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

Have you ever felt Have you ever felt the disconnect the disconnect 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 the other cheek. you the other cheek. you the 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, [panting] church, [panting] church, [panting] [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] 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 is can be talking about? Like life is can be talking about? Like life is 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. exhausted and they don't listen. exhausted and they don't listen. I always wanted that house and now I 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, [snorts] the end? And and well, [snorts] the end? And and well, [snorts] that type of angst is felt by everyone that type of angst is felt by everyone that type of angst is felt by everyone who's ever been born. And every who's ever been born. And every who's ever been born. And every generation is trying to figure out how generation is trying to figure out how generation is trying to figure out how do I go on this journey to find meaning do I go on this journey to find meaning do I go on this journey to find meaning and purpose in my life? And that and purpose in my life? And that and purpose in my life? And that question asked by every generation is question asked by every generation is question asked by every generation is almost always best expressed in music.

almost always best expressed in music. almost always best expressed in music. Every generation has songs that express Every generation has songs that express Every generation has songs that express this existential angst. Any uh kids uh this existential angst. Any uh kids uh this existential angst. Any uh kids uh or young people grow up in the 70s? or young people grow up in the 70s? or young people 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. Every time I look into old. Dream on. Every time I look into old. Dream on. Every time I look into the mirror, these lines in my face, they the mirror, these lines in my face, they the mirror, these lines in my face, they seem to get clear. The past is gone. seem to get clear. The past is gone. seem to get 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 a high school student in the in as a a high school student in the in as a a high school student in the 80s. And this song in 1987 by a man 80s. And this song in 1987 by a man 80s. And this song in 1987 by a man named Bono. named Bono. named 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 [snorts] scaled the city walls. But I [snorts] scaled the city walls. But I [snorts] scaled the city walls. But I still haven't found what I'm looking still haven't found what I'm looking still haven't found what I'm looking for. Yeah, you know it. for. Yeah, you know it. for. 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. style. The verb bittersweet symphony. style. The verb bittersweet symphony. Cuz it's a bittersweet symphony. That's Cuz it's a bittersweet symphony. That's Cuz 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. There you go. There you go. Now, if this type of rawness, Now, if this type of rawness, Now, if this type of 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 of Ecclesiastes. And it's part of five of Ecclesiastes. And it's part of five of 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. wrong. wrong. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. Buckle Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. Buckle Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verse one. Buckle your seat belts.

your seat belts. 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 ears of hearing. What has been nor the ears of hearing. What has been nor the ears of hearing. What has been will be again and what has been done will be again and what has been done will be again and what has been done will be done again. There is nothing new will be done again. There is nothing new will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun.

