Life Is A Vapor | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 1-2

only present. We need your power only present. We need your power just like you did. just like you did. just like you did. I know you do I know you do I know you do again. again. again. I know you do again. How many sinners saved? How many bodies How many sinners saved? How many bodies race? Look at those empty graves. I know race? Look at those empty graves. I know race? Look at those empty graves. I know you'll do it again and again. How many you'll do it again and again. How many you'll do it again and again. How many trains undone? trains undone? trains undone? How many battles won? How many battles won? How many battles won? He's only just beun. He's only just beun. He's only just beun. I know you'll do it again and again. How I know you'll do it again and again. How I know you'll do it again and again. How many saint? many saint? many saint? How many bodies? How many bodies? How many bodies? Look at those empty gra. I know you do Look at those empty gra. I know you do Look at those empty gra. I know you do it again. it again. it again. How many ch We need your holy presence. We need your

We need your holy presence. We need your power. power. power. Just like you did, Lord, I know you Just like you did, Lord, I know you Just like you did, Lord, I know you doing. doing. doing. I know you're doing it. A good thing can take you without A good 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 safe will I have a place and a safe for a feast? I call me home. But I got real good doing what I should. But I got real good doing what I should. And I missed where I belong. Nothing new under the sunlight. One Nothing new under the sunlight. One thing that has not been done.

thing that has not been done. thing that has not been done. Growing up is dumbing down. Our phones got GPS, but we're still Our phones got GPS, but we're still lost. Still wandering along this winding lost. Still wandering along this winding lost. Still wandering along this winding road we call our home. road we call our home. road we call our home. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart, it needs a friend. This heart, it needs a friend. This heart, it needs a friend. If the art of moving forward If the art of moving forward If the art of moving forward is to be content, why are we all still is to be content, why are we all still is to be content, why are we all still searching? Well, they say money makes the world go Well, they say money makes the world go round. Somehow I haven't found round. Somehow I haven't found round. Somehow I haven't found quite enough to make me happy. quite enough to make me happy. quite enough to make me happy. The more I get, the more I need. Great The more I get, the more I need. Great The more I get, the more I need. Great is the poverty inside my soul. A void is the poverty inside my soul. A void is the poverty inside my soul. A void that's never filled.

that's never filled. that's never filled. This heart needs a healer. This heart needs a healer. This heart needs a healer. This heart it needs a friend. This heart it needs a friend. This heart it needs a friend. And if the art of moving And if the art of moving And if the art of moving forward forward forward is to be content, is to be content, is to be content, why are we all still searching the zeros why are we all still searching the zeros why are we all still searching the zeros and dollar signs? Heroes and suits and and dollar signs? Heroes and suits and and dollar signs? Heroes and suits and ties. I'm just trying to find the fix. ties. I'm just trying to find the fix. ties. I'm just trying to find the fix. And I know it ain't in politics. And I know it ain't in politics. And I know it ain't in politics. You are the remedy. You are the remedy. You are the remedy. You are the air I breathe. I know we're You are the air I breathe. I know we're You are the air I breathe. I know we're all searching for the reason we're still all searching for the reason we're still all searching for the reason we're still breathing. It's always been It's always been Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Oh, I know it's This heart needs a healing. This heart needs a healing. This heart needs a friend. Oh, Oh, is to be content. Oh, I just want to be content. Oh, I just want to be content. Why am I still searching?

I have heard the stories how you parted I have heard the stories how you parted waters, how you led those boys out of waters, how you led those boys out of waters, how you led those boys out of the burning fire. They trusted you, the burning fire. They trusted you, the burning fire. They trusted you, so I will too. so I will too. so I will too. David used a slinging stone to slay a David used a slinging stone to slay a David used a slinging stone to slay a giant. Daniel kicked his feet up in a giant. Daniel kicked his feet up in a giant. Daniel kicked his feet up in a den of lions they trusted. standing on his word. standing on his word. I'm resting in his promise. I'm resting in his promise. I'm resting in his promise. Worships to open in Jesus name. Walls Worships to open in Jesus name. Walls Worships to open in Jesus name. Walls will fall. will fall. will fall. Praise before the victory. Praise before the victory. Praise before the victory. Praise him cuz you care. Praise him cuz you care. Praise him cuz you care. The sound of our worship.

Welcome to Calvary Online. My name is Welcome to Calvary Online. My name is Reagan and I'm super excited to be your Reagan and I'm super excited to be your Reagan and I'm super excited to be your host today. We are so honored that host today. We are so honored that host today. We are so honored that you've decided to join us for church you've decided to join us for church you've decided to join us for church online today. And I know that there is a online today. And I know that there is a online today. And I know that there is a reason the Lord has you watching. Some reason the Lord has you watching. Some reason the Lord has you watching. Some of you might have tuned in today on a of you might have tuned in today on a of you might have tuned in today on a mountaintop, maybe celebrating a recent mountaintop, maybe celebrating a recent mountaintop, maybe celebrating a recent graduate or watching from a lakehouse on graduate or watching from a lakehouse on graduate or watching from a lakehouse on summer vacation. And some of you might summer vacation. And some of you might summer vacation. And some of you might be in a valley dealing with lingering be in a valley dealing with lingering be in a valley dealing with lingering sickness or addiction or maybe a death sickness or addiction or maybe a death sickness or addiction or maybe a death in your family. And many of you are in your family. And many of you are in your family. And many of you are probably somewhere in the middle. But probably somewhere in the middle. But probably somewhere in the middle. But whether you're celebrating life or whether you're celebrating life or whether you're celebrating life or facing a challenge today, I want you to facing a challenge today, I want you to facing a challenge today, I want you to know that God sees you, that he loves know that God sees you, that he loves know that God sees you, that he loves you, and that he is at work in your you, and that he is at work in your you, and that he is at work in your life. And today we're going to jump into life. And today we're going to jump into life. And today we're going to jump into a new summer series through the book of a new summer series through the book of a new summer series through the book of Ecclesiastes. It's going to last eight Ecclesiastes. It's going to last eight Ecclesiastes. It's going to last eight weeks and take us into the first week of weeks and take us into the first week of weeks and take us into the first week of August. It's authored by King Solomon. August. It's authored by King Solomon. August. It's authored by King Solomon. And the theme we're going to be looking And the theme we're going to be looking And the theme we're going to be looking at and thinking about is what is the at and thinking about is what is the at and thinking about is what is the meaning of life? After all this is said meaning of life? After all this is said meaning of life? After all this is said and done, what really matters? And as and done, what really matters? And as and done, what really matters? And as far as takeaways go, we're going to get far as takeaways go, we're going to get far as takeaways go, we're going to get a deeper sense of all for God and his a deeper sense of all for God and his a deeper sense of all for God and his wisdom and a clear understanding of what wisdom and a clear understanding of what wisdom and a clear understanding of what is worth living for. Ecclesiastes is is worth living for. Ecclesiastes is is worth living for. Ecclesiastes is packed with wisdom. So, I think you're packed with wisdom. So, I think you're packed with wisdom. So, I think you're really going to enjoy diving into this really going to enjoy diving into this really going to enjoy diving into this teaching series. But before we hear teaching series. But before we hear teaching series. But before we hear today's message, let's celebrate today's message, let's celebrate today's message, let's celebrate together the confidence we have in God's together the confidence we have in God's together the confidence we have in God's promises and his faithfulness to us.

promises and his faithfulness to us. promises and his faithfulness to us. Let's lift up the name of Jesus together Let's lift up the name of Jesus together Let's lift up the name of Jesus together as we join the worship team now. as we join the worship team now. as we join the worship team now. Well, good morning, Calvary. Would you Well, good morning, Calvary. Would you Well, good morning, Calvary. Would you stand to your feet if you are able? Come stand to your feet if you are able? Come stand to your feet if you are able? Come on, put your hands together like this. on, put your hands together like this. on, put your hands together like this. Teach you a new song. It goes like this. Teach you a new song. It goes like this. Teach you a new song. It goes like this. You've been good good for all my life. You've been good good for all my life. You've been good good for all my life. So nothing good ever changed my mind. So nothing good ever changed my mind. So nothing good ever changed my mind. And you'll never break your promise. And you'll never break your promise. And you'll never break your promise. You're constant in all you do. You're constant in all you do. You're constant in all you do. Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life that I will choose. that I will choose. that I will choose. Oh, I know that I know you won't ever Oh, I know that I know you won't ever Oh, I know that I know you won't ever let me go. Everyone, let me go. Everyone, let me go. Everyone, every heart. You are faithful all the every heart. You are faithful all the every heart. You are faithful all the time. I see you so good to me. Heat. Heat.

I see you so good to me. Heat. Heat. Heat. and I'm king and I'm king my nothing is holding nothing is holding Oh, I'm not afraid that things I can Oh, I'm not afraid that things I can Oh, I'm not afraid that things I can see. see. see. Heat. Heat. Heat. I won't stand on words of men, God. I'll

I won't stand on words of men, God. I'll stand on yours instead. Cuz all of my stand on yours instead. Cuz all of my stand on yours instead. Cuz all of my hope, all of my faith, all of it in your hope, all of my faith, all of it in your hope, all of my faith, all of it in your name. And the world cannot deny all that name. And the world cannot deny all that name. And the world cannot deny all that you've done in my life and all of my you've done in my life and all of my you've done in my life and all of my days, all of my praise, all Jesus name. days, all of my praise, all Jesus name. days, all of my praise, all Jesus name. And now I'll stand on words of me. God, And now I'll stand on words of me. God, And now I'll stand on words of me. God, I'll stand on yours today. All my heart, I'll stand on yours today. All my heart, I'll stand on yours today. All my heart, all my fing. Oh, I know that. I know you won't never Oh, I know that. I know you won't never let me go. In every low, every high you let me go. In every low, every high you let me go. In every low, every high you are faithful all the time. Heat. Heat.

are faithful all the time. Heat. Heat. are faithful all the time. Heat. Heat. Heat. you're faithful all the time. I've you're faithful all the time. I've tasted it. I've seen it. You've been so tasted it. I've seen it. You've been so tasted it. I've seen it. You've been so so good.

so good. so good. Oh, Calvary Chapel, if you are glad that you Calvary Chapel, if you are glad that you serve a faithful God this morning, would serve a faithful God this morning, would serve a faithful God this morning, would you lift up a shout of praise to Jesus you lift up a shout of praise to Jesus you lift up a shout of praise to Jesus today? Yes. today? Yes. today? Yes. Before we continue to sing and make much Before we continue to sing and make much Before we continue to sing and make much of Jesus together, I want to read of Jesus together, I want to read of Jesus together, I want to read Revelation chapter 5. This is the Revelation chapter 5. This is the Revelation chapter 5. This is the Apostle John's picture of the throne Apostle John's picture of the throne Apostle John's picture of the throne room of heaven. And this is what he room of heaven. And this is what he room of heaven. And this is what he sees. sees. sees. He says, "Then I looked and heard the He says, "Then I looked and heard the He says, "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels numbering thousands voice of many angels numbering thousands voice of many angels numbering thousands upon thousands and 10,000 times 10,000. upon thousands and 10,000 times 10,000. upon thousands and 10,000 times 10,000. They encircled the throne and the living They encircled the throne and the living They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud creatures and the elders. In a loud creatures and the elders. In a loud voice, they were saying, and I would voice, they were saying, and I would voice, they were saying, and I would love for us to read this part together, love for us to read this part together, love for us to read this part together, worthy is the lamb who was slain to worthy is the lamb who was slain to worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and receive power and wealth and wisdom and receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.

strength and honor and glory and praise. strength and honor and glory and praise. Can we just lift up praise to Jesus Can we just lift up praise to Jesus Can we just lift up praise to Jesus today? today? today? And that's the beautiful thing about And that's the beautiful thing about And that's the beautiful thing about worship. When the church gathers to worship. When the church gathers to worship. When the church gathers to glorify the Lord Jesus, this is not just glorify the Lord Jesus, this is not just glorify the Lord Jesus, this is not just an isolated moment. We are joining the an isolated moment. We are joining the an isolated moment. We are joining the host of heaven, all of creation, the host of heaven, all of creation, the host of heaven, all of creation, the heavens, the angels and the elders who heavens, the angels and the elders who heavens, the angels and the elders who cast their crowns down to the Lord. They cast their crowns down to the Lord. They cast their crowns down to the Lord. They say worthy is the lamb. And we join in say worthy is the lamb. And we join in say worthy is the lamb. And we join in that worship together. that worship together. that worship together. And that's the best part. And it's also And that's the best part. And it's also And that's the best part. And it's also in the process of being worshiped that in the process of being worshiped that in the process of being worshiped that God communicates his presence to us. God communicates his presence to us. God communicates his presence to us. He speaks. He fills us with the spirit. He speaks. He fills us with the spirit. He speaks. He fills us with the spirit. He reminds us of who he is. Every other He reminds us of who he is. Every other He reminds us of who he is. Every other concern in our life finds its rightful concern in our life finds its rightful concern in our life finds its rightful place. It's submitted at the feet of place. It's submitted at the feet of place. It's submitted at the feet of Jesus. So my encouragement to you this Jesus. So my encouragement to you this Jesus. So my encouragement to you this morning is that you would look at Jesus. morning is that you would look at Jesus. morning is that you would look at Jesus. I don't know what you came in with this I don't know what you came in with this I don't know what you came in with this morning. Maybe this week has been morning. Maybe this week has been morning. Maybe this week has been stressful. Maybe you're coming off of a stressful. Maybe you're coming off of a stressful. Maybe you're coming off of a mountaintop this week and that's all the mountaintop this week and that's all the mountaintop this week and that's all the more reason to be thankful and praise more reason to be thankful and praise more reason to be thankful and praise God. But maybe you're in the room today God. But maybe you're in the room today God. But maybe you're in the room today and this week has not been the easiest. and this week has not been the easiest. and this week has not been the easiest. Maybe you're going through something Maybe you're going through something Maybe you're going through something pretty difficult. pretty difficult. pretty difficult. But Jesus has purchased But Jesus has purchased But Jesus has purchased our life by his blood. You are a friend our life by his blood. You are a friend our life by his blood. You are a friend of God. You are a child of God. I want of God. You are a child of God. I want of God. You are a child of God. I want you to remember that your identity is in you to remember that your identity is in you to remember that your identity is in him and him alone. And there's a song him and him alone. And there's a song him and him alone. And there's a song that only you can bring. Not even angels that only you can bring. Not even angels that only you can bring. Not even angels know the same type of redemption. We've know the same type of redemption. We've know the same type of redemption. We've been redeemed and saved and made new.

been redeemed and saved and made new. been redeemed and saved and made new. And so there is a praise and there is a And so there is a praise and there is a And so there is a praise and there is a song and there is a kind of worship that song and there is a kind of worship that song and there is a kind of worship that only you and I can bring. So as we only you and I can bring. So as we only you and I can bring. So as we continue to sing together, look to continue to sing together, look to continue to sing together, look to Jesus. Make much of him today. Let him Jesus. Make much of him today. Let him Jesus. Make much of him today. Let him be the center of your affection. Can we be the center of your affection. Can we be the center of your affection. Can we do that together, church? Come on. I hear a whis I hear a whis of exaltation and our voice your name above all names. and our voice your name above all names. You hear the melody You hear the melody You hear the melody of all creation, but there's a song of praise that only I but there's a song of praise that only I can bring. Who else is worthy?

can bring. Who else is worthy? can bring. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There's no one There's no one only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who else is worthy Who else is worthy Who else is worthy to him? Who else is worse? to him? Who else is worse? to him? Who else is worse? There is no one There is no one There is no one Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You are the infinite You are the infinite You are the infinite bride of the aes you chose to make my heart worthy you chose to make my heart worthy please. please. please. You hear my You hear my You hear my show me your glory. show me your glory. show me your glory. So I have songs of praise not even So I have songs of praise not even So I have songs of praise not even angels sing. angels sing. angels sing. Who else is worthy Who else is worthy Who else is worthy this morning? this morning? this morning? >> Who else is worthy?

There is none. There is none. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one. There is no one. Only is Jesus. Only is Jesus. Only is Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one. There is no one. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one There is no one only Jesus. Church, right now, let's just ask our Church, right now, let's just ask our heavenly father to help us to see Jesus heavenly father to help us to see Jesus heavenly father to help us to see Jesus rightly this morning. rightly this morning. rightly this morning. Church, ask your heavenly father to fill Church, ask your heavenly father to fill Church, ask your heavenly father to fill you with awe inspired reverence today as you with awe inspired reverence today as you with awe inspired reverence today as we lift our voice that we would be we lift our voice that we would be we lift our voice that we would be reminded that Jesus died. He rose again reminded that Jesus died. He rose again reminded that Jesus died. He rose again and right now today he is seated at the and right now today he is seated at the and right now today he is seated at the right hand of the father. So we get to right hand of the father. So we get to right hand of the father. So we get to worship knowing the completed work of worship knowing the completed work of worship knowing the completed work of Christ. So ask him to open your eyes and Christ. So ask him to open your eyes and Christ. So ask him to open your eyes and declare these lyrics. Remind our hearts declare these lyrics. Remind our hearts declare these lyrics. Remind our hearts of truth today God.

of truth today God. of truth today God. Church, let's lift our voice as we sing Church, let's lift our voice as we sing Church, let's lift our voice as we sing this together. this together. this together. A real of God anointed one who was and A real of God anointed one who was and A real of God anointed one who was and is and is to come. seated on the throne is and is to come. seated on the throne is and is to come. seated on the throne above. Holy, above. Holy, above. Holy, holy, holy, holy, rightous one. He shows what he did for rightous one. He shows what he did for rightous one. He shows what he did for us and prove to us the father's love us and prove to us the father's love us and prove to us the father's love Jesus Christ. Come on, respond with Jesus Christ. Come on, respond with Jesus Christ. Come on, respond with this. Oh, you are holy, this. Oh, you are holy, this. Oh, you are holy, God of God of God of who was and is to come. who was and is to come. who was and is to come. on the throne above. All we are on the throne above. All we are on the throne above. All we are rightous rightous rightous sh Jesus Christ we live in Heat. Heat. Jesus Christ we live in Heat. Heat. Heat.

and prove to us the father's love. Jesus and prove to us the father's love. Jesus Christ is worthy. is worthy. Who else is worthy? There is no There is no only Jesus. Oh, Oh, it's only Jesus. It's only Jesus. You are worthy. You are It's only Jesus. You are worthy. You are worthy. We say death could not hold you.

worthy. We say death could not hold you. worthy. We say death could not hold you. The veils are before you. You silence The veils are before you. You silence The veils are before you. You silence the voice unless the heavens are falling. the heavens are falling. The praise of your glory. The praise of your glory. The praise of your glory. For you are raised to life. You have no way. You have no way. You have no Yours is yours is the kingom. Yours is yours is the kingom. Yours is the glor. Yours is the glor. Yours is the glor. Yours is the name. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. What a powerful name.

