "And I saw that all the toil and achievements that all the toil and achievements that all the toil and achievements spring from one person's envy of spring from one person's envy of spring from one person's envy of another. This too is what? Meaningless another. This too is what? Meaningless another. This too is what? Meaningless chasing after the wind." He's basically chasing after the wind." He's basically chasing after the wind." He's basically looking at the fact that people seem to looking at the fact that people seem to looking at the fact that people seem to be striving be striving be striving because they're envious of somebody else because they're envious of somebody else because they're envious of somebody else and they're competing. and they're competing. and they're competing. You see this in business, You see this in business, You see this in business, right? It's like before Amazon delivered right? It's like before Amazon delivered right? It's like before Amazon delivered your packages the next day. Who heard of your packages the next day. Who heard of your packages the next day. Who heard of that? You remember? Anybody as old as that? You remember? Anybody as old as that? You remember? Anybody as old as me? It was like FedEx and you had the me? It was like FedEx and you had the me? It was like FedEx and you had the option pay next day, pay $300 option pay next day, pay $300 option pay next day, pay $300 or wait one month for your package. or wait one month for your package. or wait one month for your package. Anybody know what I'm talking about? You Anybody know what I'm talking about? You Anybody know what I'm talking about? You remember that? remember that? remember that? Now you could sign up for Prime next Now you could sign up for Prime next Now you could sign up for Prime next day. day. day. Some of you like, "Thank you, Jesus, for Some of you like, "Thank you, Jesus, for Some of you like, "Thank you, Jesus, for Amazon Prime." But Amazon had to get Amazon Prime." But Amazon had to get Amazon Prime." But Amazon had to get better than FedEx.

better than FedEx. better than FedEx. You see it in sports, right? How many You see it in sports, right? How many You see it in sports, right? How many people are watching the World Cup? people are watching the World Cup? people are watching the World Cup? How many Messi fans out there, right? How many Messi fans out there, right? How many Messi fans out there, right? Messi. Who's trying to catch Messi? Messi. Who's trying to catch Messi? Messi. Who's trying to catch Messi? Andbape. Andbape. Andbape. Andbape want to stay on the field all Andbape want to stay on the field all Andbape want to stay on the field all the time just to catch Messi. the time just to catch Messi. the time just to catch Messi. LeBron James will play till he's 100 LeBron James will play till he's 100 LeBron James will play till he's 100 because because because he wants to be the greatest of all time. he wants to be the greatest of all time. he wants to be the greatest of all time. LeBron, please do not sign another LeBron, please do not sign another LeBron, please do not sign another extension. You are 75 years old, bro. MJ will always be MJ will always be >> MJ will always be >> MJ will always be >> MJ will always be MJ will always be the goat. MJ will always be the goat. MJ will always be the goat. But I digress. Listen, But I digress. Listen, But I digress. Listen, but we do that to each other even as but we do that to each other even as but we do that to each other even as church folk. Oh, you got that new job church folk. Oh, you got that new job church folk. Oh, you got that new job and you know you want to be like, and you know you want to be like, and you know you want to be like, [sighs] "How much they paying you?"

[sighs] "How much they paying you?" [sighs] "How much they paying you?" Can you hook me up? I mean, I'm just Can you hook me up? I mean, I'm just Can you hook me up? I mean, I'm just Oh, you bought a new house. Solomon is saying that that we get Solomon is saying that that we get caught up in keeping up with the caught up in keeping up with the caught up in keeping up with the Joneses. Joneses. Joneses. Well, they got a new house. I got to Well, they got a new house. I got to Well, they got a new house. I got to move to a newer neighborhood. I got to move to a newer neighborhood. I got to move to a newer neighborhood. I got to So all of that is striving and chasing So all of that is striving and chasing So all of that is striving and chasing after the win. So then why why get the after the win. So then why why get the after the win. So then why why get the bigger house if you're going to get a bigger house if you're going to get a bigger house if you're going to get a bigger house? Like why get the new car bigger house? Like why get the new car bigger house? Like why get the new car if you're going to get the new car, if you're going to get the new car, if you're going to get the new car, right? right? right? What's the motivation? Do you really What's the motivation? Do you really What's the motivation? Do you really need the bigger house? And I'm not need the bigger house? And I'm not need the bigger house? And I'm not knocking you if you got a bigger house. knocking you if you got a bigger house. knocking you if you got a bigger house. I'm not saying that. But what's the I'm not saying that. But what's the I'm not saying that. But what's the motivation? Sometimes I thank God not because I got Sometimes I thank God not because I got a bigger house. Sometimes I thank God a bigger house. Sometimes I thank God a bigger house. Sometimes I thank God because I have a house. Sometimes I because I have a house. Sometimes I because I have a house. Sometimes I thank God because there's fruit food in thank God because there's fruit food in thank God because there's fruit food in the refrigerator. Like I'm not eating the refrigerator. Like I'm not eating the refrigerator. Like I'm not eating fort manon. I can't go out every night.

fort manon. I can't go out every night. fort manon. I can't go out every night. But man, But man, But man, >> he provided. >> And if you believe he's a provider, >> And if you believe he's a provider, there's no need to strive after more. Be there's no need to strive after more. Be there's no need to strive after more. Be content. Some of it is out of envy. So I would Some of it is out of envy. So I would say anytime you're going to make the new say anytime you're going to make the new say anytime you're going to make the new purchase, purchase, purchase, the new thing you think you need, the new thing you think you need, the new thing you think you need, the latest iPhone that supposedly the latest iPhone that supposedly the latest iPhone that supposedly makes calls without you even knowing. I makes calls without you even knowing. I makes calls without you even knowing. I don't know. It's like don't know. It's like don't know. It's like iPhone call my friend. It's like iPhone call my friend. It's like iPhone call my friend. It's like it's the next thing. it's the next thing. it's the next thing. You only text and make calls and take You only text and make calls and take You only text and make calls and take pictures, but it got a better camera. So pictures, but it got a better camera. So pictures, but it got a better camera. So what? I mean, it just it costs more what? I mean, it just it costs more what? I mean, it just it costs more money.

He speaks about the lazy person He speaks about the lazy person as I shared but he says better is one as I shared but he says better is one as I shared but he says better is one handful handful handful with tranquility with tranquility with tranquility than two than two than two with toil. with toil. with toil. >> He's comparing >> He's comparing >> He's comparing tranquility is is actual rest. tranquility is is actual rest. tranquility is is actual rest. So this is where he gets into your work So this is where he gets into your work So this is where he gets into your work life balance. He's like better better. life balance. He's like better better. life balance. He's like better better. He's not saying don't work, He's not saying don't work, He's not saying don't work, but balance it with with rest. but balance it with with rest. but balance it with with rest. Then trying to conquer the world. It's Then trying to conquer the world. It's Then trying to conquer the world. It's it's the career that has you up it's the career that has you up it's the career that has you up 247. You're barely getting any sleep 247. You're barely getting any sleep 247. You're barely getting any sleep trying to keep up. trying to keep up. trying to keep up. No balance. No balance. No balance. And I would I would ask you if Yeah. I I And I would I would ask you if Yeah. I I And I would I would ask you if Yeah. I I I want you to work hard. I want you to work hard. I want you to work hard. Nothing wrong with working hard, but but Nothing wrong with working hard, but but Nothing wrong with working hard, but but are you resting well?