under the sun. under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say Is there anything of which one can say Is there anything of which one can say look this is something new. It was here look this is something new. It was here look this is something new. It was here already long ago. It was here before our already long ago. It was here before our already long ago. It was here before our time. No one remembers the former time. No one remembers the former time. No one remembers the former generations and even those yet to come generations and even those yet to come generations and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who will not be remembered by those who will not be remembered by those who follow them. follow them. 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 gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. be gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. be gone. It's a vapor. It's fleeting. Or as it's translated here in the NIV, Or as it's translated here in the NIV, Or as it's translated here in the NIV, it's meaningless. When you try to make it's meaningless. When you try to make it's meaningless. When you try to make sense of life and all the things, right sense of life and all the things, right sense of life and all the things, right about the time you think you figured out about the time you think you figured out about the time you think you figured out the formula of how life works and you the formula of how life works and you the formula of how life works and you try to apply it, it doesn't work try to apply it, it doesn't work try to apply it, it doesn't work anymore. It's elusive, anymore. It's elusive, anymore. It's 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 heaven. Now, in verse 12, he's It's heaven. Now, in verse 12, he's It's heaven. Now, in verse 12, he's going to tell you a little bit more going to tell you a little bit more going to tell you a little bit more about who he is. this autobiography he's about who he is. this autobiography he's about who he is. this autobiography he's disclosing. This is who I am. Verse 12, disclosing. This is who I am. Verse 12, disclosing. This is who I am. Verse 12, I the teacher was king over Israel in I the teacher was king over Israel in I the 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? Bible contradicting itself? Bible contradicting itself? Is this Solomon on this side saying one Is this Solomon on this side saying one Is this Solomon on this side saying one thing and on this side saying one thing? thing and on this side saying one thing? thing and on this side saying one thing? Or is it two sides of the same coin? Or is it two sides of the same coin? Or is it two sides of the same coin? That for instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, That for instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, That for instance, Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up your child in the way they "Train up your child in the way they "Train up your child in the way they should go." And when they're old, they should go." And when they're old, they should go." And when they're old, they won't depart from it. H. Now, is that a won't depart from it. H. Now, is that a won't depart from it. H. Now, is that a truth of scripture that's always true, truth of scripture that's always true, truth of 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 planet itself doesn't grow. but the the planet itself doesn't grow. but the the planet itself doesn't grow. And the water rains fills the streams. And the water rains fills the streams. And the water rains fills the streams. The streams fill the ocean. It comes The streams fill the ocean. It comes The streams fill the ocean. It comes back around, but the water's not rising back around, but the water's not rising back around, but the water's not rising in the earth. And so, if you're a human in the earth. And so, if you're a human in the earth. And so, if you're a human being, you're going to climb a mountain. being, you're going to climb a mountain. being, you're going to climb a mountain. The mountain's not going to care. And The mountain's not going to care. And The mountain's not going to care. And one day, you're going to die. And the one day, you're going to die. And the one day, you're going to die. And the mountain's not going to change. And the mountain's not going to change. And the mountain's not going to change. And the earth is no fuller if you were here or earth is no fuller if you were here or earth is no fuller if you were here or if you weren't. if you weren't. 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. You're going to get hungry in 8 hours or You're going to get hungry in 8 hours or You're going to get hungry in 8 hours or maybe four hours or maybe two hours maybe four hours or maybe two hours 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 um now I'm full. No, discovery like um now I'm full. No, discovery like um now I'm full. No, they're going to continue to long for they're going to continue to long for they're going to continue to long for more. That desire for more and what's more. That desire for more and what's more. That desire for more and what's next. And so Solomon says you're not next. And so Solomon says you're not next. And so Solomon says you're not going to find something in life that going to find something in life that 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 life. And that is life as 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. It's here your life is like a mist. It's here your life is like a mist. It's here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, don't be today, it's gone tomorrow. So, don't be today, it's gone tomorrow. So, don't be the type of person who brags and boasts the type of person who brags and boasts the type of person who brags and boasts or thinks you're in control that you're or thinks you're in control that you're or thinks you're in control that you're going to go to this city, you're going going to go to this city, you're going 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 going to have to get married, you're going to have to get married, you're going to have kids, you're going to you're going to go kids, you're going to you're going to go kids, you're going to you're going to go on this trip, you're going to do these on this trip, you're going to do these on this trip, you're going to do these things because you don't know what's things because you don't know what's things because you don't know what's going to happen with your next breath.

going to happen with your next breath. going to happen with your next breath. You're not in control of your next You're not in control of your next You're not in control of your next heartbeat. So, humbly remember heartbeat. So, humbly remember heartbeat. So, humbly 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. >> 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. Solomon would years. Here's the problem. Solomon would years. Here's the problem. Solomon would say, "Here's the problem with having a say, "Here's the problem with having a say, "Here's the problem with having a million dollars a day for 3,000 you can million dollars a day for 3,000 you can million dollars a day for 3,000 you can spend." Here's the problem. You're not spend." Here's the problem. You're not spend." Here's the problem. You're not going to live 3,000 years. Elon Musk is going to live 3,000 years. Elon Musk is going to live 3,000 years. Elon Musk is not going to live 3,000 years or 300 not going to live 3,000 years or 300 not going to live 3,000 years or 300 years. He might not even live 30 years.

years. He might not even live 30 years. years. He might not 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 gonna get worse. It's gonna get So it's gonna get worse. It's gonna get So it's gonna get worse. It's gonna get worse. Okay. All right. Think real hard. worse. Okay. All right. Think real hard. 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 [snorts] I undertook great lives. So [snorts] I undertook great lives. So [snorts] I undertook great projects. I built houses for myself. I projects. I built houses for myself. I projects. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards. I made gardens and planted vineyards. I made gardens and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks. I planted all kinds of fruit parks. I planted all kinds of fruit parks. I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to