What a powerful name. What a powerful name. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. What a powerful name. you you are. I always say what a powerful name. What I always say what a powerful name. What a powerful name it is. a powerful name it is. a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ.

What a powerful name. What a powerful name. Nothing. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. What a powerful name is. The name of What a powerful name is. The name of What a powerful name is. The name of Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. For we exalt For we exalt all of thee, God. We exalt God. We exalt thee. Oh, we exalt Oh, we exalt thee. Oh Oh Lord.

no one more worthy. no one more worthy. We exalt. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Lord. Heavenly Father, we have gathered here Heavenly Father, we have gathered here today to glorify the name of Jesus, your today to glorify the name of Jesus, your today to glorify the name of Jesus, your son. son. son. The one who lived the life that we could The one who lived the life that we could The one who lived the life that we could not. Who took the cross, went to the not. Who took the cross, went to the not. Who took the cross, went to the grave, but did not stay there. He rose grave, but did not stay there. He rose grave, but did not stay there. He rose again again again defeating death, hell, and the grave. So defeating death, hell, and the grave. So defeating death, hell, and the grave. So that by faith in Jesus Christ today, sin that by faith in Jesus Christ today, sin that by faith in Jesus Christ today, sin and its power no longer get the last and its power no longer get the last and its power no longer get the last word over our life. And for that we say, word over our life. And for that we say, word over our life. And for that we say, "Thank you, Lord Jesus. We are grateful "Thank you, Lord Jesus. We are grateful "Thank you, Lord Jesus. We are grateful people. We have been shown mercy and people. We have been shown mercy and people. We have been shown mercy and grace beyond anything we could possibly grace beyond anything we could possibly grace beyond anything we could possibly imagine. imagine. imagine. We love you. We love you. We love you. We exalt your name.

We exalt your name. We exalt your name. And all of this right here, this is just And all of this right here, this is just And all of this right here, this is just a rehearsal for what's going to happen a rehearsal for what's going to happen a rehearsal for what's going to happen in heaven when we lift up the name of in heaven when we lift up the name of in heaven when we lift up the name of Jesus Jesus Jesus where sin will be no more, pain, death, where sin will be no more, pain, death, where sin will be no more, pain, death, sickness will be no more. sickness will be no more. sickness will be no more. But God, until that day comes, we we But God, until that day comes, we we But God, until that day comes, we we want to be found faithful. want to be found faithful. want to be found faithful. We want our lives to be a posture of We want our lives to be a posture of We want our lives to be a posture of worship. Not just a Sunday morning at worship. Not just a Sunday morning at worship. Not just a Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. songs of worship, but a life 11:00 a.m. songs of worship, but a life 11:00 a.m. songs of worship, but a life that is centered on you, that makes much that is centered on you, that makes much that is centered on you, that makes much of you, that is transformed when you of you, that is transformed when you of you, that is transformed when you speak. When you speak to us through your speak. When you speak to us through your speak. When you speak to us through your word, when you speak to us through your word, when you speak to us through your word, when you speak to us through your spirit. God, would you move in this spirit. God, would you move in this spirit. God, would you move in this place this morning? Have your way. We place this morning? Have your way. We place this morning? Have your way. We are open. Your church is here willing are open. Your church is here willing are open. Your church is here willing and open to whatever you want to do, and open to whatever you want to do, and open to whatever you want to do, whatever you want to say. We are here to whatever you want to say. We are here to whatever you want to say. We are here to worship you, Jesus, and you alone. worship you, Jesus, and you alone. worship you, Jesus, and you alone. So here I am to worship. So here I am to worship. So here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say you're mine.

you're mine. you're mine. You're all together lovely. You're all together lovely. You're all together lovely. You're all together worthy. You're all together worthy. You're all together worthy. You're all together wonderful You're all together wonderful You're all together wonderful too. too. too. We sing, "Oh, here I am to worship. We sing, "Oh, here I am to worship. We sing, "Oh, here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to Here I am to bow down. Here I am to Here I am to bow down. Here I am to >> Yes, God. You're all together love. You're all together love. >> All together." >> All together." >> All together." >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> All together one. That's why we're here. That's why we're here. >> That's why we're here. >> Nothing else matters. >> Nothing else matters. It's only you, Jesus. It's only you, Jesus. It's only you, Jesus. We love you.

We love you. We love you. Even right now, would you just take a Even right now, would you just take a Even right now, would you just take a moment? moment? moment? Maybe close your eyes, think back to all Maybe close your eyes, think back to all Maybe close your eyes, think back to all of the times that God has been so kind of the times that God has been so kind of the times that God has been so kind and so patient, and so patient, and so patient, so merciful, where he's been so sweet where he's been so sweet and caring. and caring. and caring. When you felt broken, he healed you. Maybe you think back to your testimony Maybe you think back to your testimony when God rescued you. I know for me I I I spent so much of my I know for me I I I spent so much of my life I grew up in church life I grew up in church life I grew up in church and I spent so much of my life stiff and I spent so much of my life stiff and I spent so much of my life stiff arming and playing church and then he touched my heart and then he touched my heart changed me forever. I know I'm not the changed me forever. I know I'm not the changed me forever. I know I'm not the only one in this room that has had that only one in this room that has had that only one in this room that has had that kind of testimony. I know this I know kind of testimony. I know this I know kind of testimony. I know this I know this church is filled with people who this church is filled with people who this church is filled with people who are redeemed, are redeemed, are redeemed, who have been saved, who have been made who have been saved, who have been made who have been saved, who have been made new, who have had their life transformed

new, who have had their life transformed new, who have had their life transformed by Jesus. by Jesus. by Jesus. And it's the grace that saved us is the And it's the grace that saved us is the And it's the grace that saved us is the same grace that sustains us. It empowers same grace that sustains us. It empowers same grace that sustains us. It empowers us. us. us. And maybe you haven't had a very And maybe you haven't had a very And maybe you haven't had a very specific moment with the Lord like that. specific moment with the Lord like that. specific moment with the Lord like that. But if you need evidence of God's love But if you need evidence of God's love But if you need evidence of God's love in the room tonight, all you have to do in the room tonight, all you have to do in the room tonight, all you have to do is look at the cross. is look at the cross. is look at the cross. All you have to do is look at Jesus on All you have to do is look at Jesus on All you have to do is look at Jesus on Calvary, Calvary, Calvary, the one who knew no sin, became sin, so the one who knew no sin, became sin, so the one who knew no sin, became sin, so that we might become the righteousness that we might become the righteousness that we might become the righteousness of God. of God. of God. That's how God demonstrates his love for That's how God demonstrates his love for That's how God demonstrates his love for you and I. you and I. you and I. He would give up his own life so that we He would give up his own life so that we He would give up his own life so that we might find ours. might find ours. might find ours. What a great gift. What a great gift. What a great gift. All of us, we woke up to new mercies All of us, we woke up to new mercies All of us, we woke up to new mercies this morning. And God, we are so this morning. And God, we are so this morning. And God, we are so thankful. thankful. thankful. We are so thankful. You have been so good beyond anything we You have been so good beyond anything we could have ever imagined or thought. And could have ever imagined or thought. And could have ever imagined or thought. And you will continue to be good. I pray for you will continue to be good. I pray for you will continue to be good. I pray for anyone in this room right now that has anyone in this room right now that has anyone in this room right now that has been struggling to see that. Maybe it's been struggling to see that. Maybe it's been struggling to see that. Maybe it's been so hard to understand that you are been so hard to understand that you are been so hard to understand that you are still good and that you are still near.

still good and that you are still near. still good and that you are still near. Your word is true, Lord. The psalmist Your word is true, Lord. The psalmist Your word is true, Lord. The psalmist says that you are close. You draw near says that you are close. You draw near says that you are close. You draw near to the brokenhearted. You bind up their to the brokenhearted. You bind up their to the brokenhearted. You bind up their wounds. wounds. wounds. You are a healer. You are the breakthrough. You are the breakthrough. You are our redemption. We love you, You are our redemption. We love you, You are our redemption. We love you, King Jesus. I pray that as the preaching King Jesus. I pray that as the preaching King Jesus. I pray that as the preaching of your word happens this morning, it of your word happens this morning, it of your word happens this morning, it would transform us from the inside out. would transform us from the inside out. would transform us from the inside out. that it wouldn't just be another Sunday, that it wouldn't just be another Sunday, that it wouldn't just be another Sunday, but it would be a Sunday where we can but it would be a Sunday where we can but it would be a Sunday where we can look back and say, "Man, I was marked by look back and say, "Man, I was marked by look back and say, "Man, I was marked by God." That's who we want to be. We love God." That's who we want to be. We love God." That's who we want to be. We love you. This is all for you. you. This is all for you. you. This is all for you. And it's in the precious name of our And it's in the precious name of our And it's in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We said, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We said, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We said, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." Amen. Hey, before h before you take a seat, Hey, before h before you take a seat, would you turn to somebody next to you would you turn to somebody next to you would you turn to somebody next to you and tell them I'm so glad to see you in and tell them I'm so glad to see you in and tell them I'm so glad to see you in church with me today. Come on.

>> It is so good to worship our God this >> It is so good to worship our God this morning. He has no rival, no equal, and morning. He has no rival, no equal, and morning. He has no rival, no equal, and he reigns over everything in heaven and he reigns over everything in heaven and he reigns over everything in heaven and on earth and over our lives as well. on earth and over our lives as well. on earth and over our lives as well. Aren't you glad for that? And as people Aren't you glad for that? And as people Aren't you glad for that? And as people greet each other in person here in the greet each other in person here in the greet each other in person here in the room, I want to extend a huge welcome to room, I want to extend a huge welcome to room, I want to extend a huge welcome to each of you who are watching today and each of you who are watching today and each of you who are watching today and ask you, how is your summer going? I ask you, how is your summer going? I ask you, how is your summer going? I know for me, my wife and I are headed up know for me, my wife and I are headed up know for me, my wife and I are headed up to the mountains of Pennsylvania in a to the mountains of Pennsylvania in a to the mountains of Pennsylvania in a few weeks to visit my family and spend few weeks to visit my family and spend few weeks to visit my family and spend some time with them. And one of the some time with them. And one of the some time with them. And one of the beautiful things about summer is that it beautiful things about summer is that it beautiful things about summer is that it gives us a little more flexibility. So, gives us a little more flexibility. So, gives us a little more flexibility. So, if this summer gives you some if this summer gives you some if this summer gives you some flexibility, too, can I take this flexibility, too, can I take this flexibility, too, can I take this opportunity to invite you to church in opportunity to invite you to church in opportunity to invite you to church in person? Our church actually has 10 person? Our church actually has 10 person? Our church actually has 10 campuses all around South Florida. So campuses all around South Florida. So campuses all around South Florida. So hopefully there is one near you. And if hopefully there is one near you. And if hopefully there is one near you. And if you head to the website on your screen, you head to the website on your screen, you head to the website on your screen, you can watch a preview video of each you can watch a preview video of each you can watch a preview video of each campus that will give you a feel for campus that will give you a feel for campus that will give you a feel for what it's like. You'll see that in what it's like. You'll see that in what it's like. You'll see that in addition to weekend services, there's a addition to weekend services, there's a addition to weekend services, there's a local community of people for you to local community of people for you to local community of people for you to learn and to grow with and to simply do learn and to grow with and to simply do learn and to grow with and to simply do life with. We would love for you to life with. We would love for you to life with. We would love for you to experience that kind of belonging. So, I experience that kind of belonging. So, I experience that kind of belonging. So, I hope that you'll make a note of the hope that you'll make a note of the hope that you'll make a note of the website on your screen and plan a visit website on your screen and plan a visit website on your screen and plan a visit soon. All right, let's join Pastor Doug soon. All right, let's join Pastor Doug soon. All right, let's join Pastor Doug now at the Fort Lauderdale campus for a now at the Fort Lauderdale campus for a now at the Fort Lauderdale campus for a few announcements and for our new few announcements and for our new few announcements and for our new teaching series through the book of teaching series through the book of teaching series through the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Well, good morning, Calvary. Wasn't that Well, good morning, Calvary. Wasn't that Well, good morning, Calvary. Wasn't that an amazing time of worship today? That an amazing time of worship today? That an amazing time of worship today? That was a was a was a Sometimes you can get lost in a moment, Sometimes you can get lost in a moment, Sometimes you can get lost in a moment, and that was a beautiful moment to get and that was a beautiful moment to get and that was a beautiful moment to get lost in. Hey, if you're new to Calvary, lost in. Hey, if you're new to Calvary, lost in. Hey, if you're new to Calvary, welcome. We are so glad that you're welcome. We are so glad that you're welcome. We are so glad that you're here. Uh my name is Doug. I'm a pastor here. Uh my name is Doug. I'm a pastor here. Uh my name is Doug. I'm a pastor here and we are jumping into a new book here and we are jumping into a new book here and we are jumping into a new book of the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. of the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. of the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. And so if you have a Bible, love for you And so if you have a Bible, love for you And so if you have a Bible, love for you to open right to the middle of your to open right to the middle of your to open right to the middle of your Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. If you Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. If you Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes. If you don't have a Bible, you can raise your don't have a Bible, you can raise your don't have a Bible, you can raise your hand wherever you are. We want to put a hand wherever you are. We want to put a hand wherever you are. We want to put a Bible in your hand. This is going to be Bible in your hand. This is going to be Bible in your hand. This is going to be our gift to you if you don't own a our gift to you if you don't own a our gift to you if you don't own a Bible. Uh and for the next eight weeks, Bible. Uh and for the next eight weeks, Bible. Uh and for the next eight weeks, we're going to be going through uh the we're going to be going through uh the we're going to be going through uh the journey of this book, Ecclesiastes. journey of this book, Ecclesiastes. journey of this book, Ecclesiastes. And hey, if you're you're new here, uh And hey, if you're you're new here, uh And hey, if you're you're new here, uh every week we tell you the same thing. every week we tell you the same thing. every week we tell you the same thing. If you want more information on what's If you want more information on what's If you want more information on what's happening all around Calvary, you want happening all around Calvary, you want happening all around Calvary, you want notes for this message, you want notes for this message, you want notes for this message, you want questions to talk about in your groups, questions to talk about in your groups, questions to talk about in your groups, then scan the code that's on the screen then scan the code that's on the screen then scan the code that's on the screen behind me or the seat in front of you, behind me or the seat in front of you, behind me or the seat in front of you, and you'll get all of that and more. So, and you'll get all of that and more. So, and you'll get all of that and more. So, a couple things you'll notice when you a couple things you'll notice when you a couple things you'll notice when you scan this QR code. We have a lot going scan this QR code. We have a lot going scan this QR code. We have a lot going on for you young people over the summer.

on for you young people over the summer. on for you young people over the summer. And so, the first thing is that kids And so, the first thing is that kids And so, the first thing is that kids conference is 10 days away. And if you conference is 10 days away. And if you conference is 10 days away. And if you have a child between first and fifth have a child between first and fifth have a child between first and fifth grade, Yeah. Let's give it up for the grade, Yeah. Let's give it up for the grade, Yeah. Let's give it up for the kids in this house. I mean, we have some kids in this house. I mean, we have some kids in this house. I mean, we have some amazing young people. There's still room amazing young people. There's still room amazing young people. There's still room for you to register your kids and to for you to register your kids and to for you to register your kids and to invite a neighbor or friend. And we we invite a neighbor or friend. And we we invite a neighbor or friend. And we we also want to be praying for all of those also want to be praying for all of those also want to be praying for all of those who are going to be coming. And and who are going to be coming. And and who are going to be coming. And and maybe you have a heart to volunteer or maybe you have a heart to volunteer or maybe you have a heart to volunteer or maybe you have a heart uh to give maybe you have a heart uh to give maybe you have a heart uh to give because we have over a hundred kids who because we have over a hundred kids who because we have over a hundred kids who want to come who are requesting want to come who are requesting want to come who are requesting scholarships. And so, there's something scholarships. And so, there's something scholarships. And so, there's something we can all do to participate in one of we can all do to participate in one of we can all do to participate in one of the the best outreaches of our year. the the best outreaches of our year. the the best outreaches of our year. hundreds of young people coming in in hundreds of young people coming in in hundreds of young people coming in in music and the teaching of God's word and music and the teaching of God's word and music and the teaching of God's word and skits and opportunities to discover skits and opportunities to discover skits and opportunities to discover their calling and purpose and that's 10 their calling and purpose and that's 10 their calling and purpose and that's 10 days away. So maybe you're called to days away. So maybe you're called to days away. So maybe you're called to volunteer or give or just invite volunteer or give or just invite volunteer or give or just invite someone. We would love for you to be a someone. We would love for you to be a someone. We would love for you to be a part of Kids Comp this year 10 days part of Kids Comp this year 10 days part of Kids Comp this year 10 days away. And then six weeks away is Youth away. And then six weeks away is Youth away. And then six weeks away is Youth Encounter. It's middle school and high Encounter. It's middle school and high Encounter. It's middle school and high school kids. Again, imagine uh 1500 kids school kids. Again, imagine uh 1500 kids school kids. Again, imagine uh 1500 kids in the sanctuary from all over South in the sanctuary from all over South in the sanctuary from all over South Florida lifting their hands in worship, Florida lifting their hands in worship, Florida lifting their hands in worship, hearing the teaching of God's word, hearing the teaching of God's word, hearing the teaching of God's word, being called into ministry and and to being called into ministry and and to being called into ministry and and to the things that God has for them. And we the things that God has for them. And we the things that God has for them. And we can participate by by again by giving can participate by by again by giving can participate by by again by giving scholarships by praying and by scholarships by praying and by scholarships by praying and by volunteering and showing up for those volunteering and showing up for those volunteering and showing up for those moments. And so I want to invite you as moments. And so I want to invite you as moments. And so I want to invite you as a church. Let's be a church that doesn't a church. Let's be a church that doesn't a church. Let's be a church that doesn't just say what's what's happening with just say what's what's happening with just say what's what's happening with this generation, but but engaging um in this generation, but but engaging um in this generation, but but engaging um in the disciplehip of the young people of the disciplehip of the young people of the disciplehip of the young people of this church and the city. And then this church and the city. And then this church and the city. And then finally, um, one of our best outreaches finally, um, one of our best outreaches finally, um, one of our best outreaches of the summer is our back to school of the summer is our back to school of the summer is our back to school outreach, which starts in in just a outreach, which starts in in just a outreach, which starts in in just a couple weeks. We're gathering supplies, couple weeks. We're gathering supplies, couple weeks. We're gathering supplies, backpacks, school supplies, so that kids backpacks, school supplies, so that kids backpacks, school supplies, so that kids go back to school in August, they have go back to school in August, they have go back to school in August, they have what they need because there's a lot of