Ecclesiastes 2 says, "The toil, the job Ecclesiastes 2 says, "The toil, the job you have is from the hand of God. It's a you have is from the hand of God. It's a you have is from the hand of God. It's a gift gift gift and you you can enjoy it. It's a gift and you you can enjoy it. It's a gift and you you can enjoy it. It's a gift from from from God." God." God." And it's this word avod this word where And it's this word avod this word where And it's this word avod this word where work actually becomes work actually becomes work actually becomes like worship like worship like worship and service. So think think about this and service. So think think about this and service. So think think about this picture with the same hand you work if picture with the same hand you work if picture with the same hand you work if if you have a job and I'm not if you have a job and I'm not if you have a job and I'm not discounting homemakers because if you discounting homemakers because if you discounting homemakers because if you are stay-at-home mom stay at home parent are stay-at-home mom stay at home parent are stay-at-home mom stay at home parent y'all work too. Can I get an amen? If y'all work too. Can I get an amen? If y'all work too. Can I get an amen? If you staying home and or you retired, you you staying home and or you retired, you you staying home and or you retired, you worked before, you know, I mean, but worked before, you know, I mean, but worked before, you know, I mean, but with the same hand you you work with the same hand you you work with the same hand you you work and the thought is the same hand you and the thought is the same hand you and the thought is the same hand you worship, worship, worship, but with the same hand you you serve. like you use your spiritual gifts that like you use your spiritual gifts that God gave you. Just imagine that picture God gave you. Just imagine that picture God gave you. Just imagine that picture with one hand you go to your work, your with one hand you go to your work, your with one hand you go to your work, your workplace, your job or whatever season workplace, your job or whatever season workplace, your job or whatever season you're in. The same hand you get to you're in. The same hand you get to you're in. The same hand you get to worship God and enjoy that. But but also worship God and enjoy that. But but also worship God and enjoy that. But but also this the same hand you serve, right?

this the same hand you serve, right? this the same hand you serve, right? So I I I ask you, are you serving? So I I I ask you, are you serving? So I I I ask you, are you serving? Are you just working and wor but maybe Are you just working and wor but maybe Are you just working and wor but maybe you have a spiritual gift God wants to you have a spiritual gift God wants to you have a spiritual gift God wants to use today? in one of our ministries. Can use today? in one of our ministries. Can use today? in one of our ministries. Can I just tell you like we can always use I just tell you like we can always use I just tell you like we can always use people in family ministry. people in family ministry. people in family ministry. If you want to mentor the next If you want to mentor the next If you want to mentor the next generation as we talk about the next 40 generation as we talk about the next 40 generation as we talk about the next 40 years, man, we could use you in family years, man, we could use you in family years, man, we could use you in family ministry only if you like children. If ministry only if you like children. If ministry only if you like children. If you do not like children, do not. That's you do not like children, do not. That's you do not like children, do not. That's not your gift. Put your hand you serve, Put your hand you serve, right? Because when you think about this right? Because when you think about this right? Because when you think about this picture, 1 Timothy 6:6 says that picture, 1 Timothy 6:6 says that picture, 1 Timothy 6:6 says that godliness with contentment is is great godliness with contentment is is great godliness with contentment is is great gain. So I want you to take a look at gain. So I want you to take a look at gain. So I want you to take a look at this picture and ask yourself, which one this picture and ask yourself, which one this picture and ask yourself, which one are you? Are you the one on the right that's Are you the one on the right that's working all the time, two hands working all the time, two hands working all the time, two hands holding on?

or that person that's or that person that's the emails come in, they come, praise the emails come in, they come, praise the emails come in, they come, praise God, you got worship music playing in God, you got worship music playing in God, you got worship music playing in the background, you leave at a normal the background, you leave at a normal the background, you leave at a normal hour. Solomon is saying the quality of life Solomon is saying the quality of life is always better than the quantity is always better than the quantity is always better than the quantity of life and you could actually be of life and you could actually be of life and you could actually be content with less than having more. that content with less than having more. that content with less than having more. that it's interesting when I used to work in it's interesting when I used to work in it's interesting when I used to work in the corporate world I I sometimes would the corporate world I I sometimes would the corporate world I I sometimes would work in the the islands right and you work in the the islands right and you work in the the islands right and you know island speed right so I'm coming know island speed right so I'm coming know island speed right so I'm coming corporate America I'm coming like we're corporate America I'm coming like we're corporate America I'm coming like we're going to get work done so I go to one of going to get work done so I go to one of going to get work done so I go to one of these island yeah man we got to work we got to work and then when you get around 3 4:00 They and then when you get around 3 4:00 They and then when you get around 3 4:00 They start looking at their watch. You think, start looking at their watch. You think, start looking at their watch. You think, "Bro, we still got four hours work." "Bro, we still got four hours work." "Bro, we still got four hours work." He's like, "Nah, man. We going to do He's like, "Nah, man. We going to do He's like, "Nah, man. We going to do that tomorrow."

And you know what I learned from them? And you know what I learned from them? None of them stressed out. Let's continue. Verse seven. Again, I Let's continue. Verse seven. Again, I saw something meaningless saw something meaningless saw something meaningless under the sun. There was a man all under the sun. There was a man all under the sun. There was a man all alone. He had neither son nor brother. alone. He had neither son nor brother. alone. He had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil. Yet his There was no end to his toil. Yet his There was no end to his toil. Yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. eyes were not content with his wealth. eyes were not content with his wealth. For whom am I toiling? He asked. And why For whom am I toiling? He asked. And why For whom am I toiling? He asked. And why am I depriving myself of enjoyment? This am I depriving myself of enjoyment? This am I depriving myself of enjoyment? This two is meaningless, a miserable two is meaningless, a miserable two is meaningless, a miserable business. Verse n. Two are better than business. Verse n. Two are better than business. Verse n. Two are better than one because they have a good return for one because they have a good return for one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls their labor. If either of them falls their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. A pity down, one can help the other up. A pity down, one can help the other up. A pity anyone who falls has no one to help them anyone who falls has no one to help them anyone who falls has no one to help them up. Also if two lie together they will up. Also if two lie together they will up. Also if two lie together they will keep warm but how can one keep warm keep warm but how can one keep warm keep warm but how can one keep warm alone alone alone then one may be overpowered two can then one may be overpowered two can then one may be overpowered two can defend themselves very famous verse a defend themselves very famous verse a defend themselves very famous verse a cord of three strands is not easily cord of three strands is not easily cord of three strands is not easily broken not quickly broken broken not quickly broken broken not quickly broken second point if you are taking notice second point if you are taking notice second point if you are taking notice this we find meaning in godly community this we find meaning in godly community this we find meaning in godly community we say this at Calvary Chapel we are we say this at Calvary Chapel we are we say this at Calvary Chapel we are better together.

