What the Hevel || Pastor J.D. Greear

Down. Down. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Hey, good morning, Summit Online. Happy Hey, good morning, Summit Online. Happy Sunday. I am so glad you guys are Sunday. I am so glad you guys are Sunday. I am so glad you guys are joining us this morning. I'm Lauren joining us this morning. I'm Lauren joining us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our Summit Online coordinator, Thompson, our Summit Online coordinator, Thompson, our Summit Online coordinator, and I'm so excited because we have and I'm so excited because we have and I'm so excited because we have Daniel Riggs joining this morning.

Daniel Riggs joining this morning. Daniel Riggs joining this morning. >> Of course. Happy Sunday, everyone, and >> Of course. Happy Sunday, everyone, and >> Of course. Happy Sunday, everyone, and thanks for having me. thanks for having me. thanks for having me. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you may recognize >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you may recognize >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you may recognize Daniel. He's filled in for me before. Daniel. He's filled in for me before. Daniel. He's filled in for me before. He's fantastic. Um, we're gonna I'm He's fantastic. Um, we're gonna I'm He's fantastic. Um, we're gonna I'm gonna ask him a little bit more about gonna ask him a little bit more about gonna ask him a little bit more about what he does. But before that, Daniel, what he does. But before that, Daniel, what he does. But before that, Daniel, we've been in 21 days of prayer and I we've been in 21 days of prayer and I we've been in 21 days of prayer and I want to hear how has the first week been want to hear how has the first week been want to hear how has the first week been for you? for you? for you? >> Well, it's it's been awesome. I feel >> Well, it's it's been awesome. I feel >> Well, it's it's been awesome. I feel like these seasons are always so good like these seasons are always so good like these seasons are always so good for all of us because, you know, for all of us because, you know, for all of us because, you know, scripture teaches and we know we should scripture teaches and we know we should scripture teaches and we know we should be praying without ceasing. We should be praying without ceasing. We should be praying without ceasing. We should all be having our individual prayer all be having our individual prayer all be having our individual prayer lives all the time. But when we do these lives all the time. But when we do these lives all the time. But when we do these seasons of prayer, I feel like it brings seasons of prayer, I feel like it brings seasons of prayer, I feel like it brings us together so much more. where we're us together so much more. where we're us together so much more. where we're able to lift each other up in a cool way able to lift each other up in a cool way able to lift each other up in a cool way through prayer requests and all kinds of through prayer requests and all kinds of through prayer requests and all kinds of things and really just kind of get on things and really just kind of get on things and really just kind of get on the same spiritual page and say, "God, the same spiritual page and say, "God, the same spiritual page and say, "God, do what you want with us and do what you do what you want with us and do what you do what you want with us and do what you want with our church." So, it's been want with our church." So, it's been want with our church." So, it's been great. great. great. >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I mean, I love the >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I mean, I love the >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I mean, I love the the prayer prompts this week have been the prayer prompts this week have been the prayer prompts this week have been really impactful for me. Um, I love I really impactful for me. Um, I love I really impactful for me. Um, I love I went to the prayer room on Thursday at went to the prayer room on Thursday at went to the prayer room on Thursday at Ry Creek for a little bit and just the Ry Creek for a little bit and just the Ry Creek for a little bit and just the time spending praying for friends and time spending praying for friends and time spending praying for friends and family and that was was just awesome.

family and that was was just awesome. family and that was was just awesome. So, uh, guys, if you have not joined us, So, uh, guys, if you have not joined us, So, uh, guys, if you have not joined us, or maybe you have, but, um, you want to or maybe you have, but, um, you want to or maybe you have, but, um, you want to learn more about what's coming up with learn more about what's coming up with learn more about what's coming up with 21 days of prayer, you can go to 21 days of prayer, you can go to 21 days of prayer, you can go to summitchurch.com/p prayer to find out summitchurch.com/p prayer to find out summitchurch.com/p prayer to find out more or scan that QR code. Um, and if more or scan that QR code. Um, and if more or scan that QR code. Um, and if you don't know what we're talking about, you don't know what we're talking about, you don't know what we're talking about, we're in the midst of praying for 21 we're in the midst of praying for 21 we're in the midst of praying for 21 days as a church body together. We've days as a church body together. We've days as a church body together. We've got some prayer prompts. We've got um, got some prayer prompts. We've got um, got some prayer prompts. We've got um, we're going through the Lord's prayer we're going through the Lord's prayer we're going through the Lord's prayer together. So, I would encourage you, hop together. So, I would encourage you, hop together. So, I would encourage you, hop on in, like join us in that cuz God on in, like join us in that cuz God on in, like join us in that cuz God really moves in some of these seasons. really moves in some of these seasons. really moves in some of these seasons. And um like Daniel was saying, we get to And um like Daniel was saying, we get to And um like Daniel was saying, we get to pray together as a church body. Even if pray together as a church body. Even if pray together as a church body. Even if we're not physically in the same we're not physically in the same we're not physically in the same location as we pray, we're praying the location as we pray, we're praying the location as we pray, we're praying the same things each day. So uh and the best same things each day. So uh and the best same things each day. So uh and the best way to do that also is to download our way to do that also is to download our way to do that also is to download our app, the Summit Church app, and hop on app, the Summit Church app, and hop on app, the Summit Church app, and hop on daily revival. It has the scripture, it daily revival. It has the scripture, it daily revival. It has the scripture, it has the prayer prompts for the 21 days, has the prayer prompts for the 21 days, has the prayer prompts for the 21 days, as well as praying like you said for as well as praying like you said for as well as praying like you said for people in the congregation and praying people in the congregation and praying people in the congregation and praying for each other. So um check that out. for each other. So um check that out. for each other. So um check that out. And then on September 3rd, we'll wrap up And then on September 3rd, we'll wrap up And then on September 3rd, we'll wrap up with a night of prayer and worship. So, with a night of prayer and worship. So, with a night of prayer and worship. So, you can look that up and find out more you can look that up and find out more you can look that up and find out more on our website as well. All right, on our website as well. All right, on our website as well. All right, Daniel. Well, tell me a little bit more Daniel. Well, tell me a little bit more Daniel. Well, tell me a little bit more about yourself. Tell us what you do about yourself. Tell us what you do about yourself. Tell us what you do here.

here. here. >> Well, I uh I get to serve as one of the >> Well, I uh I get to serve as one of the >> Well, I uh I get to serve as one of the elders here at the Capitol Capitol Hills elders here at the Capitol Capitol Hills elders here at the Capitol Capitol Hills campus, which is wonderful. campus, which is wonderful. campus, which is wonderful. >> And I guess uh my quote unquote day job >> And I guess uh my quote unquote day job >> And I guess uh my quote unquote day job is another fun one. It's as the director is another fun one. It's as the director is another fun one. It's as the director of JD Grim Ministries. Okay. And so JDGM of JD Grim Ministries. Okay. And so JDGM of JD Grim Ministries. Okay. And so JDGM as we call it is just set up to take the as we call it is just set up to take the as we call it is just set up to take the resources and the teaching that Pastor resources and the teaching that Pastor resources and the teaching that Pastor JD preaches and uh you know that is JD preaches and uh you know that is JD preaches and uh you know that is God's giving him the gospel message to God's giving him the gospel message to God's giving him the gospel message to pour out every weekend. And so we just pour out every weekend. And so we just pour out every weekend. And so we just take that and kind of repackage it and take that and kind of repackage it and take that and kind of repackage it and just try to get the gospel in front of just try to get the gospel in front of just try to get the gospel in front of as many people around the nation or as many people around the nation or as many people around the nation or around the world as we can. So that around the world as we can. So that around the world as we can. So that looks like different downloadable looks like different downloadable looks like different downloadable resources or podcasts or books or things resources or podcasts or books or things resources or podcasts or books or things like that. Um so it's a lot of fun. like that. Um so it's a lot of fun. like that. Um so it's a lot of fun. Okay. Okay. So, um, guys, if you didn't Okay. Okay. So, um, guys, if you didn't Okay. Okay. So, um, guys, if you didn't know this, Pastor JD does have this this know this, Pastor JD does have this this know this, Pastor JD does have this this ministry and you guys are working to, ministry and you guys are working to, ministry and you guys are working to, uh, be able to share the gospel like you uh, be able to share the gospel like you uh, be able to share the gospel like you said, not just for here at Summit, but said, not just for here at Summit, but said, not just for here at Summit, but around the world. And so, what uh, where around the world. And so, what uh, where around the world. And so, what uh, where can people find all this these resources can people find all this these resources can people find all this these resources and everything? and everything? and everything? >> Yeah, I think the the kind of the hub is >> Yeah, I think the the kind of the hub is >> Yeah, I think the the kind of the hub is jgr.com.

jgr.com. jgr.com. Um, that's where you can find links to Um, that's where you can find links to Um, that's where you can find links to books and downloadable resources like we books and downloadable resources like we books and downloadable resources like we mentioned and links to podcasts and his mentioned and links to podcasts and his mentioned and links to podcasts and his blog and things like that. So, I think blog and things like that. So, I think blog and things like that. So, I think it'll if you've never been to it'll if you've never been to it'll if you've never been to jdgrrew.com, head over there. Maybe not jdgrrew.com, head over there. Maybe not jdgrrew.com, head over there. Maybe not right now because it's summit online, right now because it's summit online, right now because it's summit online, but soon. And I think it'll encourage but soon. And I think it'll encourage but soon. And I think it'll encourage you. you. you. >> Yeah. Yeah. I know, guys. Um the daily >> Yeah. Yeah. I know, guys. Um the daily >> Yeah. Yeah. I know, guys. Um the daily devotional that gets emailed. I get that devotional that gets emailed. I get that devotional that gets emailed. I get that and I really enjoy that. So, there's a and I really enjoy that. So, there's a and I really enjoy that. So, there's a lot of great resources that uh you can lot of great resources that uh you can lot of great resources that uh you can check out at jdgr.com check out at jdgr.com check out at jdgr.com and um you know, great things to share, and um you know, great things to share, and um you know, great things to share, too. Sometimes the daily devotional is too. Sometimes the daily devotional is too. Sometimes the daily devotional is like really encouraging to share with like really encouraging to share with like really encouraging to share with other people. So, yeah, I think that's other people. So, yeah, I think that's other people. So, yeah, I think that's great. Um, and speaking of like JD's great. Um, and speaking of like JD's great. Um, and speaking of like JD's teaching, we're actually kicking off teaching, we're actually kicking off teaching, we're actually kicking off today in a new sermon series. Yeah. Um, today in a new sermon series. Yeah. Um, today in a new sermon series. Yeah. Um, I'm excited. Ecclesiastes, guys, it's a I'm excited. Ecclesiastes, guys, it's a I'm excited. Ecclesiastes, guys, it's a really good message. Um, and it's going really good message. Um, and it's going really good message. Um, and it's going to be a really good series. So, Pastor to be a really good series. So, Pastor to be a really good series. So, Pastor JD is going to kick us off today in JD is going to kick us off today in JD is going to kick us off today in chapter 1 of Ecclesiastes, but I'm chapter 1 of Ecclesiastes, but I'm chapter 1 of Ecclesiastes, but I'm curious any, you've heard it, so any curious any, you've heard it, so any curious any, you've heard it, so any thoughts so far of going into this? thoughts so far of going into this? thoughts so far of going into this? >> It's it's it's a uh Ecclesiastes in >> It's it's it's a uh Ecclesiastes in >> It's it's it's a uh Ecclesiastes in general, this message, but also just the general, this message, but also just the general, this message, but also just the book of Ecclesiastes. It's amazing how a book of Ecclesiastes. It's amazing how a book of Ecclesiastes. It's amazing how a book written so long ago can be still so book written so long ago can be still so book written so long ago can be still so applicable today and and so relevant applicable today and and so relevant applicable today and and so relevant even to cultural topics and even to cultural topics and even to cultural topics and conversations that come up in that we conversations that come up in that we conversations that come up in that we hear from a secular perspective a lot of hear from a secular perspective a lot of hear from a secular perspective a lot of time here's the meaning of life. I mean time here's the meaning of life. I mean time here's the meaning of life. I mean that's the biggest question that there that's the biggest question that there that's the biggest question that there is and that's what we're talking about is and that's what we're talking about is and that's what we're talking about today but from a a gospel- centered today but from a a gospel- centered today but from a a gospel- centered lens. So I'm really excited about this lens. So I'm really excited about this lens. So I'm really excited about this series.

series. series. >> Yeah. Yeah. Me too. Um yeah it truly is. >> Yeah. Yeah. Me too. Um yeah it truly is. >> Yeah. Yeah. Me too. Um yeah it truly is. It is one of those books that you read It is one of those books that you read It is one of those books that you read and it kind of uh I think Pastor JD and it kind of uh I think Pastor JD and it kind of uh I think Pastor JD mentions this. It's kind of can be mentions this. It's kind of can be mentions this. It's kind of can be sometimes like comforting to be like sometimes like comforting to be like sometimes like comforting to be like these are questions I've had too of like these are questions I've had too of like these are questions I've had too of like what is the point? Like what why are we what is the point? Like what why are we what is the point? Like what why are we doing these things? And so to get to doing these things? And so to get to doing these things? And so to get to really like dive into that uh over the really like dive into that uh over the really like dive into that uh over the next several weeks will be great. So I'm next several weeks will be great. So I'm next several weeks will be great. So I'm excited. We're going to jump in the book excited. We're going to jump in the book excited. We're going to jump in the book of Ecclesiastes this morning and we'll of Ecclesiastes this morning and we'll of Ecclesiastes this morning and we'll we'll be covering that for the next few we'll be covering that for the next few we'll be covering that for the next few weeks. Um but as part of that, a big weeks. Um but as part of that, a big weeks. Um but as part of that, a big thing that JD Ministries is doing is a thing that JD Ministries is doing is a thing that JD Ministries is doing is a new podcast. Right. new podcast. Right. new podcast. Right. >> That's right. Start. >> That's right. Start. >> That's right. Start. Well, yeah. It's called the bullpen with Well, yeah. It's called the bullpen with Well, yeah. It's called the bullpen with JD Greer. And the reason we named it JD Greer. And the reason we named it JD Greer. And the reason we named it that is because for I don't know 20 that is because for I don't know 20 that is because for I don't know 20 years, decades now. Pastor JD writes out years, decades now. Pastor JD writes out years, decades now. Pastor JD writes out every word he's going to preach in a in every word he's going to preach in a in every word he's going to preach in a in a in a manuscript. And there's always a a in a manuscript. And there's always a a in a manuscript. And there's always a section at the end called the bullpen, section at the end called the bullpen, section at the end called the bullpen, which is just what he calls the place which is just what he calls the place which is just what he calls the place where it's like, ah, I don't have time where it's like, ah, I don't have time where it's like, ah, I don't have time for this. I'm going to put that here. for this. I'm going to put that here. for this. I'm going to put that here. I'm going to cut that. It's called the I'm going to cut that. It's called the I'm going to cut that. It's called the bullpen. bullpen. bullpen. >> Yeah. This podcast is named that because >> Yeah. This podcast is named that because >> Yeah. This podcast is named that because after he preaches at the summit, every after he preaches at the summit, every after he preaches at the summit, every every time he preaches here, he's going every time he preaches here, he's going every time he preaches here, he's going to sit down, have a conversation with to sit down, have a conversation with to sit down, have a conversation with two, three others and really unpack the two, three others and really unpack the two, three others and really unpack the sermon. And so at times he might say, sermon. And so at times he might say, sermon. And so at times he might say, you know, what I wanted to say is this you know, what I wanted to say is this you know, what I wanted to say is this or that. But the point of it is really or that. But the point of it is really or that. But the point of it is really just to take the truth of of God's word just to take the truth of of God's word just to take the truth of of God's word >> and say, hey, here's how this applies to >> and say, hey, here's how this applies to >> and say, hey, here's how this applies to our lives. It's going to be really our lives. It's going to be really our lives. It's going to be really helpful if you are someone who listens helpful if you are someone who listens helpful if you are someone who listens to Pastor JD every weekend here with us to Pastor JD every weekend here with us to Pastor JD every weekend here with us at Summit or Summit online. But even if at Summit or Summit online. But even if at Summit or Summit online. But even if you only tune in occasionally or you you only tune in occasionally or you you only tune in occasionally or you missed a sermon,

missed a sermon, missed a sermon, >> this the sermon is the jumping off point >> this the sermon is the jumping off point >> this the sermon is the jumping off point to talk about what's going on in the to talk about what's going on in the to talk about what's going on in the world, in our lives, around us, and how world, in our lives, around us, and how world, in our lives, around us, and how the gospel helps us think biblically. the gospel helps us think biblically. the gospel helps us think biblically. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, if you listen to the sermon, great. >> So, if you listen to the sermon, great. >> So, if you listen to the sermon, great. And if you don't, great. I think you'll And if you don't, great. I think you'll And if you don't, great. I think you'll really enjoy it. Again, starts tomorrow. really enjoy it. Again, starts tomorrow. really enjoy it. Again, starts tomorrow. >> Okay. It starts tomorrow, guys. So, um, >> Okay. It starts tomorrow, guys. So, um, >> Okay. It starts tomorrow, guys. So, um, wherever you listen to podcast, you wherever you listen to podcast, you wherever you listen to podcast, you know, Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube, know, Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube, know, Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube, we'll even have it on YouTube, right? we'll even have it on YouTube, right? we'll even have it on YouTube, right? >> That's right. Filming it. >> That's right. Filming it. >> That's right. Filming it. >> Yep. You'll be able to find that >> Yep. You'll be able to find that >> Yep. You'll be able to find that starting tomorrow morning. Um, and you starting tomorrow morning. Um, and you starting tomorrow morning. Um, and you can also text podcast to 33933 if you can also text podcast to 33933 if you can also text podcast to 33933 if you would like the JDR Ministries team to go would like the JDR Ministries team to go would like the JDR Ministries team to go ahead and send you that first episode ahead and send you that first episode ahead and send you that first episode tomorrow morning. So, uh, if you are tomorrow morning. So, uh, if you are tomorrow morning. So, uh, if you are like, "Hey, I'm interested in this. I like, "Hey, I'm interested in this. I like, "Hey, I'm interested in this. I don't know where to find it." go ahead don't know where to find it." go ahead don't know where to find it." go ahead and text podcast to 33933. That way they and text podcast to 33933. That way they and text podcast to 33933. That way they can send you that first episode tomorrow can send you that first episode tomorrow can send you that first episode tomorrow morning. So, well, man, that's exciting. morning. So, well, man, that's exciting. morning. So, well, man, that's exciting. That's going to be great. That's going to be great. That's going to be great. >> Yeah, it should be fun. >> Yeah, it should be fun. >> Yeah, it should be fun. >> Yeah. All right. Well, I'm excited for >> Yeah. All right. Well, I'm excited for >> Yeah. All right. Well, I'm excited for this morning. So, like we said, we're this morning. So, like we said, we're this morning. So, like we said, we're jumping in the new series, but we also jumping in the new series, but we also jumping in the new series, but we also get to celebrate baptism of our NextG uh get to celebrate baptism of our NextG uh get to celebrate baptism of our NextG uh kids and students. We had an amazing kids and students. We had an amazing kids and students. We had an amazing summer and I'm just excited to get to summer and I'm just excited to get to summer and I'm just excited to get to celebrate with these kids and students celebrate with these kids and students celebrate with these kids and students who are professing their faith publicly.

who are professing their faith publicly. who are professing their faith publicly. Oh, it's so special for at a young age Oh, it's so special for at a young age Oh, it's so special for at a young age to say, "Hey, I have decided to follow to say, "Hey, I have decided to follow to say, "Hey, I have decided to follow Jesus. I just heard a story in the Jesus. I just heard a story in the Jesus. I just heard a story in the hallway before this of of a girl who hallway before this of of a girl who hallway before this of of a girl who said, "I was scared, but I realized the said, "I was scared, but I realized the said, "I was scared, but I realized the point is to tell everyone." So, she's point is to tell everyone." So, she's point is to tell everyone." So, she's here doing that today. here doing that today. here doing that today. >> Wow, that's amazing. So, guys, when we >> Wow, that's amazing. So, guys, when we >> Wow, that's amazing. So, guys, when we celebrate baptism, we would love for you celebrate baptism, we would love for you celebrate baptism, we would love for you to cheer along with us. We are to cheer along with us. We are to cheer along with us. We are celebrating and excited. Um, so it's celebrating and excited. Um, so it's celebrating and excited. Um, so it's going to be a great morning ahead of us. going to be a great morning ahead of us. going to be a great morning ahead of us. But Daniel, thank you so much for being But Daniel, thank you so much for being But Daniel, thank you so much for being here this morning. Guys, I'm excited for here this morning. Guys, I'm excited for here this morning. Guys, I'm excited for worship. So, if you're able to and want worship. So, if you're able to and want worship. So, if you're able to and want to, [music] why don't you stand up and to, [music] why don't you stand up and to, [music] why don't you stand up and let's go into worship. let's go into worship. let's go into worship. >> The Lord. Yeah. The living God, worthy >> The Lord. Yeah. The living God, worthy >> The Lord. Yeah. The living God, worthy of our worship. of our worship. of our worship. Listen, however [music] you came in this Listen, however [music] you came in this Listen, however [music] you came in this morning, Jesus is worthy and he is with morning, Jesus is worthy and he is with morning, Jesus is worthy and he is with you. So, let's lift our voices. [music] you. So, let's lift our voices. [music] you. So, let's lift our voices. [music] Let's sing his praise. Whether we're in Let's sing his praise. Whether we're in Let's sing his praise. Whether we're in the valley or on the mountain, he's the valley or on the mountain, he's the valley or on the mountain, he's worthy. Amen. worthy. Amen. worthy. Amen. I'll praise in the [music] valley and I'll praise in the [music] valley and I'll praise in the [music] valley and praise on the mountain. Yeah. praise on the mountain. Yeah. praise on the mountain. Yeah. I'll praise when I'm sure I'll praise when I'm sure I'll praise when I'm sure and [music] praise when I'm doubted.