what they need because there's a lot of what they need because there's a lot of kids and a lot of families who getting a kids and a lot of families who getting a kids and a lot of families who getting a backpack and all the things is just backpack and all the things is just backpack and all the things is just something they can't afford to do. And something they can't afford to do. And something they can't afford to do. And so, as a church, we we give, we so, as a church, we we give, we so, as a church, we we give, we organize, and then we have these organize, and then we have these organize, and then we have these outreaches you can participate in where outreaches you can participate in where outreaches you can participate in where you don't just give out backpacks and you don't just give out backpacks and you don't just give out backpacks and and pencils and pens and and notes. you and pencils and pens and and notes. you and pencils and pens and and notes. you you actually share the gospel. You give you actually share the gospel. You give you actually share the gospel. You give a Bible and you make it an opportunity a Bible and you make it an opportunity a Bible and you make it an opportunity to say, "Hey, we're meeting a physical to say, "Hey, we're meeting a physical to say, "Hey, we're meeting a physical need, but there's also a God in heaven need, but there's also a God in heaven need, but there's also a God in heaven who sees you and knows you and loves who sees you and knows you and loves who sees you and knows you and loves you." And every year we do these you." And every year we do these you." And every year we do these outreaches, we have such great outreaches, we have such great outreaches, we have such great testimonies of how God uses simple gifts testimonies of how God uses simple gifts testimonies of how God uses simple gifts to remind people that he's real and that to remind people that he's real and that to remind people that he's real and that he loves him and he wants a relationship he loves him and he wants a relationship he loves him and he wants a relationship with him. So, and so I want I want us to with him. So, and so I want I want us to with him. So, and so I want I want us to be a church that's thoughtful about be a church that's thoughtful about be a church that's thoughtful about these activities and looking for ways to these activities and looking for ways to these activities and looking for ways to engage so that Jesus can do his work in engage so that Jesus can do his work in engage so that Jesus can do his work in and through his church. Amen, church. and through his church. Amen, church. and through his church. Amen, church. >> Hey, can we give God praise one more >> Hey, can we give God praise one more >> Hey, can we give God praise one more time just for just for who he is and for time just for just for who he is and for time just for just for who he is and for what he's done. what he's done. what he's done. It's uh it's good to be in God's house It's uh it's good to be in God's house It's uh it's good to be in God's house this morning. Let's take a moment and this morning. Let's take a moment and this morning. Let's take a moment and let's pray. let's pray. let's pray. Father, we want to say thank you for Father, we want to say thank you for Father, we want to say thank you for that moment of worship, that moment of worship, that moment of worship, for that reminder that all the for that reminder that all the for that reminder that all the challenges and disappointments and challenges and disappointments and challenges and disappointments and failures and worries of life can melt failures and worries of life can melt failures and worries of life can melt away in a moment, in an instant when we away in a moment, in an instant when we away in a moment, in an instant when we look at you.

look at you. look at you. Because you have a way to make all Because you have a way to make all Because you have a way to make all things new. things new. things new. You have a way to make broken things You have a way to make broken things You have a way to make broken things whole. You have a way to take that whole. You have a way to take that whole. You have a way to take that longing, that aching in our heart longing, that aching in our heart longing, that aching in our heart and healing it. And so Jesus, as we read and healing it. And so Jesus, as we read and healing it. And so Jesus, as we read through a very difficult book of the through a very difficult book of the through a very difficult book of the Bible to read, Lord, I pray you would Bible to read, Lord, I pray you would Bible to read, Lord, I pray you would hold our hearts, you would carry our hold our hearts, you would carry our hold our hearts, you would carry our hearts, and you would draw us to you in hearts, and you would draw us to you in hearts, and you would draw us to you in just a powerful way, in an unexpected just a powerful way, in an unexpected just a powerful way, in an unexpected way. That today, way. That today, way. That today, because you know everything we're going because you know everything we're going because you know everything we're going through, that you would meet us right through, that you would meet us right through, that you would meet us right where we're at. And we pray this in where we're at. And we pray this in where we're at. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Have you ever felt the disconnect Have you ever felt the disconnect between what happens in here on a Sunday between what happens in here on a Sunday between what happens in here on a Sunday and what happens out there on a Monday? and what happens out there on a Monday? and what happens out there on a Monday? I mean, think about it for a moment. In I mean, think about it for a moment. In I mean, think about it for a moment. In here, you're singing. Some of you are here, you're singing. Some of you are here, you're singing. Some of you are lifting your hands. Some of you are lifting your hands. Some of you are lifting your hands. Some of you are crying. Some of you are smiling. Some of crying. Some of you are smiling. Some of crying. Some of you are smiling. Some of you are hugging strangers.

you are hugging strangers. you are hugging strangers. Today you're thinking about love and Today you're thinking about love and Today you're thinking about love and faith and God and hope and courage and faith and God and hope and courage and faith and God and hope and courage and grace. But out there, turn the other grace. But out there, turn the other grace. But out there, turn the other cheek. It's a doggy dog world. You turn cheek. It's a doggy dog world. You turn cheek. It's a doggy dog world. You turn the other cheek, someone's going to slap the other cheek, someone's going to slap the other cheek, someone's going to slap you other cheek. you other cheek. you other cheek. If you don't do for yourself, someone's If you don't do for yourself, someone's If you don't do for yourself, someone's going to take advantage of you. And out going to take advantage of you. And out going to take advantage of you. And out there, it's not about faith and hope and there, it's not about faith and hope and there, it's not about faith and hope and love. It's about taking and getting and love. It's about taking and getting and love. It's about taking and getting and winning. winning. winning. And that disconnect can sometimes be And that disconnect can sometimes be And that disconnect can sometimes be confusing because sometimes we can confusing because sometimes we can confusing because sometimes we can orient our lives toward, okay, I'm in orient our lives toward, okay, I'm in orient our lives toward, okay, I'm in church. church. church. Okay. Just for like 90 minutes. If I can Okay. Just for like 90 minutes. If I can Okay. Just for like 90 minutes. If I can just recharge and then go back out in just recharge and then go back out in just recharge and then go back out in that crazy world and then come back in that crazy world and then come back in that crazy world and then come back in in 90 minutes and recharge once a week, in 90 minutes and recharge once a week, in 90 minutes and recharge once a week, then I'll be good. But this is not just then I'll be good. But this is not just then I'll be good. But this is not just a gas station for your soul. a gas station for your soul. a gas station for your soul. There's something more that God wants There's something more that God wants There's something more that God wants for us. And we want to pay attention to for us. And we want to pay attention to for us. And we want to pay attention to that angst that we feel sometimes when that angst that we feel sometimes when that angst that we feel sometimes when we're honest about how the world is out we're honest about how the world is out we're honest about how the world is out there. there. there. I mean, most of the times life is I mean, most of the times life is I mean, most of the times life is confusing.

confusing. confusing. Most days, if we're honest, life doesn't Most days, if we're honest, life doesn't Most days, if we're honest, life doesn't make sense. Anybody know what I'm make sense. Anybody know what I'm make sense. Anybody know what I'm talking about? Like life can be talking about? Like life can be talking about? Like life can be perplexing. Like it always seems like perplexing. Like it always seems like perplexing. Like it always seems like I'm in the longest line unless I change I'm in the longest line unless I change I'm in the longest line unless I change lines and then that becomes the longest lines and then that becomes the longest lines and then that becomes the longest line. And you know what I'm talking line. And you know what I'm talking line. And you know what I'm talking about. These little things that just about. These little things that just about. These little things that just seem to annoy you. And there's bigger seem to annoy you. And there's bigger seem to annoy you. And there's bigger things, too. Like this thing about life, things, too. Like this thing about life, things, too. Like this thing about life, like that dream that you have always like that dream that you have always like that dream that you have always seems like right out of grasp. seems like right out of grasp. seems like right out of grasp. If like you get really close and then an If like you get really close and then an If like you get really close and then an injury or an accident or your boss injury or an accident or your boss injury or an accident or your boss moves, the promotion falls through, the moves, the promotion falls through, the moves, the promotion falls through, the relationship doesn't seem to be within relationship doesn't seem to be within relationship doesn't seem to be within reach. Another bare, you're always like reach. Another bare, you're always like reach. Another bare, you're always like one step away. Like what is that? I want one step away. Like what is that? I want one step away. Like what is that? I want to be fil filled with faith, but why to be fil filled with faith, but why to be fil filled with faith, but why can't I find that healthy relationship can't I find that healthy relationship can't I find that healthy relationship or why can't and then and then maybe or why can't and then and then maybe or why can't and then and then maybe some of you like I got the dream. I got some of you like I got the dream. I got some of you like I got the dream. I got the job I wanted. the job I wanted. the job I wanted. But it turns out it it wasn't what I But it turns out it it wasn't what I But it turns out it it wasn't what I thought. thought. thought. I got the guy. I got the girl. But it's I got the guy. I got the girl. But it's I got the guy. I got the girl. But it's not happily ever after. We prayed for not happily ever after. We prayed for not happily ever after. We prayed for kids and now we have them. God help us.

kids and now we have them. God help us. kids and now we have them. God help us. It's not what we expected. We're It's not what we expected. We're It's not what we expected. We're exhausted and they don't listen. I always wanted that house and now I I always wanted that house and now I wish I was renting again. wish I was renting again. wish I was renting again. What is that? That thing about life that What is that? That thing about life that What is that? That thing about life that seems so elusive, so perplexing that we seems so elusive, so perplexing that we seems so elusive, so perplexing that we don't often talk about, but don't often talk about, but don't often talk about, but subconsciously late at night we feel. subconsciously late at night we feel. subconsciously late at night we feel. What is that? And that creates this What is that? And that creates this What is that? And that creates this sense of angst and for some people it sense of angst and for some people it sense of angst and for some people it creates this existential crisis like creates this existential crisis like creates this existential crisis like what's the point? what's the point? what's the point? Can we be honest? like life sometimes, Can we be honest? like life sometimes, Can we be honest? like life sometimes, some days. What's the point? What does some days. What's the point? What does some days. What's the point? What does it matter? What does it make sense? it matter? What does it make sense? it matter? What does it make sense? Following Jesus, is that really going to Following Jesus, is that really going to Following Jesus, is that really going to help? Is it really going to matter in help? Is it really going to matter in help? Is it really going to matter in the end? And and well, that type of the end? And and well, that type of the end? And and well, that type of angst is felt by everyone who's ever angst is felt by everyone who's ever angst is felt by everyone who's ever been born. And every generation is been born. And every generation is been born. And every generation is trying to figure out how do I go on this trying to figure out how do I go on this trying to figure out how do I go on this journey to find meaning and purpose in journey to find meaning and purpose in journey to find meaning and purpose in my life? And that question asked by my life? And that question asked by my life? And that question asked by every generation is almost always best every generation is almost always best every generation is almost always best expressed in music. Every generation has expressed in music. Every generation has expressed in music. Every generation has songs that express this existential songs that express this existential songs that express this existential angst. Any uh kids uh or young people angst. Any uh kids uh or young people angst. Any uh kids uh or young people grow up in the 70s, grow up in the 70s, grow up in the 70s, know a band named Aerosmith?

know a band named Aerosmith? know a band named Aerosmith? Steven Tyler's first hit at 25 years Steven Tyler's first hit at 25 years Steven Tyler's first hit at 25 years old. Dream on. old. Dream on. old. Dream on. Every time I look into the mirror, these Every time I look into the mirror, these Every time I look into the mirror, these lines in my face, they seem to get lines in my face, they seem to get lines in my face, they seem to get clear. The past is gone. clear. The past is gone. clear. The past is gone. It's like time goes from dust to dawn. It's like time goes from dust to dawn. It's like time goes from dust to dawn. getting facts from fools and sages. What getting facts from fools and sages. What getting facts from fools and sages. What What's happening with time? He invites What's happening with time? He invites What's happening with time? He invites you to sing with him. So sing with me. you to sing with him. So sing with me. you to sing with him. So sing with me. Sing for the years. Sing for the Sing for the years. Sing for the Sing for the years. Sing for the laughter. Sing for the tears. Sing with laughter. Sing for the tears. Sing with laughter. Sing for the tears. Sing with me if it's just for today because maybe me if it's just for today because maybe me if it's just for today because maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you tomorrow the good Lord will take you tomorrow the good Lord will take you away. away. away. Dream on. What is Steven Tyler talking Dream on. What is Steven Tyler talking Dream on. What is Steven Tyler talking about? At 25 years old, he didn't have about? At 25 years old, he didn't have about? At 25 years old, he didn't have wrinkles. Today he has wrinkles very wrinkles. Today he has wrinkles very wrinkles. Today he has wrinkles very clearly. Time is flying by. and what is life Time is flying by. and what is life about and how do I find purpose and it about and how do I find purpose and it about and how do I find purpose and it seems to be slipping through my fingers. seems to be slipping through my fingers. seems to be slipping through my fingers. I don't know. Maybe you you you didn't I don't know. Maybe you you you didn't I don't know. Maybe you you you didn't grow up with the music of the 70s. Maybe grow up with the music of the 70s. Maybe grow up with the music of the 70s. Maybe it was more like the 80s. I grew up as a it was more like the 80s. I grew up as a it was more like the 80s. I grew up as a in as a high school student in the 80s. in as a high school student in the 80s. in as a high school student in the 80s. And this song in 1987 by a man named And this song in 1987 by a man named And this song in 1987 by a man named Bono.

Bono. Bono. I've climbed the highest mountains. I've I've climbed the highest mountains. I've I've climbed the highest mountains. I've run through the fields. I've run I've run through the fields. I've run I've run through the fields. I've run I've scaled the city walls, but I still scaled the city walls, but I still scaled the city walls, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for. haven't found what I'm looking for. haven't found what I'm looking for. Yeah, you know it. Yeah, you know it. Yeah, you know it. I've done all the things. I've pursued I've done all the things. I've pursued I've done all the things. I've pursued all the things, but I still haven't all the things, but I still haven't all the things, but I still haven't figured out what is life. I still figured out what is life. I still figured out what is life. I still haven't found what I'm looking for. haven't found what I'm looking for. haven't found what I'm looking for. Maybe maybe the '9s is more like your Maybe maybe the '9s is more like your Maybe maybe the '9s is more like your style. The verb bittersweet symphony cuz style. The verb bittersweet symphony cuz style. The verb bittersweet symphony cuz it's a bittersweet symphony. That's it's a bittersweet symphony. That's it's a bittersweet symphony. That's life. Trying to make ends meet. You're a life. Trying to make ends meet. You're a life. Trying to make ends meet. You're a slave to money and then you die. Whoa. slave to money and then you die. Whoa. slave to money and then you die. Whoa. I'll take you down the only road I've I'll take you down the only road I've I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down. It's life. ever been down. It's life. ever been down. It's life. You live, you die, try to earn money, You live, you die, try to earn money, You live, you die, try to earn money, try to survive, but what's it all about? try to survive, but what's it all about? try to survive, but what's it all about? Or Billy Isish, she kind of sums it up Or Billy Isish, she kind of sums it up Or Billy Isish, she kind of sums it up in her 2021 song, Everybody Dies. in her 2021 song, Everybody Dies. in her 2021 song, Everybody Dies. There you go. Now, if this type of There you go. Now, if this type of There you go. Now, if this type of rawness, rawness, rawness, authenticity authenticity authenticity sort of grips you like, yes, that's the sort of grips you like, yes, that's the sort of grips you like, yes, that's the real stuff, then you're going to love real stuff, then you're going to love real stuff, then you're going to love the book of Ecclesiastes the book of Ecclesiastes the book of Ecclesiastes because the book of Ecclesiastes is because the book of Ecclesiastes is because the book of Ecclesiastes is going to punch you in the face. When you going to punch you in the face. When you going to punch you in the face. When you read it, you're like, "What?"