better together. better together. And it's interesting, it talks about a And it's interesting, it talks about a And it's interesting, it talks about a man man man who's alone, who's alone, who's alone, no brother, no son. So apparently this no brother, no son. So apparently this no brother, no son. So apparently this man is a serious workaholic man is a serious workaholic man is a serious workaholic and his eyes were not content and his eyes were not content and his eyes were not content with the wealth that he accumulated. with the wealth that he accumulated. with the wealth that he accumulated. Rockefeller was famous for saying this Rockefeller was famous for saying this Rockefeller was famous for saying this phrase and he meant it sarcastically. phrase and he meant it sarcastically. phrase and he meant it sarcastically. Many people took it out of context. Many people took it out of context. Many people took it out of context. Rock, they asked Rockefeller, "Well, how Rock, they asked Rockefeller, "Well, how Rock, they asked Rockefeller, "Well, how much more how much money do you need?" much more how much money do you need?" much more how much money do you need?" Rockefeller's response was just a little Rockefeller's response was just a little Rockefeller's response was just a little more. more. more. And you know, sometimes we're like that. And you know, sometimes we're like that. And you know, sometimes we're like that. Just a little more. if I had a little Just a little more. if I had a little Just a little more. if I had a little more. And he had no wife, And he had no wife, no family. no family. no family. He asked the question, some translation He asked the question, some translation He asked the question, some translation says he never asked the question. So says he never asked the question. So says he never asked the question. So depending on what you He asked the depending on what you He asked the depending on what you He asked the question, well, who am I working for?

question, well, who am I working for? question, well, who am I working for? It's interesting. He is so busy that he It's interesting. He is so busy that he It's interesting. He is so busy that he can't even enjoy the money he earns. can't even enjoy the money he earns. can't even enjoy the money he earns. And you think about us. And you think about us. And you think about us. Have we come to a place that that we Have we come to a place that that we Have we come to a place that that we could get so busy could get so busy could get so busy that we're not enjoying life? I don't know your schedule. I don't know your schedule. But man, if you were to think about your But man, if you were to think about your But man, if you were to think about your schedule and when you're where you're schedule and when you're where you're schedule and when you're where you're spending most of your time, are you spending most of your time, are you spending most of your time, are you actually so busy that you are not actually so busy that you are not actually so busy that you are not enjoying God, life, enjoying God, life, enjoying God, life, or even community? or even community? or even community? I can't make it to that group. I can't make it to that group. I can't make it to that group. I got work. I got this thing to do. And maybe it's a it's a check for us to And maybe it's a it's a check for us to say, man, are am I that busy that I say, man, are am I that busy that I say, man, are am I that busy that I can't even experience the joy of life can't even experience the joy of life can't even experience the joy of life and the joy of of the Lord.

and the joy of of the Lord. and the joy of of the Lord. This man is depriving himself of This man is depriving himself of This man is depriving himself of enjoyment. enjoyment. enjoyment. It says, It says, It says, Solomon says, "This too is meaningless, Solomon says, "This too is meaningless, Solomon says, "This too is meaningless, a miserable a miserable a miserable business." And what I thought was business." And what I thought was business." And what I thought was interesting because some people are interesting because some people are interesting because some people are introverted. Now, some of you might be introverted. Now, some of you might be introverted. Now, some of you might be very introverted. It's hard to find very introverted. It's hard to find very introverted. It's hard to find community. I understand that, right? And community. I understand that, right? And community. I understand that, right? And and you might be like, "It's not it's and you might be like, "It's not it's and you might be like, "It's not it's it's I'm not extroverted. I'm it's I'm not extroverted. I'm it's I'm not extroverted. I'm introverted. I get it." But he's not introverted. I get it." But he's not introverted. I get it." But he's not introverted. introverted. introverted. He's just busy. He's just busy. He's just busy. And one of the things I thought about And one of the things I thought about And one of the things I thought about that came emerged from this was this. that came emerged from this was this. that came emerged from this was this. He's not even thinking about the next He's not even thinking about the next He's not even thinking about the next generation. In Hebrew culture, generation. In Hebrew culture, generation. In Hebrew culture, the thought of legacy and leaving an the thought of legacy and leaving an the thought of legacy and leaving an inheritance was extremely important. inheritance was extremely important. inheritance was extremely important. So for him not to think about the next So for him not to think about the next So for him not to think about the next generation, the next kids coming up, it generation, the next kids coming up, it generation, the next kids coming up, it was odd to think that's why Solomon was odd to think that's why Solomon was odd to think that's why Solomon says, "Look, in our culture, says, "Look, in our culture, says, "Look, in our culture, we think about the next generation."

we think about the next generation." we think about the next generation." Hence the reason why Calvary is so hyped Hence the reason why Calvary is so hyped Hence the reason why Calvary is so hyped about the next generation. about the next generation. about the next generation. What if we as a church [snorts] didn't What if we as a church [snorts] didn't What if we as a church [snorts] didn't think about the legacy? What if we as a think about the legacy? What if we as a think about the legacy? What if we as a church only said, "Well, we turned 40. church only said, "Well, we turned 40. church only said, "Well, we turned 40. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. That's it. No next 40. No next 40. No more mission." No more mission." No more mission." This is why we are so excited about This is why we are so excited about This is why we are so excited about Habach 32. Lord, do it again. How many Habach 32. Lord, do it again. How many Habach 32. Lord, do it again. How many people want to see God do it again the people want to see God do it again the people want to see God do it again the same way he did it in the last 40 and same way he did it in the last 40 and same way he did it in the last 40 and the next 40 that's coming? Listen, I the next 40 that's coming? Listen, I the next 40 that's coming? Listen, I don't have to be here for the next 40, don't have to be here for the next 40, don't have to be here for the next 40, but I want God to be here for the next but I want God to be here for the next but I want God to be here for the next 40 and then some. 40 and then some. 40 and then some. This is why we believe Psalm 145:4 says This is why we believe Psalm 145:4 says This is why we believe Psalm 145:4 says this, "One generation commends your this, "One generation commends your this, "One generation commends your works to another. They tell of your works to another. They tell of your works to another. They tell of your mighty acts." I was thinking about this, mighty acts." I was thinking about this, mighty acts." I was thinking about this, man. Imagine there was no kids man. Imagine there was no kids man. Imagine there was no kids conference conference conference and your kid had nowhere to go to learn and your kid had nowhere to go to learn and your kid had nowhere to go to learn about Jesus.