I'll praise [music] when outnumbered I'll praise [music] when outnumbered and praise when surrounded. and praise when surrounded. and praise when surrounded. Why? Cuz praise [music] is the waters Why? Cuz praise [music] is the waters Why? Cuz praise [music] is the waters my enemies drown in. So much power when my enemies drown in. So much power when my enemies drown in. So much power when we praise. Come on. As long as I'm we praise. Come on. As long as I'm we praise. Come on. As long as I'm breathing, I've got a [music] reason to breathing, I've got a [music] reason to breathing, I've got a [music] reason to praise the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] Oh my soul. Oh my soul. Oh my soul. Praise [music] the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] Yeah. I'll praise when I feel it. Yeah. I'll praise when I feel it. Yeah. I'll praise when I feel it. Praise when I don't. Cuz he's still Praise when I don't. Cuz he's still Praise when I don't. Cuz he's still [music] worthy, right? a praise cuz I [music] worthy, right? a praise cuz I [music] worthy, right? a praise cuz I know [music] you're still in control and know [music] you're still in control and know [music] you're still in control and you Lord. My praise is a weapon. you Lord. My praise is a weapon. you Lord. My praise is a weapon. It's more than [music] a sound. It's more than [music] a sound. It's more than [music] a sound. [singing] My praise is the shout that [music] My praise is the shout that [music] brings Jero down. So much power when we brings Jero down. So much power when we brings Jero down. So much power when we praise. [music] As long as I'm praise. [music] As long as I'm praise. [music] As long as I'm breathing, I've got a reason to pray.

breathing, I've got a reason to pray. breathing, I've got a reason to pray. Praise [music] the Lord, oh my soul. Praise [music] the Lord, oh my soul. Praise [music] the Lord, oh my soul. He's worthy of my praise. [music] The Lord, oh my soul, I won't be [music] The Lord, oh my soul, I won't be quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is alive. [music] alive. [music] alive. [music] So how could I keep So how could I keep So how could I keep I'm going to praise I'm going to praise I'm going to praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord, oh my [singing] soul? Come on, the Lord, oh my [singing] soul? Come on, the Lord, oh my [singing] soul? Come on, clap your hands [music] like this. All for who he is [music] and what he's All for who he is [music] and what he's done for us in Jesus. Let's lift our done for us in Jesus. Let's lift our done for us in Jesus. Let's lift our praise to him this morning. All over the praise to him this morning. All over the praise to him this morning. All over the room, let's [music] say, I'll praise cuz room, let's [music] say, I'll praise cuz room, let's [music] say, I'll praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. [music] Praise cuz you rose and defeated [music] Praise cuz you rose and defeated [music] Praise cuz you rose and defeated the grave. I'll praise cuz you're the grave. I'll praise cuz you're the grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. Praise [music] cuz you're faithful. Praise [music] cuz you're faithful. Praise [music] cuz you're true. praise cuz there's nobody greater true. praise cuz there's nobody greater true. praise cuz there's nobody greater than you, my God. I'll praise you than you, my God. I'll praise you than you, my God. I'll praise you [music] [music] [music] cuz you defeated cuz you defeated cuz you defeated Jesus. [music] I'll praise cuz you're Jesus. [music] I'll praise cuz you're Jesus. [music] I'll praise cuz you're faithful. Praise cuz you're true. Praise faithful. Praise cuz you're true. Praise faithful. Praise cuz you're true. Praise cuz there's nobody greater than you.

cuz there's nobody greater than you. cuz there's nobody greater than you. [music] Praise the Lord. Oh my [music] the Lord. Oh my [music] soul. Praise the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] Oh my everything that's in me. Praise [music] the Lord. Oh my everything [music] the Lord. Oh my everything within me. Praise within me. Praise within me. Praise [music] the Lord. Oh my. Say I won't be [music] the Lord. Oh my. Say I won't be [music] the Lord. Oh my. Say I won't be quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is quiet. I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How could I keep [music] it? say, alive. How could I keep [music] it? say, alive. How could I keep [music] it? say, "I won't be quiet. I won't be quiet. My "I won't be quiet. I won't be quiet. My "I won't be quiet. I won't be quiet. My God [music] is alive, so how could I God [music] is alive, so how could I God [music] is alive, so how could I be quiet? [music] My God is alive. How could I keep it My God is alive. How could I keep it inside? I'm going [music] to praise the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] Everything that has breath. Come on. Let Everything that has breath. Come on. Let Everything that has breath. Come on. Let everything [music] everything [music] everything [music] that that that praise the Lord. [music] Come on. If you praise the Lord. [music] Come on. If you praise the Lord. [music] Come on. If you got breath, shout it out. Let got breath, shout it out. Let got breath, shout it out. Let everything.

everything. everything. [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Lord. Praise the Lord. Lord. Praise the Lord. [music] Yes, Jesus, you're worthy. [music] [music] Man, I love starting off worshiping with Man, I love starting off worshiping with Man, I love starting off worshiping with y'all, praising the Lord and remembering y'all, praising the Lord and remembering y'all, praising the Lord and remembering the faithfulness of God, bringing our the faithfulness of God, bringing our the faithfulness of God, bringing our praises and worship to him because look, praises and worship to him because look, praises and worship to him because look, if you're new to church, new to the if you're new to church, new to the if you're new to church, new to the Summit Church, and just checking this Summit Church, and just checking this Summit Church, and just checking this whole God thing out, maybe you're here whole God thing out, maybe you're here whole God thing out, maybe you're here cuz some of your friends are getting ba cuz some of your friends are getting ba cuz some of your friends are getting ba baptized. Look, I'm so glad that you baptized. Look, I'm so glad that you baptized. Look, I'm so glad that you were here. There's nothing special were here. There's nothing special were here. There's nothing special [music] or incredible about the Summit [music] or incredible about the Summit [music] or incredible about the Summit Church, not the songs that we sing, the Church, not the songs that we sing, the Church, not the songs that we sing, the building. I know y'all don't believe building. I know y'all don't believe building. I know y'all don't believe that about our parking. that about our parking. that about our parking. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So I know I know that you know there's >> So I know I know that you know there's >> So I know I know that you know there's not anything special about us except for not anything special about us except for not anything special about us except for the grace of Jesus Christ except for the the grace of Jesus Christ except for the the grace of Jesus Christ except for the sacrifice of Jesus [music] Christ except sacrifice of Jesus [music] Christ except sacrifice of Jesus [music] Christ except for the fact see we we Christians for the fact see we we Christians for the fact see we we Christians believe that we disobeyed God's commands believe that we disobeyed God's commands believe that we disobeyed God's commands and in disobeying those commands we set and in disobeying those commands we set and in disobeying those commands we set ourselves against God and under the ourselves against God and under the ourselves against God and under the punishment for [music] sin but what God punishment for [music] sin but what God punishment for [music] sin but what God did Romans 5'8 says that God did Romans 5'8 says that God did Romans 5'8 says that God demonstrates his love towards us or for demonstrates his love towards us or for demonstrates his love towards us or for us [music] and that while we were still us [music] and that while we were still us [music] and that while we were still sinners Christ died for us what we sinners Christ died for us what we sinners Christ died for us what we believe is that we sin s in and deserve believe is that we sin s in and deserve believe is that we sin s in and deserve death. But Jesus Christ came and lived death. But Jesus Christ came and lived death. But Jesus Christ came and lived and gives us life through his death. And and gives us life through his death. And and gives us life through his death. And so that's why we praise him because we so that's why we praise him because we so that's why we praise him because we did nothing to earn his love. We did did nothing to earn his love. We did did nothing to earn his love. We did nothing to make him save us. Yet he nothing to make him save us. Yet he nothing to make him save us. Yet he freely gave his son for us. That's the freely gave his son for us. That's the freely gave his son for us. That's the joy and the praise that we bring to God.

joy and the praise that we bring to God. joy and the praise that we bring to God. Not because our life is going great, but Not because our life is going great, but Not because our life is going great, but because God [music] is great. And so because God [music] is great. And so because God [music] is great. And so that's why we choose to praise him. And that's why we choose to praise him. And that's why we choose to praise him. And look, we at Summit Church, we don't want look, we at Summit Church, we don't want look, we at Summit Church, we don't want to just be an event that you attend. We to just be an event that you attend. We to just be an event that you attend. We want to be a family that you belong to. want to be a family that you belong to. want to be a family that you belong to. That's why we have things happening like That's why we have things happening like That's why we have things happening like our 21 days of prayer that are happening our 21 days of prayer that are happening our 21 days of prayer that are happening right now. How many of you have been right now. How many of you have been right now. How many of you have been doing our 21 days of prayer with us? doing our 21 days of prayer with us? doing our 21 days of prayer with us? Raise your hand. Good. Look, you Raise your hand. Good. Look, you Raise your hand. Good. Look, you everybody here that is not raise your everybody here that is not raise your everybody here that is not raise your hand, you got a chance to join and to hand, you got a chance to join and to hand, you got a chance to join and to jump in. We have two weeks left that we jump in. We have two weeks left that we jump in. We have two weeks left that we want you to be a part of. Download our want you to be a part of. Download our want you to be a part of. Download our app, get into the day daily revival part app, get into the day daily revival part app, get into the day daily revival part of that. And we are praying through the of that. And we are praying through the of that. And we are praying through the Lord's prayer as a church, asking God to Lord's prayer as a church, asking God to Lord's prayer as a church, asking God to change our hearts and to change our change our hearts and to change our change our hearts and to change our lives through that. And then we're going lives through that. And then we're going lives through that. And then we're going to have a night of prayer and worship on to have a night of prayer and worship on to have a night of prayer and worship on September 3rd here on Thursday night. We September 3rd here on Thursday night. We September 3rd here on Thursday night. We want y'all to be a part of that because want y'all to be a part of that because want y'all to be a part of that because we want to come before the Lord as the we want to come before the Lord as the we want to come before the Lord as the people of God to pray and to make much people of God to pray and to make much people of God to pray and to make much of him and to bring our [music] lives of him and to bring our [music] lives of him and to bring our [music] lives before him. Y'all can go ahead and take before him. Y'all can go ahead and take before him. Y'all can go ahead and take a seat. You know, one of the things we a seat. You know, one of the things we a seat. You know, one of the things we want to do is grow as worshippers of want to do is grow as worshippers of want to do is grow as worshippers of God. And one of the ways we do that is God. And one of the ways we do that is God. And one of the ways we do that is through the giving of our tithes and all through the giving of our tithes and all through the giving of our tithes and all offerings. That's the way we praise God.

offerings. That's the way we praise God. offerings. That's the way we praise God. If you're new here or first-time guest If you're new here or first-time guest If you're new here or first-time guest here, I don't want you to feel compelled here, I don't want you to feel compelled here, I don't want you to feel compelled by me to give. I'm just glad that you by me to give. I'm just glad that you by me to give. I'm just glad that you were here and would come and hang out were here and would come and hang out were here and would come and hang out with us today. For the rest of us, I with us today. For the rest of us, I with us today. For the rest of us, I want you to give. I want you to put God want you to give. I want you to put God want you to give. I want you to put God first as it relates to your generosity. first as it relates to your generosity. first as it relates to your generosity. [music] So, I want you to give through [music] So, I want you to give through [music] So, I want you to give through text or to give online. If you brought text or to give online. If you brought text or to give online. If you brought those with you today, you can give at those with you today, you can give at those with you today, you can give at the door on your way out as well. Look, the door on your way out as well. Look, the door on your way out as well. Look, we want you to be connected to the body we want you to be connected to the body we want you to be connected to the body of God here. We want you to grow with of God here. We want you to grow with of God here. We want you to grow with others here. We believe the Christian others here. We believe the Christian others here. We believe the Christian life is not meant to be walked alone. life is not meant to be walked alone. life is not meant to be walked alone. That's why we have small groups That's why we have small groups That's why we have small groups happening every week. And in fact, this happening every week. And in fact, this happening every week. And in fact, this is a great time to get connected to is a great time to get connected to is a great time to get connected to them. Our [music] small group ministry them. Our [music] small group ministry them. Our [music] small group ministry is kicking off this Tuesday night with is kicking off this Tuesday night with is kicking off this Tuesday night with group link. If you do not have a small group link. If you do not have a small group link. If you do not have a small group, you can come to group link and be group, you can come to group link and be group, you can come to group link and be a part of that and connect with one a part of that and connect with one a part of that and connect with one there. Now, not only do we want to there. Now, not only do we want to there. Now, not only do we want to disciple you as adults, but we also want disciple you as adults, but we also want disciple you as adults, but we also want to disciple our [music] nextgen to disciple our [music] nextgen to disciple our [music] nextgen ministry. What we mean by that is all of ministry. What we mean by that is all of ministry. What we mean by that is all of our kids and all of our stu students. our kids and all of our stu students. our kids and all of our stu students. Our prayer is that 100% of our kids and Our prayer is that 100% of our kids and Our prayer is that 100% of our kids and students would surrender their lives to students would surrender their lives to students would surrender their lives to Christ. And that's why we have things Christ. And that's why we have things Christ. And that's why we have things like kids camp [music] and student camp. like kids camp [music] and student camp. like kids camp [music] and student camp. And we had an incredible summer in And we had an incredible summer in And we had an incredible summer in NextGen that I want to share with you NextGen that I want to share with you NextGen that I want to share with you about that now.

[music] [music] heat. >> This week at camp, I learned that Jesus >> This week at camp, I learned that Jesus is my redeemer. This week at camps, is my redeemer. This week at camps, is my redeemer. This week at camps, God's taught me that sometimes when I God's taught me that sometimes when I God's taught me that sometimes when I need help, I should ask for it instead need help, I should ask for it instead need help, I should ask for it instead of trying to figure it out on my own. of trying to figure it out on my own. of trying to figure it out on my own. >> This week at [music] camp, I'm learning >> This week at [music] camp, I'm learning >> This week at [music] camp, I'm learning that Jesus is the light of the world. that Jesus is the light of the world. that Jesus is the light of the world. >> I think what God has been teaching me at >> I think what God has been teaching me at >> I think what God has been teaching me at camp this week is probably to give full camp this week is probably to give full camp this week is probably to give full control to him. Like my [music] money, control to him. Like my [music] money, control to him. Like my [music] money, my time, my effort, stuff like that. I my time, my effort, stuff like that. I my time, my effort, stuff like that. I just give it all to him and trust him just give it all to him and trust him just give it all to him and trust him that he has a good plan for me. that he has a good plan for me. that he has a good plan for me. >> This week at camp, we're learning how to >> This week at camp, we're learning how to >> This week at camp, we're learning how to share the gospel. share the gospel. share the gospel. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God showed me that like I need to abide >> God showed me that like I need to abide >> God showed me that like I need to abide in him and like strive to be like him in him and like strive to be like him in him and like strive to be like him and that [music] I just need to go and and that [music] I just need to go and and that [music] I just need to go and stay on the right path. >> Can we praise God for what he did to our >> Can we praise God for what he did to our kids and our students at camp? Now look, kids and our students at camp? Now look, kids and our students at camp? Now look, what God started at camp, he's what God started at camp, he's what God started at camp, he's continuing here. He's being a movement continuing here. He's being a movement continuing here. He's being a movement of disciplem disciples in RDU and around of disciplem disciples in RDU and around of disciplem disciples in RDU and around the world. Starts in our kids ministry, the world. Starts in our kids ministry, the world. Starts in our kids ministry, [music] starts in our student ministry.

[music] starts in our student ministry. [music] starts in our student ministry. We want to see them reach for Christ. We want to see them reach for Christ. We want to see them reach for Christ. And this weekend is what's known as And this weekend is what's known as And this weekend is what's known as launch weekend across the Summit Church. launch weekend across the Summit Church. launch weekend across the Summit Church. It's where our kids and our students It's where our kids and our students It's where our kids and our students progress to the next phase of their progress to the next phase of their progress to the next phase of their disciplehip in those ministries. And disciplehip in those ministries. And disciplehip in those ministries. And that's why you hear the loud noise and that's why you hear the loud noise and that's why you hear the loud noise and see all the decorations in the lobby. I see all the decorations in the lobby. I see all the decorations in the lobby. I had a hundred confetti [music] cannons had a hundred confetti [music] cannons had a hundred confetti [music] cannons that I wanted to shoot off here, but the that I wanted to shoot off here, but the that I wanted to shoot off here, but the cops said I couldn't do that. So, at cops said I couldn't do that. So, at cops said I couldn't do that. So, at some point, I'm going to try to do that. some point, I'm going to try to do that. some point, I'm going to try to do that. But that's how excited that we are about But that's how excited that we are about But that's how excited that we are about what God is doing in their lives. Look, what God is doing in their lives. Look, what God is doing in their lives. Look, today across the summit church, we get today across the summit church, we get today across the summit church, we get to celebrate one of the milestones in to celebrate one of the milestones in to celebrate one of the milestones in our nextgen ministry, which is baptisms. our nextgen ministry, which is baptisms. our nextgen ministry, which is baptisms. Baptism does not save you, but it Baptism does not save you, but it Baptism does not save you, but it represents what Jesus did to say save represents what Jesus did to say save represents what Jesus did to say save you. That Jesus lived the perfect life you. That Jesus lived the perfect life you. That Jesus lived the perfect life that we were supposed to live and then that we were supposed to live and then that we were supposed to live and then died the death that a sin that a s died the death that a sin that a s died the death that a sin that a s sinner dies that sin deserves that sinner dies that sin deserves that sinner dies that sin deserves that through him then by being raised back to through him then by being raised back to through him then by being raised back to life, we now have life with him. And so, life, we now have life with him. And so, life, we now have life with him. And so, it's a beautiful thing to see these kids it's a beautiful thing to see these kids it's a beautiful thing to see these kids and these students going through baptism and these students going through baptism and these students going through baptism today. We've had hundreds of them across today. We've had hundreds of them across today. We've had hundreds of them across the Summit Church today. We have 15 plus the Summit Church today. We have 15 plus the Summit Church today. We have 15 plus more [music] in this service. And so, more [music] in this service. And so, more [music] in this service. And so, look, here's what we do. I want y'all on look, here's what we do. I want y'all on look, here's what we do. I want y'all on your feet. We're going to see them get your feet. We're going to see them get your feet. We're going to see them get ba ba baptized. We're going to worship ba ba baptized. We're going to worship ba ba baptized. We're going to worship some more. And whenever they come out of some more. And whenever they come out of some more. And whenever they come out of those waters, I want y'all to scream. I those waters, I want y'all to scream. I those waters, I want y'all to scream. I want you to shout because these kids are want you to shout because these kids are want you to shout because these kids are going back into their schools and going back into their schools and going back into their schools and they're going to be faced with all kinds they're going to be faced with all kinds they're going to be faced with all kinds of things at in their schools. I want of things at in their schools. I want of things at in their schools. I want them to remember my church cheered for them to remember my church cheered for them to remember my church cheered for me. My [music] church fa family believed me. My [music] church fa family believed me. My [music] church fa family believed in me. My church family prayed over me.

in me. My church family prayed over me. in me. My church family prayed over me. I want us to cheer. I want us to clap. I I want us to cheer. I want us to clap. I I want us to cheer. I want us to clap. I want us to pray for them. I want us to want us to pray for them. I want us to want us to pray for them. I want us to worship [music] God with them that we worship [music] God with them that we worship [music] God with them that we are seeing them publicly declare a are seeing them publicly declare a are seeing them publicly declare a changed life. So, let's celebrate that changed life. So, let's celebrate that changed life. So, let's celebrate that with them now. Well, church, I'm here with my new Well, church, I'm here with my new brother in Christ, William. And William brother in Christ, William. And William brother in Christ, William. And William was invited by a friend to come to our was invited by a friend to come to our was invited by a friend to come to our midweek program. Women Summit students. midweek program. Women Summit students. midweek program. Women Summit students. It's a it's a high school worship It's a it's a high school worship It's a it's a high school worship service that we have on Wednesday service that we have on Wednesday service that we have on Wednesday evenings. It's an awesome awesome evenings. It's an awesome awesome evenings. It's an awesome awesome experience for them. And uh he didn't experience for them. And uh he didn't experience for them. And uh he didn't grow up in a Christian home. Uh said yes grow up in a Christian home. Uh said yes grow up in a Christian home. Uh said yes to coming to that and was like, "Man, I to coming to that and was like, "Man, I to coming to that and was like, "Man, I kind of like this place. I want to go to kind of like this place. I want to go to kind of like this place. I want to go to high school retreat in the spring. The high school retreat in the spring. The high school retreat in the spring. The Lord started to work in his heart." Uh Lord started to work in his heart." Uh Lord started to work in his heart." Uh he invited some other people along with he invited some other people along with he invited some other people along with him. Went to summer camp and surrendered him. Went to summer camp and surrendered him. Went to summer camp and surrendered his life to Jesus for him to be his his life to Jesus for him to be his his life to Jesus for him to be his savior at summer camp. and his friend who he invited with him. and his friend who he invited with him. He's going to get baptized here in just He's going to get baptized here in just He's going to get baptized here in just a minute, too. So, we already got a a minute, too. So, we already got a a minute, too. So, we already got a disciplem disciple. Praise God. Praise disciplem disciple. Praise God. Praise disciplem disciple. Praise God. Praise God. [music] God. [music] God. [music] >> Well, William, do you believe Jesus has >> Well, William, do you believe Jesus has >> Well, William, do you believe Jesus has done everything it takes to save you?