read it, you're like, "What?" read it, you're like, "What?" I'm just preparing you. Verse two is I'm just preparing you. Verse two is I'm just preparing you. Verse two is going to punch you in the face, and going to punch you in the face, and going to punch you in the face, and you're going to be like, "Wait, is this you're going to be like, "Wait, is this you're going to be like, "Wait, is this in the Bible?" Now, before we read it, in the Bible?" Now, before we read it, in the Bible?" Now, before we read it, know that this existential journey, this know that this existential journey, this know that this existential journey, this angst is everyone's felt it. It's what angst is everyone's felt it. It's what angst is everyone's felt it. It's what it means to be human. It's expressed in it means to be human. It's expressed in it means to be human. It's expressed in our music, but Solomon's going to our music, but Solomon's going to our music, but Solomon's going to express it 3,000 years ago in his letter express it 3,000 years ago in his letter express it 3,000 years ago in his letter to Ecclesiastes. And it's part of five to Ecclesiastes. And it's part of five to Ecclesiastes. And it's part of five books of the Bible, right in the middle books of the Bible, right in the middle books of the Bible, right in the middle of our Bible, called the wisdom of our Bible, called the wisdom of our Bible, called the wisdom literature. So, we want to understand literature. So, we want to understand literature. So, we want to understand what we're reading before we read it. It what we're reading before we read it. It what we're reading before we read it. It the Bible's not written in chronological the Bible's not written in chronological the Bible's not written in chronological order from the first book written to the order from the first book written to the order from the first book written to the last book written. It's arranged uh in last book written. It's arranged uh in last book written. It's arranged uh in sections. So one of the sections in the sections. So one of the sections in the sections. So one of the sections in the Old Testament is is a narrative section Old Testament is is a narrative section Old Testament is is a narrative section like Genesis, Exodus gives us history of like Genesis, Exodus gives us history of like Genesis, Exodus gives us history of God's people and creation and all the God's people and creation and all the God's people and creation and all the things. You have books of the law like things. You have books of the law like things. You have books of the law like Leviticus that describe the laws of God Leviticus that describe the laws of God Leviticus that describe the laws of God given to the Jewish people. Then you given to the Jewish people. Then you given to the Jewish people. Then you have the books of of of the kings which have the books of of of the kings which have the books of of of the kings which is history again. And eventually you is history again. And eventually you is history again. And eventually you have the books of prophets that have you have the books of prophets that have you have the books of prophets that have you know pro prophecy and apocalyptic know pro prophecy and apocalyptic know pro prophecy and apocalyptic visions like Daniel and eventually the visions like Daniel and eventually the visions like Daniel and eventually the book of Revelation. In the New book of Revelation. In the New book of Revelation. In the New Testament, you have the Gospels. But in Testament, you have the Gospels. But in Testament, you have the Gospels. But in the middle of all your Bibles are these the middle of all your Bibles are these the middle of all your Bibles are these five books. The book of Job, the book of five books. The book of Job, the book of five books. The book of Job, the book of Psalms, the book of Proverbs, the book Psalms, the book of Proverbs, the book Psalms, the book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes, and the book of Song of of Ecclesiastes, and the book of Song of of Ecclesiastes, and the book of Song of Solomon. And these are poems. They're Solomon. And these are poems. They're Solomon. And these are poems. They're songs. They're journal entries. They're songs. They're journal entries. They're songs. They're journal entries. They're diaries. It's it's what does it mean to diaries. It's it's what does it mean to diaries. It's it's what does it mean to be human, to experience failure and be human, to experience failure and be human, to experience failure and success and difficulty, and how do we success and difficulty, and how do we success and difficulty, and how do we make meaning of it all? And Solomon make meaning of it all? And Solomon make meaning of it all? And Solomon wrote three of those, the wisdom wrote three of those, the wisdom wrote three of those, the wisdom literature, the book of Proverbs, the

literature, the book of Proverbs, the literature, the book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes, and the book of book of Ecclesiastes, and the book of book of Ecclesiastes, and the book of Song of Solomon. He is the author, and Song of Solomon. He is the author, and Song of Solomon. He is the author, and he's going to be our guide through this he's going to be our guide through this he's going to be our guide through this process. And I want to I want to give process. And I want to I want to give process. And I want to I want to give you a frame of of how we can see the you a frame of of how we can see the you a frame of of how we can see the book of Ecclesiastes. book of Ecclesiastes. book of Ecclesiastes. What does it mean to live in this What does it mean to live in this What does it mean to live in this beautiful world that God made that he beautiful world that God made that he beautiful world that God made that he called good when this world has gone called good when this world has gone called good when this world has gone terribly wrong? terribly wrong? terribly wrong? Hm. Hm. Hm. What does it mean to live in this What does it mean to live in this What does it mean to live in this beautiful world that God made? He called beautiful world that God made? He called beautiful world that God made? He called good when this world has gone terribly good when this world has gone terribly good when this world has gone terribly wrong. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. wrong. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. wrong. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. Buckle your seat belts. Buckle your seat belts. Buckle your seat belts. Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready? >> Oh no, that was No, that was not that >> Oh no, that was No, that was not that >> Oh no, that was No, that was not that was not a ready sign. Buckle your seat was not a ready sign. Buckle your seat was not a ready sign. Buckle your seat belts. Are you ready? belts. Are you ready? belts. Are you ready? >> Okay, here we go. The words of the >> Okay, here we go. The words of the >> Okay, here we go. The words of the teacher, son of David, king in teacher, son of David, king in teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Meaningless. Meaningless. Meaningless. Meaningless, says the teacher. Utterly Meaningless, says the teacher. Utterly Meaningless, says the teacher. Utterly meaningless.

meaningless. meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Happy Sunday. Welcome to church. Happy Sunday. Welcome to church. Happy Sunday. Welcome to church. Verse three. What do people gain from Verse three. What do people gain from Verse three. What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil all their labors at which they toil all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and under the sun? Generations come and under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains generations go, but the earth remains generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets forever. The sun rises and the sun sets forever. The sun rises and the sun sets and hurries back to where it rises. The and hurries back to where it rises. The and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south, turns to the wind blows to the south, turns to the wind blows to the south, turns to the north, and round and round it goes, ever north, and round and round it goes, ever north, and round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams returning on its course. All streams returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never flow into the sea, yet the sea is never flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come full. To the place the streams come full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All from, there they return again. All from, there they return again. All things are weariesome, more than one can things are weariesome, more than one can things are weariesome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, say. The eye never has enough of seeing, say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What nor the ear its fill of hearing. What nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again and what has been has been will be again and what has been has been will be again and what has been done will be done again. There is done will be done again. There is done will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun. Is there nothing new under the sun. Is there nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say look this anything of which one can say look this anything of which one can say look this is something new. It was here already is something new. It was here already is something new. It was here already long ago. It was here before our time.

long ago. It was here before our time. long ago. It was here before our time. No one remembers the former generations No one remembers the former generations No one remembers the former generations and even those yet to come will not be and even those yet to come will not be and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them. remembered by those who follow them. remembered by those who follow them. Solomon the son of David, the king of Solomon the son of David, the king of Solomon the son of David, the king of Israel in Jerusalem. Israel in Jerusalem. Israel in Jerusalem. He is our guide. He is our teacher. He is our guide. He is our teacher. He is our guide. He is our teacher. He is going to give us an He is going to give us an He is going to give us an autobiographical autobiographical autobiographical journey through his own existential journey through his own existential journey through his own existential crisis as a way to teach us. That's why crisis as a way to teach us. That's why crisis as a way to teach us. That's why it's called wisdom literature. He wants it's called wisdom literature. He wants it's called wisdom literature. He wants to give us wisdom. And his favorite word to give us wisdom. And his favorite word to give us wisdom. And his favorite word throughout the book of Ecclesiastes is a throughout the book of Ecclesiastes is a throughout the book of Ecclesiastes is a Hebrew word called he. Everyone say Hebrew word called he. Everyone say Hebrew word called he. Everyone say heaven. heaven. heaven. >> It's found in every chapter of the 12 >> It's found in every chapter of the 12 >> It's found in every chapter of the 12 chapters of Ecclesiastes. It opens with chapters of Ecclesiastes. It opens with chapters of Ecclesiastes. It opens with he which he describes as meaningless. he which he describes as meaningless. he which he describes as meaningless. And it ends toward the end with that And it ends toward the end with that And it ends toward the end with that same concept. That word he can mean same concept. That word he can mean same concept. That word he can mean several different things. One, it can several different things. One, it can several different things. One, it can mean life is like a vapor.

It's here and then it's gone. Life is It's here and then it's gone. Life is fleeting. And often the Bible will fleeting. And often the Bible will fleeting. And often the Bible will translate that word life is a vapor. translate that word life is a vapor. translate that word life is a vapor. Life is fleeting. Life is fleeting. Life is fleeting. Sometimes though that word he will be Sometimes though that word he will be Sometimes though that word he will be translated beyond grasp. translated beyond grasp. translated beyond grasp. This idea that This idea that This idea that when you try to grasp the meaning of when you try to grasp the meaning of when you try to grasp the meaning of life, it feels like you you can grab it, life, it feels like you you can grab it, life, it feels like you you can grab it, but then once you grab it, it seems to but then once you grab it, it seems to but then once you grab it, it seems to be be be gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. Or as gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. Or as gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. Or as it's translated here in the NIV, it's it's translated here in the NIV, it's it's translated here in the NIV, it's meaningless. When you try to make sense meaningless. When you try to make sense meaningless. When you try to make sense of life and all the things, right about of life and all the things, right about of life and all the things, right about the time you think you figured out the the time you think you figured out the the time you think you figured out the formula of how life works and you try to formula of how life works and you try to formula of how life works and you try to apply it, it doesn't work anymore. It's apply it, it doesn't work anymore. It's apply it, it doesn't work anymore. It's elusive, elusive, elusive, perplexing. perplexing. perplexing. How is God running the world this way? How is God running the world this way? How is God running the world this way? And why can't I figure out how to work And why can't I figure out how to work And why can't I figure out how to work for me and my family? Life is for me and my family? Life is for me and my family? Life is meaningless, utterly and meaningless.

meaningless, utterly and meaningless. meaningless, utterly and meaningless. It's beyond my grasp. It's beyond my grasp. It's beyond my grasp. It's unpredictable. It's unpredictable. It's unpredictable. It's he. Now, in verse 12, he's going to It's he. Now, in verse 12, he's going to It's he. Now, in verse 12, he's going to tell you a little bit more about who he tell you a little bit more about who he tell you a little bit more about who he is. this autobiography he's disclosing. is. this autobiography he's disclosing. is. this autobiography he's disclosing. This is who I am. Verse 12, I the This is who I am. Verse 12, I the This is who I am. Verse 12, I the teacher was king over Israel in teacher was king over Israel in teacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my mind to Jerusalem. And I applied my mind to Jerusalem. And I applied my mind to study and explore by wisdom all that is study and explore by wisdom all that is study and explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy done under the heavens. What a heavy done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind. I've burden God has laid on mankind. I've burden God has laid on mankind. I've seen all the things that are done under seen all the things that are done under seen all the things that are done under the sun, and all of them are the sun, and all of them are the sun, and all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. meaningless, a chasing after the wind. meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened, What is crooked cannot be straightened, What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted. and what is lacking cannot be counted. and what is lacking cannot be counted. And I said to myself, 'Look, I've And I said to myself, 'Look, I've And I said to myself, 'Look, I've increased in wisdom more than anyone increased in wisdom more than anyone increased in wisdom more than anyone who's ruled Jerusalem before me. I've who's ruled Jerusalem before me. I've who's ruled Jerusalem before me. I've experienced much of wisdom and experienced much of wisdom and experienced much of wisdom and knowledge. Then I applied myself to knowledge. Then I applied myself to knowledge. Then I applied myself to understanding of wisdom and also of understanding of wisdom and also of understanding of wisdom and also of madness and folly. But I learned that madness and folly. But I learned that madness and folly. But I learned that this too is chasing after the wind. For this too is chasing after the wind. For this too is chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and the more knowledge, the more grief.

the more knowledge, the more grief. the more knowledge, the more grief. Solomon describes himself as the Solomon describes himself as the Solomon describes himself as the teacher, as the guide. He's saying, teacher, as the guide. He's saying, teacher, as the guide. He's saying, "Israel, I'm going to guide you or teach "Israel, I'm going to guide you or teach "Israel, I'm going to guide you or teach you through my experience to show you you through my experience to show you you through my experience to show you something." He is the wisest, richest, something." He is the wisest, richest, something." He is the wisest, richest, most powerful man who's alive at the most powerful man who's alive at the most powerful man who's alive at the time this is being written. And the same time this is being written. And the same time this is being written. And the same things that bother him back then are the things that bother him back then are the things that bother him back then are the same things that bother us today. Like, same things that bother us today. Like, same things that bother us today. Like, why do the rich get richer and the poor why do the rich get richer and the poor why do the rich get richer and the poor get poor? Why do good things happen to get poor? Why do good things happen to get poor? Why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good bad people and bad things happen to good bad people and bad things happen to good people? Why do tyrants seem to uh reign people? Why do tyrants seem to uh reign people? Why do tyrants seem to uh reign and have it all together and good people and have it all together and good people and have it all together and good people get cancer and die? Why why does it seem get cancer and die? Why why does it seem get cancer and die? Why why does it seem like life is not fair? like life is not fair? like life is not fair? Why does it seem like when I try to Why does it seem like when I try to Why does it seem like when I try to apply the formula of living for God, it apply the formula of living for God, it apply the formula of living for God, it doesn't work out for me, but it works doesn't work out for me, but it works doesn't work out for me, but it works out for others? It just doesn't make out for others? It just doesn't make out for others? It just doesn't make sense. It's like the world is broken and sense. It's like the world is broken and sense. It's like the world is broken and everything is off balance. everything is off balance. everything is off balance. And it gives me this sense that I'm And it gives me this sense that I'm And it gives me this sense that I'm drifting drifting drifting sort of aimlessly in moments of my life.

sort of aimlessly in moments of my life. sort of aimlessly in moments of my life. And what's interesting is if you look at And what's interesting is if you look at And what's interesting is if you look at your Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 1, at your Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 1, at your Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 1, at least in my Bible, on the right hand least in my Bible, on the right hand least in my Bible, on the right hand side's Ecclesiastes, on the left hand side's Ecclesiastes, on the left hand side's Ecclesiastes, on the left hand side is a book called Proverbs. side is a book called Proverbs. side is a book called Proverbs. Both written by the same person. Both written by the same person. Both written by the same person. Proverbs is life figured out. The Proverbs is life figured out. The Proverbs is life figured out. The practical wisdom. If you do these practical wisdom. If you do these practical wisdom. If you do these things, then these things will happen. things, then these things will happen. things, then these things will happen. Ecclesiastes is life not figured out. Ecclesiastes is life not figured out. Ecclesiastes is life not figured out. That life doesn't work by a formula. And That life doesn't work by a formula. And That life doesn't work by a formula. And sometimes you can read that in the sometimes you can read that in the sometimes you can read that in the Bible, you're like, okay, is this the Bible, you're like, okay, is this the Bible, you're like, okay, is this the Bible contradicting itself? Is this Bible contradicting itself? Is this Bible contradicting itself? Is this Solomon on this side saying one thing Solomon on this side saying one thing Solomon on this side saying one thing and on this side saying one thing? Or is and on this side saying one thing? Or is and on this side saying one thing? Or is it two sides of the same coin? That for it two sides of the same coin? That for it two sides of the same coin? That for instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up your child in the way they should go." your child in the way they should go." your child in the way they should go." And when they're old, they won't depart And when they're old, they won't depart And when they're old, they won't depart from it. H. Now, is that a truth of from it. H. Now, is that a truth of from it. H. Now, is that a truth of scripture that's always true, scripture that's always true, scripture that's always true, or is it a principle of life that's or is it a principle of life that's or is it a principle of life that's mostly true, but in some people mostly true, but in some people mostly true, but in some people experiences, it's not? Well, if you're experiences, it's not? Well, if you're experiences, it's not? Well, if you're reading this as wisdom literature, then reading this as wisdom literature, then reading this as wisdom literature, then you understand the book of Proverbs is you understand the book of Proverbs is you understand the book of Proverbs is giving you principles that are generally giving you principles that are generally giving you principles that are generally true or true most the time. They're not true or true most the time. They're not true or true most the time. They're not promises of God. And so most people who promises of God. And so most people who promises of God. And so most people who raise their kids a certain way, their raise their kids a certain way, their raise their kids a certain way, their kids end up turning out the way they kids end up turning out the way they kids end up turning out the way they raised them. But that's not always true.

raised them. But that's not always true. raised them. But that's not always true. And if you think it's always true, if And if you think it's always true, if And if you think it's always true, if your kid doesn't turn out like you your kid doesn't turn out like you your kid doesn't turn out like you think, you're going to live with this think, you're going to live with this think, you're going to live with this lowgrade saints, this lowgrade sense of lowgrade saints, this lowgrade sense of lowgrade saints, this lowgrade sense of guilt. You'll carry false guilt around guilt. You'll carry false guilt around guilt. You'll carry false guilt around you, like what did we do wrong? you, like what did we do wrong? you, like what did we do wrong? And if your kids turn out and other And if your kids turn out and other And if your kids turn out and other people's kids don't turn out, you'll people's kids don't turn out, you'll people's kids don't turn out, you'll have this sort of lowgrade sense of have this sort of lowgrade sense of have this sort of lowgrade sense of superiority superiority superiority or judgment. man, they really messed up or judgment. man, they really messed up or judgment. man, they really messed up with that kid. with that kid. with that kid. But Ecclesiastes says, well, sometimes But Ecclesiastes says, well, sometimes But Ecclesiastes says, well, sometimes you can do it right as a parent, your you can do it right as a parent, your you can do it right as a parent, your kids might not turn out, and that's the kids might not turn out, and that's the kids might not turn out, and that's the way life is, and it doesn't always make way life is, and it doesn't always make way life is, and it doesn't always make sense. And so, we have these two books sense. And so, we have these two books sense. And so, we have these two books of the Bible right next to each other to of the Bible right next to each other to of the Bible right next to each other to sort of balance this idea, both written sort of balance this idea, both written sort of balance this idea, both written by the same person. And so, verse three, by the same person. And so, verse three, by the same person. And so, verse three, he uses this phrase under the sun. And he uses this phrase under the sun. And he uses this phrase under the sun. And we're going to see this phrase 29 times we're going to see this phrase 29 times we're going to see this phrase 29 times throughout this book. He's going to use throughout this book. He's going to use throughout this book. He's going to use this phrase like under the sun in life. this phrase like under the sun in life. this phrase like under the sun in life. These things are principles that I have These things are principles that I have These things are principles that I have seen in my life. And the first one is in seen in my life. And the first one is in seen in my life. And the first one is in verse three. He says, "What do people verse three. He says, "What do people verse three. He says, "What do people gain from all their labor under the gain from all their labor under the gain from all their labor under the sun?"

sun?" sun?" You see that desire that people have for You see that desire that people have for You see that desire that people have for progress or achievement, whether it's in progress or achievement, whether it's in progress or achievement, whether it's in a business or with your family or with a business or with your family or with a business or with your family or with your kids or with your own personal your kids or with your own personal your kids or with your own personal development, that desire to be in the development, that desire to be in the development, that desire to be in the black for things to go up and to the black for things to go up and to the black for things to go up and to the right. That desire to gain at the end of right. That desire to gain at the end of right. That desire to gain at the end of it all, what does it actually gain? And it all, what does it actually gain? And it all, what does it actually gain? And he uses the example of creation. Verse he uses the example of creation. Verse he uses the example of creation. Verse five, the sun. Verse six, the wind. And five, the sun. Verse six, the wind. And five, the sun. Verse six, the wind. And verse seven, the streams. He says, "The verse seven, the streams. He says, "The verse seven, the streams. He says, "The sun goes around and around, but nothing sun goes around and around, but nothing sun goes around and around, but nothing in the earth gets bigger because of it. in the earth gets bigger because of it. in the earth gets bigger because of it. And the winds blow in the northern And the winds blow in the northern And the winds blow in the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere, hemisphere and the southern hemisphere, hemisphere and the southern hemisphere, but the the the planet itself doesn't but the the the planet itself doesn't but the the the planet itself doesn't grow. And the water rains fills the grow. And the water rains fills the grow. And the water rains fills the streams. The streams fill the ocean and streams. The streams fill the ocean and streams. The streams fill the ocean and it comes back around, but the water's it comes back around, but the water's it comes back around, but the water's not rising in the earth. And so, if not rising in the earth. And so, if not rising in the earth. And so, if you're a human being, you're going to you're a human being, you're going to you're a human being, you're going to climb a mountain. The mountain's not climb a mountain. The mountain's not climb a mountain. The mountain's not going to care. And one day, you're going going to care. And one day, you're going going to care. And one day, you're going to die. And the mountain's not going to to die. And the mountain's not going to to die. And the mountain's not going to change. And the earth is no fuller if change. And the earth is no fuller if change. And the earth is no fuller if you were here or if you weren't. you were here or if you weren't. you were here or if you weren't. Whoa. What is that? That is Whoa. What is that? That is Whoa. What is that? That is heavens. heavens. heavens. Life is temporary. and all the work you Life is temporary. and all the work you Life is temporary. and all the work you do and all the gain you have. Well, it's do and all the gain you have. Well, it's do and all the gain you have. Well, it's not what you think not what you think not what you think in the end. And he says the same is true in the end. And he says the same is true in the end. And he says the same is true of the human being. The things that you of the human being. The things that you of the human being. The things that you say, say, say, once you say something, there'll always once you say something, there'll always once you say something, there'll always be more to say.