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

"EVERYTHING I SAW that I wanted, I took. "EVERYTHING I SAW that I wanted, I 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 am. built and the more silver and gold I am. built and the more silver and gold I am. And the more famous I was, the more And the more famous I was, the more And the more famous I was, the more people wanted to follow me and and people wanted to follow me and and 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. Because the thing is brokenness in us. Because the thing is brokenness in us. Because the thing is most people who don't have, they're not most people who don't have, they're not most people who don't have, they're not despairing because they think once they despairing because they think once they despairing because they think once they have, they'll scratch that itch. But the have, they'll scratch that itch. But the have, 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 two four and six when your kids are two four and six when your kids are two four and six their imaginations are amazing but at their imaginations are amazing but at their imaginations are amazing but at some point in life the let's pretend some point in life the let's pretend some point in life the let's pretend world doesn't match with the real world.

world doesn't match with the real world. world doesn't match with the real world. You know at home you're always a winner You know at home you're always a winner You know at home you're always a winner and there's always encouragement and and there's always encouragement and and there's always encouragement and then you go to school and kids make fun then you go to school and kids make fun then you go to school and kids make fun of you of you of 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 and die. So we're going to do something and die. So we're going to do something and 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 because everything I've worked for, because everything I've worked for, because everything I've worked for, notice this. Notice the way he phrases. notice this. Notice the way he phrases. notice this. Notice the way he phrases. It's my effort. It's my skill. It's me It's my effort. It's my skill. It's me It's my effort. It's my skill. It's me being up at night trying to game, trying being up at night trying to game, trying being up at night trying to game, trying to achieve, trying to build, trying to to achieve, trying to build, trying to 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, look with me at to do with it. Look, look with me at to do with it. Look, 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 that then when he dies that then when he dies that then 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? Now if you be a fool or will be wise? Now if you be a fool or will be wise? Now if you know the history of Solomon, he had a know the history of Solomon, he had a know the history of Solomon, he had a son named Riaboam. Within the first year son named Riaboam. Within the first year son named Riaboam. Within the first year of Riaboam's reign, Riaboam divided of Riaboam's reign, Riaboam divided of Riaboam's reign, Riaboam divided Solomon's kingdom. Just like that, Solomon's kingdom. Just like that, Solomon's kingdom. Just like that, everything he worked for was gone after everything he worked for was gone after everything he worked for was gone after he died and broken. This turns out to be he died and broken. This turns out to be he died and broken. This turns out to be a prophecy in his own life because he's a prophecy in his own life because he's a prophecy in his own life because he's going to turn it all over. And the going to turn it all over. And the going to turn it all over. And the reality is reality is 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 gifts. This is not creator and his good gifts. This is not creator and his good gifts. 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. [applause] And a good and generous God. [applause] And a good and generous God. [applause] And a world that is east of Eden, in a world world that is east of Eden, in a world world that is east of Eden, in a world that is broken and complicated and messy that is broken and complicated and messy that is broken and complicated and messy and doesn't always make sense, it's best and doesn't always make sense, it's best and doesn't always make sense, it's best to accept that that is the reality of to accept that that is the reality of to accept that that is the reality of our world and to enjoy these moments. our world and to enjoy these moments. our world and to enjoy these moments. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not Life is meant to be enjoyed, not Life is meant to be enjoyed, not mastered.