done everything it takes to save you? done everything it takes to save you? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And are you willing to go wherever he >> And are you willing to go wherever he >> And are you willing to go wherever he sends you and do whatever he tells you sends you and do whatever he tells you sends you and do whatever he tells you to do? to do? to do? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, I baptize you, my brother, in the >> Well, I baptize you, my brother, in the >> Well, I baptize you, my brother, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy [music] Spirit. >> [music] >> [music] >> Yeah. Come on y'all. Let's party. [music] [music] Oh, I'm clean. Oh, I'm clean. Oh, I'm clean. Shin was stained on me. Shin was stained on me. Shin was stained on me. Shame was running deep. [music] Shame was running deep. [music] Shame was running deep. [music] Your love was built on Calvary. Your love was built on Calvary. Your love was built on Calvary. Oh, hallelujah. [music] Oh, hallelujah. [music] Oh, hallelujah. [music] I'm clean. I'm clean. I'm clean. God, how can it be [music] ransomed and God, how can it be [music] ransomed and God, how can it be [music] ransomed and redeemed? redeemed? redeemed? Standing in your victory. [music] Standing in your victory. [music] Standing in your victory. [music] Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good as [music] you. Oh, hallelujah. I've as [music] you. Oh, hallelujah. I've as [music] you. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the water. Washed in the been washed in the water. Washed in the been washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All because [music] of you. Oh, blood. All because [music] of you. Oh, blood. All because [music] of you. Oh, hallelujah.

hallelujah. hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's not what I have done. Oh no, no, >> It's not what I have done. Oh no, no, >> It's not what I have done. Oh no, no, no. What you done for me? no. What you done for me? no. What you done for me? You paid it all [music] upon that tree. You paid it all [music] upon that tree. You paid it all [music] upon that tree. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Your love has [singing] overcome [music] Your love has [singing] overcome [music] Your love has [singing] overcome [music] and your mercy is set free. and your mercy is set free. and your mercy is set free. I'm dancing in your victory. [music] I'm dancing in your victory. [music] I'm dancing in your victory. [music] Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Oh, I've been washed in the water. Wash Oh, I've been washed in the water. Wash Oh, I've been washed in the water. Wash me in the blood of his goodness. me in the blood of his goodness. me in the blood of his goodness. Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. I'll be I'll be I'll be [music] [music] [music] washed in the water. Wash me in the washed in the water. Wash me in the washed in the water. Wash me in the blood. Good. blood. Good. blood. Good. Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. Wash in the water. Wash me in the blood. All because of you. Oh hallelujah. [music] cuz you took away my shame [music] cuz you took away my shame and you nailed it to the cross. Thank and you nailed it to the cross. Thank and you nailed it to the cross. Thank you, Jesus. [music] you, Jesus. [music] you, Jesus. [music] You got me running out the grave. Yeah.

You got me running out the grave. Yeah. You got me running out the grave. Yeah. So, hallelujah. Come on, let's testify. So, hallelujah. Come on, let's testify. So, hallelujah. Come on, let's testify. Lord, you took away my shed [music] to the cross. to the cross. You got me [music] running out the You got me [music] running out the You got me [music] running out the grave. grave. grave. So, hallelujah. Oh, you took away my So, hallelujah. Oh, you took away my So, hallelujah. Oh, you took away my sins. Cuz you took [music] away my sle. [music] I'll never be the same. [music] I'll never be the same. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. [music] Hallelujah. Here I come. [music] Hallelujah. Here I come. [music] Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. That's what Here I come. Hallelujah. That's what Here I come. Hallelujah. That's what they say in the Hallelujah. Hallelujah. they say in the Hallelujah. Hallelujah. they say in the Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. [music] Oh, we praise the Lord.

[music] [music] Jesus, you are the God who saves and we Jesus, you are the God who saves and we Jesus, you are the God who saves and we give you glory in this place. You're so give you glory in this place. You're so give you glory in this place. You're so worthy, Lord. [music] Hallelujah. worthy, Lord. [music] Hallelujah. worthy, Lord. [music] Hallelujah. Listen. Holly, hallelujah. [music] Listen. Holly, hallelujah. [music] Listen. Holly, hallelujah. [music] Halle, holly, hallelujah. Halle, holly, hallelujah. Halle, holly, hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. [music] I've been washed in the water. Washed I've been washed in the water. Washed [music] in the blood. I'm as good as [music] in the blood. I'm as good as [music] in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed new. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed new. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed [music] in the water. Washed in the [music] in the water. Washed in the [music] in the water. Washed in the blood because of you. Oh, [music] blood because of you. Oh, [music] blood because of you. Oh, [music] hallelujah. Jesus, [music] we thank you for your Jesus, [music] we thank you for your sacrifice that your blood washes us sacrifice that your blood washes us sacrifice that your blood washes us clean, that it makes us new. You are clean, that it makes us new. You are clean, that it makes us new. You are worthy of our praise. [music] [music] Everything changed.

Everything changed. Everything changed. It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person [music and singing] I was the person [music and singing] I was the person [music and singing] I was before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't [singing] walk like I used to. [music] [singing] walk like I used to. [music] [singing] walk like I used to. [music] I don't talk like I used to. I've been I don't talk like I used to. I've been I don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from the inside. washed from the inside. washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] I [music] know it was the blood. Could I [music] know it was the blood. Could I [music] know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. have only been the blood. have only been the blood. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] I know it was the [singing] [music] I know it was the [singing] [music] I know it was the [singing] blood. Could have only been. Praise you, Lord. [music] Praise you, Lord. [music] Thank you for your love. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your love. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] >> I cannot [music] explain >> I cannot [music] explain but nothing's more real but nothing's more real but nothing's more real than [music] the presence of God.

than [music] the presence of God. than [music] the presence of God. Oh, when my heart experienced [music] Oh, when my heart experienced [music] Oh, when my heart experienced [music] when my shame hit the wayside when my shame hit the wayside when my shame hit the wayside and my sin met [music] the most high. and my sin met [music] the most high. and my sin met [music] the most high. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. [singing] [singing] [singing] I'll be watch [music] I'll be watch [music] I'll be watch [music] from. from. from. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. I know [music] you I know [music] you know you [music] [music] thank you for your love. thank you for your love. thank you for your love. Jesus Jesus Jesus [music] [music] [music] because it washes us clean. because it washes us clean. because it washes us clean. It makes us new. [music] It makes us new. [music] It makes us new. [music] Thank you for the blood Jesus.

Thank you for the blood Jesus. Thank you for the blood Jesus. >> [music] >> performance >> performance perfection. [music] Striving for perfection. [music] Striving for perfection. [music] Striving for acceptance in telling it's only [music] acceptance in telling it's only [music] acceptance in telling it's only [music] by the blood. by the blood. by the blood. It's never been about deserve. It's never been about deserve. It's never been about deserve. It's a gift [music] that's free to give. It's a gift [music] that's free to give. It's a gift [music] that's free to give. Tell you it's only [music] by the blood. Tell you it's only [music] by the blood. Tell you it's only [music] by the blood. Does anybody want to be holy and Does anybody want to be holy and Does anybody want to be holy and rightous? rightous? rightous? [music] Thank you so [music]

Thank you so [music] Jesus have your glory. Oh [singing] h Oh [singing] h Jesus [music] this is all about you Jesus [music] this is all about you Jesus [music] this is all about you Lord. Oh h the Lord of heaven. Lord. Oh h the Lord of heaven. Lord. Oh h the Lord of heaven. [music] [music] [music] Oh Oh Oh Jesus. [music] Oh [music] Oh the the the hell Jesus. hell Jesus. hell Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus the Lord. Oh h [music] the Lord. Oh h [music] the Lord. Oh h [music] Lord of heaven. Lord of heaven. Lord of heaven. [music] [music] [music] Oh h Oh h Oh h Jesus Jesus Jesus my savior. [music] my savior. [music] my savior. [music] Oh hior Oh hior Oh hior of the world. [music] Oh Jesus get your [music] glory Lord.

Oh Jesus get your [music] glory Lord. You're worthy of it. Every knee bowing You're worthy of it. Every knee bowing You're worthy of it. Every knee bowing every tongue confessing [music] every tongue confessing [music] every tongue confessing [music] every every every knee knee knee bow before the king of kings [music] bow before the king of kings [music] bow before the king of kings [music] every every every time Worthy [music] is the lamb who was Worthy [music] is the lamb who was slain. He's holy. slain. He's holy. slain. He's holy. [music] Yes, you are, Jesus. Yes, you are. Yes, you are, Jesus. Yes, you are. [music] Hey, why don't you remain standing Hey, why don't you remain standing Summit Church at all of our campuses and Summit Church at all of our campuses and Summit Church at all of our campuses and pray with me. [music] Father, what a pray with me. [music] Father, what a pray with me. [music] Father, what a privilege, what a privilege it is to be privilege, what a privilege it is to be privilege, what a privilege it is to be called your sons and your daughters called your sons and your daughters called your sons and your daughters and to be able to rejoice in eternal and to be able to rejoice in eternal and to be able to rejoice in eternal life that is given [music] to us, God.

life that is given [music] to us, God. life that is given [music] to us, God. What an incredible gift, the greatest What an incredible gift, the greatest What an incredible gift, the greatest gift of all, the forgiveness of sins and gift of all, the forgiveness of sins and gift of all, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. the promise of eternal life. the promise of eternal life. God, thank you that we've had a chance God, thank you that we've had a chance God, thank you that we've had a chance to celebrate that not just in our own to celebrate that not just in our own to celebrate that not just in our own lives, but in the lives of our children, lives, but in the lives of our children, lives, but in the lives of our children, our students, neighbors, friends. God, our students, neighbors, friends. God, our students, neighbors, friends. God, we pray that that you would enable them we pray that that you would enable them we pray that that you would enable them to God, go on to to God, go on to to God, go on to impact others around them in their impact others around them in their impact others around them in their schools and in our community with this. schools and in our community with this. schools and in our community with this. God, we come now to that portion of our God, we come now to that portion of our God, we come now to that portion of our service where we posture ourselves service where we posture ourselves service where we posture ourselves before your word. And God, these are before your word. And God, these are before your word. And God, these are eternal words. These are words of life, eternal words. These are words of life, eternal words. These are words of life, which means they're not words that I which means they're not words that I which means they're not words that I have the ability to explain and to apply have the ability to explain and to apply have the ability to explain and to apply and to to to make sense. They're things and to to to make sense. They're things and to to to make sense. They're things that only you can do. So, I pray that that only you can do. So, I pray that that only you can do. So, I pray that many here would have that experience many here would have that experience many here would have that experience where they would say, "What David said where they would say, "What David said where they would say, "What David said in the book of the law, it was written in the book of the law, it was written in the book of the law, it was written of me." of me." of me." That God, they would hear your voice, That God, they would hear your voice, That God, they would hear your voice, maybe for the first time or recognize it maybe for the first time or recognize it maybe for the first time or recognize it for the first time as the voice of their for the first time as the voice of their for the first time as the voice of their creator. God, be merciful to us. Fill creator. God, be merciful to us. Fill creator. God, be merciful to us. Fill us. God, give to us what you want to us. God, give to us what you want to us. God, give to us what you want to give to us and that is a revelation of give to us and that is a revelation of give to us and that is a revelation of yourself. We pray that God in Jesus yourself. We pray that God in Jesus yourself. We pray that God in Jesus name. In Jesus name, if you agree with name. In Jesus name, if you agree with name. In Jesus name, if you agree with that, would you say amen?

that, would you say amen? that, would you say amen? >> Amen. Amen. Listen, if you would just >> Amen. Amen. Listen, if you would just >> Amen. Amen. Listen, if you would just remain standing here for just a moment remain standing here for just a moment remain standing here for just a moment um at all of our locations there. Um I um at all of our locations there. Um I um at all of our locations there. Um I know that over the last couple of weeks, know that over the last couple of weeks, know that over the last couple of weeks, some of you have been looking around some of you have been looking around some of you have been looking around [music] [music] [music] um at our campuses and feeling like um at our campuses and feeling like um at our campuses and feeling like feeling like everything suddenly got a feeling like everything suddenly got a feeling like everything suddenly got a lot more cramped. Uh that is because our lot more cramped. Uh that is because our lot more cramped. Uh that is because our college students have returned back from college students have returned back from college students have returned back from their summer break. And so Summit Church their summer break. And so Summit Church their summer break. And so Summit Church at all of our campuses, would you really at all of our campuses, would you really at all of our campuses, would you really put your hands together and welcome back put your hands together and welcome back put your hands together and welcome back all of our students? [applause] And let me u let me just say to all of And let me u let me just say to all of you students that you guys are a very you students that you guys are a very you students that you guys are a very important part of our church and we important part of our church and we important part of our church and we definitely miss you when you are gone. definitely miss you when you are gone. definitely miss you when you are gone. We are a different church without you We are a different church without you We are a different church without you here. Uh by the way, if you are a here. Uh by the way, if you are a here. Uh by the way, if you are a student, um the most important thing student, um the most important thing student, um the most important thing that you can do is [music] get that you can do is [music] get that you can do is [music] get connected. Uh church we always say is connected. Uh church we always say is connected. Uh church we always say is not an event you attend. church is a not an event you attend. church is a not an event you attend. church is a community, a family that you belong to. community, a family that you belong to. community, a family that you belong to. So if you are a college student [music] So if you are a college student [music] So if you are a college student [music] or you are in the general age bracket of or you are in the general age bracket of or you are in the general age bracket of college students, I'll let you be in the college students, I'll let you be in the college students, I'll let you be in the honor system. I want you to know um if honor system. I want you to know um if honor system. I want you to know um if you want to know more about how to get you want to know more about how to get you want to know more about how to get connected, I want you to text the word connected, I want you to text the word connected, I want you to text the word college and hopefully you know how to college and hopefully you know how to college and hopefully you know how to spell that by now, but 33933. Text the spell that by now, but 33933. Text the spell that by now, but 33933. Text the word college at 33933 and we'll tell you word college at 33933 and we'll tell you word college at 33933 and we'll tell you um what that connection is like. Okay?

um what that connection is like. Okay? um what that connection is like. Okay? All right. Remain standing for just a All right. Remain standing for just a All right. Remain standing for just a moment because we're going to read moment because we're going to read moment because we're going to read scripture together. If you have your scripture together. If you have your scripture together. If you have your Bible and you want to open into the book Bible and you want to open into the book Bible and you want to open into the book of Ecclesiastes, then certainly feel of Ecclesiastes, then certainly feel of Ecclesiastes, then certainly feel free to do that. But if you would remain free to do that. But if you would remain free to do that. But if you would remain standing uh for the reading of God's standing uh for the reading of God's standing uh for the reading of God's word, okay? And by the way, if you would word, okay? And by the way, if you would word, okay? And by the way, if you would just look to your left and your right, just look to your left and your right, just look to your left and your right, if there is an open seat, it would if there is an open seat, it would if there is an open seat, it would really help us if you would kind of fill really help us if you would kind of fill really help us if you would kind of fill those seats. That way, people that show those seats. That way, people that show those seats. That way, people that show up 30, 45 minutes late, uh they will up 30, 45 minutes late, uh they will up 30, 45 minutes late, uh they will have a place to sit. So, um here we go. have a place to sit. So, um here we go. have a place to sit. So, um here we go. Here we go. Ecclesiastes Here we go. Ecclesiastes Here we go. Ecclesiastes 1 verse one. You listen as I read the 1 verse one. You listen as I read the 1 verse one. You listen as I read the first 11 verses. first 11 verses. first 11 verses. The words of the preacher, the son of The words of the preacher, the son of The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, all is vanities, says the preacher, all is vanities, says the preacher, all is vanity. What does a man gain by all the vanity. What does a man gain by all the vanity. What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A toil at which he toils under the sun? A toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation comes and a generation, a generation comes and a generation, a generation comes and a generation, a generation goes, and a generation comes, generation goes, and a generation comes, generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun but the earth remains forever. The sun but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens to the place where it's risen from. The to the place where it's risen from. The to the place where it's risen from. The wind blows to the south, then goes wind blows to the south, then goes wind blows to the south, then goes around to the north, around and around around to the north, around and around around to the north, around and around goes to the wind, and on its circuits goes to the wind, and on its circuits goes to the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the the wind returns. All streams run to the the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full. So the sea, but the sea is not full. So the sea, but the sea is not full. So the place where the streams flow, to there place where the streams flow, to there place where the streams flow, to there they flow again. All things are full of they flow again. All things are full of they flow again. All things are full of weariness. A man cannot utter it. The weariness. A man cannot utter it. The weariness. A man cannot utter it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has the ear filled with hearing. What has the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been been is what will be, and what has been been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is done is what will be done, and there is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a nothing new under the sun. Is there a nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is thing of which it is said, "See, this is thing of which it is said, "See, this is new. It's already been in the ages new. It's already been in the ages new. It's already been in the ages before us." There is no remembrance of

before us." There is no remembrance of before us." There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. This is the among those who come after. This is the among those who come after. This is the word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. Ecclesiastes is one of the most Ecclesiastes is one of the most confusing books in the entire Bible. I confusing books in the entire Bible. I confusing books in the entire Bible. I know some of you might say, "Well, know some of you might say, "Well, know some of you might say, "Well, pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing to me." And that is okay because what we to me." And that is okay because what we to me." And that is okay because what we try to do each week in here is break it try to do each week in here is break it try to do each week in here is break it down to make it really simple. But the down to make it really simple. But the down to make it really simple. But the book of Ecclesiastes is especially book of Ecclesiastes is especially book of Ecclesiastes is especially confusing even for more experienced confusing even for more experienced confusing even for more experienced Bible readers. And that is in part Bible readers. And that is in part Bible readers. And that is in part because it's got a lot of strange verses because it's got a lot of strange verses because it's got a lot of strange verses in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16. in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16. in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16. Be not overly righteous and do not make Be not overly righteous and do not make Be not overly righteous and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourselves out? In other words, back it yourselves out? In other words, back it yourselves out? In other words, back it down, Bible banger. You're getting into down, Bible banger. You're getting into down, Bible banger. You're getting into this wisdom and Bible study thing a this wisdom and Bible study thing a this wisdom and Bible study thing a little bit too much. How about this one?

little bit too much. How about this one? little bit too much. How about this one? Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life happy and money is the answer for happy and money is the answer for happy and money is the answer for everything. And all God's people said, everything. And all God's people said, everything. And all God's people said, "What?" "What?" "What?" Plus, we find in Ecclesiastes just some Plus, we find in Ecclesiastes just some Plus, we find in Ecclesiastes just some really odd random advice like really odd random advice like really odd random advice like Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes with a splash of cologne." Granted, I with a splash of cologne." Granted, I with a splash of cologne." Granted, I know some single guys who could really know some single guys who could really know some single guys who could really benefit from that verse. But is that benefit from that verse. But is that benefit from that verse. But is that important enough to include in your important enough to include in your important enough to include in your Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes 4:11, my favorite. If two lie together 4:11, my favorite. If two lie together 4:11, my favorite. If two lie together or they keep warm, how can one keep warm or they keep warm, how can one keep warm or they keep warm, how can one keep warm alone? The writer is saying that it's alone? The writer is saying that it's alone? The writer is saying that it's always better to travel with a friend always better to travel with a friend always better to travel with a friend because that way if it gets cold, you'll because that way if it gets cold, you'll because that way if it gets cold, you'll have somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if have somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if have somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if nothing else in this series, I'm praying nothing else in this series, I'm praying nothing else in this series, I'm praying I never have to apply that verse. My I never have to apply that verse. My I never have to apply that verse. My friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind of Bible book that you would hear read of Bible book that you would hear read of Bible book that you would hear read on positive, encouraging Caleb. It feels on positive, encouraging Caleb. It feels on positive, encouraging Caleb. It feels like it was written on a Monday morning like it was written on a Monday morning like it was written on a Monday morning by somebody who hadn't had their coffee by somebody who hadn't had their coffee by somebody who hadn't had their coffee yet. And yet, and yet this is a book yet. And yet, and yet this is a book yet. And yet, and yet this is a book that gets at the core questions of life.