be more to say. be more to say. What you hear when you hear something, What you hear when you hear something, What you hear when you hear something, you don't hear a great song and go, you you don't hear a great song and go, you you don't hear a great song and go, you know what, that's done. I can die now. I know what, that's done. I can die now. I know what, that's done. I can die now. I never have to hear another song. No, never have to hear another song. No, never have to hear another song. No, another good song is going to come up another good song is going to come up another good song is going to come up later. And the things that you see, if later. And the things that you see, if later. And the things that you see, if you see a good movie or see a beautiful you see a good movie or see a beautiful you see a good movie or see a beautiful sunset, you're not going to say, "Well, sunset, you're not going to say, "Well, sunset, you're not going to say, "Well, I never have to see a sunset or anything I never have to see a sunset or anything I never have to see a sunset or anything beautiful again." No, the human soul is beautiful again." No, the human soul is beautiful again." No, the human soul is never full. There's never someone who's never full. There's never someone who's never full. There's never someone who's fully full. Like, I had a g I had a fully full. Like, I had a g I had a fully full. Like, I had a g I had a great meal. I never have to eat again. great meal. I never have to eat again. great meal. I never have to eat again. They're going to get hungry in 8 hours They're going to get hungry in 8 hours They're going to get hungry in 8 hours or maybe four hours or maybe two hours or maybe four hours or maybe two hours or maybe four hours or maybe two hours because a person is never full. Like the because a person is never full. Like the because a person is never full. Like the earth is never full. And if you try to earth is never full. And if you try to earth is never full. And if you try to fill it up, you're going to find fill it up, you're going to find fill it up, you're going to find yourself in that sense of futility. yourself in that sense of futility. yourself in that sense of futility. This idea that as the sun rises and This idea that as the sun rises and This idea that as the sun rises and falls, as the wind blows, this constant falls, as the wind blows, this constant falls, as the wind blows, this constant repetitive cycle that is creation has repetitive cycle that is creation has repetitive cycle that is creation has something to teach us. And then verse 9, something to teach us. And then verse 9, something to teach us. And then verse 9, he says, "There's nothing new under the he says, "There's nothing new under the he says, "There's nothing new under the sun." sun." sun." And I'm like, "Well, is that true?" And I'm like, "Well, is that true?" And I'm like, "Well, is that true?" Because I mean, Solomon didn't have an Because I mean, Solomon didn't have an Because I mean, Solomon didn't have an iPhone.

iPhone. iPhone. Solomon didn't experience space Solomon didn't experience space Solomon didn't experience space exploration. So what's Solomon talking exploration. So what's Solomon talking exploration. So what's Solomon talking about? No, he's talking about this about? No, he's talking about this about? No, he's talking about this general principle. Again, let's let general principle. Again, let's let general principle. Again, let's let history and creation teach us. A person history and creation teach us. A person history and creation teach us. A person is never fully satiated. is never fully satiated. is never fully satiated. A person never experiences like a new A person never experiences like a new A person never experiences like a new discovery like again um now I'm full. discovery like again um now I'm full. discovery like again um now I'm full. No, they're going to continue to long No, they're going to continue to long No, they're going to continue to long for more. That desire for more and for more. That desire for more and for more. That desire for more and what's next. And so Solomon says you're what's next. And so Solomon says you're what's next. And so Solomon says you're not going to find something in life that not going to find something in life that not going to find something in life that ultimately scratches that itch. And so ultimately scratches that itch. And so ultimately scratches that itch. And so people will labor and try to labor and people will labor and try to labor and people will labor and try to labor and gain and learn and and grow and build. gain and learn and and grow and build. gain and learn and and grow and build. And he says just remember you're going And he says just remember you're going And he says just remember you're going to die and leave everything behind to die and leave everything behind to die and leave everything behind and there'll be almost no trace of your and there'll be almost no trace of your and there'll be almost no trace of your life. And that is life as a vapor. You see James in the New Testament, the You see James in the New Testament, the brother of Jesus, would say, you know, brother of Jesus, would say, you know, brother of Jesus, would say, you know, your life is like a mist. your life is like a mist. your life is like a mist. It's here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, It's here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, It's here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, don't be the type of person who brags don't be the type of person who brags don't be the type of person who brags and boasts or thinks you're in control and boasts or thinks you're in control and boasts or thinks you're in control that you're going to go to this city, that you're going to go to this city, that you're going to go to this city, you're going to make this business deal, you're going to make this business deal, you're going to make this business deal, you're going to get married, you're you're going to get married, you're you're going to get married, you're going to have kids, you're going to going to have kids, you're going to going to have kids, you're going to you're going to go on this trip, you're you're going to go on this trip, you're you're going to go on this trip, you're going to do these things because you going to do these things because you going to do these things because you don't know what's going to happen with don't know what's going to happen with don't know what's going to happen with your next breath. You're not in control your next breath. You're not in control your next breath. You're not in control of your next heartbeat. So, humbly of your next heartbeat. So, humbly of your next heartbeat. So, humbly remember remember remember your place your place your place in God's good universe.

in God's good universe. in God's good universe. Now, I don't know if you guys heard this Now, I don't know if you guys heard this Now, I don't know if you guys heard this week, week, week, but this week the world experienced but this week the world experienced but this week the world experienced something for the first time. something for the first time. something for the first time. Elon Musk became a trillionaire. Elon Musk became a trillionaire. Elon Musk became a trillionaire. It's never been a trillionaire before in It's never been a trillionaire before in It's never been a trillionaire before in the history of the world. Now, here's the history of the world. Now, here's the history of the world. Now, here's what Solomon would say. what Solomon would say. what Solomon would say. Even though today or even though this Even though today or even though this Even though today or even though this week we experience our first week we experience our first week we experience our first trillionaire on planet Earth, he would trillionaire on planet Earth, he would trillionaire on planet Earth, he would say there's nothing new under the sun. say there's nothing new under the sun. say there's nothing new under the sun. Because here's what we know about a Because here's what we know about a Because here's what we know about a trillion dollars. Elon Musk, I did a trillion dollars. Elon Musk, I did a trillion dollars. Elon Musk, I did a little math, can spend a million dollars little math, can spend a million dollars little math, can spend a million dollars a day a day a day on himself doing whatever he wants for on himself doing whatever he wants for on himself doing whatever he wants for the next 3,000 years. the next 3,000 years. the next 3,000 years. >> Yeah. How many of you guys want want >> Yeah. How many of you guys want want >> Yeah. How many of you guys want want that problem? Anybody? that problem? Anybody? that problem? Anybody? Some of you like are being real Some of you like are being real Some of you like are being real spiritual right now, like I'm not spiritual right now, like I'm not spiritual right now, like I'm not supposed to raise my hand. You know, you supposed to raise my hand. You know, you supposed to raise my hand. You know, you want to raise your hand. Raise your want to raise your hand. Raise your want to raise your hand. Raise your hand. It's okay. Give it away if you hand. It's okay. Give it away if you hand. It's okay. Give it away if you want. A million dollars a day for 3,000 want. A million dollars a day for 3,000 want. A million dollars a day for 3,000 years. Here's the problem. years. Here's the problem. years. Here's the problem. Solomon would say, "Here's the problem Solomon would say, "Here's the problem Solomon would say, "Here's the problem with having a million dollars a day for with having a million dollars a day for with having a million dollars a day for 3,000 you can spend." Here's the 3,000 you can spend." Here's the 3,000 you can spend." Here's the problem. You're not going to live 3,000 problem. You're not going to live 3,000 problem. You're not going to live 3,000 years. Elon Musk is not going to live years. Elon Musk is not going to live years. Elon Musk is not going to live 3,000 years or 300 years. He might not 3,000 years or 300 years. He might not 3,000 years or 300 years. He might not even live 30 years.

even live 30 years. even live 30 years. So Elon Musk is going to do what with a So Elon Musk is going to do what with a So Elon Musk is going to do what with a trillion dollars? He's going to leave it trillion dollars? He's going to leave it trillion dollars? He's going to leave it all behind. all behind. all behind. There is nothing new under There is nothing new under There is nothing new under the sun. All that money is the sun. All that money is the sun. All that money is he. It's a vapor. I know I want some of he. It's a vapor. I know I want some of he. It's a vapor. I know I want some of it, but I can't get it. Come on. it, but I can't get it. Come on. it, but I can't get it. Come on. So, So, So, and so verse 11, it gets even more and so verse 11, it gets even more and so verse 11, it gets even more depressing. depressing. depressing. No one remembers the former generations No one remembers the former generations No one remembers the former generations or even those yet to come. They will not or even those yet to come. They will not or even those yet to come. They will not be remembered by those who follow him. be remembered by those who follow him. be remembered by those who follow him. So, check this out. Solomon is saying So, check this out. Solomon is saying So, check this out. Solomon is saying Elon Musk in a 100 or 200 years won't be Elon Musk in a 100 or 200 years won't be Elon Musk in a 100 or 200 years won't be remembered at all. And you're like, remembered at all. And you're like, remembered at all. And you're like, "That's not true. That's totally not "That's not true. That's totally not "That's not true. That's totally not true." Okay, true." Okay, true." Okay, anybody know a man named Cornelius anybody know a man named Cornelius anybody know a man named Cornelius Vanderbelt? Vanderbelt? Vanderbelt? Okay, couple hands, couple hands, like Okay, couple hands, couple hands, like Okay, couple hands, couple hands, like maybe 30 people. maybe 30 people. maybe 30 people. So Cornelius Vanderbelt was the Elon So Cornelius Vanderbelt was the Elon So Cornelius Vanderbelt was the Elon Musk of his day a couple hundred years Musk of his day a couple hundred years Musk of his day a couple hundred years ago. He built all the railroads in this ago. He built all the railroads in this ago. He built all the railroads in this country. He was the man country. He was the man country. He was the man creating a pathways for people to travel creating a pathways for people to travel creating a pathways for people to travel where they had never traveled before.

where they had never traveled before. where they had never traveled before. And if you told people And if you told people And if you told people back in the day, oh, people are going to back in the day, oh, people are going to back in the day, oh, people are going to forget corn, they're like, you're crazy. forget corn, they're like, you're crazy. forget corn, they're like, you're crazy. But what Solomon said is true. In a But what Solomon said is true. In a But what Solomon said is true. In a couple hundred years, so check this out, couple hundred years, so check this out, couple hundred years, so check this out, honey. This is going to sound crazy. I'm honey. This is going to sound crazy. I'm honey. This is going to sound crazy. I'm going to say something crazy right now. going to say something crazy right now. going to say something crazy right now. In a couple hundred years, people won't In a couple hundred years, people won't In a couple hundred years, people won't know who Taylor Swift is. Don't say it, pastor. It's not. It's Don't say it, pastor. It's not. It's true. It's true. All the Swifties, true. It's true. All the Swifties, true. It's true. All the Swifties, people, what is a swifty? I have no people, what is a swifty? I have no people, what is a swifty? I have no idea. idea. idea. Yeah. Just I mean, go back to the 60s. Yeah. Just I mean, go back to the 60s. Yeah. Just I mean, go back to the 60s. Not even 100 years ago, like Janice Not even 100 years ago, like Janice Not even 100 years ago, like Janice Jofflin. Anybody? Jofflin. Anybody? Jofflin. Anybody? >> Okay. A couple people. Give it 50 years. >> Okay. A couple people. Give it 50 years. >> Okay. A couple people. Give it 50 years. I just met someone a couple weeks ago I just met someone a couple weeks ago I just met someone a couple weeks ago didn't know who Michael Jackson was. I didn't know who Michael Jackson was. I didn't know who Michael Jackson was. I was like, "What? What? was like, "What? What? was like, "What? What? I know I'm old, but I'm not that old." I know I'm old, but I'm not that old." I know I'm old, but I'm not that old." Generations come and generations go and Generations come and generations go and Generations come and generations go and all that you remember about all these all that you remember about all these all that you remember about all these people is going to be forgotten. So people is going to be forgotten. So people is going to be forgotten. So Steph Curry, his name would be like Steph Curry, his name would be like Steph Curry, his name would be like Oscar Robinson. Who was that back in the Oscar Robinson. Who was that back in the Oscar Robinson. Who was that back in the day? I think I heard his name.

day? I think I heard his name. day? I think I heard his name. And if you don't if you think if you And if you don't if you think if you And if you don't if you think if you think about this is true for famous think about this is true for famous think about this is true for famous people. people. people. Who's going to remember you? Oh gosh, Who's going to remember you? Oh gosh, Who's going to remember you? Oh gosh, this is really depressing. this is really depressing. this is really depressing. So it's going to get worse. It's going So it's going to get worse. It's going So it's going to get worse. It's going to get worse. Okay. All right. Think to get worse. Okay. All right. Think to get worse. Okay. All right. Think real hard. Think real hard. If you don't think you're going to be If you don't think you're going to be forgotten, forgotten, forgotten, tell me the name of your tell me the name of your tell me the name of your great-grandfather. Like, oh man, I'm a horrible ancestor. Like, oh man, I'm a horrible ancestor. I don't know the name of my I don't know the name of my I don't know the name of my great-grandfather. And if you do, by great-grandfather. And if you do, by great-grandfather. And if you do, by chance, what's the name of your great chance, what's the name of your great chance, what's the name of your great greatgrandfather? greatgrandfather? greatgrandfather? Oh, Oh, Oh, this is so depressing. this is so depressing. this is so depressing. That means in two or three generations That means in two or three generations That means in two or three generations nobody will remember you. nobody will remember you. nobody will remember you. And Solomon says, "And this is the way And Solomon says, "And this is the way And Solomon says, "And this is the way that life works." It It's like that life works." It It's like that life works." It It's like It's like when my kids were young, we It's like when my kids were young, we It's like when my kids were young, we would go to the beach would go to the beach would go to the beach and you know, you're trying to keep your and you know, you're trying to keep your and you know, you're trying to keep your kids active, so you're like, "Hey guys, kids active, so you're like, "Hey guys, kids active, so you're like, "Hey guys, let's build one of these. You ever build let's build one of these. You ever build let's build one of these. You ever build one of these?" A sand castle. and you're one of these?" A sand castle. and you're one of these?" A sand castle. and you're like trying to get the sand and get the like trying to get the sand and get the like trying to get the sand and get the dirt and you it's more about you as the dirt and you it's more about you as the dirt and you it's more about you as the dad than it is about the kids because dad than it is about the kids because dad than it is about the kids because you want it to be right and perfect.

you want it to be right and perfect. you want it to be right and perfect. Come on, more sand, more water. And and Come on, more sand, more water. And and Come on, more sand, more water. And and but then when this is all done, you sort but then when this is all done, you sort but then when this is all done, you sort of admire it. But but none of us are of admire it. But but none of us are of admire it. But but none of us are under the impression that this beautiful under the impression that this beautiful under the impression that this beautiful creation that we spent an hour on is creation that we spent an hour on is creation that we spent an hour on is going to last going to last going to last more than an hour or two more than an hour or two more than an hour or two until until until the water washes it away the water washes it away the water washes it away and there is no trace and there is no trace and there is no trace that it was ever there. that it was ever there. that it was ever there. Solomon says this is life. It is Solomon says this is life. It is Solomon says this is life. It is heaven. And if this depresses you, And if this depresses you, he's not done. he's not done. he's not done. Chapter two. Here we go. Remember I said Chapter two. Here we go. Remember I said Chapter two. Here we go. Remember I said it's going to punch you in the face. Get it's going to punch you in the face. Get it's going to punch you in the face. Get ready. So now he's going to go on a ready. So now he's going to go on a ready. So now he's going to go on a journey. He's going to he's going to go journey. He's going to he's going to go journey. He's going to he's going to go deep down the rabbit hole to find is deep down the rabbit hole to find is deep down the rabbit hole to find is there a way to find that true sense of there a way to find that true sense of there a way to find that true sense of meaning in life and look at all the meaning in life and look at all the meaning in life and look at all the things he does. I said to myself, "Come things he does. I said to myself, "Come things he does. I said to myself, "Come now. I will test you with pleasure to now. I will test you with pleasure to now. I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also find out what is good." But that also find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. Laughter, I proved to be meaningless. Laughter, I proved to be meaningless. Laughter, I said, is madness. And what does pleasure said, is madness. And what does pleasure said, is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish? I tried cheering myself with accomplish? I tried cheering myself with accomplish? I tried cheering myself with wine and embracing folly. My mind still wine and embracing folly. My mind still wine and embracing folly. My mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the what was good for people to do under the what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their heavens during the few days of their heavens during the few days of their lives. So I undertook great projects. I lives. So I undertook great projects. I lives. So I undertook great projects. I built houses for myself. I planted built houses for myself. I planted built houses for myself. I planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks. I vineyards. I made gardens and parks. I vineyards. I made gardens and parks. I planted all kinds of fruit trees in planted all kinds of fruit trees in planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water the

them. I made reservoirs to water the them. I made reservoirs to water the groves of flourishing trees. I bought groves of flourishing trees. I bought groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other male and female slaves and had other male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also slaves who were born in my house. I also slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone owned more herds and flocks than anyone owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself and the treasure of and gold for myself and the treasure of and gold for myself and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and kings and provinces. I acquired male and kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers and a harum as well, the female singers and a harum as well, the female singers and a harum as well, the delights of a man's heart. I became delights of a man's heart. I became delights of a man's heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. And all this my wisdom stayed before me. And all this my wisdom stayed before me. And all this my wisdom stayed with me. Now look at verse 10. I denied with me. Now look at verse 10. I denied with me. Now look at verse 10. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired. I myself nothing my eyes desired. I myself nothing my eyes desired. I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart refused my heart no pleasure. My heart refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor. And this took delight in all my labor. And this took delight in all my labor. And this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when was the reward for all my toil. Yet when was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done I surveyed all that my hands had done I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I toil to achieve, everything and what I toil to achieve, everything and what I toil to achieve, everything was meaningless. A chasing after the was meaningless. A chasing after the was meaningless. A chasing after the wind. Nothing was gained under wind. Nothing was gained under wind. Nothing was gained under the sun.

