ECCLESIASTES Sermons – Mircheal Jones

Have you ever looked and looked for something and could not find it because you knew it could not be where it was (And guess where it was!). Sometimes this is just aggravating [Ladies who gave a tirade about people stealing her pens but she had put it in her hair]; but sometimes it can be dangerous [Ronnie looked for a snake on the diving board but found it under his hand on the ladder!!!].

Our text today tells about a man who was looking in the wrong place for meaning to life- and we know the tragic consequences. He (Solomon) ended up with 1000 wives, tremendous wisdom, a kingdom in which silver and gold were as common as clay—and an outlook on life that proclaimed, “All is Vanity. Life has no meaning or hope.” Finally, in the end, he found life’s real meaning, but O how much suffering and sadness he had to go thru before he did so–and what a crop he reaped from his “wild oats”.

I want us to see some of the Wrong Places people look and then find where they ought to look.

I. LOOKING FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD INSTEAD OF WITH GOD.

A) We’re in a real war!!

1. We are at war with our self- Rom 7:23 24 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin which is in my members, O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. A person who is at war with them self will be at war with everyone else. You can give them some things to PLEASE them or PACIFY them but it will not bring them inner Peace.

2. We are at war with others- James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members. Children want their way, Parents want an obedient child. Opposites attract and that causes Friction! Bosses want a profit; you want a raise! Is. 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths (You can’t walk the “path of peace” when you are at war with the people walking with you!).

3. We’re either at war with God or Satan- James 4:4 Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Ep 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. There is no neutral place in life where you are your “own god”. You either serve God or Satan.

B) We look for Peace where there is no peace. Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, tells us how he sought meaning to life in Education, in culture, in Pleasures and Passions (2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy); and in buildings and monuments. Yet each time he proclaimed, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

We seek peace in this world but we must realize that we’re not citizens of earth seeking to go to Heaven; we’re citizens of Heaven making our way thru this earth. We can never “feel at home” in this world.

II. WE LOOK TO EXCUSE OUR ACTIONS INSTEAD OF CORRECT OUR CHARACTER. Ever since Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the Serpent, mankind has tried to excuse his mistakes instead of correct them.

A) We blame Satan instead of Self- James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Satan gets a lot of “credit” that he doesn’t deserve. (Many times Satan provides the matches but we set the fires!!!) Satan is not able to MAKE a Christian do wrong- Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

B) We turn over a new “leafs” of concern instead of a new life of Commitment. Ep 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. We think its good enough to just stop stealing–but we end up with a vacuum that eventually will be filled with something; either the original sin or “Seven worst ones” (Matt 12:43).

I hope we have begun to see that we’re looking in the wrong places for answers. Most people, however, will admit there is a problem. What we want are real Answers. WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO LOOK??? Is 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.

What you are really looking for is an answer to the eternal question- WHAT IS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? How can I find motivation and meaning in a world full of problems, payments, and pressures? The answer to that is found when you finally find out why you were created: To Glorify God- Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Sin is simply failing to Glorify God: All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. Rom 3:23).

And, of course, your next question is “How do we Glorify God??”

1. WITH WHAT WE DO (Works):

A) Christian Works- Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. They’ll know we are Christians by our Love.

B) Common Works (life style)- I Pet 2:12 Having your conversation (Manner of living) honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

2. WITH WHAT WE SAY- Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one voice glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A) One Mind- Unity of thought

B) One Voice proclaiming the One Message: Harmony of presentation. Songs, Sermons, Teaching, Witnessing- Rom 10:13 14 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

3. WITH WHAT WE ARE- I Cor 6:19 20 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

A) Body- Temple of Holy Spirit / B) Spirit- Personality. How can body and personality dishonor God? Anger, immodesty, and such like.

ARE YOU IN YOUR PLACE TODAY?? Have you trusted Christ as Saviour and are you working to glorify God in your life and actions

Eccl 02:24 ENJOY LIFE

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

God formed us, Sin deformed us. Education informs us. Religion reforms us. But only Christ can transform us. Many churches have bored believers, backslidden believers, bad living believers, and big mouth believers but they seldom seem to have believers who attract people to their church and to their faith. We need to change the way Christians thinks about themselves and the way the community thinks about Christians so lost people will realize and recognize that what Christians have is better than what they have!