that gets at the core questions of life. that gets at the core questions of life. I know a lot of people who feel like I know a lot of people who feel like I know a lot of people who feel like Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible book where they feel the most seen. In book where they feel the most seen. In book where they feel the most seen. In this book, you're going to see a man this book, you're going to see a man this book, you're going to see a man wrestle with unanswered questions. wrestle with unanswered questions. wrestle with unanswered questions. You're going to see him wrestle with You're going to see him wrestle with You're going to see him wrestle with disappointments in his life, disappointments in his life, disappointments in his life, frustrations over why things have not frustrations over why things have not frustrations over why things have not turned out the way that he thought they turned out the way that he thought they turned out the way that he thought they were going to, the way they were were going to, the way they were were going to, the way they were supposed to. And this writer is going to supposed to. And this writer is going to supposed to. And this writer is going to show no tolerance for simplistic pat show no tolerance for simplistic pat show no tolerance for simplistic pat answers that people give to those kinds answers that people give to those kinds answers that people give to those kinds of questions. Even religious versions of of questions. Even religious versions of of questions. Even religious versions of those question of those answers, he's those question of those answers, he's those question of those answers, he's just going to brush them aside. Earlier just going to brush them aside. Earlier just going to brush them aside. Earlier this year, I read through the book of this year, I read through the book of this year, I read through the book of Ecclesiastes several times, and I Ecclesiastes several times, and I Ecclesiastes several times, and I thought it so perfectly captured some of thought it so perfectly captured some of thought it so perfectly captured some of the struggles that I was having as a the struggles that I was having as a the struggles that I was having as a middle-aged man. Some of the questions I middle-aged man. Some of the questions I middle-aged man. Some of the questions I found myself asking that I knew I wanted found myself asking that I knew I wanted found myself asking that I knew I wanted to take you through it. So, maybe think to take you through it. So, maybe think to take you through it. So, maybe think of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh although, can we say I'm still although, can we say I'm still although, can we say I'm still middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it that I'm going to live till I'm 106, that I'm going to live till I'm 106, that I'm going to live till I'm 106, which doesn't feel quite right. So, I which doesn't feel quite right. So, I which doesn't feel quite right. So, I know I'm not a young adult. At least know I'm not a young adult. At least know I'm not a young adult. At least I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask this question. Who is the author of this question. Who is the author of this question. Who is the author of Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The words of the preacher, the son of David, words of the preacher, the son of David, words of the preacher, the son of David, the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian and Jewish interpreters have and Jewish interpreters have and Jewish interpreters have traditionally understood this to be traditionally understood this to be traditionally understood this to be solid. Solomon was, of course, the son solid. Solomon was, of course, the son solid. Solomon was, of course, the son of David. He was the king in Jerusalem.

of David. He was the king in Jerusalem. of David. He was the king in Jerusalem. And what the author is going to disclose And what the author is going to disclose And what the author is going to disclose about his life in this book certainly about his life in this book certainly about his life in this book certainly fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this was a book written about Solomon, not by was a book written about Solomon, not by was a book written about Solomon, not by Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon himself wrote it. But the most important himself wrote it. But the most important himself wrote it. But the most important thing to understand hear this is that thing to understand hear this is that thing to understand hear this is that there are at two different voices in the there are at two different voices in the there are at two different voices in the book of Ecclesiastes. There's two book of Ecclesiastes. There's two book of Ecclesiastes. There's two voices. One is the voice of this voices. One is the voice of this voices. One is the voice of this preacher preacher preacher whose observations make up the majority whose observations make up the majority whose observations make up the majority of the book. The author muses, the of the book. The author muses, the of the book. The author muses, the preacher amuses about the absurdity of preacher amuses about the absurdity of preacher amuses about the absurdity of life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a stand-up comic. He looks at life square stand-up comic. He looks at life square stand-up comic. He looks at life square on and says, "Have you ever noticed how on and says, "Have you ever noticed how on and says, "Have you ever noticed how crazy all this is?" And he makes these crazy all this is?" And he makes these crazy all this is?" And he makes these little off-the- cuff comments that that little off-the- cuff comments that that little off-the- cuff comments that that poke fun at the absurdity of life. poke fun at the absurdity of life. poke fun at the absurdity of life. What's the deal with peanuts on What's the deal with peanuts on What's the deal with peanuts on airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other voice is that of a narrator who voice is that of a narrator who voice is that of a narrator who introduces the preacher at the beginning introduces the preacher at the beginning introduces the preacher at the beginning and then he steps off stage and then and then he steps off stage and then and then he steps off stage and then he's going to step back on stage at key he's going to step back on stage at key he's going to step back on stage at key moments, especially in the conclusion to moments, especially in the conclusion to moments, especially in the conclusion to help us make sense of what we've just help us make sense of what we've just help us make sense of what we've just heard the preacher say. In fact, think heard the preacher say. In fact, think heard the preacher say. In fact, think of it like a stage play where the of it like a stage play where the of it like a stage play where the preacher stands off to one side preacher stands off to one side preacher stands off to one side wrestling aloud with the hardest wrestling aloud with the hardest wrestling aloud with the hardest questions of life. And then at key questions of life. And then at key questions of life. And then at key moments, the narrator on the other side moments, the narrator on the other side moments, the narrator on the other side steps forward, not to argue with him, steps forward, not to argue with him, steps forward, not to argue with him, but to help us interpret what we're but to help us interpret what we're but to help us interpret what we're hearing from him, saying things like, hearing from him, saying things like, hearing from him, saying things like, "Now, does that make sense?" Or, "If "Now, does that make sense?" Or, "If "Now, does that make sense?" Or, "If what he says is true, that raises this what he says is true, that raises this what he says is true, that raises this question." This was actually a very

question." This was actually a very question." This was actually a very common literary device back then called common literary device back then called common literary device back then called Aadian biography where the author Aadian biography where the author Aadian biography where the author recounted a story from the perspective recounted a story from the perspective recounted a story from the perspective of one character and then from time to of one character and then from time to of one character and then from time to time would step out of character to time would step out of character to time would step out of character to interpret the story. This was kind of interpret the story. This was kind of interpret the story. This was kind of how they did stage play. Sometimes it how they did stage play. Sometimes it how they did stage play. Sometimes it was a oneman show and he's playing was a oneman show and he's playing was a oneman show and he's playing different characters. Verse two different characters. Verse two different characters. Verse two introduces the theme of the book. All is introduces the theme of the book. All is introduces the theme of the book. All is vanity. This word vanity is going to vanity. This word vanity is going to vanity. This word vanity is going to appear 38 different times throughout the appear 38 different times throughout the appear 38 different times throughout the book. Now, vanity is the word that I am book. Now, vanity is the word that I am book. Now, vanity is the word that I am using because it is the word that the using because it is the word that the using because it is the word that the ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which is the translation I'm using. That's the is the translation I'm using. That's the is the translation I'm using. That's the way it translates this word. But it's way it translates this word. But it's way it translates this word. But it's actually a very hard word to translate actually a very hard word to translate actually a very hard word to translate from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word he and it literally it literally means he and it literally it literally means he and it literally it literally means vapor or smoke. Some translations render vapor or smoke. Some translations render vapor or smoke. Some translations render this word meaningless or feudile. And this word meaningless or feudile. And this word meaningless or feudile. And scholars say it means a little bit of scholars say it means a little bit of scholars say it means a little bit of all those. means vanity, it means all those. means vanity, it means all those. means vanity, it means feudal, it means meaningless. But it's feudal, it means meaningless. But it's feudal, it means meaningless. But it's not fully captured by any of them. not fully captured by any of them. not fully captured by any of them. Probably the best way to grasp the Probably the best way to grasp the Probably the best way to grasp the meaning they say is to consider the word meaning they say is to consider the word meaning they say is to consider the word picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of a cloud.

a cloud. a cloud. You know how when you were a kid, the You know how when you were a kid, the You know how when you were a kid, the clouds look like these gigantic comfy clouds look like these gigantic comfy clouds look like these gigantic comfy pillows that you could just bounce pillows that you could just bounce pillows that you could just bounce around on or curl up in? I remember as a around on or curl up in? I remember as a around on or curl up in? I remember as a kid on my first airplane flight, I think kid on my first airplane flight, I think kid on my first airplane flight, I think I was about 8 years old. I remember how I was about 8 years old. I remember how I was about 8 years old. I remember how disappointed I was when we passed disappointed I was when we passed disappointed I was when we passed through the clouds and you could see through the clouds and you could see through the clouds and you could see that there's really nothing substantive that there's really nothing substantive that there's really nothing substantive to even the fullest looking clouds. You to even the fullest looking clouds. You to even the fullest looking clouds. You pass right through them like they're not pass right through them like they're not pass right through them like they're not even there. In fact, how many of you even there. In fact, how many of you even there. In fact, how many of you have ever skydived before? Raise your have ever skydived before? Raise your have ever skydived before? Raise your hand. Is that the past tense of that hand. Is that the past tense of that hand. Is that the past tense of that word? Sky do skydiving? I don't know. Um word? Sky do skydiving? I don't know. Um word? Sky do skydiving? I don't know. Um I promised each of my kids that when I promised each of my kids that when I promised each of my kids that when they turn 18, if they want to go they turn 18, if they want to go they turn 18, if they want to go skydiving, I will take them. My most skydiving, I will take them. My most skydiving, I will take them. My most recent, some of you saw me post about recent, some of you saw me post about recent, some of you saw me post about this was Rya. Um, this is the look of this was Rya. Um, this is the look of this was Rya. Um, this is the look of sheer delight on her face and this is sheer delight on her face and this is sheer delight on her face and this is the look of delight on my face when we the look of delight on my face when we the look of delight on my face when we were both safely back on the ground. Uh, were both safely back on the ground. Uh, were both safely back on the ground. Uh, that is mainly because my wife said if I that is mainly because my wife said if I that is mainly because my wife said if I heard our daughter skydiving, if I died heard our daughter skydiving, if I died heard our daughter skydiving, if I died skydiving, she would resurrect me and skydiving, she would resurrect me and skydiving, she would resurrect me and kill me again if if we heard those. So, kill me again if if we heard those. So, kill me again if if we heard those. So, uh, I was relieved. But the best part of uh, I was relieved. But the best part of uh, I was relieved. But the best part of skydiving, I think, is you get to pass skydiving, I think, is you get to pass skydiving, I think, is you get to pass through a small cloud. They look so through a small cloud. They look so through a small cloud. They look so solid and so substantive from the solid and so substantive from the solid and so substantive from the outside, but when you go through them, outside, but when you go through them, outside, but when you go through them, you realize there is nothing in them to you realize there is nothing in them to you realize there is nothing in them to grasp. They're real. You can see them.

grasp. They're real. You can see them. grasp. They're real. You can see them. You can feel them. They provide rain. You can feel them. They provide rain. You can feel them. They provide rain. They provide shade. But they have no They provide shade. But they have no They provide shade. But they have no substance for you to rest on. They're substance for you to rest on. They're substance for you to rest on. They're they're transient. You there's nothing they're transient. You there's nothing they're transient. You there's nothing to grasp. They're elusive. They're he to grasp. They're elusive. They're he to grasp. They're elusive. They're he that is what every pleasure and every that is what every pleasure and every that is what every pleasure and every pursuit on earth becomes when you try to pursuit on earth becomes when you try to pursuit on earth becomes when you try to build your life on them. Solomon says, build your life on them. Solomon says, build your life on them. Solomon says, one scholar says the best translation of one scholar says the best translation of one scholar says the best translation of he is absurd. Life has a quality for all he is absurd. Life has a quality for all he is absurd. Life has a quality for all of us whether we are Christians or not. of us whether we are Christians or not. of us whether we are Christians or not. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. By the way, it's very important to note By the way, it's very important to note By the way, it's very important to note that this book Ecclesiastes that this book Ecclesiastes that this book Ecclesiastes comes right after the book of Proverbs comes right after the book of Proverbs comes right after the book of Proverbs in your Bible. And that placement is in your Bible. And that placement is in your Bible. And that placement is intentional. You see, both Proverbs and intentional. You see, both Proverbs and intentional. You see, both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are part of what we call Ecclesiastes are part of what we call Ecclesiastes are part of what we call the wisdom literature of the Bible, the wisdom literature of the Bible, the wisdom literature of the Bible, which is basically a a section of books which is basically a a section of books which is basically a a section of books that contain reflections about what life that contain reflections about what life that contain reflections about what life is and how it works. is and how it works. is and how it works. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on opposite sides of a divine tension. You opposite sides of a divine tension. You opposite sides of a divine tension. You see, Proverbs lays out for us these see, Proverbs lays out for us these see, Proverbs lays out for us these principles and says, if you live these principles and says, if you live these principles and says, if you live these ways, here's generally how your life is ways, here's generally how your life is ways, here's generally how your life is going to go. For example, Proverbs 3:9 going to go. For example, Proverbs 3:9 going to go. For example, Proverbs 3:9 and 10, honor God with the first fruits and 10, honor God with the first fruits and 10, honor God with the first fruits of your wealth. In other words, tithe.

of your wealth. In other words, tithe. of your wealth. In other words, tithe. Put God first in your finances. If you Put God first in your finances. If you Put God first in your finances. If you do, your barns will overflow with plenty do, your barns will overflow with plenty do, your barns will overflow with plenty and your vats will burst with new wine. and your vats will burst with new wine. and your vats will burst with new wine. Or this one. Some of you have heard this Or this one. Some of you have heard this Or this one. Some of you have heard this one. Proverbs 22:6, train up a child in one. Proverbs 22:6, train up a child in one. Proverbs 22:6, train up a child in the way that he should go, even when he the way that he should go, even when he the way that he should go, even when he is old, then he will not depart from it. is old, then he will not depart from it. is old, then he will not depart from it. Now, question, are those true? Now, question, are those true? Now, question, are those true? Yes, generally they are true. But are Yes, generally they are true. But are Yes, generally they are true. But are they ironclad guarantees? they ironclad guarantees? they ironclad guarantees? No. You see, some of us have done No. You see, some of us have done No. You see, some of us have done exactly what Proverbs said in one of exactly what Proverbs said in one of exactly what Proverbs said in one of these verses, and the opposite happened. these verses, and the opposite happened. these verses, and the opposite happened. Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, but then the market crashed. Or you ran but then the market crashed. Or you ran but then the market crashed. Or you ran your business with integrity, but it your business with integrity, but it your business with integrity, but it still failed. or you raised your still failed. or you raised your still failed. or you raised your children to know the Lord. You were children to know the Lord. You were children to know the Lord. You were faithful in church. You were a good faithful in church. You were a good faithful in church. You were a good example to them. Yet, one of them or example to them. Yet, one of them or example to them. Yet, one of them or maybe several of them still walked away. maybe several of them still walked away. maybe several of them still walked away. I remember Crawford Lorent who who is I remember Crawford Lorent who who is I remember Crawford Lorent who who is Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in this stage and said, "Raise your kids this stage and said, "Raise your kids this stage and said, "Raise your kids and you can spoil your grandkids. and you can spoil your grandkids. and you can spoil your grandkids. Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise your grandkids."

your grandkids." your grandkids." Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and it's generally true. But I know faithful it's generally true. But I know faithful it's generally true. But I know faithful parents who did everything they could parents who did everything they could parents who did everything they could and one or more of their children still and one or more of their children still and one or more of their children still chose the wrong path. That does not mean chose the wrong path. That does not mean chose the wrong path. That does not mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean that the book of Proverbs is not true. that the book of Proverbs is not true. that the book of Proverbs is not true. This book after all is called Proverbs, This book after all is called Proverbs, This book after all is called Proverbs, not promises. not promises. not promises. Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God laid out his world to work. And it laid out his world to work. And it laid out his world to work. And it generally does work that way. But see, generally does work that way. But see, generally does work that way. But see, we also now live in a world under the we also now live in a world under the we also now live in a world under the curse of sin. a world that is now curse of sin. a world that is now curse of sin. a world that is now subject to futility. subject to futility. subject to futility. By the way, that that reason I'm quoting By the way, that that reason I'm quoting By the way, that that reason I'm quoting that is that's the way Paul in Romans that is that's the way Paul in Romans that is that's the way Paul in Romans 8:20 describes the world we live in now. 8:20 describes the world we live in now. 8:20 describes the world we live in now. The world Paul says that is under the The world Paul says that is under the The world Paul says that is under the curse of sin, he describes that world as curse of sin, he describes that world as curse of sin, he describes that world as subject to futility. And get this, the subject to futility. And get this, the subject to futility. And get this, the word that he uses for futility is the word that he uses for futility is the word that he uses for futility is the word he at least. It's the Greek version word he at least. It's the Greek version word he at least. It's the Greek version of that word. Life under the sun is of that word. Life under the sun is of that word. Life under the sun is broken. Wisdom is still wisdom and broken. Wisdom is still wisdom and broken. Wisdom is still wisdom and wisdom still works, but there is wisdom still works, but there is wisdom still works, but there is definitely a glitch in the system.

definitely a glitch in the system. definitely a glitch in the system. Haven't you experienced that? Some of Haven't you experienced that? Some of Haven't you experienced that? Some of you have. I know you have. And you you have. I know you have. And you you have. I know you have. And you haven't really known that you could talk haven't really known that you could talk haven't really known that you could talk about it in church, right? You're like, about it in church, right? You're like, about it in church, right? You're like, I feel like this is part of the dirty I feel like this is part of the dirty I feel like this is part of the dirty secret nobody's supposed to talk about secret nobody's supposed to talk about secret nobody's supposed to talk about and it harshes everybody's vibe. So, we and it harshes everybody's vibe. So, we and it harshes everybody's vibe. So, we just don't talk about these things. So, just don't talk about these things. So, just don't talk about these things. So, I'm going to talk about it for you. I'm going to talk about it for you. I'm going to talk about it for you. Okay? You did everything the right way Okay? You did everything the right way Okay? You did everything the right way and something still fell apart. and something still fell apart. and something still fell apart. One of my worst college jobs, and I had One of my worst college jobs, and I had One of my worst college jobs, and I had some bad ones, but one of my worst some bad ones, but one of my worst some bad ones, but one of my worst college jobs was standing outside a college jobs was standing outside a college jobs was standing outside a department store at the Crabtree Valley department store at the Crabtree Valley department store at the Crabtree Valley Mall trying to get people to sign up for Mall trying to get people to sign up for Mall trying to get people to sign up for credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. I actually did pretty well. And for the I actually did pretty well. And for the I actually did pretty well. And for the first couple of weeks, I was the top first couple of weeks, I was the top first couple of weeks, I was the top performer. I mean, how could you say no performer. I mean, how could you say no performer. I mean, how could you say no to this guy? Honestly, right? How could to this guy? Honestly, right? How could to this guy? Honestly, right? How could you say no to that guy? My boss even you say no to that guy? My boss even you say no to that guy? My boss even gave me a bonus. Called me in for a gave me a bonus. Called me in for a gave me a bonus. Called me in for a couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then another week after that, he calls a another week after that, he calls a another week after that, he calls a little meeting and tells all of us, all little meeting and tells all of us, all little meeting and tells all of us, all of us credit card pushers, that he wants of us credit card pushers, that he wants of us credit card pushers, that he wants us to start slipping in this really us to start slipping in this really us to start slipping in this really expensive insurance program, getting expensive insurance program, getting expensive insurance program, getting people to sign up for it without people to sign up for it without people to sign up for it without explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell them the initial here, here, here, and them the initial here, here, here, and them the initial here, here, here, and here, and most people won't ask any here, and most people won't ask any here, and most people won't ask any questions."

questions." questions." It was a really bad program, and it cost It was a really bad program, and it cost It was a really bad program, and it cost money. I was like, "I don't really feel money. I was like, "I don't really feel money. I was like, "I don't really feel like I can do that because that doesn't like I can do that because that doesn't like I can do that because that doesn't feel right." So, on each of the feel right." So, on each of the feel right." So, on each of the applications, I would explain the applications, I would explain the applications, I would explain the insurance program as honestly as I insurance program as honestly as I insurance program as honestly as I could. And of course, almost everybody could. And of course, almost everybody could. And of course, almost everybody declined it as they should have. My boss declined it as they should have. My boss declined it as they should have. My boss calls me in and he says, "Hey, you're calls me in and he says, "Hey, you're calls me in and he says, "Hey, you're still our top performer, but none of still our top performer, but none of still our top performer, but none of your customers are buying the insurance your customers are buying the insurance your customers are buying the insurance program." And when I tell him the truth program." And when I tell him the truth program." And when I tell him the truth about why he fired me on the spot. End about why he fired me on the spot. End about why he fired me on the spot. End of story. I was jobless over the rest of of story. I was jobless over the rest of of story. I was jobless over the rest of the break. And I thought, whoa, wait a the break. And I thought, whoa, wait a the break. And I thought, whoa, wait a minute. In Proverbs supposed to apply minute. In Proverbs supposed to apply minute. In Proverbs supposed to apply here, doesn't it say that the one who here, doesn't it say that the one who here, doesn't it say that the one who honors God will prosper? And yes, I know honors God will prosper? And yes, I know honors God will prosper? And yes, I know ultimately it will prove true in my ultimately it will prove true in my ultimately it will prove true in my life, especially from the perspective of life, especially from the perspective of life, especially from the perspective of eternity. But see, in this broken world, eternity. But see, in this broken world, eternity. But see, in this broken world, righteousness does not always pay off righteousness does not always pay off righteousness does not always pay off immediately. Some of you have immediately. Some of you have immediately. Some of you have experienced that on a much deeper level experienced that on a much deeper level experienced that on a much deeper level than simply losing a part-time job. Even than simply losing a part-time job. Even than simply losing a part-time job. Even after you did the right thing, after you did the right thing, after you did the right thing, you lost a marriage or a business or you lost a marriage or a business or you lost a marriage or a business or your livelihood or you got kicked out of your livelihood or you got kicked out of your livelihood or you got kicked out of a school or you lost access to your a school or you lost access to your a school or you lost access to your kids.