the sun. the sun. Oh man. This is bad. This is bad. This is really bad. Solomon says, "I tried education. If I Solomon says, "I tried education. If I could just educate myself and grow in could just educate myself and grow in could just educate myself and grow in wisdom, then I would scratch that itch. wisdom, then I would scratch that itch. wisdom, then I would scratch that itch. I became wiser than anyone who lived I became wiser than anyone who lived I became wiser than anyone who lived anywhere around me. And the more I anywhere around me. And the more I anywhere around me. And the more I learned, the sadder I became. learned, the sadder I became. learned, the sadder I became. H H H So then I tried pleasure. Give me some So then I tried pleasure. Give me some So then I tried pleasure. Give me some more wine. more wine. more wine. Male and female servants and singers. Male and female servants and singers. Male and female servants and singers. Listen, a herum. Everything I wanted. I Listen, a herum. Everything I wanted. I Listen, a herum. Everything I wanted. I mean, Solomon know a little bit about mean, Solomon know a little bit about mean, Solomon know a little bit about excess. He had 300 wives and 700 excess. He had 300 wives and 700 excess. He had 300 wives and 700 concubines. We'll keep it PG-13. All right. We'll keep it PG-13. All right. Everything he wanted, he took. He said, Everything he wanted, he took. He said, Everything he wanted, he took. He said, "Everything I saw that I wanted, I "Everything I saw that I wanted, I "Everything I saw that I wanted, I took."

took." took." And I was never full. And I was never full. And I was never full. I was never whole. So then I did these I was never whole. So then I did these I was never whole. So then I did these great projects. I built houses. I great projects. I built houses. I great projects. I built houses. I created parks, these beautiful trees and created parks, these beautiful trees and created parks, these beautiful trees and fruit. I I I I tried all these things to fruit. I I I I tried all these things to fruit. I I I I tried all these things to try to fill that void. And the more I try to fill that void. And the more I try to fill that void. And the more I built and the more silver and gold I built and the more silver and gold I built and the more silver and gold I amassed and the more famous I was, the amassed and the more famous I was, the amassed and the more famous I was, the more people wanted to follow me and and more people wanted to follow me and and more people wanted to follow me and and travel for hundreds of miles to see me, travel for hundreds of miles to see me, travel for hundreds of miles to see me, uh, the more empty I felt. That every uh, the more empty I felt. That every uh, the more empty I felt. That every pleasure is subject to the law of pleasure is subject to the law of pleasure is subject to the law of diminishing returns. diminishing returns. diminishing returns. The more you have of something, The more you have of something, The more you have of something, the more you need of something to get the more you need of something to get the more you need of something to get that same feeling that same feeling that same feeling again. again. again. And see, here's the thing about where And see, here's the thing about where And see, here's the thing about where Ecclesiastes sits in the five books of Ecclesiastes sits in the five books of Ecclesiastes sits in the five books of wisdom in the middle of the Bible. You wisdom in the middle of the Bible. You wisdom in the middle of the Bible. You see, the book of Job begins with a see, the book of Job begins with a see, the book of Job begins with a crisis. Not an existential crisis, but a crisis. Not an existential crisis, but a crisis. Not an existential crisis, but a crisis about suffering. Why is a good crisis about suffering. Why is a good crisis about suffering. Why is a good man suffering for something he didn't man suffering for something he didn't man suffering for something he didn't do? And is Job crying with God and do? And is Job crying with God and do? And is Job crying with God and arguing with God and arguing with his arguing with God and arguing with his arguing with God and arguing with his friends? Why are bad things happening to friends? Why are bad things happening to friends? Why are bad things happening to me? It's a crisis of of trial, of me? It's a crisis of of trial, of me? It's a crisis of of trial, of difficulty. But Solomon's crisis is not difficulty. But Solomon's crisis is not difficulty. But Solomon's crisis is not one of difficulty and trial. His is a one of difficulty and trial. His is a one of difficulty and trial. His is a crisis of excess, crisis of excess, crisis of excess, of having too much stuff.

of having too much stuff. of having too much stuff. It's a different kind of crisis. It's a different kind of crisis. It's a different kind of crisis. It's more like the crisis that we It's more like the crisis that we It's more like the crisis that we experience here in the wealthiest nation experience here in the wealthiest nation experience here in the wealthiest nation in the world in the history of the world in the world in the history of the world in the world in the history of the world that sometimes when you have too much that sometimes when you have too much that sometimes when you have too much you feel even more empty. you feel even more empty. you feel even more empty. Think about cultures and societies that Think about cultures and societies that Think about cultures and societies that have the highest rate of addiction have the highest rate of addiction have the highest rate of addiction and depression and depression and depression and suicide. and suicide. and suicide. They're not countries that are They're not countries that are They're not countries that are impoverished like third world countries. impoverished like third world countries. impoverished like third world countries. their first world countries. The their first world countries. The their first world countries. The wealthier they are, the more access wealthier they are, the more access wealthier they are, the more access there is, the more despair, the more there is, the more despair, the more there is, the more despair, the more depression, the more addiction, the more depression, the more addiction, the more depression, the more addiction, the more suicide. And that should make us scratch suicide. And that should make us scratch suicide. And that should make us scratch our heads. our heads. our heads. Solomon in some ways is allowing this Solomon in some ways is allowing this Solomon in some ways is allowing this book of poetry, this autobiography of book of poetry, this autobiography of book of poetry, this autobiography of self-disclosure to be a a moment of self-disclosure to be a a moment of self-disclosure to be a a moment of prophecy for us because prophecy for us because prophecy for us because well, I read this this week and I well, I read this this week and I well, I read this this week and I thought it was thought it was thought it was insightful. Our excesses are the best insightful. Our excesses are the best insightful. Our excesses are the best clues to our own poverty and the best clues to our own poverty and the best clues to our own poverty and the best way of concealing it from ourselves.

way of concealing it from ourselves. way of concealing it from ourselves. Where is there excess Where is there excess Where is there excess in your life? And what might it be in your life? And what might it be in your life? And what might it be revealing about you? Exodus is just revealing about you? Exodus is just revealing about you? Exodus is just saying, "Well, I love food, but food can saying, "Well, I love food, but food can saying, "Well, I love food, but food can easily turn into gluttony. easily turn into gluttony. easily turn into gluttony. I love a glass of wine, but excess turns I love a glass of wine, but excess turns I love a glass of wine, but excess turns that into alcoholism. that into alcoholism. that into alcoholism. I love the feeling of getting a job I love the feeling of getting a job I love the feeling of getting a job done, but that could turn into done, but that could turn into done, but that could turn into workcoholism. workcoholism. workcoholism. I want to make my mark. I want a sense I want to make my mark. I want a sense I want to make my mark. I want a sense of significance, but that can turn into of significance, but that can turn into of significance, but that can turn into narcissism." narcissism." narcissism." And we go through all these excesses, And we go through all these excesses, And we go through all these excesses, how they take good gifts that God has how they take good gifts that God has how they take good gifts that God has given and they turn it into something given and they turn it into something given and they turn it into something dark and we don't even realize it's dark and we don't even realize it's dark and we don't even realize it's happening to us. And so one of the happening to us. And so one of the happening to us. And so one of the questions we have to ask is, what am I questions we have to ask is, what am I questions we have to ask is, what am I pouring my life into right now? pouring my life into right now? pouring my life into right now? What am I working so hard for to get? What am I working so hard for to get? What am I working so hard for to get? And maybe that will reveal a bit of the And maybe that will reveal a bit of the And maybe that will reveal a bit of the brokenness in us. brokenness in us. brokenness in us. Because the thing is most people who Because the thing is most people who Because the thing is most people who don't have, they're not despairing don't have, they're not despairing don't have, they're not despairing because they think once they have, because they think once they have, because they think once they have, they'll scratch that itch. But the they'll scratch that itch. But the they'll scratch that itch. But the person who has it all says, "I've tried person who has it all says, "I've tried person who has it all says, "I've tried it and I'm more depressed than you it and I'm more depressed than you it and I'm more depressed than you because I know all the things you're because I know all the things you're because I know all the things you're going for. When you get them, it's not going for. When you get them, it's not going for. When you get them, it's not going to satisfy ultimately." And so going to satisfy ultimately." And so going to satisfy ultimately." And so Solomon is is sounding a warning through Solomon is is sounding a warning through Solomon is is sounding a warning through his experience.

his experience. his experience. And verse And verse And verse 16, in verse 12- 16, he says, you know, 16, in verse 12- 16, he says, you know, 16, in verse 12- 16, he says, you know, at the end, I feel like there's no at the end, I feel like there's no at the end, I feel like there's no difference between a wise person is a difference between a wise person is a difference between a wise person is a foolish person because the same fate foolish person because the same fate foolish person because the same fate awaits them all. In verse 16, he says, awaits them all. In verse 16, he says, awaits them all. In verse 16, he says, for the wise like the fool will not be for the wise like the fool will not be for the wise like the fool will not be long remembered. The days have already long remembered. The days have already long remembered. The days have already come when both have been forgotten. come when both have been forgotten. come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die. Like the fool, the wise too must die. Like the fool, the wise too must die. So, like Billy Isish wrote, everyone So, like Billy Isish wrote, everyone So, like Billy Isish wrote, everyone dies. dies. dies. Welcome to church. Happy Sunday. Welcome to church. Happy Sunday. Welcome to church. Happy Sunday. And you know, we spend most of our life And you know, we spend most of our life And you know, we spend most of our life avoiding that reality, hiding that reality. So, like when hiding that reality. So, like when you're a little kid, you get used to you're a little kid, you get used to you're a little kid, you get used to pretending. I raised three boys and and pretending. I raised three boys and and pretending. I raised three boys and and for many years, they all lived in the for many years, they all lived in the for many years, they all lived in the same bedroom. So their bedroom, their same bedroom. So their bedroom, their same bedroom. So their bedroom, their bunk beds turned into like um you know a bunk beds turned into like um you know a bunk beds turned into like um you know a war bunker and there was you know war bunker and there was you know war bunker and there was you know stuffed animals and there was you know stuffed animals and there was you know stuffed animals and there was you know woodcracker nutcrackers and there was woodcracker nutcrackers and there was woodcracker nutcrackers and there was always this battle and pillows and and always this battle and pillows and and always this battle and pillows and and pretend and make believe and battle and pretend and make believe and battle and pretend and make believe and battle and when your kids are 2, four and six their when your kids are 2, four and six their when your kids are 2, four and six their imaginations are amazing but at some imaginations are amazing but at some imaginations are amazing but at some point in life the let's pretend world point in life the let's pretend world point in life the let's pretend world doesn't match with the real world. You doesn't match with the real world. You doesn't match with the real world. You know at home you're always a winner and know at home you're always a winner and know at home you're always a winner and there's always encouragement and then there's always encouragement and then there's always encouragement and then you go to school and kids make fun of you go to school and kids make fun of you go to school and kids make fun of you you you and you don't win. You don't get picked and you don't win. You don't get picked and you don't win. You don't get picked to be on the team. You get cut to be on the team. You get cut to be on the team. You get cut or someone says or does something to or someone says or does something to or someone says or does something to hurt you and you realize there's a big hurt you and you realize there's a big hurt you and you realize there's a big difference between the pretend world, difference between the pretend world, difference between the pretend world, the fantasy world, and the real world.

the fantasy world, and the real world. the fantasy world, and the real world. And Solomon's trying to burst that And Solomon's trying to burst that And Solomon's trying to burst that bubble. bubble. bubble. He says, He says, He says, you know, if you live in the pretend you know, if you live in the pretend you know, if you live in the pretend world, you can say, let let's pretend world, you can say, let let's pretend world, you can say, let let's pretend like if you get the scholarship or the like if you get the scholarship or the like if you get the scholarship or the job you want that your future will be job you want that your future will be job you want that your future will be secure. secure. secure. Let's pretend like if your investment Let's pretend like if your investment Let's pretend like if your investment works out works out works out that you will have a life of ease that you will have a life of ease that you will have a life of ease in the future. Let's pretend like if you in the future. Let's pretend like if you in the future. Let's pretend like if you get in a new relationship, you won't get in a new relationship, you won't get in a new relationship, you won't feel stuck or stifled feel stuck or stifled feel stuck or stifled or lonely. Let's pretend if you get or lonely. Let's pretend if you get or lonely. Let's pretend if you get married, if you have kids, if you able married, if you have kids, if you able married, if you have kids, if you able to get a second house, if you're able to to get a second house, if you're able to to get a second house, if you're able to do these things, then your life will be do these things, then your life will be do these things, then your life will be a certain way. And Solomon says, don't a certain way. And Solomon says, don't a certain way. And Solomon says, don't believe the lie because the second you believe the lie because the second you believe the lie because the second you try to grasp something to control it, try to grasp something to control it, try to grasp something to control it, it's it's gone. it's it's gone. it's it's gone. Life does not work like you think it Life does not work like you think it Life does not work like you think it works according to a certain formula you works according to a certain formula you works according to a certain formula you have in your head or a certain thing you have in your head or a certain thing you have in your head or a certain thing you think the Bible promises you that it think the Bible promises you that it think the Bible promises you that it doesn't. doesn't. doesn't. And so And so And so he says these words are like a goat, he says these words are like a goat, he says these words are like a goat, like a point that bursts the bubble.

like a point that bursts the bubble. like a point that bursts the bubble. And he says the the thing that's going And he says the the thing that's going And he says the the thing that's going to burst the bubble for you pursuing all to burst the bubble for you pursuing all to burst the bubble for you pursuing all these things is the is the needle or the these things is the is the needle or the these things is the is the needle or the goat of death that you're all going to goat of death that you're all going to goat of death that you're all going to die. So we're going to do something. die. So we're going to do something. die. So we're going to do something. Raise your right hand. You're going to Raise your right hand. You're going to Raise your right hand. You're going to tell yourself the truth. Say this after tell yourself the truth. Say this after tell yourself the truth. Say this after me. I'm going to die. me. I'm going to die. me. I'm going to die. >> Like oh gosh, this is morbid. One more >> Like oh gosh, this is morbid. One more >> Like oh gosh, this is morbid. One more time. Say it like you mean it. I'm gonna time. Say it like you mean it. I'm gonna time. Say it like you mean it. I'm gonna die. die. die. >> I'm gonna die. >> I'm gonna die. >> I'm gonna die. >> Now you're like, "What? What kind of >> Now you're like, "What? What kind of >> Now you're like, "What? What kind of weird church is this?" All right. So So weird church is this?" All right. So So weird church is this?" All right. So So check this out. check this out. check this out. >> Is that true? >> Is that true? >> Is that true? >> How much time and energy do you avoid >> How much time and energy do you avoid >> How much time and energy do you avoid thinking about that? thinking about that? thinking about that? Most of life. Most of life. Most of life. >> Like I just want to go have a >> Like I just want to go have a >> Like I just want to go have a cheeseburger right now cuz I don't want cheeseburger right now cuz I don't want cheeseburger right now cuz I don't want to think about it. But Solomon says it's to think about it. But Solomon says it's to think about it. But Solomon says it's precisely thinking about death that will precisely thinking about death that will precisely thinking about death that will teach you how to live. It's a goat. It's teach you how to live. It's a goat. It's teach you how to live. It's a goat. It's going to burst the bubble of illusion going to burst the bubble of illusion going to burst the bubble of illusion that you're in control. That if you do that you're in control. That if you do that you're in control. That if you do certain things, your life's going to certain things, your life's going to certain things, your life's going to work out a certain way. That you can work out a certain way. That you can work out a certain way. That you can find ultimate fulfillment by looking at find ultimate fulfillment by looking at find ultimate fulfillment by looking at yourself, yourself, yourself, but it's going to take him a while to but it's going to take him a while to but it's going to take him a while to get there. He's still on the journey.

get there. He's still on the journey. get there. He's still on the journey. And the fact that he's going to die as a And the fact that he's going to die as a And the fact that he's going to die as a wise person and be in the same condition wise person and be in the same condition wise person and be in the same condition as a fool, it bothers him. And so, look as a fool, it bothers him. And so, look as a fool, it bothers him. And so, look with me at verse 17. with me at verse 17. with me at verse 17. So, I hated life So, I hated life So, I hated life because the work that's done under the because the work that's done under the because the work that's done under the sun was grievious to me. All of it sun was grievious to me. All of it sun was grievious to me. All of it meaningless. a chasing after the wind. I meaningless. a chasing after the wind. I meaningless. a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for hated all the things I had toiled for hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun because I must leave them under the sun because I must leave them under the sun because I must leave them to one who comes after me. And who knows to one who comes after me. And who knows to one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or whether that person will be wise or whether that person will be wise or foolish and yet they will have control foolish and yet they will have control foolish and yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which over all the fruit of my toil into which over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under I have poured my effort and skill under I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my the sun. This too is meaningless. So my the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to spare over all the heart began to spare over all the heart began to spare over all the toilsome labor under the sun. For a toilsome labor under the sun. For a toilsome labor under the sun. For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge, person may labor with wisdom, knowledge, person may labor with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then they must leave all and skill, and then they must leave all and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled they own to another who has not toiled they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a for it. This too is meaningless and a for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. great misfortune. great misfortune. What do people get for all the toil and What do people get for all the toil and What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor anxious striving with which they labor anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work under the sun? All their days their work under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain. Even at night, their is grief and pain. Even at night, their is grief and pain. Even at night, their minds do not rest.