1) Life is enjoyable when we enjoy life- These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11). Does your Joy overflow to the world around you?

2) Life is enjoyable when we feel Safe- The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs 18:10). Confident that God will never leave us or forsake us.

3) Life is enjoyable when we feel confident

a. About God’s Plan for our Life- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jer 29:11).

b. About our Future- In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3).

4) Life is enjoyable when we are at Peace with God and with ourselves. As a Christian we have

a. Peace with God- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).

b. The Peace of God- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15).

If you are not enjoying Life here are FOUR QUESTIONS you need to ask:

1) Is my Heart right with God?

2) Am I where God wants me to be, doing what God wants me to do? God has a job and a place for everyone.

3) Am I hungering for the “onions of Egypt” (Num 11:5) instead of the Bread and Water of Life?

4) Am I simply “satisfied to be saved” or do I daily seek to walk with God, work for God, and eagerly wait for God’s return?

Eccl 03:1 8 SEASONS OF LIFE

The word “Season” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “A space of time”. It is used to refer to a day and night (Jer 33:20), to times of harvest, to times of hardship, and to times of activity. Seasons are a part of the “Cycle of Life” that must be recognized if you are to successfully cope with the changes that come into every life (Take “0” Birthdays. Always a time of intense examination and review).

I. SEASONAL SEASON-Eccl 3:1 8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A) Cycles of Years- There are 9 basic Cycles in a person’s life: (1) Nursery- 2-5 Period of Receptivity. (2) Primary-6-8 Period of Activity. (3) Junior- 9-11 Period of Energy. (4) Intermediate- 12-14 Period of Transition (5) Teens- 15-17 Period of Aspiration. (6) Young Adult- 18-Married Period of Self Assurance (7) Young Married- 25-35 Period of Application (8) Adult- 35up Period of Achievement (9) Seniors- 65up Period of Meditation.

B) Cycles of Month- Physical, Emotion

C) Cycle of Day- Morning Person, Evening Person- He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him (Proverbs 27:14).

II. SUFFERING SEASON- 1 Pet 1:6 7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

A) Because you are a PERSON- Disasters, Break downs, etc

B) Because you are a CHRISTIAN- Spiritual Troubles Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season

III. SERVICE SEASON- 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Times of Enthusiasm or Discouragement. Times of Acceptance or Rejection.

IV. VICTORY SEASON- Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:4-5)

Eccl 03:1-2 TIME

God has a Time: Eccl 3:1-2 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Jesus, His Son, was born on Time: Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, This is the very reason for Christmas. If it were not for Christmas then this would be the most difficult of days. It was hard on Mary and Joseph but God had a Plan.

Live so that when you finish you time you will have finished your race and be ready to meet God–2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Eccl 03:1-8 SEASONS

I. SEASONAL SEASON-Eccl 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A) Cycles of Life- There are 9 basic Cycles in a person’s life: (1) Nursery- 2-5 Period of Receptivity. (2) Primary-6-8 Period of Activity. (3) Junior- 9-11 Period of Energy. (4) Intermediate- 12-14 Period of Transition (5) Teens- 15-17 Period of Aspiration. (6) Young Adult- 18-Married Period of Self Assurance (7) Young Married- 25-35 Period of Application (8) Adult- 35up Period of Achievement (9) Seniors- 65up Period of Meditation.

B) Cycles of Month- Physical, Emotional

II. SINNING SEASON- Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

A) After Victories- Jesus, Elijah

B) Recreation- David

C) Riches- Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

1 Tim 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

III. SUFFERING SEASON- 1 Pet 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ

A) Because you are a PERSON- Disasters, Break downs, etc

B) Because you are a CHRISTIAN- Spiritual Troubles

IV. SERVICE SEASON- 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Times of Enthusiasm or Discouragement. Times of Acceptance or Rejection.

Be AWARE of Life’s SEASONS- Guard against Sinning Seasons, Patiently Endure Suffering Seasons looking for growth, Keep at it during Service seasons.

Commit to Serving God in ALL seasons. Don’t Quit.

Realize that you don’t know your life’s Season. It may end today. Are you ready to face God if today is December 31st of your life??

