Monday, July 30, 2007

Sermon from July 29

Ecclesiastes 8: 1 - 17


1. God tells us to submit to those in authority over us and to obey the government. Titus 3:1
2. There is a proper protocol for dealing with those God has entrusted to watch over us.
3. With privilege comes resonsibility.
4. Wickedness is like a trap. It will not let us go once it possesses us. John 8:34
5. Punishment is a deterrent against crime.
6. Even if there were no heaven, it would still be better to live for God.
7. We may as well recognize that life isn’t always fair. But one day, God will even the score.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Sermon from July 22


Here is the listening guide from yesterday. I'm continuing my summer poetry series on Ecclesiastes.


Ecclesiastes 7: 8 - 22

1. Seeing a project through takes hard work and patience, but is is worth it.
2. We should be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. It is difficult to live a righteous life if we are consumed with anger. James 1: 19, 20
3. The idea that the "old days" were better may be more an illusion than reality. Build on the past, plan for the future, but live for today. Matthew 6:34
4. God is in control in good times and bad, and uses every circumstance for our own good. Romans 8:28
5. Don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Luke 10:31. God does not want us to sin, but we should realize we are capable of it.
6. In life, we should always seek a balance. But this doesn't mean be lukewarm. Revelation 3:15

Monday, July 16, 2007

Sermon from July 15

Ecclesiastes 5: 1 - 7


1. Come to church with with an open mind, ready to listen and ready to learn.

2. Jesus said to count the cost before deciding to commit to him. Luke 14: 25 - 34

3. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

4. "God is in heaven..." The idea is that a peasant may only speak to a king if he is invited. God is much higher than we are and our respect for Him must reflect that.

5. It is our mouth that often leads us into sin. James 3: 1 - 6

6. We do well to stand in awe of God; to be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10
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I want to discuss something I've seen concerning point number 4. I've heard worship leaders say, "God, we invite you into our presence today." That's backward! A peasant doesn't invite the king into his presence, he is thrilled to be invited into the king's presence.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Sermon from July 1


Ecclesiastes 4: 1 - 12


1. Throughout history, the rich have ruled over the poor and have often oppressed them.

Proverbs 22:7

2. We must stand up for the innocent. If we do not, Solomon says life isn't worth living. Proverbs 18: 5

3. It is wise to find a balance between work and rest; between your job and your family.

4. God created us to be connected to each other.

5. How sad the person who has no one to watch his back and stand beside him.

6. Pulling together multiplies our strength.