minds do not rest. minds do not rest. This too This too This too is meaningless. is meaningless. is meaningless. Wow. Wow. Wow. Solomon, the man who tried it all, who Solomon, the man who tried it all, who Solomon, the man who tried it all, who was on top of the world, said, "I hated was on top of the world, said, "I hated was on top of the world, said, "I hated life." life." life." This is like nihilism. It's like life is This is like nihilism. It's like life is This is like nihilism. It's like life is nothingness. It has no purpose and no nothingness. It has no purpose and no nothingness. It has no purpose and no meaning meaning meaning cuz everything I've worked for, notice cuz everything I've worked for, notice cuz everything I've worked for, notice this. Notice the way he phrases. It's my this. Notice the way he phrases. It's my this. Notice the way he phrases. It's my effort. It's my skill. It's me being up effort. It's my skill. It's me being up effort. It's my skill. It's me being up at night trying to game, trying to at night trying to game, trying to at night trying to game, trying to achieve, trying to build, trying to achieve, trying to build, trying to achieve, trying to build, trying to grow. It just struck me one day that I'm grow. It just struck me one day that I'm grow. It just struck me one day that I'm going to die and leave all of this to going to die and leave all of this to going to die and leave all of this to someone and who knows what they're going someone and who knows what they're going someone and who knows what they're going to do with it. Look with me at verse 19. 19. They will have control They will have control They will have control over. It strikes him It strikes him that he has some sense of control over that he has some sense of control over that he has some sense of control over his life, his life, his life, but that when he dies, but that when he dies, but that when he dies, it'll be a complete loss of control.

it'll be a complete loss of control. it'll be a complete loss of control. And he he poses this sort of rhetorical And he he poses this sort of rhetorical And he he poses this sort of rhetorical question. Who knows whether my son will question. Who knows whether my son will question. Who knows whether my son will be a fool or will be wise? be a fool or will be wise? be a fool or will be wise? Now, if you know the history of Solomon, Now, if you know the history of Solomon, Now, if you know the history of Solomon, he had a son named Riaboam. And within he had a son named Riaboam. And within he had a son named Riaboam. And within the first year of Riaboam's reign, the first year of Riaboam's reign, the first year of Riaboam's reign, Riaboam divided Solomon's kingdom. Just Riaboam divided Solomon's kingdom. Just Riaboam divided Solomon's kingdom. Just like that, everything he worked for was like that, everything he worked for was like that, everything he worked for was gone after he died and broken. This gone after he died and broken. This gone after he died and broken. This turns out to be a prophecy in his own turns out to be a prophecy in his own turns out to be a prophecy in his own life because he's going to turn it all life because he's going to turn it all life because he's going to turn it all over. And the reality is over. And the reality is over. And the reality is the things that you spend all your time the things that you spend all your time the things that you spend all your time up at night building and cultivating up at night building and cultivating up at night building and cultivating your perfectly manicured lawn, your perfectly manicured lawn, your perfectly manicured lawn, your perfectly decorated house, your your perfectly decorated house, your your perfectly decorated house, your perfectly clean car, perfectly clean car, perfectly clean car, your perfect Facebook family. Huh? Huh? Wow. anybody depressed yet?

anybody depressed yet? So, So, So, so what do we do with all this? So, so what do we do with all this? So, so what do we do with all this? So, notice for the first two chapters of notice for the first two chapters of notice for the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes, the guide, the preacher, Ecclesiastes, the guide, the preacher, Ecclesiastes, the guide, the preacher, Solomon led us down this trail and Solomon led us down this trail and Solomon led us down this trail and hasn't mentioned hasn't mentioned hasn't mentioned God. God. God. But now in verse 24, we get a little ray But now in verse 24, we get a little ray But now in verse 24, we get a little ray of light, a little glimpse into, wait, of light, a little glimpse into, wait, of light, a little glimpse into, wait, this doesn't need to leave us into this doesn't need to leave us into this doesn't need to leave us into nihilism. There's something or someone nihilism. There's something or someone nihilism. There's something or someone who can give us a sense of joy and who can give us a sense of joy and who can give us a sense of joy and purpose. Verse 24, a person can do purpose. Verse 24, a person can do purpose. Verse 24, a person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and nothing better than to eat and drink and nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. find satisfaction in their own toil. find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of This too, I see, is from the hand of This too, I see, is from the hand of God. For without him, who can eat or God. For without him, who can eat or God. For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who find enjoyment? To the person who find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives knowledge and pleases him, God gives knowledge and pleases him, God gives knowledge and wisdom and happiness. But to the sinner, wisdom and happiness. But to the sinner, wisdom and happiness. But to the sinner, he gives the task of gathering and he gives the task of gathering and he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the storing up wealth to hand it over to the storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. And this too is one who pleases God. And this too is one who pleases God. And this too is meaningless and chasing after the wind.

meaningless and chasing after the wind. meaningless and chasing after the wind. He says, He says, He says, "The idea that you can even be satisfied "The idea that you can even be satisfied "The idea that you can even be satisfied or enjoy a a glass of wine or a good or enjoy a a glass of wine or a good or enjoy a a glass of wine or a good meal or a beautiful sunset or your meal or a beautiful sunset or your meal or a beautiful sunset or your family or your friends or your house, family or your friends or your house, family or your friends or your house, even just enjoying a moment of it. All even just enjoying a moment of it. All even just enjoying a moment of it. All of that is simply a gift from God to be of that is simply a gift from God to be of that is simply a gift from God to be received received received with gratitude. Life is not about gain with gratitude. Life is not about gain with gratitude. Life is not about gain and making more and achieving and and making more and achieving and and making more and achieving and dominating. It's about recognizing the dominating. It's about recognizing the dominating. It's about recognizing the creator and his good gift. This is not creator and his good gift. This is not creator and his good gift. This is not the heedenedist decree. Eat, drink, and the heedenedist decree. Eat, drink, and the heedenedist decree. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die. No, it's be merry for tomorrow we die. No, it's be merry for tomorrow we die. No, it's eat and drink and be married because eat and drink and be married because eat and drink and be married because these are gifts from God that he gives these are gifts from God that he gives these are gifts from God that he gives us to enjoy in moments, right? God is a us to enjoy in moments, right? God is a us to enjoy in moments, right? God is a good and generous God. good and generous God. good and generous God. And a world that is east of Eden and a And a world that is east of Eden and a And a world that is east of Eden and a world that is broken and complicated and world that is broken and complicated and world that is broken and complicated and messy and doesn't always make sense. messy and doesn't always make sense. messy and doesn't always make sense. It's best to accept that that is the It's best to accept that that is the It's best to accept that that is the reality of our world and to enjoy these reality of our world and to enjoy these reality of our world and to enjoy these moments. Life is meant to be enjoyed, moments. Life is meant to be enjoyed, moments. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not mastered.

not mastered. not mastered. And it's possible to find wisdom And it's possible to find wisdom And it's possible to find wisdom and knowledge and knowledge and knowledge and happiness, not by pursuing those and happiness, not by pursuing those and happiness, not by pursuing those things, but by pursuing the one who things, but by pursuing the one who things, but by pursuing the one who gives those things. gives those things. gives those things. And it's interesting as 21st century And it's interesting as 21st century And it's interesting as 21st century Western Christians, most of us bristle Western Christians, most of us bristle Western Christians, most of us bristle when we read the book of Ecclesiastes when we read the book of Ecclesiastes when we read the book of Ecclesiastes like, "Oh, this is depressing. Oh, this like, "Oh, this is depressing. Oh, this like, "Oh, this is depressing. Oh, this I I I can't read anymore. I'm not coming I I I can't read anymore. I'm not coming I I I can't read anymore. I'm not coming back for next seven weeks." back for next seven weeks." back for next seven weeks." It's interesting It's interesting It's interesting that for 3,000 years, Jewish families that for 3,000 years, Jewish families that for 3,000 years, Jewish families gather at an annual feast called sukat. gather at an annual feast called sukat. gather at an annual feast called sukat. It's called the feast of tents or the It's called the feast of tents or the It's called the feast of tents or the feast of tabernacles. It's the feast of feast of tabernacles. It's the feast of feast of tabernacles. It's the feast of harvest time that in the Old Testament harvest time that in the Old Testament harvest time that in the Old Testament law, God said to Jewish families, seven law, God said to Jewish families, seven law, God said to Jewish families, seven days, you're going to celebrate a days, you're going to celebrate a days, you're going to celebrate a festival. You're going to build a tent festival. You're going to build a tent festival. You're going to build a tent outside your house and you're going to outside your house and you're going to outside your house and you're going to remember that you are temporary remember that you are temporary remember that you are temporary residents here and that God has always residents here and that God has always residents here and that God has always provided for you. And you know in the provided for you. And you know in the provided for you. And you know in the neighborhood I live in there are several neighborhood I live in there are several neighborhood I live in there are several Orthodox Jewish families. So they set Orthodox Jewish families. So they set Orthodox Jewish families. So they set their tents up outside their house their tents up outside their house their tents up outside their house during Suka. And you know the first during Suka. And you know the first during Suka. And you know the first thing they read on the first day of thing they read on the first day of thing they read on the first day of Suka? They read the book of Ecclesiastes Suka? They read the book of Ecclesiastes Suka? They read the book of Ecclesiastes to their family as a way to remind their to their family as a way to remind their to their family as a way to remind their family about the dangers of excess, family about the dangers of excess, family about the dangers of excess, the dangers of success the dangers of success the dangers of success and a reminder as we live in this tent and a reminder as we live in this tent and a reminder as we live in this tent for seven days. It's a reminder that for seven days. It's a reminder that for seven days. It's a reminder that life is life is life is heavily heavily heavily temporary. We're only passing through.

temporary. We're only passing through. temporary. We're only passing through. And it turns out that this is a gift. And it turns out that this is a gift. And it turns out that this is a gift. Because if you know that you are not in Because if you know that you are not in Because if you know that you are not in control, that you don't have to fix control, that you don't have to fix control, that you don't have to fix everything, that it's not all up to you, everything, that it's not all up to you, everything, that it's not all up to you, you can actually be free to enjoy the you can actually be free to enjoy the you can actually be free to enjoy the good gifts that God gives and enjoy good gifts that God gives and enjoy good gifts that God gives and enjoy these family moments together. And this these family moments together. And this these family moments together. And this is the gift of God. A thousand years after Ecclesiastes was A thousand years after Ecclesiastes was written, written, written, Jesus would say this Jesus would say this Jesus would say this about finding what's important about finding what's important about finding what's important in life. in life. in life. Do not store up for yourselves treasures Do not store up for yourselves treasures Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moths and vermin destroy on earth where moths and vermin destroy on earth where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal, and where thieves break in and steal, and where thieves break in and steal, but store for yourselves treasures in but store for yourselves treasures in but store for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not heaven where moths and vermin do not heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break destroy and where thieves do not break destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure in and steal. For where your treasure in and steal. For where your treasure is, is, is, there your heart will be. Also, there your heart will be. Also, there your heart will be. Also, if you feel like you're on that hamster if you feel like you're on that hamster if you feel like you're on that hamster wheel, you're grinding because you got wheel, you're grinding because you got wheel, you're grinding because you got to strive, you got to achieve.

to strive, you got to achieve. to strive, you got to achieve. One of the questions you want to ask One of the questions you want to ask One of the questions you want to ask yourself as the Bible now becomes a yourself as the Bible now becomes a yourself as the Bible now becomes a reflection of your life. reflection of your life. reflection of your life. Why am I working so hard? What is my What is my treasure? Take a moment. What is the treasure? Take a moment. What is the treasure? Take a moment. What is the treasure of your life? treasure of your life? treasure of your life? The thing you wake up thinking about. The thing you wake up thinking about. The thing you wake up thinking about. The thing you go to bed thinking about. The thing you go to bed thinking about. The thing you go to bed thinking about. the thing when you compare yourself to the thing when you compare yourself to the thing when you compare yourself to other people you feel good about or bad other people you feel good about or bad other people you feel good about or bad about Maybe ask yourself, what's the fear Maybe ask yourself, what's the fear behind that? What would be the fear if behind that? What would be the fear if behind that? What would be the fear if that didn't happen? And if you know you're going to die and And if you know you're going to die and leave it all behind, leave it all behind, leave it all behind, I want that free you to I want that free you to I want that free you to loosen your grip on whatever that thing loosen your grip on whatever that thing loosen your grip on whatever that thing is.

is. is. Knowing you don't control it, Knowing you don't control it, Knowing you don't control it, but God has given it to you to enjoy but God has given it to you to enjoy but God has given it to you to enjoy as one of his many good gifts. See, if we could experience this See, if we could experience this freedom, well, we would be the happiest people on well, we would be the happiest people on the planet, not because we pursued the planet, not because we pursued the planet, not because we pursued happiness, but because we pursued God. happiness, but because we pursued God. happiness, but because we pursued God. In fact, Jesus would say it this way. As In fact, Jesus would say it this way. As In fact, Jesus would say it this way. As people strive to figure out what they're people strive to figure out what they're people strive to figure out what they're going to wear and what they're going to going to wear and what they're going to going to wear and what they're going to eat and where they're going to live and eat and where they're going to live and eat and where they're going to live and how they're going to feel full in life, how they're going to feel full in life, how they're going to feel full in life, he offered this simple statement. seek he offered this simple statement. seek he offered this simple statement. seek first his kingdom and his righteousness first his kingdom and his righteousness first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these other things will be given and all these other things will be given and all these other things will be given to you as well. Jesus was the answer to Solomon's Jesus was the answer to Solomon's question. question. question. Where do you find meaning? Where do you find meaning? Where do you find meaning? In a relationship with the God who made In a relationship with the God who made In a relationship with the God who made you. you. you. Next week he's gonna say, Next week he's gonna say, Next week he's gonna say, "I know that God placed eternity in the "I know that God placed eternity in the "I know that God placed eternity in the human heart."

human heart." human heart." And that eternity longs for something And that eternity longs for something And that eternity longs for something whole, something full. whole, something full. whole, something full. All of life is he. It doesn't last. It All of life is he. It doesn't last. It All of life is he. It doesn't last. It doesn't fulfill. It seems fleeting. But doesn't fulfill. It seems fleeting. But doesn't fulfill. It seems fleeting. But there's a place there's a place there's a place where life is not fleeting. Life is not where life is not fleeting. Life is not where life is not fleeting. Life is not he. It's a place called heaven. A place he. It's a place called heaven. A place he. It's a place called heaven. A place where you'll finally be satisfied and where you'll finally be satisfied and where you'll finally be satisfied and full and whole. Where there'll be no full and whole. Where there'll be no full and whole. Where there'll be no more tears and sorrow and death, no more more tears and sorrow and death, no more more tears and sorrow and death, no more cancer and fighting, no more brokenness cancer and fighting, no more brokenness cancer and fighting, no more brokenness of the world. Are you looking forward to of the world. Are you looking forward to of the world. Are you looking forward to that place called heaven? Right? that place called heaven? Right? that place called heaven? Right? And it's that longing, that despair that And it's that longing, that despair that And it's that longing, that despair that leads us to look to God, what is there? leads us to look to God, what is there? leads us to look to God, what is there? And this is the beautiful thing about And this is the beautiful thing about And this is the beautiful thing about Jesus. This is this is why Jesus came Jesus. This is this is why Jesus came Jesus. This is this is why Jesus came because he came to answer all the because he came to answer all the because he came to answer all the questions questions questions on our journey. on our journey. on our journey. It's that pursuit that we go after that It's that pursuit that we go after that It's that pursuit that we go after that leaves us empty. That makes us look up leaves us empty. That makes us look up leaves us empty. That makes us look up maybe for the first time and say, "God, maybe for the first time and say, "God, maybe for the first time and say, "God, if you're up there, I've tried it all on if you're up there, I've tried it all on if you're up there, I've tried it all on my own way and now I'm ready for you." my own way and now I'm ready for you." my own way and now I'm ready for you." Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, he would describe it this way. God God he would describe it this way. God God he would describe it this way. God God so loved the world that he gave his one so loved the world that he gave his one so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in and only son that whoever believes in and only son that whoever believes in him wouldn't have to perish but could him wouldn't have to perish but could him wouldn't have to perish but could have everlasting life. Listen, this is have everlasting life. Listen, this is have everlasting life. Listen, this is what we call the good news of the what we call the good news of the what we call the good news of the gospel.

gospel. gospel. The reality is our own pursuit of The reality is our own pursuit of The reality is our own pursuit of happiness has taken us away from God. happiness has taken us away from God. happiness has taken us away from God. Our own sin has separated us from God. Our own sin has separated us from God. Our own sin has separated us from God. And there's no way back on our own. You And there's no way back on our own. You And there's no way back on our own. You can't work off your bad deeds by doing can't work off your bad deeds by doing can't work off your bad deeds by doing more good deeds. It's not like that. more good deeds. It's not like that. more good deeds. It's not like that. The reality is the only person who gets The reality is the only person who gets The reality is the only person who gets in heaven is the person who stands in heaven is the person who stands in heaven is the person who stands before God and says, "I'm perfect. I'm before God and says, "I'm perfect. I'm before God and says, "I'm perfect. I'm faultless. I've never sinned." faultless. I've never sinned." faultless. I've never sinned." And Jesus is the only person who's ever And Jesus is the only person who's ever And Jesus is the only person who's ever done that. But if you put your faith and done that. But if you put your faith and done that. But if you put your faith and trust in Jesus, if you accept his trust in Jesus, if you accept his trust in Jesus, if you accept his payment of your sin and your sin debt to payment of your sin and your sin debt to payment of your sin and your sin debt to God on the cross, then he gives you his God on the cross, then he gives you his God on the cross, then he gives you his robe of righteousness and you actually robe of righteousness and you actually robe of righteousness and you actually stand before God perfectly forgiven and stand before God perfectly forgiven and stand before God perfectly forgiven and whole and holy. And this is the great whole and holy. And this is the great whole and holy. And this is the great exchange, right? The great exchange is exchange, right? The great exchange is exchange, right? The great exchange is you give God your sin and your you give God your sin and your you give God your sin and your brokenness and your shame and he gives brokenness and your shame and he gives brokenness and your shame and he gives you the righteousness of his son Jesus. you the righteousness of his son Jesus. you the righteousness of his son Jesus. And this is the most beautiful And this is the most beautiful And this is the most beautiful invitation invitation invitation that you will ever be given and the most that you will ever be given and the most that you will ever be given and the most important decision you will ever make important decision you will ever make important decision you will ever make because this doesn't just happen because because this doesn't just happen because because this doesn't just happen because you're human.