Eccl 03:1‑8 SEASONS 2

Acts 20:18-21 Rev. Mike Jones

The word “Season” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “A space of time”. It is used to refer to a day and night- (Jer 33:20), to times of harvest, to times of hardship, and to times of activity. Seasons are a part of the “Cycle of Life” that must be recognized if you are to successfully cope with the changes that come into every life (Take “0” Birthdays. Always a time of intense examination and review).

I. SEASONAL SEASON-Eccl 3:1‑8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

B) Cycles of Month- Physical, Emotion
C) Cycle of Day- Morning Person, Evening Person- He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. (Proverbs 27:14)

II. SUFFERING SEASON- 1 Pet 1:6‑7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ

A) Because you are a PERSON- Disasters, Break downs, etc

B) Because you are a CHRISTIAN- Spiritual Troubles Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season

IV. VICTORY SEASON- Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

Eccl 03:1-8 SEASONS3

B) Cycles of Month- Physical, Emotional

II. SINNING SEASON- Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

A) After Victories- Jesus, Elijah

B) Recreation- David

C) Riches- Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. 1 Tim 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

A) Because you are a PERSON- Disasters, Break downs, etc

B) Because you are a CHRISTIAN- Spiritual Troubles

–Be AWARE of Life’s SEASONS- Guard against Sinning Seasons, Patiently Endure Suffering Seasons looking for growth, Keep at it during Service seasons.

–Commit to Serving God in ALL seasons. Don’t Quit.

–Realize that you don’t know your life’s Season. It may end today. Are you ready to face God if today is December 31st of your life??

Eccl 03:1-8 Storms of Life

I. The Inevitability of Storms. Ecc 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Life is not a “Movie Script” where the Hero can get shot at 100 times and never get scratched while every shot he makes kills 2 or 3 enemies! Life is a Battle, with wounds and worry. Even as Christians, God did not promise us an escape from Life’s Problems and Perils; He simply said He would give Grace sufficient, His Power to overcome, and Heaven awaiting us. In the “real world” Storms are part of every life and as such are:

A) Unavoidable- Into every life a little rain must fall. Land with only Sunshine becomes desert. It is not a case of avoiding storms but of dealing with them when they arrive. Many people refuse to accept this point and seek an escape from dealing with life in Drugs, Drink, isolation, or numbing themselves with laughter and fantasy in front of a TV every night. But regardless of how deep you bury your head in the sand the storm still rages.

B) Uncontrollable-

a. In its Arrival- It never seems to hit when it’s “convenient” for you. Storms aren’t Scheduled! They make you Make Time for them.

b. In its Duration- You want it to stop but it’s stronger and mightier than you and continues far past where you think it should. And they sap your Strength and Spirit. You start off trying to be brave but eventually you just want it to stop!!

But, Thank God, There is a REFUGE from the Storm!! The “Good News” of the Gospel of Christ is that God Saves and Shelters and, while He doesn’t eliminate the storms, He does give us ways to find Refuge and Rest in their midst as we await the Sunshine to come.

II. The Refuge from Storms

A) Build on the Rock (Jesus Christ)- Matt 7:24-27 It’s Sand or the Saviour!! You can build on either but what will you do when the storms strike. This means you need to come to Christ for Salvation and live a life of Dedication.

B) Build of Eternal Substances- I Cor 3:11-15 The materials you use will be “tried by fire” and many people will lose everything they have put their life into. Wood, Hay, and Stubble may be easy to purchase and build with but they sure do burn fast!! A Hap-Hazard Half-hearted life may be easy now but what will you do in the test?

C) Build With Eternal Purpose- To Glorify God I Pet 4:16 if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. Note the example of Paul in Phil 1:12-18 where Paul turned a Jail term into a “preaching time”. If all you want out of life is to be “happy” then storms will devastate you but if your goal is to glorify and please God then you can turn a storm into a sermon!

D) Build for Eternal Living- Eph 2:20-22 Matt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. There is coming a place where the Storms will be stilled, where the tears will be wiped from our eyes, and where faith will become sight. The trip may be long sometimes but when we get to the end of the journey it’ll be worth every mile of the way.

3 FINAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STORMS:

1. They are part of God’s Work- Ps 148:8 Fire, and Hail; snow, and vapors; stormy wind fulfilling his word: They may take YOU by surprise but God knows exactly When they will strike, How long they will last, and How powerful they are. REMEMBER THAT! God has not forsaken nor Forgotten you.

