Paul's Last Words

Dennis McCallum

2 Timothy 1:1-7

As the time that Paul has left on this earth comes to a close, his final words to Timothy focus on encouraging him to keep fanning the flames of the spiritual gift God has given him. He reminds him that God has not given him a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and sound mind. In that spirit, he has the power to love others and have confidence in God in all circumstances.

Avoiding Capture

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 2:1-9

Biblical Christians face many pressures to take their eyes off the primary importance of the Gospel--appreciating and sharing the good news that God offers forgiveness as a free gift. In a culture of people dividing up into "tribes" and causes, it's easy to be sucked into opinions, fears, and forms of manipulation, taking our eyes off God's truth and isolating us from unity with other Christians. There are many ways to resist capture, including being discerning about current culture, remaining unified with other believers, and, through our faith, standing against evil.

Living a Life without Regrets

James Rochford

Ecclesiastes 12:1-13

As Solomon closes out Ecclesiastes, he recounts the many effects of aging, such as the loss of sight, hearing strength. The greatest effect is the weight of regrets. He exhorts his listeners to not make the same mistake he made. Don't put your faith and efforts into the things of the world. Instead, fear God and keep His commands. All the things you can pursue in this world are meaningless apart from God. Solomon knows this from experience!

The Pursuit of Pleasure

Chris Hearty

Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

King Solomon, who had more wealth and possessions than any man who ever lived, did not deny himself anything that would bring him pleasure. Yet, it did not bring him what he was looking for. Instead, he discovered pursuing pleasure only resulted in chasing the wind. Whether he pursued wisdom or folly, the end was the same, futility. But what he did learn was the ability to find enjoyment and joy comes from God. We cannot enjoy the things of this life without God.

Is Life Meaningless without God?

James Rochford

Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

King Solomon with all his wealth and power did an exhaustive study to explore all that is done under the sun in order to find the meaning of life. He did not deny himself any pleasure or folly in his study. But all he found was emptiness, meaningless chasing after the wind. The more he delved into the human predicament, the worse he felt. A life lived under the sun without God is utterly meaningless.

Life Under the Sun

Scott Risley

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

The early years of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, were filled with wise decisions worthy accomplishments, his latter years were given over to indulging his every desire. Toward the end of his life he recognized the utter folly of living for one's self and the emptiness of living as if there is no God. All the riches and pleasures of the world are meaningless apart from God. God wants you us to see the futility of pursing anything other than Him.

The Meaning of Life?

Chris Hearty

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, carefully examined all the earth had to offer, pleasure, wealth, and power and discovered it was all futile, like chasing the wind. People come and go but no one remembers them after a generation no matter how incredible their accomplishments were. Solomon's point is do not try to seek joy or contentment apart from God, it will leave you empty. Meaning only comes from turning to God.

The Power of the Word

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 1:22-2:3

It is the Word of God that empowers us to love fervently from the heart. It is the imperishable, life germinating seed that endures forever. The Word of God is a source of wisdom, victorious prayer, effective ministry, and character transformation. God works through his Word creating faith, nurturing growth and empowering ministry.

Messiah's Glorious Kingdom

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 72

While King Solomon is praying for his own ability to reign properly, he is also alluding to the ultimate reign of Messiah. King Messiah's reign will be marked by God-given moral integrity and wisdom. It will bring unparalleled peace and prosperity. It will be world-wide and everlasting. It will fulfill God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him.