you're human. you're human. You see, the reality is your default You see, the reality is your default You see, the reality is your default destination, my default destination, the destination, my default destination, the destination, my default destination, the default destination of every human being default destination of every human being default destination of every human being is hell. Separation from God because of is hell. Separation from God because of is hell. Separation from God because of our choices. our choices. our choices. But if we make a decision But if we make a decision But if we make a decision that that meaninglessness has led us to that that meaninglessness has led us to that that meaninglessness has led us to look up and to crowd for help, look up and to crowd for help, look up and to crowd for help, then Jesus responds and heaven is our then Jesus responds and heaven is our then Jesus responds and heaven is our future. It's our destiny. And so we want future. It's our destiny. And so we want future. It's our destiny. And so we want to provide a moment for you if you if to provide a moment for you if you if to provide a moment for you if you if you don't know Jesus in that way that you don't know Jesus in that way that you don't know Jesus in that way that that you could know him. This is a that you could know him. This is a that you could know him. This is a decision your parents can't make for decision your parents can't make for decision your parents can't make for you, your pastor can't make for you, you, your pastor can't make for you, you, your pastor can't make for you, your friends can't make for you, but your friends can't make for you, but your friends can't make for you, but it's the most important decision of your it's the most important decision of your it's the most important decision of your life. And so I'm pleading with you just life. And so I'm pleading with you just life. And so I'm pleading with you just for this moment of focus just for this moment of focus just for this moment of focus just to know that God sees you and he knows to know that God sees you and he knows to know that God sees you and he knows you and he loves you. There's no sin you and he loves you. There's no sin you and he loves you. There's no sin you've committed he cannot forgive and you've committed he cannot forgive and you've committed he cannot forgive and he's waiting. He's longing for you to be he's waiting. He's longing for you to be he's waiting. He's longing for you to be connected to him in relationship with connected to him in relationship with connected to him in relationship with him. And so we're going to give you an him. And so we're going to give you an him. And so we're going to give you an opportunity to do that by playing a song opportunity to do that by playing a song opportunity to do that by playing a song and inviting you to stand wherever you and inviting you to stand wherever you and inviting you to stand wherever you are and walk forward to this altar. And are and walk forward to this altar. And are and walk forward to this altar. And there's room for there's room for a lot there's room for there's room for a lot there's room for there's room for a lot of people to stand at this place and of people to stand at this place and of people to stand at this place and say, "You know what? I'm I'm a sinner say, "You know what? I'm I'm a sinner say, "You know what? I'm I'm a sinner and I need a savior and I'm ready to put and I need a savior and I'm ready to put and I need a savior and I'm ready to put Jesus at the center of my life. I I'm Jesus at the center of my life. I I'm Jesus at the center of my life. I I'm ready to go allin. I'm ready to try ready to go allin. I'm ready to try ready to go allin. I'm ready to try this relationship with you that I've this relationship with you that I've this relationship with you that I've never tried before in this way."

never tried before in this way." never tried before in this way." So, we're going to play the song and So, we're going to play the song and So, we're going to play the song and it's going to require courage for you to it's going to require courage for you to it's going to require courage for you to stand. But here's what I know. When you stand. But here's what I know. When you stand. But here's what I know. When you walk this way, people are not going to walk this way, people are not going to walk this way, people are not going to shake their heads and say, "What was shake their heads and say, "What was shake their heads and say, "What was wrong with that person?" They're going wrong with that person?" They're going wrong with that person?" They're going to clap and scream and shout because we to clap and scream and shout because we to clap and scream and shout because we know what this meant for us. When Jesus know what this meant for us. When Jesus know what this meant for us. When Jesus saved us, that was our day. And we can't saved us, that was our day. And we can't saved us, that was our day. And we can't wait for this to be your day. Today is wait for this to be your day. Today is wait for this to be your day. Today is the day of salvation. Do not wait. Do the day of salvation. Do not wait. Do the day of salvation. Do not wait. Do not delay. Stand and walk this way. And not delay. Stand and walk this way. And not delay. Stand and walk this way. And we will celebrate with all of heaven as we will celebrate with all of heaven as we will celebrate with all of heaven as you come. Come on. He's waiting for you. A thousand times I f your mercy A thousand times I f your mercy remains. Should I stumble again, remains. Should I stumble again, remains. Should I stumble again, I'm caught in your grace, everlasting, I'm caught in your grace, everlasting, I'm caught in your grace, everlasting, your light will shine when all else your light will shine when all else your light will shine when all else fades, never ending. fades, never ending. fades, never ending. Your glory goes beyond all fake. Your glory goes beyond all fake. Your glory goes beyond all fake. My heart and my soul.

My heart and my soul. My heart and my soul. I give you control. I give you control. I give you control. Consume me from the inside Consume me from the inside Consume me from the inside out. Lord, out. Lord, out. Lord, let justice and praise let justice and praise let justice and praise become my embrace become my embrace become my embrace to love you from the inside to love you from the inside to love you from the inside out. Everlasting. out. Everlasting. out. Everlasting. Your light will shine when all else Your light will shine when all else Your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending. fades. Never ending. fades. Never ending. Your glory goes beyond all faith. And Your glory goes beyond all faith. And Your glory goes beyond all faith. And the cry of my heart is to bring you the cry of my heart is to bring you the cry of my heart is to bring you praise from the inside praise from the inside praise from the inside out. Lord my soul cries out everlasting. out. Lord my soul cries out everlasting. out. Lord my soul cries out everlasting. Your light will shine when all else Your light will shine when all else Your light will shine when all else fades never ending. Your glory goes fades never ending. Your glory goes fades never ending. Your glory goes beyond all faith. And the cry of my beyond all faith. And the cry of my beyond all faith. And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise from the heart is to bring you praise from the heart is to bring you praise from the inside inside inside out. Lord, my soul cries out.

It's a powerful thing when you cry out It's a powerful thing when you cry out to God because he has a promise. Whoever to God because he has a promise. Whoever to God because he has a promise. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. You call out to him, he will saved. You call out to him, he will saved. You call out to him, he will respond. He's a God who keeps his respond. He's a God who keeps his respond. He's a God who keeps his promises. And right now, he's going to promises. And right now, he's going to promises. And right now, he's going to keep his promise to you. That if you keep his promise to you. That if you keep his promise to you. That if you come to him and you confess that you're come to him and you confess that you're come to him and you confess that you're a sinner, that you need a savior, that a sinner, that you need a savior, that a sinner, that you need a savior, that he's going to give you the righteousness he's going to give you the righteousness he's going to give you the righteousness of his son, Jesus. And he's going to of his son, Jesus. And he's going to of his son, Jesus. And he's going to reorient your life toward him, toward reorient your life toward him, toward reorient your life toward him, toward the things of heaven. And so, in this the things of heaven. And so, in this the things of heaven. And so, in this moment, as you pray this prayer, your moment, as you pray this prayer, your moment, as you pray this prayer, your sins are going to be forgiven. the shame sins are going to be forgiven. the shame sins are going to be forgiven. the shame of your sins is going to be removed from of your sins is going to be removed from of your sins is going to be removed from you. The God of redemption is going to you. The God of redemption is going to you. The God of redemption is going to be begin to take the broken pieces of be begin to take the broken pieces of be begin to take the broken pieces of your life and turn the mess into a your life and turn the mess into a your life and turn the mess into a message. That's what he does. message. That's what he does. message. That's what he does. And so, we're excited and honored to be And so, we're excited and honored to be And so, we're excited and honored to be part of this moment. But I just want to ask for one more But I just want to ask for one more moment because I know there's people out moment because I know there's people out moment because I know there's people out there that are wrestling. Sometimes you don't Sometimes you don't you don't know what to do, what to think you don't know what to do, what to think you don't know what to do, what to think because you want to be up here. You want because you want to be up here. You want because you want to be up here. You want to be right with God. You want to be to be right with God. You want to be to be right with God. You want to be forgiven. But there's things holding you forgiven. But there's things holding you forgiven. But there's things holding you back. Maybe it's the control of your back. Maybe it's the control of your back. Maybe it's the control of your life. Maybe it's the current way you're life. Maybe it's the current way you're life. Maybe it's the current way you're living that you know you have to change.

living that you know you have to change. living that you know you have to change. That's what it was for me. Maybe it's That's what it was for me. Maybe it's That's what it was for me. Maybe it's just doubts. Is this even real? All that just doubts. Is this even real? All that just doubts. Is this even real? All that kind of stuff. kind of stuff. kind of stuff. But that longing to be right with God But that longing to be right with God But that longing to be right with God comes from somewhere. comes from somewhere. comes from somewhere. And so I just want to encourage you like And so I just want to encourage you like And so I just want to encourage you like if you if you know that that longing is if you if you know that that longing is if you if you know that that longing is there and there's a wrestling in your there and there's a wrestling in your there and there's a wrestling in your spirit. Don't don't delay. Don't say spirit. Don't don't delay. Don't say spirit. Don't don't delay. Don't say I'll do this tomorrow. I'll do this next I'll do this tomorrow. I'll do this next I'll do this tomorrow. I'll do this next week. If you're here today and you can week. If you're here today and you can week. If you're here today and you can hear my voice, hear my voice, hear my voice, this is God saying be reconciled with me this is God saying be reconciled with me this is God saying be reconciled with me today. Forgiveness is for you today. today. Forgiveness is for you today. today. Forgiveness is for you today. Freedom is this way, not that way. So, Freedom is this way, not that way. So, Freedom is this way, not that way. So, wherever you are, wherever you are, wherever you are, we want you to join these men and women we want you to join these men and women we want you to join these men and women who are here. We're grateful that you're who are here. We're grateful that you're who are here. We're grateful that you're here. Come on, let's applaud these here. Come on, let's applaud these here. Come on, let's applaud these decisions. As men and women, step into decisions. As men and women, step into decisions. As men and women, step into the aisle. This is the most important the aisle. This is the most important the aisle. This is the most important decision you'll ever make, and we we decision you'll ever make, and we we decision you'll ever make, and we we don't want you to miss the opportunity. don't want you to miss the opportunity. don't want you to miss the opportunity. All right, All right, All right, my man. And those of you who are online in our And those of you who are online in our VR campus, you're welcome to join us.

VR campus, you're welcome to join us. VR campus, you're welcome to join us. I'm going to lead you in a very simple I'm going to lead you in a very simple I'm going to lead you in a very simple prayer. I'm going to ask you to say this prayer. I'm going to ask you to say this prayer. I'm going to ask you to say this prayer after me. Just say this out loud prayer after me. Just say this out loud prayer after me. Just say this out loud to God. He's listening and he will to God. He's listening and he will to God. He's listening and he will answer this prayer as you pray it answer this prayer as you pray it answer this prayer as you pray it sincerely. Say this to God. Lord God, sincerely. Say this to God. Lord God, sincerely. Say this to God. Lord God, >> I open my heart >> I open my heart >> I open my heart >> and I invite you inside. >> and I invite you inside. >> and I invite you inside. >> I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. >> I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. >> I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. >> Forgive my spirit. >> Forgive my spirit. >> Forgive my spirit. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> And I will walk with you. >> And I will walk with you. >> And I will walk with you. >> I will walk >> I will walk >> I will walk >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. >> Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. >> Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the family. Hey, so before Welcome to the family. Hey, so before Welcome to the family. Hey, so before you go back to your seats, I want to ask you go back to your seats, I want to ask you go back to your seats, I want to ask you just for five more minutes. You just you just for five more minutes. You just you just for five more minutes. You just made the most important decision of your made the most important decision of your made the most important decision of your life. So I want to ask you to follow me. life. So I want to ask you to follow me. life. So I want to ask you to follow me. We're going to give you a Bible. have a We're going to give you a Bible. have a We're going to give you a Bible. have a quick conversation with you this way and quick conversation with you this way and quick conversation with you this way and you'll be back with your friends in five you'll be back with your friends in five you'll be back with your friends in five minutes. Church, can we give them a hand minutes. Church, can we give them a hand minutes. Church, can we give them a hand as they go this way? And church, we have as they go this way? And church, we have as they go this way? And church, we have a chance now to respond in praise to the a chance now to respond in praise to the a chance now to respond in praise to the lamb of God who came for us and died for lamb of God who came for us and died for lamb of God who came for us and died for us. Let's worship Jesus together.

Lamb of God, anointed one, who was and Lamb of God, anointed one, who was and is and is to come, seated on the throne is and is to come, seated on the throne is and is to come, seated on the throne above. Holy, above. Holy, above. Holy, holy, holy, holy, rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You prove to us the father's love. Jesus prove to us the father's love. Jesus prove to us the father's love. Jesus Christ, we lift it up. Holy God anointed one that was and is to come God anointed one that was and is to come seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, holy, holy, holy, rightous rightous rightous sh sh sh to us the father's love. Jesus Christ be to us the father's love. Jesus Christ be to us the father's love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy lifted up. Holy lifted up. Holy holy holy holy God anointed one Who else is worthy?

Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no There is no only you Jesus only you Jesus only you Jesus who else is There is no There is no only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. There is no There is no There is no only Jesus. Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for joining us this morning. If you're in need of prayer, please come If you're in need of prayer, please come If you're in need of prayer, please come forward. We have a prayer team that will forward. We have a prayer team that will forward. We have a prayer team that will be up here in the front ready to pray be up here in the front ready to pray be up here in the front ready to pray with you. And just a reminder, we do with you. And just a reminder, we do with you. And just a reminder, we do have Tuesday night prayer this coming have Tuesday night prayer this coming have Tuesday night prayer this coming Tuesday at 6:30 and it will be over in Tuesday at 6:30 and it will be over in Tuesday at 6:30 and it will be over in the HSM room. We hope you have a restful the HSM room. We hope you have a restful the HSM room. We hope you have a restful Sunday. Enjoy time with family and Sunday. Enjoy time with family and Sunday. Enjoy time with family and friends and we'll see you again next friends and we'll see you again next friends and we'll see you again next week.

The book of Ecclesiastes has so much to The book of Ecclesiastes has so much to say about our lives, right? We're just say about our lives, right? We're just say about our lives, right? We're just getting started in this eightweek getting started in this eightweek getting started in this eightweek teaching series. And I hope that you're teaching series. And I hope that you're teaching series. And I hope that you're as intrigued as I am to come back next as intrigued as I am to come back next as intrigued as I am to come back next week. But before we go, I want to take a week. But before we go, I want to take a week. But before we go, I want to take a moment to invite you into a few next moment to invite you into a few next moment to invite you into a few next steps on your journey with Jesus. First steps on your journey with Jesus. First steps on your journey with Jesus. First of all, if you just prayed that prayer of all, if you just prayed that prayer of all, if you just prayed that prayer with Pastor Doug a moment ago to give with Pastor Doug a moment ago to give with Pastor Doug a moment ago to give your life to Jesus today, we want to say your life to Jesus today, we want to say your life to Jesus today, we want to say a big congratulations and that we are a big congratulations and that we are a big congratulations and that we are celebrating with you. We would love to celebrating with you. We would love to celebrating with you. We would love to help you grow in your relationship with help you grow in your relationship with help you grow in your relationship with God and discover everything that he has God and discover everything that he has God and discover everything that he has planned for you. So, if you would text planned for you. So, if you would text planned for you. So, if you would text the word believe to the number 31352 the word believe to the number 31352 the word believe to the number 31352 and tell us a little bit about yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself in the form, we will connect with you in the form, we will connect with you in the form, we will connect with you and help you discover your best next and help you discover your best next and help you discover your best next steps. Again, we are so excited for what steps. Again, we are so excited for what steps. Again, we are so excited for what God is doing in your life. And second, God is doing in your life. And second, God is doing in your life. And second, for everyone watching today, I want to for everyone watching today, I want to for everyone watching today, I want to invite you to explore all that's invite you to explore all that's invite you to explore all that's available to you across our campuses available to you across our campuses available to you across our campuses this summer. Just head to this summer. Just head to this summer. Just head to calvaryftl.org/adagglance or scan the QR code and you'll see a ton or scan the QR code and you'll see a ton of summer opportunities to grow in your of summer opportunities to grow in your of summer opportunities to grow in your relationship with God and to find relationship with God and to find relationship with God and to find community with other people. It's really community with other people. It's really community with other people. It's really the kind of stuff that we've been the kind of stuff that we've been the kind of stuff that we've been talking about today, right? The stuff in talking about today, right? The stuff in talking about today, right? The stuff in life that really matters. So, I hope life that really matters. So, I hope life that really matters. So, I hope that you'll take a minute after service that you'll take a minute after service that you'll take a minute after service right now and check it out. Thank you so right now and check it out. Thank you so right now and check it out. Thank you so much for watching today. I hope that much for watching today. I hope that much for watching today. I hope that you'll share this service with someone you'll share this service with someone you'll share this service with someone and we'll see you next weekend either in and we'll see you next weekend either in and we'll see you next weekend either in person or online. Take care.

back there. back there. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. >> All of our faith in the God who sees A new generation will believe A new generation will believe that you are able that you are able that you are able and you are faithful. and moving beyond our wildest dreams, and moving beyond our wildest dreams, cuz you are able cuz you are able cuz you are able and you are faithful. and you are faithful. and you are faithful. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Come like a wild fire. come like a Come like a wild fire. come like a Come like a wild fire. come like a rushing wave just like you did back rushing wave just like you did back rushing wave just like you did back then. Lord, I know you do it again.

then. Lord, I know you do it again. then. Lord, I know you do it again. We need your holy presence. We need your We need your holy presence. We need your We need your holy presence. We need your power within power within power within 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're doing it. our worship to your way cuz you are able our worship to your way cuz you are able you are faithful rushing rushing just like Get back. just like Get back. just like Get back. I know you. I know you. I know you. We need your holy presence. We need your We need your holy presence. We need your We need your holy presence. We need your power power power just like you.

just like you. just like you. I know. How many sinners is saved? How many sinners is saved? How many bodies raised? How many bodies raised? How many bodies raised? Look at those empty graves. I know Look at those empty graves. I know Look at those empty graves. I know you'll do it again and again. How many you'll do it again and again. How many you'll do it again and again. How many trains undone? trains undone? trains undone? How many battles won? Please only just How many battles won? Please only just How many battles won? Please only just be good. I know you'll do it again. be good. I know you'll do it again. be good. I know you'll do it again. How many things? How many things? How many things? How many miles? How many miles? How many miles? Look at those empty. Look at those empty. Look at those empty. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. How many changes? How many changes? How many changes? How many? How many? How many? He's only just be.

He's only just be. He's only just be. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. I know you do it again. Again. Again. Again. I know you do it again. Again.