kids. kids. or you've tried to honor God in your or you've tried to honor God in your or you've tried to honor God in your dating life, but you still haven't dating life, but you still haven't dating life, but you still haven't gotten married. Even though you've gotten married. Even though you've gotten married. Even though you've watched several friends who didn't do it watched several friends who didn't do it watched several friends who didn't do it right, they got married and it's all right, they got married and it's all right, they got married and it's all felt absurd. felt absurd. felt absurd. And you look at it and you say, "What And you look at it and you say, "What And you look at it and you say, "What the hell?" That's where I got the title the hell?" That's where I got the title the hell?" That's where I got the title of this message, right? Is that okay to of this message, right? Is that okay to of this message, right? Is that okay to say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel like that's biblical. In verse three, like that's biblical. In verse three, like that's biblical. In verse three, the narrator the narrator asks the the narrator the narrator asks the the narrator the narrator asks the controlling question for the whole book. controlling question for the whole book. controlling question for the whole book. What does a man gain by all the toil at What does a man gain by all the toil at What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? Life under which he toils under the sun? Life under which he toils under the sun? Life under the sun means life on earth. Now watch the sun means life on earth. Now watch the sun means life on earth. Now watch this. Life not taking into account this. Life not taking into account this. Life not taking into account eternity. That would be life above the eternity. That would be life above the eternity. That would be life above the sun. He's talking about life under the sun. He's talking about life under the sun. He's talking about life under the curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a life characterized life characterized life characterized by heaven. He asked, "What gain is there by heaven. He asked, "What gain is there by heaven. He asked, "What gain is there to be had here under the sun?" And to be had here under the sun?" And to be had here under the sun?" And here's the key. He is going to seek to here's the key. He is going to seek to here's the key. He is going to seek to answer that question in Ecclesiastes answer that question in Ecclesiastes answer that question in Ecclesiastes using only criteria from under the sun.

using only criteria from under the sun. using only criteria from under the sun. In other words, life without factoring In other words, life without factoring In other words, life without factoring in God or eternity. How can somebody in God or eternity. How can somebody in God or eternity. How can somebody find meaning? How can they find how can find meaning? How can they find how can find meaning? How can they find how can they gain permanence, meaning, they gain permanence, meaning, they gain permanence, meaning, satisfaction in this life under the sun? satisfaction in this life under the sun? satisfaction in this life under the sun? And then the preacher is going to set And then the preacher is going to set And then the preacher is going to set his sights on the most common answers we his sights on the most common answers we his sights on the most common answers we give to that question and disabuse us of give to that question and disabuse us of give to that question and disabuse us of them. Following the lead of Tim Keller, them. Following the lead of Tim Keller, them. Following the lead of Tim Keller, let me identify three of the most common let me identify three of the most common let me identify three of the most common answers people under the sun give to how answers people under the sun give to how answers people under the sun give to how to find meaning in life. I'm going to to find meaning in life. I'm going to to find meaning in life. I'm going to give them to you from the first couple give them to you from the first couple give them to you from the first couple of chapters and then I'm going to show of chapters and then I'm going to show of chapters and then I'm going to show you how the preacher disabuses us of you how the preacher disabuses us of you how the preacher disabuses us of those. Okay. Stock answer number one to those. Okay. Stock answer number one to those. Okay. Stock answer number one to how we find meaning under the sun is how we find meaning under the sun is how we find meaning under the sun is leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other words, I can make my life matter by words, I can make my life matter by words, I can make my life matter by leaving something behind. The academic leaving something behind. The academic leaving something behind. The academic name for this mentality is humanism. And name for this mentality is humanism. And name for this mentality is humanism. And it's the idea that if you leave it's the idea that if you leave it's the idea that if you leave something significant for other humans something significant for other humans something significant for other humans that outlast you and people talk about that outlast you and people talk about that outlast you and people talk about you when you're gone, about how you you when you're gone, about how you you when you're gone, about how you cannot be replaced, well, then your life cannot be replaced, well, then your life cannot be replaced, well, then your life will have meaning. By the way, this is will have meaning. By the way, this is will have meaning. By the way, this is what you always hear brought up at what you always hear brought up at what you always hear brought up at funerals when people talk about how the funerals when people talk about how the funerals when people talk about how the deceased person enriched everybody's deceased person enriched everybody's deceased person enriched everybody's life. They made the world a better life. They made the world a better life. They made the world a better place. They're going to be missed. And place. They're going to be missed. And place. They're going to be missed. And therefore, they did not live in vain.

therefore, they did not live in vain. therefore, they did not live in vain. Their lives had meaning. But here's what Their lives had meaning. But here's what Their lives had meaning. But here's what the author of Ecclesiastes response to the author of Ecclesiastes response to the author of Ecclesiastes response to that is. Again, he's speaking from the that is. Again, he's speaking from the that is. Again, he's speaking from the perspective of as if this world under perspective of as if this world under perspective of as if this world under the sun. Here's all there is. And brace the sun. Here's all there is. And brace the sun. Here's all there is. And brace yourselves. This is brutal. In the yourselves. This is brutal. In the yourselves. This is brutal. In the middle of the funeral, he stands up in middle of the funeral, he stands up in middle of the funeral, he stands up in the back as everybody says all these the back as everybody says all these the back as everybody says all these nice things why this person's life nice things why this person's life nice things why this person's life matters. And he says, "The truth is, matters. And he says, "The truth is, matters. And he says, "The truth is, yeah, there's really no remembrance of yeah, there's really no remembrance of yeah, there's really no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after." In other among those who come after." In other among those who come after." In other words, within a generation or two, very words, within a generation or two, very words, within a generation or two, very few people, if any, will remember that few people, if any, will remember that few people, if any, will remember that you even existed. you even existed. you even existed. Let let me prove it. How many people Let let me prove it. How many people Let let me prove it. How many people here right now could name the first here right now could name the first here right now could name the first names of all of your great-grandparents? names of all of your great-grandparents? names of all of your great-grandparents? I'm talking about your mom and dad's I'm talking about your mom and dad's I'm talking about your mom and dad's grandparents. first names. All eight of grandparents. first names. All eight of grandparents. first names. All eight of them. There would be eight of them. Can them. There would be eight of them. Can them. There would be eight of them. Can you give me all eight names? Anybody? you give me all eight names? Anybody? you give me all eight names? Anybody? Okay, maybe a few. How could you name Okay, maybe a few. How could you name Okay, maybe a few. How could you name one of their parents? Could you tell me one of their parents? Could you tell me one of their parents? Could you tell me the first name of any of your the first name of any of your the first name of any of your grandparents' grandparents? And maybe grandparents' grandparents? And maybe grandparents' grandparents? And maybe there's somebody in here who could do there's somebody in here who could do there's somebody in here who could do that. But I promise you, you could not that. But I promise you, you could not that. But I promise you, you could not go much farther back than that. Right?

go much farther back than that. Right? go much farther back than that. Right? But the point is, it doesn't take long But the point is, it doesn't take long But the point is, it doesn't take long for a person to be forgotten even by for a person to be forgotten even by for a person to be forgotten even by their own family. If you've been around their own family. If you've been around their own family. If you've been around this church for a while, you know that this church for a while, you know that this church for a while, you know that Greer family legend. you know, our my Greer family legend. you know, our my Greer family legend. you know, our my one great great great great great great one great great great great great great one great great great great great great great great great great uncle was Davy great great great great uncle was Davy great great great great uncle was Davy Crockett, but that's the only family Crockett, but that's the only family Crockett, but that's the only family member I know that goes back several member I know that goes back several member I know that goes back several generations. And that's only because generations. And that's only because generations. And that's only because Disney produced a TV series that has no Disney produced a TV series that has no Disney produced a TV series that has no semblance to his actual life. semblance to his actual life. semblance to his actual life. For most of us, what we've done will be For most of us, what we've done will be For most of us, what we've done will be really quickly forgotten, even if it was really quickly forgotten, even if it was really quickly forgotten, even if it was great. I was in London a few years ago great. I was in London a few years ago great. I was in London a few years ago and I wanted to see where the famous and I wanted to see where the famous and I wanted to see where the famous Charles Spurgeon Charles Spurgeon Charles Spurgeon had preached back near the beginning of had preached back near the beginning of had preached back near the beginning of the 20th century. Now, if you don't the 20th century. Now, if you don't the 20th century. Now, if you don't know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the most famous preacher in the world at the most famous preacher in the world at the most famous preacher in the world at the time. His church, the Metropolitan time. His church, the Metropolitan time. His church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, was the largest church in Tabernacle, was the largest church in Tabernacle, was the largest church in the world. So, I did some research and I the world. So, I did some research and I the world. So, I did some research and I figured out that the site of the church figured out that the site of the church figured out that the site of the church was right near where I was staying. So, was right near where I was staying. So, was right near where I was staying. So, I asked my taxi cab driver, who I asked my taxi cab driver, who I asked my taxi cab driver, who literally seemed to know everything literally seemed to know everything literally seemed to know everything there was to know about the city of there was to know about the city of there was to know about the city of London. He'd never heard of Charles London. He'd never heard of Charles London. He'd never heard of Charles Spurgeon. I was like, "Am I just saying Spurgeon. I was like, "Am I just saying Spurgeon. I was like, "Am I just saying it in a weird American accent?" So, I it in a weird American accent?" So, I it in a weird American accent?" So, I tried to get my best British accent, say tried to get my best British accent, say tried to get my best British accent, say Charles Spurgeon. He had no idea who I Charles Spurgeon. He had no idea who I Charles Spurgeon. He had no idea who I was talking about or what I was talking was talking about or what I was talking was talking about or what I was talking about. Eventually, I figured out where about. Eventually, I figured out where about. Eventually, I figured out where it was, and there is a small shell that it was, and there is a small shell that it was, and there is a small shell that remains of that once great church. And remains of that once great church. And remains of that once great church. And most of the people who live in the area most of the people who live in the area most of the people who live in the area two doors down from that church have no two doors down from that church have no two doors down from that church have no idea who Spurgeon was or what it was.

idea who Spurgeon was or what it was. idea who Spurgeon was or what it was. The only way people are actually going The only way people are actually going The only way people are actually going to remember you in 50 years is if you to remember you in 50 years is if you to remember you in 50 years is if you leave millions of dollars to your alma leave millions of dollars to your alma leave millions of dollars to your alma mater. And if you do that, they're going mater. And if you do that, they're going mater. And if you do that, they're going to put up a little plaque with your name to put up a little plaque with your name to put up a little plaque with your name on it so that a bunch of students can on it so that a bunch of students can on it so that a bunch of students can walk by and never even glance at it. And walk by and never even glance at it. And walk by and never even glance at it. And eventually they'll tear that building eventually they'll tear that building eventually they'll tear that building down and they'll put up a new building down and they'll put up a new building down and they'll put up a new building in its place and your name is not going in its place and your name is not going in its place and your name is not going to transfer in 500 years. It is safe to to transfer in 500 years. It is safe to to transfer in 500 years. It is safe to say nobody is going to remember you or say nobody is going to remember you or say nobody is going to remember you or me. You say, "Well, what if I become me. You say, "Well, what if I become me. You say, "Well, what if I become president of the United States?" Okay, president of the United States?" Okay, president of the United States?" Okay, what decade was Millard Filillmore what decade was Millard Filillmore what decade was Millard Filillmore president in? president in? president in? What accomplishments did he made that What accomplishments did he made that What accomplishments did he made that contributed to US history? I How many of contributed to US history? I How many of contributed to US history? I How many of you How many of you even knew Millard you How many of you even knew Millard you How many of you even knew Millard Filillmore was a president? You're like, Filillmore was a president? You're like, Filillmore was a president? You're like, "Is he trying to trick us right now?" "Is he trying to trick us right now?" "Is he trying to trick us right now?" Yeah. The point is everything fades. Yeah. The point is everything fades. Yeah. The point is everything fades. The preacher says it verse four, "A The preacher says it verse four, "A The preacher says it verse four, "A generation goes and a generation comes. generation goes and a generation comes. generation goes and a generation comes. The earth remains forever." Scientists The earth remains forever." Scientists The earth remains forever." Scientists say that organic life leaves virtually say that organic life leaves virtually say that organic life leaves virtually no trace on Earth. If the conditions are no trace on Earth. If the conditions are no trace on Earth. If the conditions are just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, but you're going to have to be buried in but you're going to have to be buried in but you're going to have to be buried in a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for that to happen. So, that's got some that to happen. So, that's got some that to happen. So, that's got some downsides.

downsides. downsides. The point is life under the sun is The point is life under the sun is The point is life under the sun is transient. It's temporary. It's passing. transient. It's temporary. It's passing. transient. It's temporary. It's passing. If you're trying to gain meaning If you're trying to gain meaning If you're trying to gain meaning by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not going to work. It's like trying to grasp going to work. It's like trying to grasp going to work. It's like trying to grasp the wind. It's all hell. the wind. It's all hell. the wind. It's all hell. By the way, this is often the By the way, this is often the By the way, this is often the realization that fuels a midlife crisis. realization that fuels a midlife crisis. realization that fuels a midlife crisis. In midlife, your health and your beauty In midlife, your health and your beauty In midlife, your health and your beauty and your strength that you thought was and your strength that you thought was and your strength that you thought was going to last forever going to last forever going to last forever start to fade and you realize that this start to fade and you realize that this start to fade and you realize that this is not going to last forever. In fact, I is not going to last forever. In fact, I is not going to last forever. In fact, I love what the actress Joan Collins love what the actress Joan Collins love what the actress Joan Collins always said. She said, "Being beautiful always said. She said, "Being beautiful always said. She said, "Being beautiful in life is like being born rich and then in life is like being born rich and then in life is like being born rich and then slowly watching yourself become poor slowly watching yourself become poor slowly watching yourself become poor over the rest of your life. over the rest of your life. over the rest of your life. beauty fades. And so in midlife, some beauty fades. And so in midlife, some beauty fades. And so in midlife, some people try to start doing something to people try to start doing something to people try to start doing something to hang on to that. If you're a guy, you hang on to that. If you're a guy, you hang on to that. If you're a guy, you pump yourself full of peptides and buy a pump yourself full of peptides and buy a pump yourself full of peptides and buy a really hot sports car and unbutton your really hot sports car and unbutton your really hot sports car and unbutton your shirt down to your navl and gross shirt down to your navl and gross shirt down to your navl and gross everybody out.

everybody out. everybody out. Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject and start flirting with their tennis and start flirting with their tennis and start flirting with their tennis instructor. But the simple truth is that instructor. But the simple truth is that instructor. But the simple truth is that youthful beauty is not something we can youthful beauty is not something we can youthful beauty is not something we can hang on to. Like I love what my wife hang on to. Like I love what my wife hang on to. Like I love what my wife always says. As you age, you can look always says. As you age, you can look always says. As you age, you can look older or you can look weird. You got to older or you can look weird. You got to older or you can look weird. You got to choose. Okay. choose. Okay. choose. Okay. After that happens, After that happens, After that happens, well, see, then a lot of us start well, see, then a lot of us start well, see, then a lot of us start looking to what we're building in our looking to what we're building in our looking to what we're building in our career, career, career, thinking that's going to be my mark. thinking that's going to be my mark. thinking that's going to be my mark. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's my my legacy. My that's my That's my my legacy. My that's my That's my my legacy. My that's my permanency and my glory. But by midlife, permanency and my glory. But by midlife, permanency and my glory. But by midlife, many of you start to realize that all many of you start to realize that all many of you start to realize that all those youthful dreams you had about those youthful dreams you had about those youthful dreams you had about changing the world and leaving a changing the world and leaving a changing the world and leaving a permanent mark on the world, they're not permanent mark on the world, they're not permanent mark on the world, they're not really going to happen. Even if they do, really going to happen. Even if they do, really going to happen. Even if they do, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on the world as you can make. Right? Steve the world as you can make. Right? Steve the world as you can make. Right? Steve Jobs very famously said right before he Jobs very famously said right before he Jobs very famously said right before he died, died, died, he said, 'Can it be that everything that he said, 'Can it be that everything that he said, 'Can it be that everything that we've accomplished we've accomplished we've accomplished as a human race, everything I've as a human race, everything I've as a human race, everything I've accomplished is just going to be erased accomplished is just going to be erased accomplished is just going to be erased in the death of our son.

in the death of our son. in the death of our son. Meaning one day we know physics declares Meaning one day we know physics declares Meaning one day we know physics declares that the sun is going to burn out. And that the sun is going to burn out. And that the sun is going to burn out. And he's like literally at that point it's he's like literally at that point it's he's like literally at that point it's all gone. Everything the human race, all gone. Everything the human race, all gone. Everything the human race, it's like it never even existed. it's like it never even existed. it's like it never even existed. Leaving the legacy is our first response Leaving the legacy is our first response Leaving the legacy is our first response to this question of how to find meaning. to this question of how to find meaning. to this question of how to find meaning. And the author of Ecclesiastes says it And the author of Ecclesiastes says it And the author of Ecclesiastes says it doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give you a second answer that we give. Now, you a second answer that we give. Now, you a second answer that we give. Now, warning, this one's a little nerdy, so warning, this one's a little nerdy, so warning, this one's a little nerdy, so I'm going to cover it quickly. And if I'm going to cover it quickly. And if I'm going to cover it quickly. And if this feels like it's over your head, this feels like it's over your head, this feels like it's over your head, just give me like four minutes and I'll just give me like four minutes and I'll just give me like four minutes and I'll come back to the language of normal come back to the language of normal come back to the language of normal people. Okay? Existentialism. people. Okay? Existentialism. people. Okay? Existentialism. Existentialism says meaning does not Existentialism says meaning does not Existentialism says meaning does not exist. We must therefore create our own. exist. We must therefore create our own. exist. We must therefore create our own. Existentialism is a worldview that says Existentialism is a worldview that says Existentialism is a worldview that says that because life is a cosmic accident, that because life is a cosmic accident, that because life is a cosmic accident, it's inherently meaningless. Thus, it is it's inherently meaningless. Thus, it is it's inherently meaningless. Thus, it is up to you and me to create our own up to you and me to create our own up to you and me to create our own meaning. That was literally how some of meaning. That was literally how some of meaning. That was literally how some of our most famous existentialist and neist our most famous existentialist and neist our most famous existentialist and neist philosophers, people like Jean Paul philosophers, people like Jean Paul philosophers, people like Jean Paul Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, that's how Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, that's how Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, that's how they said it. When you embrace that they said it. When you embrace that they said it. When you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that God is dead, there's no design, no plan, God is dead, there's no design, no plan, God is dead, there's no design, no plan, then you are now free to concoct your then you are now free to concoct your then you are now free to concoct your own meaning. Or Alber Camu or it looks own meaning. Or Alber Camu or it looks own meaning. Or Alber Camu or it looks like Albert Cas who said that because we like Albert Cas who said that because we like Albert Cas who said that because we are the result of blind force and are the result of blind force and are the result of blind force and chance, get this. He said, "It is chance, get this. He said, "It is chance, get this. He said, "It is literally insane. It is a kind of literally insane. It is a kind of literally insane. It is a kind of insanity to think that life could have insanity to think that life could have insanity to think that life could have meaning." He said, "But but but it's a meaning." He said, "But but but it's a meaning." He said, "But but but it's a useful and happy insanity and we should useful and happy insanity and we should useful and happy insanity and we should all participate in it. Either that or all participate in it. Either that or all participate in it. Either that or commit suicide." He said, "Both are commit suicide." He said, "Both are commit suicide." He said, "Both are valid options."

valid options." valid options." Existentialism is essentially what Existentialism is essentially what Existentialism is essentially what popular atheists like Sam Harris or popular atheists like Sam Harris or popular atheists like Sam Harris or Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, developing a sacrificial love for others developing a sacrificial love for others developing a sacrificial love for others or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot of sense in a survival of the of sense in a survival of the of sense in a survival of the fittestbased evolutionary model, but fittestbased evolutionary model, but fittestbased evolutionary model, but they are useful fictions that evolution they are useful fictions that evolution they are useful fictions that evolution is programmed into us and they feel good is programmed into us and they feel good is programmed into us and they feel good when we do them, so we should embrace when we do them, so we should embrace when we do them, so we should embrace them." The problem with that, of course, them." The problem with that, of course, them." The problem with that, of course, is that it is intellectually is that it is intellectually is that it is intellectually self-defeating. I mean, if we're just self-defeating. I mean, if we're just self-defeating. I mean, if we're just the product of blind force and chance, the product of blind force and chance, the product of blind force and chance, why should we demand that life have any why should we demand that life have any why should we demand that life have any meaning? Why should we expect it to? And meaning? Why should we expect it to? And meaning? Why should we expect it to? And why should we care about things like why should we care about things like why should we care about things like justice? justice? justice? Justice is just a preference. It's a Justice is just a preference. It's a Justice is just a preference. It's a useful tool for propagating our species. useful tool for propagating our species. useful tool for propagating our species. But there's no such thing as actual But there's no such thing as actual But there's no such thing as actual justice because in order for there to be justice because in order for there to be justice because in order for there to be actual justice, there has to be a actual justice, there has to be a actual justice, there has to be a justice definer. To say something is not justice definer. To say something is not justice definer. To say something is not as it ought to be as it ought to be as it ought to be supposes that you know what it ought to supposes that you know what it ought to supposes that you know what it ought to be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere Christianity. A man does not call a line Christianity. A man does not call a line Christianity. A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of what crooked unless he has some idea of what crooked unless he has some idea of what a straight line is. The book of a straight line is. The book of a straight line is. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with ought Ecclesiastes is filled with ought Ecclesiastes is filled with ought language. It's the whole premise of the language. It's the whole premise of the language. It's the whole premise of the book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought not be like this. The innocent ought not not be like this. The innocent ought not not be like this. The innocent ought not suffer. Many of you have said those same suffer. Many of you have said those same suffer. Many of you have said those same things. Even if you don't believe in things. Even if you don't believe in things. Even if you don't believe in God, you're like, "That's not right.