about Jesus. about Jesus. Imagine there was no youth encounter. Imagine there was no youth encounter. Imagine there was no youth encounter. Next month, if you haven't signed up and Next month, if you haven't signed up and Next month, if you haven't signed up and you have a middle school or high you have a middle school or high you have a middle school or high schooler, imagine, schooler, imagine, schooler, imagine, imagine there wasn't a young adults imagine there wasn't a young adults imagine there wasn't a young adults group. Where would our church be? Where would our church be? You might as well shut down the mission You might as well shut down the mission You might as well shut down the mission if we're not making disciples of this if we're not making disciples of this if we're not making disciples of this generation and beyond. I mean, we might generation and beyond. I mean, we might generation and beyond. I mean, we might as well not have church. as well not have church. as well not have church. Cuz the last time I checked, I'm getting Cuz the last time I checked, I'm getting Cuz the last time I checked, I'm getting older. older. older. >> And I don't want God's work to stop with >> And I don't want God's work to stop with >> And I don't want God's work to stop with me or stop with you if you just as old me or stop with you if you just as old me or stop with you if you just as old as me. I want his work to continue. as me. I want his work to continue. as me. I want his work to continue. >> So that's why we're asking God to do it >> So that's why we're asking God to do it >> So that's why we're asking God to do it again. That's why it's so important. He again. That's why it's so important. He again. That's why it's so important. He says two are better than one because says two are better than one because says two are better than one because they have good return for their labor. they have good return for their labor. they have good return for their labor. That's what he says in in verse 9. Jesus That's what he says in in verse 9. Jesus That's what he says in in verse 9. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two. sent his disciples out two by two. sent his disciples out two by two. And he says two is better than one And he says two is better than one And he says two is better than one because they have a profit. There's because they have a profit. There's because they have a profit. There's fruit. There's productivity when two go fruit. There's productivity when two go fruit. There's productivity when two go out.

out. out. And if you look at a picture of just two And if you look at a picture of just two And if you look at a picture of just two people working at something, two is more people working at something, two is more people working at something, two is more productive than productive than productive than than one. than one. than one. I think about what happened in I think about what happened in I think about what happened in Venezuela. It's sometimes it's not two people, it's It's sometimes it's not two people, it's two organizations, two organizations, two organizations, three organizations working to reach three organizations working to reach three organizations working to reach people that maybe we physically can't. people that maybe we physically can't. people that maybe we physically can't. They already on the ground. Two is They already on the ground. Two is They already on the ground. Two is better than one. We can't reach them better than one. We can't reach them better than one. We can't reach them here in the sense that we're not sending here in the sense that we're not sending here in the sense that we're not sending a team yet from Calvary Chapel. But I a team yet from Calvary Chapel. But I a team yet from Calvary Chapel. But I praise God for Samaritan's Purse. I praise God for Samaritan's Purse. I praise God for Samaritan's Purse. I praise God for a convoy of hope. I praise God for a convoy of hope. I praise God for a convoy of hope. I praise God for food for the poor. I praise God for food for the poor. I praise God for food for the poor. I praise God for missionaries down there. praise God for missionaries down there. praise God for missionaries down there. Why? Because two are better than one. Why? Because two are better than one. Why? Because two are better than one. Calvary can't reach everybody. But if Calvary can't reach everybody. But if Calvary can't reach everybody. But if we're partnering with other churches and we're partnering with other churches and we're partnering with other churches and organizations that have the same mission organizations that have the same mission organizations that have the same mission to reach people that need help, two are to reach people that need help, two are to reach people that need help, two are better than one. Can I get an amen?

better than one. Can I get an amen? better than one. Can I get an amen? >> Two are better than one. >> Two are better than one. >> Two are better than one. Says one falls, other helps up if alone. Says one falls, other helps up if alone. Says one falls, other helps up if alone. Pity if no one can help them up. If you Pity if no one can help them up. If you Pity if no one can help them up. If you lie down, keep warm. How can one keep lie down, keep warm. How can one keep lie down, keep warm. How can one keep warm alone? This is all Jewish warm alone? This is all Jewish warm alone? This is all Jewish illustration. Sometimes there were illustration. Sometimes there were illustration. Sometimes there were things people would fall into, traps. things people would fall into, traps. things people would fall into, traps. You would be walking along the road and You would be walking along the road and You would be walking along the road and you didn't see that ditch there and you you didn't see that ditch there and you you didn't see that ditch there and you fell down. If you were by yourself and fell down. If you were by yourself and fell down. If you were by yourself and you fell, but you were walking with a you fell, but you were walking with a you fell, but you were walking with a friend, the friend can pick you up out. And in life, sometimes you need to just And in life, sometimes you need to just walk somebody. Why? Because sometimes, walk somebody. Why? Because sometimes, walk somebody. Why? Because sometimes, even as Christians, we get tripped up. Sometimes the nights will get cold. Sometimes the nights will get cold. in Jewish culture in Jewish culture in Jewish culture and people would huddle up together to and people would huddle up together to and people would huddle up together to stay warm.

Sometimes people were overpowered Sometimes people were overpowered and they could be walking along the road and they could be walking along the road and they could be walking along the road and get attacked, like literally and get attacked, like literally and get attacked, like literally attacked, robbed. But they could fight together. But they could fight together. And Solomon is building up. He's like And Solomon is building up. He's like And Solomon is building up. He's like two, two, two. And he's like he's two, two, two. And he's like he's two, two, two. And he's like he's getting he's it's it's actually going getting he's it's it's actually going getting he's it's it's actually going up. He says two is two is better than up. He says two is two is better than up. He says two is two is better than one. He goes two can lie down. Two could one. He goes two can lie down. Two could one. He goes two can lie down. Two could do this, two could do that. But then he do this, two could do that. But then he do this, two could do that. But then he says in verse 12, but a third cord says in verse 12, but a third cord says in verse 12, but a third cord not quickly broken. Many people look at not quickly broken. Many people look at not quickly broken. Many people look at that third chord. It's like a third that third chord. It's like a third that third chord. It's like a third chord in your marriage changes chord in your marriage changes chord in your marriage changes everything, right? Because if you're everything, right? Because if you're everything, right? Because if you're just looking at your marriage from an just looking at your marriage from an just looking at your marriage from an earthly perspective and all you got is earthly perspective and all you got is earthly perspective and all you got is your human experiences and your your human experiences and your your human experiences and your self-help books and all of these self-help books and all of these self-help books and all of these different things and you don't insert different things and you don't insert different things and you don't insert Jesus in your marriage, if you don't insert Jesus in the if you don't insert Jesus in the community that you're in, community that you're in, community that you're in, when you insert Jesus as the third cord when you insert Jesus as the third cord when you insert Jesus as the third cord that can't quickly be broken, it changes that can't quickly be broken, it changes that can't quickly be broken, it changes everything.