mastered. 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 gives things but by pursuing the one who gives things but by pursuing the one who gives those things. those things. 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 can't read anymore. I'm not coming I I can't read anymore. I'm not coming 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, that for 3,000 years, that for 3,000 years, Jewish families gather at an annual Jewish families gather at an annual Jewish families gather at an annual feast called sukat. It's called the feast called sukat. It's called the feast called sukat. It's called the feast of tents or the feast of feast of tents or the feast of feast of tents or the feast of tabernacles. It's the feast of harvest tabernacles. It's the feast of harvest tabernacles. It's the feast of harvest time that in the Old Testament law, God time that in the Old Testament law, God time that in the Old Testament law, God said to Jewish families, seven days, said to Jewish families, seven days, said to Jewish families, seven days, you're going to celebrate a festival. you're going to celebrate a festival. you're going to celebrate a festival. You're going to build a tent outside You're going to build a tent outside You're going to build a tent outside your house and you're going to remember your house and you're going to remember your house and you're going to remember that you are temporary residents here that you are temporary residents here that you are temporary residents here and that God has always provided for and that God has always provided for and that God has always provided for you. And you know in the neighborhood I you. And you know in the neighborhood I you. And you know in the neighborhood I live in there are several Orthodox live in there are several Orthodox live in there are several Orthodox Jewish families. So they set their tents Jewish families. So they set their tents Jewish families. So they set their tents up outside their house during Suka. And up outside their house during Suka. And up outside their house during Suka. And you know the first thing they read on you know the first thing they read on you know the first thing they read on the first day of Suka? They read the the first day of Suka? They read the the first day of Suka? They read the book of Ecclesiastes to their family as book of Ecclesiastes to their family as book of Ecclesiastes to their family as a way to remind their family about the a way to remind their family about the a way to remind their family about the dangers of excess, dangers of excess, 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 [snorts] good gifts that God gives and [snorts] good gifts that God gives and [snorts] enjoy these family moments together. And enjoy these family moments together. And enjoy 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 for yourselves treasures on Do not store for yourselves treasures on Do not store for yourselves treasures on earth where moths and vermin destroy and earth where moths and vermin destroy and earth where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but where thieves break in and steal, but where thieves break in and steal, but store for yourselves treasures in heaven store for yourselves treasures in heaven store for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy where moths and vermin do not destroy where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and and where thieves do not break in and and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, steal. For where your treasure is, steal. For where your treasure 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, [snorts] you're grinding because wheel, [snorts] you're grinding because wheel, [snorts] you're grinding because you got to strive, you got to achieve.

you got to strive, you got to achieve. you got 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, how might that free you to how might that free you to how might 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 going to say, Next week he's going to say, Next week he's going to 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, [snorts] something full. whole, [snorts] something full. whole, [snorts] 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? [applause] [applause] [applause] 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 [music] Jesus responds and heaven then [music] Jesus responds and heaven then [music] Jesus responds and heaven is our future. It's our destiny. And so is our future. It's our destiny. And so is our future. It's our destiny. And so we want to provide a moment for you if we want to provide a moment for you if we want to provide a moment for you if you if you don't know Jesus in that way you if you don't know Jesus in that way you if you don't know Jesus in that way that that you could know him. This is that that you could know him. This is that that you could know him. This is 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 and say, you know what, I'm I'm a sinner and say, you know what, I'm I'm a sinner and I need a savior and I'm ready to put I need a savior and I'm ready to put 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 it's So we're going to play the song and it's So we're going to play the song and it's going to require courage for you to going to require courage for you to 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 fell. Your mercy A thousand times I fell. Your mercy [music] [music] [music] remains. Should I stumble again, remains. Should I stumble again, remains. Should I stumble again, [singing] [singing] [singing] I'm caught in your [music] grace.

I'm caught in your [music] grace. I'm caught in your [music] grace. Everlasting, [singing] Everlasting, [singing] Everlasting, [singing] your light will shine. When all else your light will shine. When all else your light will shine. When all else fades, never [singing] ending. fades, never [singing] ending. fades, never [singing] ending. Your [music] glory goes beyond all fake. Your [music] glory goes beyond all fake. Your [music] glory goes beyond all fake. My heart and my soul. My heart and my soul. My heart and my soul. I give [music and singing] you control. I give [music and singing] you control. I give [music and singing] 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 [singing] inside To love you from the [singing] inside To love you from the [singing] inside out, everlasting. out, everlasting. out, everlasting. Your light will shine [music] when all Your light will shine [music] when all Your light will shine [music] when all else [singing] fades. never ending. else [singing] fades. never ending. else [singing] fades. never ending. [music] Your glory goes beyond all [music] Your glory goes beyond all [music] Your glory goes beyond all [singing] faith. And the cry [music] [singing] faith. And the cry [music] [singing] faith. And the cry [music] of my heart is to bring you praise from of my heart is to bring you praise from of my heart is to bring you praise from the in [music] the in [music] the in [music] Lord. My soul cries out [singing] Lord. My soul cries out [singing] Lord. My soul cries out [singing] everlasting.