2. Its human nature to want to avoid or escape them- Ps 55:6-8 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. In order to Build us they must Batter us and the flesh wants to escape instead of endure. God does not expect you to welcome the storm but He does expect you to hold on to Him during the storm.

3. God is our Refuge IN and FROM Storms- Ps 107: 25-30 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. What a comfort it is to sit calm and safe in His arms while the winds howl and roar. What a joy to know that one day He will speak the word and all the storms will cease!

In Mark 4:35-41 Jesus and the Disciples are going across a lake when a storm comes up. The Disciples do all they can, the boat is about to sink, and Jesus is still asleep in the back of the boat. They panic and awaken Jesus to ask why he’s not concerned that they’re dying in this storm. Jesus simply speaks a word and the storm calms down and then he asks them a simple question, “Why were you afraid?” I learned from that that as long as Christ is in the boat with me I need never fear the storms of life. No matter how bad it looks, as long as He is in the boat that’s all I need. IS HE IN YOUR BOAT????

Eccl 03:11-13 ENJOY GOD

He (God) hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3:11-13).

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).

Have you ever listened to the tone of some people’s testimony? They will describe in vivid lively details their life of sin and at the end will say, “and then I got saved” (But it really sounds like, “and then I caught the measles!”). They sound like Salvation is something you have to endure instead of enjoy; and wonder why people are not attracted to the God they serve.

Here are several reasons I enjoy my relationship with the Lord so much.

1> I am God’s Possession- Ps 4:3 “The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself”. I rejoice that I’m not simply one of the herd of humanity that struggles and dies on planet earth. I am the personal possession of the God of the universe; bought and paid for by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

2> I am Prized by God- Zech 2:8 “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Not only do I belong to God but God actually thinks I’m something special!! Since God bought me He had the right to make me a slave; instead, He made me a Son! And promised me an inheritance in Heaven!

3> I am Protected by God- I Pet 2:9 “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;”. The word Peculiar here means “Encircled” or “Surrounded” and shows how God allows only those temptations and trials to come my way that are for my good and His glory. The storms of Satan may lash the world but I’m safe in the “Rock” and rejoice in His care.

4> I was Purchased by God: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

5> I have a future Provided my God: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:40).

I’m guarded and guided by a God who thinks I’m special because I belong to Him. It’s not the “measles”; it’s majesty!

You cannot really enjoy life without God and you certainly will not enjoy death without God. If you do not know Him you need to and if you do know Him you need to enjoy Him!

Eccl 3:12-13 THE GIFT THAT GIVES

God gives us the ability to ENJOY Life: I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Living like the devil is not enjoying life; it is destroying life.

God gives us the ability to have ETERNAL Life: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

It is this gift of Eternal Life that I want us to look at today and see that it a Gift that Keeps on Giving as it impacts us; and those around us, for now and eternity.

I. GOD GAVE THE SON- John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God did not give this gift because we deserved it. He gave it by His mercy and grace because He LOVED us. Hell is what we deserve. Heaven is God’s gift to us.

II. THE SON GAVE THE SPIRIT- Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7).

Jesus as a human could only dwelt among us but the can Spirit dwell IN EVERY Christian to guide and grow us. You do not have to “hold out”; you simply have to let the Spirit “love out” through you.

III. THE SPIRIT GIVES THE CHURCH- I Cor 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Spirit gives Spiritual Offices (laying on of hands), Spiritual Graces (Fruits of the Spirit), and Spiritual Gifts (Parts of the Body of Believers). [Wisdom knows what needs to be done. Knowledge knows how to do what needs to be done. Faith believes that what needs to be done can be done. Obedience listens to wisdom, knowledge, and faith and does what needs to be done. Working together the Body of Christ gets the job done.]

IV. THE CHURCH GIVES THE GOSPEL- Matt 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

We win people who we then teach to live for God and win others

V. THE GOSPEL GIVES LIFE- Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a gift we accept by Faith: Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.

God gives us richly all things to enjoy (1Tim6:17). Accept His Gift that keeps on giving Today.

Eccl 04:1-12COMPANIONSHIP

I. The REASON FOR COMPANIONSHIP 1-8

A) Brings Comfort to Life- vs 1-3

Adam had everything a man could want; but he still needed a wife!