So that's why we encourage groups. So that's why we encourage groups. That's why we encourage That's why we encourage That's why we encourage things like Calvary House. things like Calvary House. things like Calvary House. Sometimes these Calvary House guys are Sometimes these Calvary House guys are Sometimes these Calvary House guys are walking around, walking around, walking around, taking care of the property, taking care of the property, taking care of the property, taking care of the facilities. taking care of the facilities. taking care of the facilities. Can we thank God for our Calvary House Can we thank God for our Calvary House Can we thank God for our Calvary House men and women that are finding men and women that are finding men and women that are finding redemption? redemption? redemption? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You may look at them, they're only >> You may look at them, they're only >> You may look at them, they're only cutting grass, but listen, they're cutting grass, but listen, they're cutting grass, but listen, they're cutting grass in the name of Jesus. cutting grass in the name of Jesus. cutting grass in the name of Jesus. >> They're they're cleaning toilets in the >> They're they're cleaning toilets in the >> They're they're cleaning toilets in the name of Jesus. Our care ministries, you have people Our care ministries, you have people that are grieving. that are grieving. that are grieving. People that have gone through cancer, People that have gone through cancer, People that have gone through cancer, people that have lost loved ones. Our people that have lost loved ones. Our people that have lost loved ones. Our care ministries, care ministries, care ministries, man, maybe you're in a season where it's man, maybe you're in a season where it's man, maybe you're in a season where it's rough. rough. rough. And man, you're trying to do life by And man, you're trying to do life by And man, you're trying to do life by yourself. yourself. yourself. Get with one of those groups. Get with one of those groups. Get with one of those groups. That's why we have them. Freedom groups, That's why we have them. Freedom groups, That's why we have them. Freedom groups, our Bible study groups.

our Bible study groups. our Bible study groups. That's why we connect people to people. That's why we connect people to people. That's why we connect people to people. But sometimes you're you're by yourself But sometimes you're you're by yourself But sometimes you're you're by yourself and you go, "Man, I wish I wasn't and you go, "Man, I wish I wasn't and you go, "Man, I wish I wasn't alone." Can I encourage you? Even if alone." Can I encourage you? Even if alone." Can I encourage you? Even if you're an introvert, you're an introvert, you're an introvert, if you feel lonely today, I encourage if you feel lonely today, I encourage if you feel lonely today, I encourage you go to our connect point, you go to our connect point, you go to our connect point, go look for a group so you don't have to go look for a group so you don't have to go look for a group so you don't have to do life alone. do life alone. do life alone. This is why we do freedom. This is why This is why we do freedom. This is why This is why we do freedom. This is why we do all of these different things. CR, we do all of these different things. CR, we do all of these different things. CR, all of these different groups. We don't all of these different groups. We don't all of these different groups. We don't do it just to get more groups. We do it. do it just to get more groups. We do it. do it just to get more groups. We do it. Why? Because we know you find meaning Why? Because we know you find meaning Why? Because we know you find meaning when the community has Christ in the when the community has Christ in the when the community has Christ in the center. center. center. >> Yeah, you can praise God for that >> Yeah, you can praise God for that >> Yeah, you can praise God for that because because because >> he transforms our community. Let's wrap >> he transforms our community. Let's wrap >> he transforms our community. Let's wrap up. up. up. Better poor. Verse 13. Poor but wise Better poor. Verse 13. Poor but wise Better poor. Verse 13. Poor but wise youth than old. An old but foolish king youth than old. An old but foolish king youth than old. An old but foolish king who no longer knows how to to heed a who no longer knows how to to heed a who no longer knows how to to heed a warning. warning. warning. The youth may have come from prison to The youth may have come from prison to The youth may have come from prison to the kingship or he may have been born in the kingship or he may have been born in the kingship or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. I saw that poverty within his kingdom. I saw that poverty within his kingdom. I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun all who lived and walked under the sun all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth the king's successor.

followed the youth the king's successor. followed the youth the king's successor. There was no end to all the people who There was no end to all the people who There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came were before them. But those who came were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the later were not pleased with the later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless. A successor. This too is meaningless. A successor. This too is meaningless. A chasing after the wind. Last point is chasing after the wind. Last point is chasing after the wind. Last point is this. We find meaning in living to this. We find meaning in living to this. We find meaning in living to please and glorify God. We find meaning please and glorify God. We find meaning please and glorify God. We find meaning in living then please. Now here's the in living then please. Now here's the in living then please. Now here's the thing I noticed. Now when I refer to thing I noticed. Now when I refer to thing I noticed. Now when I refer to myself as older, I am myself as older, I am myself as older, I am over 50. over 50. over 50. I'll just leave it there. I'll just leave it there. I'll just leave it there. I'm not saying I'm old. I'm not saying I'm not saying I'm old. I'm not saying I'm not saying I'm old. I'm not saying I'm young. I'm young. I'm young. But I know something. But I know something. But I know something. I'm setting my ways in some. Anybody I'm setting my ways in some. Anybody I'm setting my ways in some. Anybody know what I'm talking about? you in my know what I'm talking about? you in my know what I'm talking about? you in my age range and nobody could tell you age range and nobody could tell you age range and nobody could tell you nothing. I know you don't want to admit nothing. I know you don't want to admit nothing. I know you don't want to admit that at church, that at church, that at church, but some of y'all are set. That's how we but some of y'all are set. That's how we but some of y'all are set. That's how we do it. And this is a picture of somebody do it. And this is a picture of somebody do it. And this is a picture of somebody setting your ways. The king as he gets setting your ways. The king as he gets setting your ways. The king as he gets older is setting his ways. No matter who older is setting his ways. No matter who older is setting his ways. No matter who comes, the new guy, the young guy, all comes, the new guy, the young guy, all comes, the new guy, the young guy, all these different things, he's not these different things, he's not these different things, he's not changing for no one. And some of y'all changing for no one. And some of y'all changing for no one. And some of y'all just like that.

just like that. just like that. Now y'all me. I'mma just say me. So Solomon says it's better So Solomon says it's better in a sense in a sense in a sense to be young and wise even though you're to be young and wise even though you're to be young and wise even though you're poor than to be rich than to be rich and older and a fool. You know what I read in a commentary? You know what I read in a commentary? They said Solomon had all the wisdom. They said Solomon had all the wisdom. They said Solomon had all the wisdom. He was actually humble. He was actually humble. He was actually humble. He didn't ask God for riches. He didn't ask God for riches. He didn't ask God for riches. He asked God for wisdom. But they said He asked God for wisdom. But they said He asked God for wisdom. But they said he ended up as the wisest fool in the he ended up as the wisest fool in the he ended up as the wisest fool in the whole Bible. But the verses say at some point But the verses say at some point even though the youth may come from a even though the youth may come from a even though the youth may come from a low place, low place, low place, poverty, prison, it doesn't really poverty, prison, it doesn't really poverty, prison, it doesn't really matter matter matter because at some point the youth may be because at some point the youth may be because at some point the youth may be like, "Yes, yes, yes. Let's get the like, "Yes, yes, yes. Let's get the like, "Yes, yes, yes. Let's get the younger guy. Let's get the younger girl.