everlasting. everlasting. Your light [music] will shine when all Your light [music] will shine when all Your light [music] will shine when all else fades never [singing] ending. Your else fades never [singing] ending. Your else fades never [singing] ending. Your glory [music] goes beyond all faith. And glory [music] goes beyond all faith. And glory [music] goes beyond all faith. And the [singing] cry of my heart is to the [singing] cry of my heart is to the [singing] cry of my heart is to bring you [singing] praise from the bring you [singing] praise from the bring you [singing] praise from the [music] inside [music] inside [music] inside out. Lord, my soul cries out. out. Lord, my soul cries out. out. Lord, my soul cries out. [music] 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. and the sins are going to be forgiven. and the sins are going to be forgiven. and the shame of your sins is going to be shame of your sins is going to be shame of your sins is going to be removed from you. The God of redemption removed from you. The God of redemption removed from you. The God of redemption is going to be begin to take the broken is going to be begin to take the broken is going to be begin to take the broken pieces of your life and turn the mess pieces of your life and turn the mess pieces of your life and turn the mess into a message. That's what he does.

into a message. That's what he does. into a 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 [music] for one But I just want to ask [music] for one more moment because I know there's more moment because I know there's more 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, this is God saying be hear my voice, this is God saying be hear my voice, this is God saying be reconciled with me today. Forgiveness is reconciled with me today. Forgiveness is reconciled with me today. Forgiveness is for you today. Freedom is this way, not for you today. Freedom is this way, not for you today. Freedom is this way, not that way. So, wherever you are, that way. So, wherever you are, that way. So, 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. [applause and music] All right. [applause and music] All right. [applause and music] 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 [music] God. Lord sincerely. Say this to [music] God. Lord sincerely. Say this to [music] God. Lord God, God, God, >> Lord God, >> Lord 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. >> Let's sing this together. [music] >> Let's sing this together. [music] Lamb of God, [singing] anointed one who Lamb of God, [singing] anointed one who Lamb of God, [singing] anointed one who was [music] and is and is to come, was [music] and is and is to come, was [music] and is and is to come, seated on the [singing] throne above. seated on the [singing] throne above. seated on the [singing] throne above. Holy, [music] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, rightous [singing] rightous [singing] rightous [singing] one who shed his blood. [music] You one who shed his blood. [music] You one who shed his blood. [music] 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 [singing] Christ, we lifted up. [music] [singing] Christ, we lifted up. [music] [singing] Christ, we lifted up. [music] Holy God [singing] anointed one [music] God [singing] anointed one [music] and to come seated on [singing] the and to come seated on [singing] the and to come seated on [singing] the throne above. Holy, [music] throne above. Holy, [music] throne above. Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, rightous rightous rightous [singing] [music] to us the father's love. Jesus [music] to us the father's love. Jesus Christ lifted [music and singing] up [music]

[music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Jesus Jesus lifted up. lifted up. lifted up. Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else is [singing] worthy? There is [music] no There is [music] no [singing] [singing] [singing] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] only Jesus. only Jesus. There is [music] 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 forward. We have a prayer team that forward. We have a prayer team that [music] will be up here in the front [music] will be up here in the front [music] will be up here in the front ready to pray with you. And just a ready to pray with you. And just a ready to pray with you. And just a reminder, we do have [music] Tuesday reminder, we do have [music] Tuesday reminder, we do have [music] Tuesday night prayer this coming Tuesday at 6:30 night prayer this coming Tuesday at 6:30 night prayer this coming Tuesday at 6:30 and it will be over in the HSM room. We and it will be over in the HSM room. We and it will be over in the HSM room. We hope you have a restful Sunday. Enjoy hope you have a restful Sunday. Enjoy hope you have a restful Sunday. Enjoy time with family and friends and we'll time with family and friends and we'll time with family and friends and we'll see you again next week. [music] >> Thanks for listening to today's [music] >> Thanks for listening to today's [music] message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352 you to text the word believe to 31352 you to text the word believe to 31352 so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.