God, you're like, "That's not right. God, you're like, "That's not right. that ought not be that way. But the that ought not be that way. But the that ought not be that way. But the moment you say the word ought or ought moment you say the word ought or ought moment you say the word ought or ought not, you are presupposing that you got not, you are presupposing that you got not, you are presupposing that you got some idea in your head of what ought to some idea in your head of what ought to some idea in your head of what ought to be. Existentialism and nealism are be. Existentialism and nealism are be. Existentialism and nealism are intellectually self-defeating. If life intellectually self-defeating. If life intellectually self-defeating. If life under the sun is all there is, there is under the sun is all there is, there is under the sun is all there is, there is no meaning. By the way, many atheists no meaning. By the way, many atheists no meaning. By the way, many atheists come to a point where they realize that. come to a point where they realize that. come to a point where they realize that. In fact, most of the atheists that I see In fact, most of the atheists that I see In fact, most of the atheists that I see become Christians, this is usually part become Christians, this is usually part become Christians, this is usually part of their story. Most of them don't go of their story. Most of them don't go of their story. Most of them don't go from no god to resurrection of Jesus. from no god to resurrection of Jesus. from no god to resurrection of Jesus. Most of them pass through something like Most of them pass through something like Most of them pass through something like this. For example, last spring I read this. For example, last spring I read this. For example, last spring I read the autobiographical account of a guy the autobiographical account of a guy the autobiographical account of a guy named Charles Murray. If you don't know, named Charles Murray. If you don't know, named Charles Murray. If you don't know, Charles Murray is one of America's best Charles Murray is one of America's best Charles Murray is one of America's best known social scientists, one of the best known social scientists, one of the best known social scientists, one of the best known public intellectuals. He's an MIT known public intellectuals. He's an MIT known public intellectuals. He's an MIT guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote and spoke as an agnostic. But he and spoke as an agnostic. But he and spoke as an agnostic. But he recently became a Christian. And he said recently became a Christian. And he said recently became a Christian. And he said that one of the things that moved him that one of the things that moved him that one of the things that moved him toward belief in God was that when he toward belief in God was that when he toward belief in God was that when he and his wife had their first child, his and his wife had their first child, his and his wife had their first child, his wife said to him, "I seem to love my wife said to him, "I seem to love my wife said to him, "I seem to love my daughter far more than your theory of daughter far more than your theory of daughter far more than your theory of evolution requires.

evolution requires. evolution requires. A lot of atheists have traveled a A lot of atheists have traveled a A lot of atheists have traveled a similar journey. They recognize in the similar journey. They recognize in the similar journey. They recognize in the love they feel for a child or in their love they feel for a child or in their love they feel for a child or in their longing for meaning something that longing for meaning something that longing for meaning something that atheistic materialism cannot account atheistic materialism cannot account atheistic materialism cannot account for. Okay. All right. That's the end of for. Okay. All right. That's the end of for. Okay. All right. That's the end of the really, you know, heady the really, you know, heady the really, you know, heady philosophical stuff, right? Number philosophical stuff, right? Number philosophical stuff, right? Number three, hedonism. three, hedonism. three, hedonism. Hedenism is the idea that you should Hedenism is the idea that you should Hedenism is the idea that you should stop searching for meaning and just stop searching for meaning and just stop searching for meaning and just enjoy life. Now, some of you like, oh, enjoy life. Now, some of you like, oh, enjoy life. Now, some of you like, oh, you just talked about a big word, you just talked about a big word, you just talked about a big word, existentialism, and now you're using existentialism, and now you're using existentialism, and now you're using another one. Hedenism. Fine. Okay. The another one. Hedenism. Fine. Okay. The another one. Hedenism. Fine. Okay. The urban way of saying this is treat urban way of saying this is treat urban way of saying this is treat yourself. yourself. yourself. Hedenism means you're going to live a Hedenism means you're going to live a Hedenism means you're going to live a treat yourself life. When I was a treat yourself life. When I was a treat yourself life. When I was a teenager, there was a movie that came teenager, there was a movie that came teenager, there was a movie that came out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That was a social commentary on modern life. was a social commentary on modern life. was a social commentary on modern life. And one of the main characters said at And one of the main characters said at And one of the main characters said at the very end of the movie, all the the very end of the movie, all the the very end of the movie, all the meaning that you can hope for in this meaning that you can hope for in this meaning that you can hope for in this life is just to enjoy the pleasures of life is just to enjoy the pleasures of life is just to enjoy the pleasures of the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem, the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem, the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem, hug a child, take a ride in the boat in hug a child, take a ride in the boat in hug a child, take a ride in the boat in the lake, enjoy your family and work. the lake, enjoy your family and work. the lake, enjoy your family and work. That's all you can do. That's all you can do. That's all you can do. Enjoy your life. It's all there is.

Enjoy your life. It's all there is. Enjoy your life. It's all there is. The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that the problem with hedenism is that the problem with hedenism is that the problem with hedenism is that fleshly pleasures never satisfy. fleshly pleasures never satisfy. fleshly pleasures never satisfy. And in chapter 2, at least if not, they And in chapter 2, at least if not, they And in chapter 2, at least if not, they at least if they're going to try to be at least if they're going to try to be at least if they're going to try to be the substance of your life. And in the substance of your life. And in the substance of your life. And in chapter two, the preacher puts forward chapter two, the preacher puts forward chapter two, the preacher puts forward himself as exhibit A. Check out chapter himself as exhibit A. Check out chapter himself as exhibit A. Check out chapter 2 verse one. Look at this. I said in my 2 verse one. Look at this. I said in my 2 verse one. Look at this. I said in my heart, come now, I will test you with heart, come now, I will test you with heart, come now, I will test you with pleasure. Enjoy yourself. See, treat pleasure. Enjoy yourself. See, treat pleasure. Enjoy yourself. See, treat yourself is what he said. yourself is what he said. yourself is what he said. Jump down to verse 10. And whatever my Jump down to verse 10. And whatever my Jump down to verse 10. And whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. eyes desired, I did not keep from them. eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. No I kept my heart from no pleasure. No I kept my heart from no pleasure. No pleasure. According to the book of First pleasure. According to the book of First pleasure. According to the book of First Kings, everything in Solomon's house was Kings, everything in Solomon's house was Kings, everything in Solomon's house was made of gold. made of gold. made of gold. Right? Silver, bronze, those are trash. Right? Silver, bronze, those are trash. Right? Silver, bronze, those are trash. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. His kingdom was prosperous. His power His kingdom was prosperous. His power His kingdom was prosperous. His power was unchallenged. He ate great food was unchallenged. He ate great food was unchallenged. He ate great food every night. And every night, he had a every night. And every night, he had a every night. And every night, he had a thousand different sexual options. In thousand different sexual options. In thousand different sexual options. In addition to all this, he wrote New York addition to all this, he wrote New York addition to all this, he wrote New York Times best-selling books on multiple Times best-selling books on multiple Times best-selling books on multiple subjects. He was one of the most popular subjects. He was one of the most popular subjects. He was one of the most popular songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he not only built an incredible house for not only built an incredible house for not only built an incredible house for himself that would have showed up on MTV himself that would have showed up on MTV himself that would have showed up on MTV cribs if they had that show back then, cribs if they had that show back then, cribs if they had that show back then, but he also made one of the most but he also made one of the most but he also made one of the most impressive temples to God the world had impressive temples to God the world had impressive temples to God the world had ever seen. The man accomplished just ever seen. The man accomplished just ever seen. The man accomplished just about everything we would want to about everything we would want to about everything we would want to accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered all that my hands had done and all the all that my hands had done and all the all that my hands had done and all the toil I had expended in doing and behold, toil I had expended in doing and behold, toil I had expended in doing and behold, you can see it coming. All of it was he you can see it coming. All of it was he you can see it coming. All of it was he like striving after the wind and there like striving after the wind and there like striving after the wind and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

was nothing to be gained under the sun. was nothing to be gained under the sun. He said, "I thought I'd feel complete if He said, "I thought I'd feel complete if He said, "I thought I'd feel complete if I accomplished everything I set out to I accomplished everything I set out to I accomplished everything I set out to accomplish and if I treated myself to accomplish and if I treated myself to accomplish and if I treated myself to every pleasure and had power at my every pleasure and had power at my every pleasure and had power at my fingertips, but I didn't feel complete fingertips, but I didn't feel complete fingertips, but I didn't feel complete when I got there." when I got there." when I got there." In fact, I'm reminded here of what In fact, I'm reminded here of what In fact, I'm reminded here of what somebody I would consider the opposite somebody I would consider the opposite somebody I would consider the opposite of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake in an interview. In fact, we I was like, in an interview. In fact, we I was like, in an interview. In fact, we I was like, I got to write that down. He said, I got to write that down. He said, I got to write that down. He said, "There was a point where I felt like I "There was a point where I felt like I "There was a point where I felt like I needed to keep the company of a needed to keep the company of a needed to keep the company of a different woman every night. different woman every night. different woman every night. I was trying to fill a void. But in I was trying to fill a void. But in I was trying to fill a void. But in those moments after sex, I know it those moments after sex, I know it those moments after sex, I know it wasn't working. Those quiet moments are wasn't working. Those quiet moments are wasn't working. Those quiet moments are the realest moments a man will ever have the realest moments a man will ever have the realest moments a man will ever have in his life. [snorts] The next day, I in his life. [snorts] The next day, I in his life. [snorts] The next day, I convinced myself to do it again. But convinced myself to do it again. But convinced myself to do it again. But during that time, I knew it wasn't during that time, I knew it wasn't during that time, I knew it wasn't working. working. working. You guys know I could quote a bazillion You guys know I could quote a bazillion You guys know I could quote a bazillion rich or famous people who would say the rich or famous people who would say the rich or famous people who would say the exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of others. others. others. This realization This realization This realization leaves you with an especially desparing leaves you with an especially desparing leaves you with an especially desparing kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of pain. I love how the British Christian pain. I love how the British Christian pain. I love how the British Christian philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch this. Meaningless does not come from this. Meaningless does not come from this. Meaningless does not come from being weary of pain.

being weary of pain. being weary of pain. Meaningless comes from being weary of Meaningless comes from being weary of Meaningless comes from being weary of pleasure. pleasure. pleasure. In other words, you've traveled this In other words, you've traveled this In other words, you've traveled this long and winding road all the way to the long and winding road all the way to the long and winding road all the way to the destination only to find out the land destination only to find out the land destination only to find out the land that it promised to you didn't really that it promised to you didn't really that it promised to you didn't really exist. exist. exist. Recently in my own life, I've been Recently in my own life, I've been Recently in my own life, I've been wrestling with a couple of deepseated I wrestling with a couple of deepseated I wrestling with a couple of deepseated I know no other way to describe this than know no other way to describe this than know no other way to describe this than deep-seated idols in my life. Lies that deep-seated idols in my life. Lies that deep-seated idols in my life. Lies that I have believed since I was a teenager. I have believed since I was a teenager. I have believed since I was a teenager. I believe if I could just obtain these I believe if I could just obtain these I believe if I could just obtain these things that life would be so perfect, things that life would be so perfect, things that life would be so perfect, life would be complete. By the way, some life would be complete. By the way, some life would be complete. By the way, some of them are legitimate goals I've set, of them are legitimate goals I've set, of them are legitimate goals I've set, professional goals, financial milestones professional goals, financial milestones professional goals, financial milestones I've tried to reach, things I want to I've tried to reach, things I want to I've tried to reach, things I want to see in my family. And like everybody, see in my family. And like everybody, see in my family. And like everybody, there's other things that I've struggled there's other things that I've struggled there's other things that I've struggled with desiring that are overtly sinful. with desiring that are overtly sinful. with desiring that are overtly sinful. There's some sinful pleasure about which There's some sinful pleasure about which There's some sinful pleasure about which I've thought, I bet you that kind of I've thought, I bet you that kind of I've thought, I bet you that kind of sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a joy and a thrill in life like nothing joy and a thrill in life like nothing joy and a thrill in life like nothing else can. And I've had to preach to else can. And I've had to preach to else can. And I've had to preach to myself this message of Ecclesiastes.

myself this message of Ecclesiastes. myself this message of Ecclesiastes. Those things are a mirage. They are Those things are a mirage. They are Those things are a mirage. They are heavil. They're clouds you try to grasp heavil. They're clouds you try to grasp heavil. They're clouds you try to grasp that turn out to be meaningless vapor. that turn out to be meaningless vapor. that turn out to be meaningless vapor. When you get to them, you're just going When you get to them, you're just going When you get to them, you're just going to fall straight through them. They're to fall straight through them. They're to fall straight through them. They're not what you thought they were. In fact, not what you thought they were. In fact, not what you thought they were. In fact, for sinful pleasures, it's worse than for sinful pleasures, it's worse than for sinful pleasures, it's worse than vapor. vapor. vapor. For example, if you believe this lie For example, if you believe this lie For example, if you believe this lie about something like adultery, about something like adultery, about something like adultery, Solomon says in Proverbs 5, this is one Solomon says in Proverbs 5, this is one Solomon says in Proverbs 5, this is one of the verses my parents had me memorize of the verses my parents had me memorize of the verses my parents had me memorize when I was a kid. Proverbs 5, Solomon when I was a kid. Proverbs 5, Solomon when I was a kid. Proverbs 5, Solomon says, "Yeah, adultery looks so inviting. says, "Yeah, adultery looks so inviting. says, "Yeah, adultery looks so inviting. Oh, it is so promising. It looks so Oh, it is so promising. It looks so Oh, it is so promising. It looks so fulfilling. But once you get there, not fulfilling. But once you get there, not fulfilling. But once you get there, not only are you going to find out it's not only are you going to find out it's not only are you going to find out it's not everything you thought it was, you're everything you thought it was, you're everything you thought it was, you're also chapter 5 verse 5 found out that also chapter 5 verse 5 found out that also chapter 5 verse 5 found out that her steps take hold of hell and her feet her steps take hold of hell and her feet her steps take hold of hell and her feet lead down to the grave. Yeah, adultery lead down to the grave. Yeah, adultery lead down to the grave. Yeah, adultery yields a temporary euphoria. Sure, but yields a temporary euphoria. Sure, but yields a temporary euphoria. Sure, but it ends in emptiness and disaster. it ends in emptiness and disaster. it ends in emptiness and disaster. Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary tactic is to hold up empty clouds and tactic is to hold up empty clouds and tactic is to hold up empty clouds and say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there, say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there, say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there, but then you give your life away to but then you give your life away to but then you give your life away to pursue that thing only to find out when pursue that thing only to find out when pursue that thing only to find out when you get to that cloud that it was empty.

you get to that cloud that it was empty. you get to that cloud that it was empty. There was no substance. It was like There was no substance. It was like There was no substance. It was like trying to grasp the wind, it was hell. trying to grasp the wind, it was hell. trying to grasp the wind, it was hell. Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is not against pleasure. not against pleasure. not against pleasure. In fact, he's the opposite of that. One In fact, he's the opposite of that. One In fact, he's the opposite of that. One of the great ironies of the book of of the great ironies of the book of of the great ironies of the book of Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Multiple times throughout this book, Multiple times throughout this book, Multiple times throughout this book, this preacher is going to say, "Money is this preacher is going to say, "Money is this preacher is going to say, "Money is good. Love and sex are good. Good wine good. Love and sex are good. Good wine good. Love and sex are good. Good wine is good. Health is good. Power is good. is good. Health is good. Power is good. is good. Health is good. Power is good. These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even the simplest things, he says, simple the simplest things, he says, simple the simplest things, he says, simple things like a great meal or a walk things like a great meal or a walk things like a great meal or a walk through the woods or a the fragrance of through the woods or a the fragrance of through the woods or a the fragrance of a splash of cologne. a splash of cologne. a splash of cologne. Those are gifts that God gives you to Those are gifts that God gives you to Those are gifts that God gives you to delight you. But the only way you can delight you. But the only way you can delight you. But the only way you can actually enjoy them is to not look at actually enjoy them is to not look at actually enjoy them is to not look at them as the substance of life. If they them as the substance of life. If they them as the substance of life. If they become the primary place that you seek become the primary place that you seek become the primary place that you seek meaning or happiness, if they become the meaning or happiness, if they become the meaning or happiness, if they become the substance of your life, you're going to substance of your life, you're going to substance of your life, you're going to find them empty like grasping at the find them empty like grasping at the find them empty like grasping at the wind. You're going to find out that wind. You're going to find out that wind. You're going to find out that they're full of heaven.

they're full of heaven. they're full of heaven. You see, look at what the narrator says You see, look at what the narrator says You see, look at what the narrator says at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The narrator steps in and he says, "For to narrator steps in and he says, "For to narrator steps in and he says, "For to the person who is pleasing in God's the person who is pleasing in God's the person who is pleasing in God's sight, God gives wisdom and knowledge sight, God gives wisdom and knowledge sight, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy." You see, God is a God who and joy." You see, God is a God who and joy." You see, God is a God who filled this world with goodness and filled this world with goodness and filled this world with goodness and gifts. He is the source of joy. And when gifts. He is the source of joy. And when gifts. He is the source of joy. And when you live to please God, you can actually you live to please God, you can actually you live to please God, you can actually start to enjoy these things because you start to enjoy these things because you start to enjoy these things because you can receive them for what they are, a can receive them for what they are, a can receive them for what they are, a gift, an expression of God's goodness, gift, an expression of God's goodness, gift, an expression of God's goodness, but not as the substance of your life. but not as the substance of your life. but not as the substance of your life. God is the substance of your life, not God is the substance of your life, not God is the substance of your life, not that thing, that thing, that thing, right? Not as they're not the thing that right? Not as they're not the thing that right? Not as they're not the thing that you're trying to gain or hold on to. And you're trying to gain or hold on to. And you're trying to gain or hold on to. And when one of those things gets withheld when one of those things gets withheld when one of those things gets withheld from you for some reason or taken away, from you for some reason or taken away, from you for some reason or taken away, you won't despair because again, they're you won't despair because again, they're you won't despair because again, they're not the substance of your life. not the substance of your life. not the substance of your life. See, if things like pleasures and See, if things like pleasures and See, if things like pleasures and accomplishments become the point, if accomplishments become the point, if accomplishments become the point, if they become the foundation of your life, they become the foundation of your life, they become the foundation of your life, you're going to find them only to be he. you're going to find them only to be he. you're going to find them only to be he. But if God and eternity are the But if God and eternity are the But if God and eternity are the foundation of your life, you'll actually foundation of your life, you'll actually foundation of your life, you'll actually start to receive those things for what start to receive those things for what start to receive those things for what they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, but gifts.