younger guy. Let's get the younger girl. younger guy. Let's get the younger girl. Yes, they know what they're talking Yes, they know what they're talking Yes, they know what they're talking about. You see how many Tik Tok followers they You see how many Tik Tok followers they got? Let's go with that guy." got? Let's go with that guy." got? Let's go with that guy." But you know what? Then there's another But you know what? Then there's another But you know what? Then there's another generation generation generation that says that says that says we're not gonna follow him no more we're not gonna follow him no more we're not gonna follow him no more either. either. either. Solomon says actually trying to please Solomon says actually trying to please Solomon says actually trying to please people people people and trying to live for man's approval is and trying to live for man's approval is and trying to live for man's approval is meaningless. meaningless. meaningless. Why? Because you will never be able to Why? Because you will never be able to Why? Because you will never be able to please people all the time. please people all the time. please people all the time. Some of y'all are people pleasers. Some of y'all are people pleasers. Some of y'all are people pleasers. Anybody can't say no. Anybody can't say no. Anybody can't say no. I got the same problem. But you know I got the same problem. But you know I got the same problem. But you know what? I noticed the more I say yes, the what? I noticed the more I say yes, the what? I noticed the more I say yes, the more people I disappoint. And Paul thought the same thing. He was And Paul thought the same thing. He was just like, I can't be a servant of just like, I can't be a servant of just like, I can't be a servant of Christ and and try to live for man's Christ and and try to live for man's Christ and and try to live for man's approval. Galatians 1:10 says this, "Am approval. Galatians 1:10 says this, "Am approval. Galatians 1:10 says this, "Am I now trying to win the approval of I now trying to win the approval of I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? or am I trying human beings or of God? or am I trying human beings or of God? or am I trying to please people?

to please people? to please people? If I was still trying to please people, If I was still trying to please people, If I was still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. I would not be a servant of Christ. I would not be a servant of Christ. Here's what I want to tell you. Here's what I want to tell you. Here's what I want to tell you. When you live When you live When you live as a believer, as a believer, as a believer, there's only one person you need to there's only one person you need to there's only one person you need to serve. There's only one Lord serve. There's only one Lord serve. There's only one Lord that you can find meaning in. And you that you can find meaning in. And you that you can find meaning in. And you please God please God please God >> over anything. Why? Why? Why? Because >> over anything. Why? Why? Why? Because >> over anything. Why? Why? Why? Because because Jesus is not like the king because Jesus is not like the king because Jesus is not like the king that nobody wants to follow. Maybe that nobody wants to follow. Maybe that nobody wants to follow. Maybe people may not follow him because they people may not follow him because they people may not follow him because they haven't come into this relationship. But haven't come into this relationship. But haven't come into this relationship. But but that's the king of all kings. That's but that's the king of all kings. That's but that's the king of all kings. That's the lord of all lords. And he's a the lord of all lords. And he's a the lord of all lords. And he's a greater king and he will always treat greater king and he will always treat greater king and he will always treat you right, always help you live out your you right, always help you live out your you right, always help you live out your life if you decide to follow him. So you life if you decide to follow him. So you life if you decide to follow him. So you live to please and glorify God alone. live to please and glorify God alone. live to please and glorify God alone. Amen. [applause] >> I'd like one comment that says, "When >> I'd like one comment that says, "When you please God, he is the only vapor you please God, he is the only vapor you please God, he is the only vapor that doesn't evaporate."

I leave you with this picture. I leave you with this picture. I was on a morning run today I was on a morning run today I was on a morning run today and sometimes I and sometimes I and sometimes I like to take a picture like to take a picture like to take a picture about halfway through. This is probably about halfway through. This is probably about halfway through. This is probably like like like mile three, four or whatever I was. And mile three, four or whatever I was. And mile three, four or whatever I was. And what I like about this picture is I felt what I like about this picture is I felt what I like about this picture is I felt like God was telling me, like God was telling me, like God was telling me, "How do you please me?" You're going to "How do you please me?" You're going to "How do you please me?" You're going to be talking about that tonight. How do be talking about that tonight. How do be talking about that tonight. How do you please me? you please me? you please me? And this for me is a path. And this for me is a path. And this for me is a path. And the Lord was like, the way you And the Lord was like, the way you And the Lord was like, the way you please me please me please me is one faithful step at a time. is one faithful step at a time. is one faithful step at a time. That's it. I don't have superpowers to That's it. I don't have superpowers to That's it. I don't have superpowers to leap from here to my house. I still have leap from here to my house. I still have leap from here to my house. I still have more miles to run. But I want to ask more miles to run. But I want to ask more miles to run. But I want to ask you, is there one faithful step that you you, is there one faithful step that you you, is there one faithful step that you could take today could take today could take today to please and glorify God?

to please and glorify God? to please and glorify God? Maybe God wants you to pan back, look at Maybe God wants you to pan back, look at Maybe God wants you to pan back, look at life from his perspective. life from his perspective. life from his perspective. Maybe there's a community God wants you Maybe there's a community God wants you Maybe there's a community God wants you to connect with. But let this picture be to connect with. But let this picture be to connect with. But let this picture be be a path for you to go, what is one be a path for you to go, what is one be a path for you to go, what is one faithful step that I could take today? faithful step that I could take today? faithful step that I could take today? So the message is not just a Saturday So the message is not just a Saturday So the message is not just a Saturday night thing. You go out to the grill and night thing. You go out to the grill and night thing. You go out to the grill and the green and you just forget about it. the green and you just forget about it. the green and you just forget about it. You get back on the road and life just You get back on the road and life just You get back on the road and life just keep But what is there? Is there one keep But what is there? Is there one keep But what is there? Is there one actionable step that you could take actionable step that you could take actionable step that you could take tonight where you find actual meaning in life? where you find actual meaning in life? Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? >> Let's bow our heads and pray. Lord, we >> Let's bow our heads and pray. Lord, we >> Let's bow our heads and pray. Lord, we thank you thank you thank you for your word. We thank you that that as believers, we get to be in this that as believers, we get to be in this amazing relationship with you. amazing relationship with you. amazing relationship with you. And God, we count it a privilege to be And God, we count it a privilege to be And God, we count it a privilege to be called sons and daughters of God. And I called sons and daughters of God. And I called sons and daughters of God. And I also pray, Lord, for someone that may also pray, Lord, for someone that may also pray, Lord, for someone that may have came tonight and does not know you and they don't want to connect to an and they don't want to connect to an earthly king, but the King of Kings and earthly king, but the King of Kings and earthly king, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray you would open Lord of Lords. I pray you would open Lord of Lords. I pray you would open eyes and minds and hearts to receive eyes and minds and hearts to receive eyes and minds and hearts to receive you, Lord. We pray this in Jesus name.

you, Lord. We pray this in Jesus name. you, Lord. We pray this in Jesus name. Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God a good praise right there? We love I a good praise right there? We love I a good praise right there? We love I love you, Lord. We love you. We love love you, Lord. We love you. We love love you, Lord. We love you. We love you, Jesus. And we're going to take a you, Jesus. And we're going to take a you, Jesus. And we're going to take a moment in communion. moment in communion. moment in communion. So, if you have your element, I want you So, if you have your element, I want you So, if you have your element, I want you to get it ready. to get it ready. to get it ready. And if you're here And if you're here And if you're here and you don't have a relationship with and you don't have a relationship with and you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, this is an exclusive yet inclusive this is an exclusive yet inclusive this is an exclusive yet inclusive moment. moment. moment. If you're not a believer and you take If you're not a believer and you take If you're not a believer and you take communion without having relationship, communion without having relationship, communion without having relationship, then it doesn't mean anything. But then it doesn't mean anything. But then it doesn't mean anything. But here's a perfect opportunity to to be in here's a perfect opportunity to to be in here's a perfect opportunity to to be in a relationship with Jesus. a relationship with Jesus. a relationship with Jesus. So if you're here tonight and you go So if you're here tonight and you go So if you're here tonight and you go something resonated, something resonated, something resonated, something about the Holy Spirit spoke something about the Holy Spirit spoke something about the Holy Spirit spoke and you want to open your heart, and you want to open your heart, and you want to open your heart, then you could say a quick prayer. Lord, then you could say a quick prayer. Lord, then you could say a quick prayer. Lord, I invite you inside. I for forgive my I invite you inside. I for forgive my I invite you inside. I for forgive my sins. I repent today. I want you to be sins. I repent today. I want you to be sins. I repent today. I want you to be my Lord and Savior. You could just say my Lord and Savior. You could just say my Lord and Savior. You could just say that quiet prayer to yourself.

that quiet prayer to yourself. that quiet prayer to yourself. And then after you can just ask for the And then after you can just ask for the And then after you can just ask for the communion elements. And we're going to communion elements. And we're going to communion elements. And we're going to do it a little differently. do it a little differently. do it a little differently. I want you to hold the element and I want you to hold the element and I want you to hold the element and process with Jesus a little bit and then process with Jesus a little bit and then process with Jesus a little bit and then after our worship team is done, we're after our worship team is done, we're after our worship team is done, we're going to partake together. So, let's do going to partake together. So, let's do going to partake together. So, let's do business with Jesus and then we'll business with Jesus and then we'll business with Jesus and then we'll partake after Thank you for the cross, [singing] Thank you for the cross, [singing] Lord. Thank you [music] for the price Thank you [music] for the price you paid, you paid, you paid, bearing all [singing and music] my sin bearing all [singing and music] my sin bearing all [singing and music] my sin and shame.

and shame. and shame. In love [singing] you came [music] In love [singing] you came [music] In love [singing] you came [music] and gave amazing and gave amazing and gave amazing grace. grace. grace. Thank [music and singing] you for this Thank [music and singing] you for this Thank [music and singing] you for this love Lord. Thank you for the [singing] nailpiece Thank you for the [singing] nailpiece [music] [music] [music] hands. hands. hands. Wash me [singing] in your cleansing Wash me [singing] in your cleansing Wash me [singing] in your cleansing flow. flow. flow. Now all I know [singing] Now all I know [singing] Now all I know [singing] your forgiveness your forgiveness your forgiveness and [music] embrace. [music] Seated on [singing] [music] Seated on [singing] the throne. We crown you now with many crowns. We crown you now with many crowns. You [music and singing] reign victorious [music] [music] high and lifted high and lifted high and lifted up.

Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] son of God, the [music and singing] darling of the [music and singing] darling of heaven, heaven, heaven, crucified. Bible says on the night he was betrayed Bible says on the night he was betrayed he took the cup he took the cup he took the cup and he gave thanks and he gave thanks and he gave thanks said take this said take this said take this divide it among you divide it among you divide it among you so if you can take a moment take out so if you can take a moment take out so if you can take a moment take out what represents the body of Christ that what represents the body of Christ that what represents the body of Christ that was beaten let's partake together was beaten let's partake together was beaten let's partake together [music] what represents and symbolizes [music] what represents and symbolizes [music] what represents and symbolizes the body of Christ.

Says in the same way after the supper he Says in the same way after the supper he took the cup saying this cup is the took the cup saying this cup is the took the cup saying this cup is the [music] new covenant in my blood which [music] new covenant in my blood which [music] new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you. is poured out for you. is poured out for you. He said he wouldn't drink it until He said he wouldn't drink it until He said he wouldn't drink it until marriage supper of the lamb. So if you marriage supper of the lamb. So if you marriage supper of the lamb. So if you [music] can take what represents the [music] can take what represents the [music] can take what represents the blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. Let's drink that in remembrance. Let's drink that in remembrance. Let's drink that in remembrance. of the blood shed on the cross. Let's bow our heads and pray one more Let's bow our heads and pray one more time. Lord, time. Lord, time. Lord, we thank you for the body, we thank you for the body, we thank you for the body, your body beaten your body beaten your body beaten face spat upon. face spat upon. face spat upon. Thank you for the blood that cleanses Thank you for the blood that cleanses Thank you for the blood that cleanses our sins as far as the east our sins as far as the east our sins as far as the east is from the west. is from the west. is from the west. We thank you that our past, present, and We thank you that our past, present, and We thank you that our past, present, and future sins have already been taken care future sins have already been taken care future sins have already been taken care of. It is finished. of. It is finished. of. It is finished. We thank you that that tomb no longer We thank you that that tomb no longer We thank you that that tomb no longer holds your body, but on the third day, holds your body, but on the third day, holds your body, but on the third day, you rose again for our justification.

you rose again for our justification. you rose again for our justification. So, we don't serve a dead king. So, we don't serve a dead king. So, we don't serve a dead king. We serve a king that's very much alive. We serve a king that's very much alive. We serve a king that's very much alive. And one day, we'll get to spend forever And one day, we'll get to spend forever And one day, we'll get to spend forever with you. We pray this in Jesus name. with you. We pray this in Jesus name. with you. We pray this in Jesus name. And everyone said, And everyone said, And everyone said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Yes. Would you stand >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Yes. Would you stand >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Yes. Would you stand for me? If you could do me a favor, just hold If you could do me a favor, just hold out your hands. [snorts] out your hands. [snorts] out your hands. [snorts] We want to commission you back We want to commission you back We want to commission you back into the harvest. into the harvest. into the harvest. that word avoa, that work, worship and that word avoa, that work, worship and that word avoa, that work, worship and service our heart across our campuses service our heart across our campuses service our heart across our campuses that we commission you with the Holy that we commission you with the Holy that we commission you with the Holy Spirit of God to go back Spirit of God to go back Spirit of God to go back and make a difference for Jesus. So, and make a difference for Jesus. So, and make a difference for Jesus. So, let's bow our heads one more time. Lord, let's bow our heads one more time. Lord, let's bow our heads one more time. Lord, [music] in the mighty name of Jesus, [music] in the mighty name of Jesus, [music] in the mighty name of Jesus, we commission we commission we commission your people, whether they're physically your people, whether they're physically your people, whether they're physically here, online, in VR, here, online, in VR, here, online, in VR, with that Matthew 9 principle. Lord, with that Matthew 9 principle. Lord, with that Matthew 9 principle. Lord, your word says that we pray to send the your word says that we pray to send the your word says that we pray to send the laborers back into the harvest.