but gifts. but gifts. And you'll start to enjoy them. And when And you'll start to enjoy them. And when And you'll start to enjoy them. And when they're not there, you'll be able to they're not there, you'll be able to they're not there, you'll be able to endure that, too. endure that, too. endure that, too. After reading Ecclesiastes several times After reading Ecclesiastes several times After reading Ecclesiastes several times this last year, I came up with this word this last year, I came up with this word this last year, I came up with this word picture that summarizes picture that summarizes picture that summarizes how I think the narrator wants us to see how I think the narrator wants us to see how I think the narrator wants us to see life. Now, it's my own word picture, so life. Now, it's my own word picture, so life. Now, it's my own word picture, so it doesn't make sense. Don't blame it doesn't make sense. Don't blame it doesn't make sense. Don't blame Solomon, blame me. But I think it's Solomon, blame me. But I think it's Solomon, blame me. But I think it's accurate based on what the writer is accurate based on what the writer is accurate based on what the writer is trying to tell us. I want you to imagine trying to tell us. I want you to imagine trying to tell us. I want you to imagine life for a minute. Imagine life as if life for a minute. Imagine life as if life for a minute. Imagine life as if life were living on a beach before a life were living on a beach before a life were living on a beach before a vast and uncontrollable ocean. vast and uncontrollable ocean. vast and uncontrollable ocean. Okay, just a thought experiment. But you Okay, just a thought experiment. But you Okay, just a thought experiment. But you can't leave. This is the only place you can't leave. This is the only place you can't leave. This is the only place you can be. On some days that ocean provides can be. On some days that ocean provides can be. On some days that ocean provides enjoyable, pleasant waves, perfect enjoyable, pleasant waves, perfect enjoyable, pleasant waves, perfect weather. And on other days, it gives you weather. And on other days, it gives you weather. And on other days, it gives you big, unpleasant, angry hurricane waves. big, unpleasant, angry hurricane waves. big, unpleasant, angry hurricane waves. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't even predict it. That ocean is You can't even predict it. That ocean is You can't even predict it. That ocean is too vast, too wild, and too too vast, too wild, and too too vast, too wild, and too uncontrollable for you to predict it or uncontrollable for you to predict it or uncontrollable for you to predict it or control it. All you can do is enjoy the control it. All you can do is enjoy the control it. All you can do is enjoy the good waves when they come. And on the good waves when they come. And on the good waves when they come. And on the days when bad waves come at you, well, days when bad waves come at you, well, days when bad waves come at you, well, you just got to endure that, knowing you just got to endure that, knowing you just got to endure that, knowing that the unpleasant waves are just a that the unpleasant waves are just a that the unpleasant waves are just a part of life under the curse, but they part of life under the curse, but they part of life under the curse, but they don't last forever. That's what the don't last forever. That's what the don't last forever. That's what the preacher says life basically is. And if preacher says life basically is. And if preacher says life basically is. And if that's true, watch this. You might as that's true, watch this. You might as that's true, watch this. You might as well enjoy the good waves whenever you well enjoy the good waves whenever you well enjoy the good waves whenever you receive them.

receive them. receive them. Because whatever you don't enjoy on that Because whatever you don't enjoy on that Because whatever you don't enjoy on that day to the full, you lose. You cannot day to the full, you lose. You cannot day to the full, you lose. You cannot bottle up the good waves and save them bottle up the good waves and save them bottle up the good waves and save them for a later time. They're only for that for a later time. They're only for that for a later time. They're only for that day. And when you're in a season of day. And when you're in a season of day. And when you're in a season of unpleasant waves, you can't avoid them. unpleasant waves, you can't avoid them. unpleasant waves, you can't avoid them. Nobody can can can live a life that Nobody can can can live a life that Nobody can can can live a life that avoids all of them. So, you just pray avoids all of them. So, you just pray avoids all of them. So, you just pray for strength to endure them and realize for strength to endure them and realize for strength to endure them and realize they don't last forever either. they don't last forever either. they don't last forever either. Henry Nen said it way more beautifully Henry Nen said it way more beautifully Henry Nen said it way more beautifully than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk you through this quote slowly because it you through this quote slowly because it you through this quote slowly because it is deep and it is beautiful. A is deep and it is beautiful. A is deep and it is beautiful. A meaningful life, he says, watch this. A meaningful life, he says, watch this. A meaningful life, he says, watch this. A meaningful life is a slow discovery of meaningful life is a slow discovery of meaningful life is a slow discovery of the mortality of all that is created the mortality of all that is created the mortality of all that is created so that we can appreciate its beauty so that we can appreciate its beauty so that we can appreciate its beauty without clinging to it as if it were a without clinging to it as if it were a without clinging to it as if it were a lasting possession. lasting possession. lasting possession. That is you start to realize that That is you start to realize that That is you start to realize that everything passes, everything fades, everything passes, everything fades, everything passes, everything fades, everything dies. everything dies. everything dies. Our lives, he says, are a school in the Our lives, he says, are a school in the Our lives, he says, are a school in the art of dying. I do not mean this in a art of dying. I do not mean this in a art of dying. I do not mean this in a morbid way. Like Henry sure sounds morbid way. Like Henry sure sounds morbid way. Like Henry sure sounds morbid. No, he says, on the contrary, morbid. No, he says, on the contrary, morbid. No, he says, on the contrary, when you see life constantly relativized when you see life constantly relativized when you see life constantly relativized by death, by death, by death, you can enjoy it for what it is, you can enjoy it for what it is, you can enjoy it for what it is, a free gift.

a free gift. a free gift. The pictures, the letters, the books of The pictures, the letters, the books of The pictures, the letters, the books of the past reveal life to us as a constant the past reveal life to us as a constant the past reveal life to us as a constant saying of farewell to beautiful places, saying of farewell to beautiful places, saying of farewell to beautiful places, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] good people, and wonderful experiences. This week we dropped off my third This week we dropped off my third daughter daughter daughter at college for her freshman year. And at college for her freshman year. And at college for her freshman year. And I'm telling you guys, every time it I'm telling you guys, every time it I'm telling you guys, every time it feels like a death feels like a death feels like a death and it was time for her to go off to her and it was time for her to go off to her and it was time for her to go off to her orientation to nursing program. She hops orientation to nursing program. She hops orientation to nursing program. She hops out of the car and she bounced off into out of the car and she bounced off into out of the car and she bounced off into the hall. the hall. the hall. And I called out to her because I just And I called out to her because I just And I called out to her because I just wanted her to come back. wanted her to come back. wanted her to come back. In fact, I kind of know what they mean In fact, I kind of know what they mean In fact, I kind of know what they mean when they say in moments like that, your when they say in moments like that, your when they say in moments like that, your life starts flashing before your eyes. life starts flashing before your eyes. life starts flashing before your eyes. Cuz all I could think about were all Cuz all I could think about were all Cuz all I could think about were all those nights and all those days of her those nights and all those days of her those nights and all those days of her being in the house wishing that I had being in the house wishing that I had being in the house wishing that I had enjoyed them more while they lasted.

enjoyed them more while they lasted. enjoyed them more while they lasted. And it's good and right that she goes to And it's good and right that she goes to And it's good and right that she goes to college and then she moves on. I cannot college and then she moves on. I cannot college and then she moves on. I cannot and I should not want to hold on to her and I should not want to hold on to her and I should not want to hold on to her forever. She's not my gain in life, but forever. She's not my gain in life, but forever. She's not my gain in life, but she was a gift. she was a gift. she was a gift. But I can receive each chapter of life, But I can receive each chapter of life, But I can receive each chapter of life, including that one, as a gift from God. including that one, as a gift from God. including that one, as a gift from God. A gift I cannot hold on to forever, at A gift I cannot hold on to forever, at A gift I cannot hold on to forever, at least under the sun, but a genuine gift least under the sun, but a genuine gift least under the sun, but a genuine gift of God to be enjoyed to the fullest. of God to be enjoyed to the fullest. of God to be enjoyed to the fullest. Fact, it always reminds me of the wise Fact, it always reminds me of the wise Fact, it always reminds me of the wise words of that great saint of the church, words of that great saint of the church, words of that great saint of the church, St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean Andy Bernard of the office Andy Bernard of the office Andy Bernard of the office who in the final episode of The Office who in the final episode of The Office who in the final episode of The Office said, "I wish there was a way to know said, "I wish there was a way to know said, "I wish there was a way to know you were living in the good old days you were living in the good old days you were living in the good old days before they pass you by." before they pass you by." before they pass you by." See, we're always thinking the good old See, we're always thinking the good old See, we're always thinking the good old days. That's what we're trying to gain. days. That's what we're trying to gain. days. That's what we're trying to gain. That's the author's point. We're trying That's the author's point. We're trying That's the author's point. We're trying to gain these good old days and that's to gain these good old days and that's to gain these good old days and that's where life is going to be complete. And where life is going to be complete. And where life is going to be complete. And then you get to the end of it and you then you get to the end of it and you then you get to the end of it and you realize realize realize there was no change that brought you there was no change that brought you there was no change that brought you what you were looking for. that every what you were looking for. that every what you were looking for. that every single season was the good old days. It single season was the good old days. It single season was the good old days. It was there for you to enjoy it. And there was there for you to enjoy it. And there was there for you to enjoy it. And there was nothing ahead of you that was going was nothing ahead of you that was going was nothing ahead of you that was going to give you what you were looking for to give you what you were looking for to give you what you were looking for cuz what you were looking for was not cuz what you were looking for was not cuz what you were looking for was not found in that. It was found in God.

found in that. It was found in God. found in that. It was found in God. And when you get that, you can start to And when you get that, you can start to And when you get that, you can start to enjoy your life as you should enjoy it enjoy your life as you should enjoy it enjoy your life as you should enjoy it even though it's passing and temporary. even though it's passing and temporary. even though it's passing and temporary. David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes I found really helpful, says this, by I found really helpful, says this, by I found really helpful, says this, by the way, this is this is very simple the the way, this is this is very simple the the way, this is this is very simple the wording of it, but this is so deep some wording of it, but this is so deep some wording of it, but this is so deep some of you going to think about this for the of you going to think about this for the of you going to think about this for the next month. next month. next month. Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, and be Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, and be Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for this is all we have." merry, for this is all we have." merry, for this is all we have." The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, eat, drink, and be merry, for this is eat, drink, and be merry, for this is eat, drink, and be merry, for this is what we have." You understand the what we have." You understand the what we have." You understand the difference? difference? difference? The first one treats pleasure like it's The first one treats pleasure like it's The first one treats pleasure like it's the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up because this is all we got. The latter because this is all we got. The latter because this is all we got. The latter one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not all we have. It's not the whole all we have. It's not the whole all we have. It's not the whole substance of our lives. The substance of substance of our lives. The substance of substance of our lives. The substance of our lives is God and eternity. But these our lives is God and eternity. But these our lives is God and eternity. But these are good gifts, good gifts of God that are good gifts, good gifts of God that are good gifts, good gifts of God that he gives us right now to be enjoyed to he gives us right now to be enjoyed to he gives us right now to be enjoyed to the fuls and drink and be married the fuls and drink and be married the fuls and drink and be married because this is what you have. So enjoy because this is what you have. So enjoy because this is what you have. So enjoy every hug. Enjoy every moment with that every hug. Enjoy every moment with that every hug. Enjoy every moment with that kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse.

kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse. kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse. Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of them to the fullest because they're them to the fullest because they're them to the fullest because they're gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't turn them into gods. Don't turn them turn them into gods. Don't turn them turn them into gods. Don't turn them into your substance because if you do, into your substance because if you do, into your substance because if you do, they're going to break your heart when they're going to break your heart when they're going to break your heart when they turn out to be heavy. When you're they turn out to be heavy. When you're they turn out to be heavy. When you're going to fall into them, you're going to going to fall into them, you're going to going to fall into them, you're going to fall right through them. There's fall right through them. There's fall right through them. There's something you cannot control, predict, something you cannot control, predict, something you cannot control, predict, or hang on to. or hang on to. or hang on to. Let me conclude our first week and Let me conclude our first week and Let me conclude our first week and Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout the study of this book. I'm going to the study of this book. I'm going to the study of this book. I'm going to call these the laws of the heaven. Okay? call these the laws of the heaven. Okay? call these the laws of the heaven. Okay? Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to you and we'll circle around them the you and we'll circle around them the you and we'll circle around them the rest of the series. Law of the heaven rest of the series. Law of the heaven rest of the series. Law of the heaven number one. Law of the he number one. number one. Law of the he number one. number one. Law of the he number one. Embrace life above the sun Embrace life above the sun Embrace life above the sun is the only satisfying answer for life is the only satisfying answer for life is the only satisfying answer for life under the sun. And by life above the under the sun. And by life above the under the sun. And by life above the sun, I mean life with God. The writer of sun, I mean life with God. The writer of sun, I mean life with God. The writer of Ecclesiastes is describing life in a Ecclesiastes is describing life in a Ecclesiastes is describing life in a world under the curse of sin. A life world under the curse of sin. A life world under the curse of sin. A life divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, after man is sinned, life east of Eden.

after man is sinned, life east of Eden. after man is sinned, life east of Eden. Which is why, by the way, I love this, Which is why, by the way, I love this, Which is why, by the way, I love this, Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go at the beginning of the Bible because it at the beginning of the Bible because it at the beginning of the Bible because it raises all the questions that the rest raises all the questions that the rest raises all the questions that the rest of scripture answers. of scripture answers. of scripture answers. Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 world, life under the curse of sin. And world, life under the curse of sin. And world, life under the curse of sin. And see, that sets us up for the good news see, that sets us up for the good news see, that sets us up for the good news of Ecclesiastes. of Ecclesiastes. of Ecclesiastes. into the futility of this cursed world into the futility of this cursed world into the futility of this cursed world stepped the author of life himself. And stepped the author of life himself. And stepped the author of life himself. And on a cross, the only one who actually on a cross, the only one who actually on a cross, the only one who actually was fully fulfilled, the only one who was fully fulfilled, the only one who was fully fulfilled, the only one who was not temporary, the only one who had was not temporary, the only one who had was not temporary, the only one who had life in himself and whose presence was life in himself and whose presence was life in himself and whose presence was the fullness of joy and at whose right the fullness of joy and at whose right the fullness of joy and at whose right hand are pleasures forever more. On a hand are pleasures forever more. On a hand are pleasures forever more. On a cross, he absorbed the heart of the cross, he absorbed the heart of the cross, he absorbed the heart of the curse, ultimate futility. Death itself curse, ultimate futility. Death itself curse, ultimate futility. Death itself went into him. The only perfect person went into him. The only perfect person went into him. The only perfect person who had ever walked on earth took our who had ever walked on earth took our who had ever walked on earth took our futility, the curse for our sin into futility, the curse for our sin into futility, the curse for our sin into himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then he walked out 3 days later, breaking the he walked out 3 days later, breaking the he walked out 3 days later, breaking the power of the curse and guaranteeing that power of the curse and guaranteeing that power of the curse and guaranteeing that life and labor in him will not end in life and labor in him will not end in life and labor in him will not end in futility. You see, he says it all ends futility. You see, he says it all ends futility. You see, he says it all ends here. The resurrection says, "No, it here. The resurrection says, "No, it here. The resurrection says, "No, it doesn't." He says, "This is all there doesn't." He says, "This is all there doesn't." He says, "This is all there is." is the resurrection says there is is." is the resurrection says there is is." is the resurrection says there is more.

more. more. He says nothing matters. Paul, the He says nothing matters. Paul, the He says nothing matters. Paul, the apostle Paul stands on the other side of apostle Paul stands on the other side of apostle Paul stands on the other side of an empty tomb and he says no, everything an empty tomb and he says no, everything an empty tomb and he says no, everything matters. Be steadfast, therefore, matters. Be steadfast, therefore, matters. Be steadfast, therefore, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in of the Lord, knowing that your labor in of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that is for the Lord is not in vain, and that is for the Lord is not in vain, and that is for one reason, Paul says, and that reason one reason, Paul says, and that reason one reason, Paul says, and that reason is the resurrection. is the resurrection. is the resurrection. The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The resurrection ends ultimate futility. resurrection ends ultimate futility. resurrection ends ultimate futility. Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible book because it answers the world's book because it answers the world's book because it answers the world's greatest dilemma better than any other greatest dilemma better than any other greatest dilemma better than any other philosophy does. And it does that first philosophy does. And it does that first philosophy does. And it does that first by exposing the emptiness of all the by exposing the emptiness of all the by exposing the emptiness of all the other answers that our society gives to other answers that our society gives to other answers that our society gives to that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have meaning because I'll leave a legacy." meaning because I'll leave a legacy." meaning because I'll leave a legacy." Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make a Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make a Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make a little difference and eventually you'll little difference and eventually you'll little difference and eventually you'll be forgotten." Existentialism says, be forgotten." Existentialism says, be forgotten." Existentialism says, "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any meaning you create for yourself survive meaning you create for yourself survive meaning you create for yourself survive your own death? Don't be an idiot." your own death? Don't be an idiot." your own death? Don't be an idiot." Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop asking this question and just enjoy asking this question and just enjoy asking this question and just enjoy life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, you'll find that's like striving after you'll find that's like striving after you'll find that's like striving after the wind."

the wind." the wind." The preacher shows us that every path The preacher shows us that every path The preacher shows us that every path under the sun ends at the same dismal under the sun ends at the same dismal under the sun ends at the same dismal place, the grave, meaningless death. And place, the grave, meaningless death. And place, the grave, meaningless death. And then he shows us, by the way, he shows then he shows us, by the way, he shows then he shows us, by the way, he shows us that not because he's cynical. He us that not because he's cynical. He us that not because he's cynical. He shows that because he's clearing away shows that because he's clearing away shows that because he's clearing away every false hope until we are ready to every false hope until we are ready to every false hope until we are ready to hear that the only hope comes from above hear that the only hope comes from above hear that the only hope comes from above the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. Law of the devil number two. Law of the devil number two. Law of the devil number two. And again, I'm just going to introduce And again, I'm just going to introduce And again, I'm just going to introduce this one. Build your life on eternal this one. Build your life on eternal this one. Build your life on eternal things. things. things. Again, I'm only touch on this now, but Again, I'm only touch on this now, but Again, I'm only touch on this now, but see if all this is true. see if all this is true. see if all this is true. You need to ask yourself what you're You need to ask yourself what you're You need to ask yourself what you're really living for. [music] So many of you are pouring your life So many of you are pouring your life into things under the sun, things that into things under the sun, things that into things under the sun, things that don't matter. You're not an atheist. No. don't matter. You're not an atheist. No. don't matter. You're not an atheist. No. But you're living as if life under the But you're living as if life under the But you're living as if life under the sun is really what counts. You're trying sun is really what counts. You're trying sun is really what counts. You're trying to make a big impact. You're trying to to make a big impact. You're trying to to make a big impact. You're trying to make the world a better place. You're make the world a better place. You're make the world a better place. You're trying to leave a name and a legacy for trying to leave a name and a legacy for trying to leave a name and a legacy for yourself. And maybe you are wealthy yourself. And maybe you are wealthy yourself. And maybe you are wealthy enough to get your name on a building at enough to get your name on a building at enough to get your name on a building at your alma mater. Congratulations. But a your alma mater. Congratulations. But a your alma mater. Congratulations. But a lot of you are giving away your life's lot of you are giving away your life's lot of you are giving away your life's work to things that won't eternally work to things that won't eternally work to things that won't eternally matter. Your investment dies [music] matter. Your investment dies [music] matter. Your investment dies [music] here.

here. here. When I was a kid, I've told you my dad When I was a kid, I've told you my dad When I was a kid, I've told you my dad taught me this phrase. He said I should taught me this phrase. He said I should taught me this phrase. He said I should live by. The phrase is only two things live by. The phrase is only two things live by. The phrase is only two things in life, son, are going to last forever. in life, son, are going to last forever. in life, son, are going to last forever. Only two things will last forever truly, Only two things will last forever truly, Only two things will last forever truly, and that's the souls of men and the word and that's the souls of men and the word and that's the souls of men and the word of God. of God. of God. So, make sure you build your life around So, make sure you build your life around So, make sure you build your life around those. those. those. Only two things in life last forever. Only two things in life last forever. Only two things in life last forever. The word of God and the souls of men. The word of God and the souls of men. The word of God and the souls of men. Don't give your energy and don't give Don't give your energy and don't give Don't give your energy and don't give your money and your time to things under your money and your time to things under your money and your time to things under the sun, second and third homes, the sun, second and third homes, the sun, second and third homes, building a palace for yourself on earth. building a palace for yourself on earth. building a palace for yourself on earth. Nothing wrong with those, but don't make Nothing wrong with those, but don't make Nothing wrong with those, but don't make them the substance of your life. them the substance of your life. them the substance of your life. Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, creating a life of ease for yourself. creating a life of ease for yourself. creating a life of ease for yourself. Build your life on eternal things. Build your life on eternal things. Build your life on eternal things. Things are going to last forever. Only Things are going to last forever. Only Things are going to last forever. Only two things in life last forever truly two things in life last forever truly two things in life last forever truly and that is the word of God and the and that is the word of God and the and that is the word of God and the souls of people. I am not saying your souls of people. I am not saying your souls of people. I am not saying your secular work doesn't matter. In fact, secular work doesn't matter. In fact, secular work doesn't matter. In fact, Ecclesiastes is going to say it does Ecclesiastes is going to say it does Ecclesiastes is going to say it does matter because you can do it to glorify matter because you can do it to glorify matter because you can do it to glorify God and bless others around you in his God and bless others around you in his God and bless others around you in his name. Y'all, there's so much more in name. Y'all, there's so much more in name. Y'all, there's so much more in this book. But that's a good place for this book. But that's a good place for this book. But that's a good place for us to stop today because these are the us to stop today because these are the us to stop today because these are the principles right here. These are the principles right here. These are the principles right here. These are the principles that I want you to carry with principles that I want you to carry with principles that I want you to carry with you [music] throughout this book. I'm you [music] throughout this book. I'm you [music] throughout this book. I'm going to leave these two up here. I'm going to leave these two up here. I'm going to leave these two up here. I'm going to let you think about him for a going to let you think about him for a going to let you think about him for a moment. I'm going to let the Holy Spirit moment. I'm going to let the Holy Spirit moment. I'm going to let the Holy Spirit just let him show you where just let him show you where just let him show you where you're having trouble getting your mind you're having trouble getting your mind you're having trouble getting your mind and your heart in conformity to one of and your heart in conformity to one of and your heart in conformity to one of these.