laborers back into the harvest. laborers back into the harvest. So I pray they don't go back the same So I pray they don't go back the same So I pray they don't go back the same way they came in. But I pray they go in way they came in. But I pray they go in way they came in. But I pray they go in with a fresh filling and baptism of your with a fresh filling and baptism of your with a fresh filling and baptism of your Holy Spirit to make an impact in their Holy Spirit to make an impact in their Holy Spirit to make an impact in their communities, in their cities, in their communities, in their cities, in their communities, in their cities, in their workplaces, wherever their feet may go. workplaces, wherever their feet may go. workplaces, wherever their feet may go. God, we commission God, we commission God, we commission your church, your people to go make your church, your people to go make your church, your people to go make disciples disciples disciples that we could see the world and cities that we could see the world and cities that we could see the world and cities transformed for your glory. [music] We transformed for your glory. [music] We transformed for your glory. [music] We pray this in Jesus name. And everybody pray this in Jesus name. And everybody pray this in Jesus name. And everybody said, said, said, >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Amen. >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Amen. >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] Before you leave, Before you leave, Before you leave, the fourth weekend of the month, we've the fourth weekend of the month, we've the fourth weekend of the month, we've been staying around for an extended been staying around for an extended been staying around for an extended period of prayer. So, if you have to go period of prayer. So, if you have to go period of prayer. So, if you have to go get your children, you're free to go get your children, you're free to go get your children, you're free to go bring them back. But if you want to bring them back. But if you want to bring them back. But if you want to spend a little bit more time in the spend a little bit more time in the spend a little bit more time in the presence of God and you want to stay for presence of God and you want to stay for presence of God and you want to stay for the next 10 minutes, we want you to the next 10 minutes, we want you to the next 10 minutes, we want you to stay. And so, you can have a seat if you stay. And so, you can have a seat if you stay. And so, you can have a seat if you feel like, hey, I want to just spend a feel like, hey, I want to just spend a feel like, hey, I want to just spend a little bit more time in prayer. We're little bit more time in prayer. We're little bit more time in prayer. We're not going to keep you here all night, not going to keep you here all night, not going to keep you here all night, but we just want to have some time but we just want to have some time but we just want to have some time to spend in the presence [snorts] of the to spend in the presence [snorts] of the to spend in the presence [snorts] of the Lord.

Lord. Lord. As people continue in an attitude of As people continue in an attitude of As people continue in an attitude of prayer here on campus, I hope you've prayer here on campus, I hope you've prayer here on campus, I hope you've been encouraged by today's service. been encouraged by today's service. been encouraged by today's service. [music] [music] [music] There's so much to think about, right? I There's so much to think about, right? I There's so much to think about, right? I love how thoughtprovoking the book of love how thoughtprovoking the book of love how thoughtprovoking the book of Ecclesiastes [music] is. And maybe as Ecclesiastes [music] is. And maybe as Ecclesiastes [music] is. And maybe as you're listening to the teaching, you're you're listening to the teaching, you're you're listening to the teaching, you're thinking, I kind of want to process thinking, I kind of want to process thinking, I kind of want to process these things [music] throughout the these things [music] throughout the these things [music] throughout the week. Well, we have a resource for you. week. Well, we have a resource for you. week. Well, we have a resource for you. It's called the Scripture Guide. You can It's called the Scripture Guide. You can It's called the Scripture Guide. You can subscribe to it and get it in your inbox subscribe to it and get it in your inbox subscribe to it and get it in your inbox every [music] day of the week, Monday to every [music] day of the week, Monday to every [music] day of the week, Monday to Friday. And basically, you'll get to Friday. And basically, you'll get to Friday. And basically, you'll get to dive deeper into the passage of dive deeper into the passage of dive deeper into the passage of scripture that you studied on the scripture that you studied on the scripture that you studied on the weekend. It'll teach you how to study it weekend. It'll teach you how to study it weekend. It'll teach you how to study it on [music] your own, how to pray, how to on [music] your own, how to pray, how to on [music] your own, how to pray, how to apply it to your life, and it will also apply it to your life, and it will also apply it to your life, and it will also allow you to take it into your group. allow you to take it into your group. allow you to take it into your group. You see, [music] the cool thing is you You see, [music] the cool thing is you You see, [music] the cool thing is you can also process the weekend message in can also process the weekend message in can also process the weekend message in community. To find [music] a group, all community. To find [music] a group, all community. To find [music] a group, all you have to do is head to you have to do is head to you have to do is head to calvaryftl.org/groups calvaryftl.org/groups calvaryftl.org/groups org/groups [music] org/groups [music] org/groups [music] and you'll be able to search all the and you'll be able to search all the and you'll be able to search all the groups on that page for one that meets groups on that page for one that meets groups on that page for one that meets near you and that fits [music] your near you and that fits [music] your near you and that fits [music] your schedule. You'll also find an online schedule. You'll also find an online schedule. You'll also find an online group called Afterthoughts that meets on group called Afterthoughts that meets on group called Afterthoughts that meets on Zoom after the Sunday 9:00 a.m. service Zoom after the Sunday 9:00 a.m. service Zoom after the Sunday 9:00 a.m. service to [music] discuss the weekend's to [music] discuss the weekend's to [music] discuss the weekend's message. I hope that you'll find a place message. I hope that you'll find a place message. I hope that you'll find a place to get connected and take a deeper dive to get connected and take a deeper dive to get connected and take a deeper dive into the wisdom of God through [music] into the wisdom of God through [music] into the wisdom of God through [music] this study on Ecclesiastes. That's all this study on Ecclesiastes. That's all this study on Ecclesiastes. That's all we have for now, but remember next we have for now, but remember next we have for now, but remember next Saturday there are no Saturday night Saturday there are no Saturday night Saturday there are no Saturday night services at any of our campuses [music] services at any of our campuses [music] services at any of our campuses [music] because we're celebrating the 4th of because we're celebrating the 4th of because we're celebrating the 4th of July. So go enjoy the holiday with your July. So go enjoy the holiday with your July. So go enjoy the holiday with your family [music] and with your friends and family [music] and with your friends and family [music] and with your friends and we'll see you next Sunday, July 5th.

we'll see you next Sunday, July 5th. we'll see you next Sunday, July 5th. Have a great weekend. >> [music] >> [music] >> Caught in between my two masters.

A good [music] thing can take you A good [music] thing can take you without asking. I said the last time and I meant I said the last time and I meant it. it. it. Oh, where do I? Will I have a place and a [music] save Will I have a place and a [music] save the day for a feast that [music] hold me the day for a feast that [music] hold me the day for a feast that [music] hold me home, but I got real [music] good doing what I but I got real [music] good doing what I should and I missed where [music] should and I missed where [music] should and I missed where [music] I belong.

Just Just >> [music]