these. these. But first, can I do this? Let me ask you But first, can I do this? Let me ask you But first, can I do this? Let me ask you to bow your heads. Let me ask you to bow to bow your heads. Let me ask you to bow to bow your heads. Let me ask you to bow your heads for just a moment so I can your heads for just a moment so I can your heads for just a moment so I can ask you a question. ask you a question. ask you a question. I just wonder who here might say, I just wonder who here might say, I just wonder who here might say, "Pastor, "Pastor, "Pastor, you've been describing me this whole you've been describing me this whole you've been describing me this whole morning. morning. morning. I'm the person who's been living for I'm the person who's been living for I'm the person who's been living for themselves and life under the sun. But themselves and life under the sun. But themselves and life under the sun. But this weekend, I am recognizing that this weekend, I am recognizing that this weekend, I am recognizing that Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready to give my life to him. If that's you, to give my life to him. If that's you, to give my life to him. If that's you, would you just raise your hand? I'm not would you just raise your hand? I'm not would you just raise your hand? I'm not going to embarrass you. I just I think going to embarrass you. I just I think going to embarrass you. I just I think that's an important thing for you to that's an important thing for you to that's an important thing for you to acknowledge. Okay, good. Other whether I acknowledge. Okay, good. Other whether I acknowledge. Okay, good. Other whether I can see you or not, just raise your can see you or not, just raise your can see you or not, just raise your hand. You put it down. Listen, if you hand. You put it down. Listen, if you hand. You put it down. Listen, if you have never received Christ and given have never received Christ and given have never received Christ and given your life to him, your life to him, your life to him, it would sound like this. You could pray it would sound like this. You could pray it would sound like this. You could pray this with me right now. You pray this this with me right now. You pray this this with me right now. You pray this from your heart. [music] from your heart. [music] from your heart. [music] Jesus, I give my life to you. Jesus, I give my life to you. Jesus, I give my life to you. I recognize you are my Lord. I believe you died on a cross to save me I believe you died on a cross to save me and forgive me.

and forgive me. and forgive me. I receive that gift of salvation right I receive that gift of salvation right I receive that gift of salvation right now. Say that from your heart. I receive now. Say that from your heart. I receive now. Say that from your heart. I receive that gift of salvation right now. Listen, if you prayed [music] that with Listen, if you prayed [music] that with me, every head's bowed. I want you just to every head's bowed. I want you just to really quietly [music] really quietly [music] really quietly [music] take a peek up here and I'm going to put take a peek up here and I'm going to put take a peek up here and I'm going to put the word ready. R E A D Y. I want you to the word ready. R E A D Y. I want you to the word ready. R E A D Y. I want you to text the word ready in just a minute to text the word ready in just a minute to text the word ready in just a minute to 33933. 33933. 33933. That'll let us start a conversation with That'll let us start a conversation with That'll let us start a conversation with [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. May be a good first step to take. Okay? May be a good first step to take. Okay? May be a good first step to take. Okay? Otherwise, some let me leave you to Otherwise, some let me leave you to Otherwise, some let me leave you to reflect on these two laws. reflect on these two laws. reflect on these two laws. Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit to show you where where your life may to show you where where your life may to show you where where your life may not be in conformity to this perspective not be in conformity to this perspective not be in conformity to this perspective that Ecclesiastes is trying to get you that Ecclesiastes is trying to get you that Ecclesiastes is trying to get you [music] to adopt. You take a moment and [music] to adopt. You take a moment and [music] to adopt. You take a moment and then our worship teams will come at all then our worship teams will come at all then our worship teams will come at all of our campuses and they'll lead us to of our campuses and they'll lead us to of our campuses and they'll lead us to stand and worship the God [music] who stand and worship the God [music] who stand and worship the God [music] who entered the heaven.

the rock [music] on which I stand. When the rock [music] on which I stand. When everything around me is shaking, [music] I've never been more glad that I put I've never been more glad that I put [music] my faith in Jesus. He's never let me down. [music] He's He's never let me down. [music] He's faithful through generation. [music] So why would he fail now? [music] So why would he fail now? He won't. [music] He won't. [music] He won't. [music] The only real substance in life is Jesus The only real substance in life is Jesus The only real substance in life is Jesus Christ. Yeah. Come on. Let's testify to Christ. Yeah. Come on. Let's testify to Christ. Yeah. Come on. Let's testify to that. Say, "I've still got joy. I've that. Say, "I've still got joy. I've that. Say, "I've still got joy. I've still [music] got joy in [singing] still [music] got joy in [singing] still [music] got joy in [singing] chaos. chaos. chaos. I've got [music] peace. That makes no I've got [music] peace. That makes no I've got [music] peace. That makes no sense. So I won't be [singing] going sense. So I won't be [singing] going sense. So I won't be [singing] going under. under. under. I'm not held [music] by my own strength. I'm not held [music] by my own strength. I'm not held [music] by my own strength. Cuz I built my life on Jesus. [singing] Cuz I built my life on Jesus. [singing] Cuz I built my life on Jesus. [singing] He He He He's never [music] He's never [music] He's never [music] let me down. He's faithful in every let me down. He's faithful in every let me down. He's faithful in every season.

season. season. Thank you, Lord. So [music and singing] Thank you, Lord. So [music and singing] Thank you, Lord. So [music and singing] why would he fail? Say it for your soul. why would he fail? Say it for your soul. why would he fail? Say it for your soul. Come on. He won't. [music] Oh, sing it Come on. He won't. [music] Oh, sing it Come on. He won't. [music] Oh, sing it in faith. Say it in faith. Say, "He in faith. Say it in faith. Say, "He in faith. Say it in faith. Say, "He won't." Come on. He won't now. Say, "He won't." Come on. He won't now. Say, "He won't." Come on. He won't now. Say, "He won't fail." won't fail." won't fail." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He won't fail. >> He won't fail. >> He won't fail. He never will. He won't He never will. He won't He never will. He won't [music and singing] fail. [music and singing] fail. [music and singing] fail. Oh, Christ is Christ is my perfect Oh, Christ is Christ is my perfect Oh, Christ is Christ is my perfect foundation. [music] [music] Are you building your life for him? Are you building your life for him? Are you building your life for him? Everything around me. [music] [music] I've never been more glad that I put my I've never been more glad that I put my I've never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus. [music] He's never let me down. He's faithful He's never let me down. He's faithful [music] to [music] to [music] to over and over and over again. So why over and over and over again. So why over and over and over again. So why would he fail? Shout it out. [music] would he fail? Shout it out. [music] would he fail? Shout it out. [music] He won't.

He won't. He won't. Hallelujah. Oh, we know. We know he Hallelujah. Oh, we know. We know he Hallelujah. Oh, we know. We know he won't. He's too good. [music] He's too won't. He's too good. [music] He's too won't. He's too good. [music] He's too strong. Yes, he won't fail. strong. Yes, he won't fail. strong. Yes, he won't fail. He won't fail. He won't [music] fail. War War came when blue. My house was built on came when blue. My house was built on came when blue. My house was built on you. you. you. I'm safe with [music] I'm safe with [music] I'm safe with [music] you. I'm going to make it through. Rain you. I'm going to make it through. Rain you. I'm going to make it through. Rain came, testify, [music] came, testify, [music] came, testify, [music] gave gave gave blew. My house was built on the solid blew. My house was built on the solid blew. My house was built on the solid rock of Jesus. [music] rock of Jesus. [music] rock of Jesus. [music] I'm safe with I'm going to make it. I'm safe with I'm going to make it. I'm safe with I'm going to make it. [music] [music] [music] Say that. Say that. Say that. I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. [music] Yes, cuz I'm to make it through. [music] Yes, cuz I'm to make it through. [music] Yes, cuz I'm standing strong. My life is not built on standing strong. My life is not built on standing strong. My life is not built on me. I'm [music] going to make it me. I'm [music] going to make it me. I'm [music] going to make it through. Wo. My house is built [music] through. Wo. My house is built [music] through. Wo. My house is built [music] on you. Your Christ is my fation.

He's [music] the wrong one. We trust He's [music] the wrong one. We trust him. When everything around me is shen, him. When everything around me is shen, him. When everything around me is shen, [music] [music] [music] he's steadfast. I've never been more he's steadfast. I've never been more he's steadfast. I've never been more than I put [music] my faith in Jesus. than I put [music] my faith in Jesus. than I put [music] my faith in Jesus. [singing] He's never let me [music] down. He's He's never let me [music] down. He's faithful through generations. faithful through generations. faithful through generations. So ask your heart [music] tonight. Why So ask your heart [music] tonight. Why So ask your heart [music] tonight. Why would [singing] he fail now? would [singing] he fail now? would [singing] he fail now? He won't. [music] No, he won't. He never will. No, he won't. He never will. [music] Boy, it's good after a sermon on the he Boy, it's good after a sermon on the he of life to declare [music] that God will of life to declare [music] that God will of life to declare [music] that God will never fail us and declare that he won't never fail us and declare that he won't never fail us and declare that he won't ever leave us. He won't ever aband ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab abandon ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab abandon ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab ab abandon us and it's a beautiful thing. Look, us and it's a beautiful thing. Look, us and it's a beautiful thing. Look, there are people in this room and online there are people in this room and online there are people in this room and online that just prayed to receive Christ just that just prayed to receive Christ just that just prayed to receive Christ just today. Can we praise God for them again?

today. Can we praise God for them again? today. Can we praise God for them again? Can we thank God for that? And look, Can we thank God for that? And look, Can we thank God for that? And look, whatever you are walking through, whatever you are walking through, whatever you are walking through, whatever of life you are [music] whatever of life you are [music] whatever of life you are [music] experiencing right now. And let's be experiencing right now. And let's be experiencing right now. And let's be honest, we all are. To live is to go honest, we all are. To live is to go honest, we all are. To live is to go through heaven. Look, we want to pray through heaven. Look, we want to pray through heaven. Look, we want to pray with [music] you. We want you to come with [music] you. We want you to come with [music] you. We want you to come forward and pray. That's why we want to forward and pray. That's why we want to forward and pray. That's why we want to open up these front [music] the front at open up these front [music] the front at open up these front [music] the front at the end of every service so that you can the end of every service so that you can the end of every service so that you can come and pray. Our prayer team is going come and pray. Our prayer team is going come and pray. Our prayer team is going to be off to the sides. We would love to to be off to the sides. We would love to to be off to the sides. We would love to pray with you and for you about anything pray with you and for you about anything pray with you and for you about anything you were [music] walking through and you were [music] walking through and you were [music] walking through and anything you were going through. Maybe anything you were going through. Maybe anything you were going through. Maybe you just need us to pray the promises of you just need us to pray the promises of you just need us to pray the promises of God over you because what you [music] God over you because what you [music] God over you because what you [music] were walking through has caused you to were walking through has caused you to were walking through has caused you to doubt them and not remember them. Maybe doubt them and not remember them. Maybe doubt them and not remember them. Maybe you need us to believe for you. We want you need us to believe for you. We want you need us to believe for you. We want to do that. That's why we as a church to do that. That's why we as a church to do that. That's why we as a church exist. We want to be a [music] family exist. We want to be a [music] family exist. We want to be a [music] family that you belong to, not an event that that you belong to, not an event that that you belong to, not an event that you attend. And one of the ways you can you attend. And one of the ways you can you attend. And one of the ways you can do that is through getting into a small do that is through getting into a small do that is through getting into a small group. Pastor JD said that the things group. Pastor JD said that the things group. Pastor JD said that the things that last are the word of God and the that last are the word of God and the that last are the word of God and the souls of man. And so the word of God, we souls of man. And so the word of God, we souls of man. And so the word of God, we want the word, word of God rooted want the word, word of God rooted want the word, word of God rooted [music] deeply in your life. That's why [music] deeply in your life. That's why [music] deeply in your life. That's why we have small groups. We gather with we have small groups. We gather with we have small groups. We gather with other people to get into the word to other people to get into the word to other people to get into the word to pray the word to discuss [music] the pray the word to discuss [music] the pray the word to discuss [music] the word and apply it to our lives. If you word and apply it to our lives. If you word and apply it to our lives. If you were not in a small group, you [music] were not in a small group, you [music] were not in a small group, you [music] may think, "Well, I've got got this."

may think, "Well, I've got got this." may think, "Well, I've got got this." Bro, you don't got this. You don't have Bro, you don't got this. You don't have Bro, you don't got this. You don't have this. You can't make it through life this. You can't make it through life this. You can't make it through life without others in your life. And so, you without others in your life. And so, you without others in your life. And so, you need to get into a small group. That's need to get into a small group. That's need to get into a small group. That's why we have group link this Tuesday why we have group link this Tuesday why we have group link this Tuesday night for you to [music] be a part of. night for you to [music] be a part of. night for you to [music] be a part of. That's why our w women's ministry is That's why our w women's ministry is That's why our w women's ministry is kicking off. Men, we're meeting every kicking off. Men, we're meeting every kicking off. Men, we're meeting every Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. upstairs Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. upstairs Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. upstairs studying the book of Romans. And I know studying the book of Romans. And I know studying the book of Romans. And I know you're like, "Ah, that's too early. you're like, "Ah, that's too early. you're like, "Ah, that's too early. That's an inconvenient time." No, it's That's an inconvenient time." No, it's That's an inconvenient time." No, it's not. You just don't [music] want to be not. You just don't [music] want to be not. You just don't [music] want to be there. And so, I want you to fight that there. And so, I want you to fight that there. And so, I want you to fight that lie. And I want you to come because we lie. And I want you to come because we lie. And I want you to come because we want to have the word of God change want to have the word of God change want to have the word of God change [music] us. That's why we're doing 21 [music] us. That's why we're doing 21 [music] us. That's why we're doing 21 days of prayer to pray the word of God. days of prayer to pray the word of God. days of prayer to pray the word of God. We are praying through the Lord's We are praying through the Lord's We are praying through the Lord's prayer. Every day we are praying the prayer. Every day we are praying the prayer. Every day we are praying the word of God because we know we are word of God because we know we are word of God because we know we are walking through the he of life and we walking through the he of life and we walking through the he of life and we know that the only two things that last know that the only two things that last know that the only two things that last are the word of God and the souls of are the word of God and the souls of are the word of God and the souls of [music] man. And so as we walk through [music] man. And so as we walk through [music] man. And so as we walk through the he of the world around us, we walk the he of the world around us, we walk the he of the world around us, we walk through it with hope. Those of you that through it with hope. Those of you that through it with hope. Those of you that have surrendered your life to Jesus have surrendered your life to Jesus have surrendered your life to Jesus [music] Christ, you have the hope of [music] Christ, you have the hope of [music] Christ, you have the hope of Jesus Christ. Imagine those around you. Jesus Christ. Imagine those around you. Jesus Christ. Imagine those around you. Get an image in a face of someone in Get an image in a face of someone in Get an image in a face of someone in your mind that you work [music] work your mind that you work [music] work your mind that you work [music] work with, that you live beside, that you're with, that you live beside, that you're with, that you live beside, that you're in class with that does not know Jesus.

in class with that does not know Jesus. in class with that does not know Jesus. [music] They are walking through this [music] They are walking through this [music] They are walking through this life in this world without hope. You life in this world without hope. You life in this world without hope. You have that hope. And so what I want you have that hope. And so what I want you have that hope. And so what I want you to do this [music] week is I want you to to do this [music] week is I want you to to do this [music] week is I want you to go and share that hope. Share the hope go and share that hope. Share the hope go and share that hope. Share the hope and the love of Jesus Christ with and the love of Jesus Christ with and the love of Jesus Christ with someone. God wants to save people and he someone. God wants to save people and he someone. God wants to save people and he wants to use you to do it. I want you to wants to use you to do it. I want you to wants to use you to do it. I want you to go and share that hope. Invite them back go and share that hope. Invite them back go and share that hope. Invite them back with you next week. Summit, you were with you next week. Summit, you were with you next week. Summit, you were loved and you were sent. >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you guys so much for joining us >> Thank you guys so much for joining us >> Thank you guys so much for joining us this morning. Hey, I just want to echo this morning. Hey, I just want to echo this morning. Hey, I just want to echo what Pastor John was saying [music] in what Pastor John was saying [music] in what Pastor John was saying [music] in that uh I would highly encourage you go that uh I would highly encourage you go that uh I would highly encourage you go and share something that the Lord is and share something that the Lord is and share something that the Lord is teaching you, whether it's through this teaching you, whether it's through this teaching you, whether it's through this [music] message or just something that's [music] message or just something that's [music] message or just something that's going on in your life. Go and share that going on in your life. Go and share that going on in your life. Go and share that with someone, especially someone who may with someone, especially someone who may with someone, especially someone who may not know about the gospel of Jesus. Um, not know about the gospel of Jesus. Um, not know about the gospel of Jesus. Um, and we want to partner with you in and we want to partner with you in and we want to partner with you in praying for those people. Um, so whether praying for those people. Um, so whether praying for those people. Um, so whether we can pray for someone in your life we can pray for someone in your life we can pray for someone in your life that you're trying to witness to or pray that you're trying to witness to or pray that you're trying to witness to or pray for [music] something that's going on in for [music] something that's going on in for [music] something that's going on in your life, we want to do that. So you your life, we want to do that. So you your life, we want to do that. So you can go to live.summitchurch.com can go to live.summitchurch.com can go to live.summitchurch.com to request prayer there and our hosts to request prayer there and our hosts to request prayer there and our hosts are ready and available to do that and are ready and available to do that and are ready and available to do that and would love to do that. Or, you know, would love to do that. Or, you know, would love to do that. Or, you know, maybe you're not able to hop on the live maybe you're not able to hop on the live maybe you're not able to hop on the live chat right now. You can always download chat right now. You can always download chat right now. You can always download the Summit Church app and at the bottom the Summit Church app and at the bottom the Summit Church app and at the bottom there's a little prayer button. you can there's a little prayer button. you can there's a little prayer button. you can click on that and be able to pray for click on that and be able to pray for click on that and be able to pray for others as well as submit your own prayer others as well as submit your own prayer others as well as submit your own prayer requests there. Uh those are great ways requests there. Uh those are great ways requests there. Uh those are great ways to reach out so that our teams can be to reach out so that our teams can be to reach out so that our teams can be praying for you and um we want to do praying for you and um we want to do praying for you and um we want to do that. We want to be a community who that. We want to be a community who that. We want to be a community who prays and a church body that prays for

prays and a church body that prays for prays and a church body that prays for each other and with each other. Um and each other and with each other. Um and each other and with each other. Um and so yeah, as he was saying, we're still so yeah, as he was saying, we're still so yeah, as he was saying, we're still in the midst of the 21 days of prayer. I in the midst of the 21 days of prayer. I in the midst of the 21 days of prayer. I would highly encourage you join us in would highly encourage you join us in would highly encourage you join us in that if you haven't already. Um again, that if you haven't already. Um again, that if you haven't already. Um again, some of these prompts, uh these prayer some of these prompts, uh these prayer some of these prompts, uh these prayer prompts have just been really impactful prompts have just been really impactful prompts have just been really impactful for me and just um wonderful to pray for me and just um wonderful to pray for me and just um wonderful to pray through individually and together as a through individually and together as a through individually and together as a church body and encourage each other. church body and encourage each other. church body and encourage each other. So, um yeah, go through join us for 21 So, um yeah, go through join us for 21 So, um yeah, go through join us for 21 days of prayer and go and pray with days of prayer and go and pray with days of prayer and go and pray with someone else in your life, too. Um I someone else in your life, too. Um I someone else in your life, too. Um I would encourage you to bring someone in would encourage you to bring someone in would encourage you to bring someone in and bring someone along to pray with you and bring someone along to pray with you and bring someone along to pray with you in that. Um but just know that we're in that. Um but just know that we're in that. Um but just know that we're here. Uh we are so thankful that you here. Uh we are so thankful that you here. Uh we are so thankful that you joined us this morning and I hope to see joined us this morning and I hope to see joined us this morning and I hope to see you either online or in person next you either online or in person next you either online or in person next weekend. We hope to see you at one of weekend. We hope to see you at one of weekend. We hope to see you at one of our campuses or online. With that semit our campuses or online. With that semit our campuses or online. With that semit online family, I am praying for you. I online family, I am praying for you. I online family, I am praying for you. I hope you have a wonderful week. You are hope you have a wonderful week. You are hope you have a wonderful week. You are sent [music]

[music] Heat. >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music]

[music] >> Hey, hey, hey.