Jesus said He would not leave us comfortless

B) Brings Motivation to Work- vs 4-8 That’s why women were to respect their Husbands. In the original one income family the man needed to know that those long hours and hard work were worth while. Not just in a pay check but in a sense of self worth.

II. The REWARDS OF COMPANIONSHIP 9-12

A) vs 9- Shared Rewards- A Prize doesn’t mean much if it’s not shared. This sharing of the good times is something missing today. Plan a special day for the wife, husband, or kids.

B) vs 10- Shared Troubles- Mountain Climbers tie themselves together

Most people have so much pressure at work until they don’t have the time or inclination to share other troubles or family troubles when they get home.

C) vs 11- Shared Needs- A Single coal quickly goes out. How our soul cries out for warmth; a smile, a touch, a kind word. Needs that only others can meet but they can’t be mechanical they must be loving.

D) vs 12- Shared Security- Feel Safer when someone else is there. There is a friend that stick closer than a brother.

Eccl 04:12 3 PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE TO DEFEAT SATAN

Sometimes you need THREE legs to stand on- (Eccl 4:12) And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Satan is a Wiley, wicked enemy and you sometimes need an extra leg to support and stabilize you. That may be one reason why God is God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Today we are going to look at 3 Principles to Practice that will give us Strength and Stability in our daily dealing with the Devil.

1) DON’T YIELD ANY GROUND TO SATAN-(Eph 4:27) Neither give place to the devil.

How do we yield ground to Satan? This portion of scripture lists 3 ways:

1) By Allowing our EMOTIONS to control us- Anger, Lust

2) By Allowing THINGS to control us- Covet, Steal

3) By Allowing TALK to defeat us- Corrupt Communication, Careless Talk

Money is dangerous in the Pleasure of Procuring it, the Pride of Possessing it, and the Peril of what we can purchase with it.

2) SUBMIT TO GOD AND MAKE A STAND AGAINST SATAN-(James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1) How do you SUBMIT to God?

2) How do you RESIST the devil?

3) STAY ON GUARD AGAINST SATAN’S ATTACKS-(1 Pet 5:8 9) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: {9} Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1) In your Attitude- Be Sober

2) In your Awareness- Be Vigilant

Story of the Blacksmith in France who fashioned his own shackles that no one could break.

Eccl 05:1-20 WISDOM ABOUT WEALTH

Money is a dangerous thing. Too much or too little can cause troubles (Prov 30:7-9). Here are some Guidelines to Help.

A) Be Watchful of Quick or Careless Obligations 5:1-7 (Credit cards are like “Sugar to a Diabetic” to some people. They must avoid them). Credit of any kind will be your slave or your master. If you become the slave you will find it a hard taskmaster.

B) Accept the Injustice of the “system”- If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they (Eccl 5:8). Some people will find oil under their land while others will have their land destroyed by an oil spill.

C) Be Aware of “Circumstances”- Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field (Eccl 5:9). Even the King would starve if farmers didn’t plant a crop. The rich man needs the poor man; and the poor man needs the rich man to buy his crop

D) Don’t let Wrong Desires deceive you- He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (Eccl 5:10-11)

More is not necessarily more! Sometimes Opportunities bring Obligations that actually make More Less! (New Car requires more insurance, more taxes, etc).

E) Wealth for Self brings Poverty- The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt (Eccl 5:12-13). A new “Toy” that no one knows about doesn’t bring much joy. When Gold is your god it builds walls that keep out Friends and the Spirit of God.

F) Earthly banks don’t contain Heavenly Wealth- But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind? All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness (Eccl 5:14-17).

God doesn’t check your Bank Book; He looks at the Book of Life. A gold lined casket doesn’t help a hell burning soul!

G) Look to accumulate JOY instead of Things; Don’t make money your motive- Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart (Eccl 5:18-20).

Sometimes a Hot Dog is better than a Steak- Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit (Eccl 4:6)

Eccl 05:2 WATCH YOUR WORDS

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. — Eccl 5:2

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. – Micah 7:5

And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. — Judg 16:15-17

What should a Husband/Wife keep from the Other??

Criticisms- Should you volunteer unneeded (and unwanted) information??

Compliments- Everyone needs approval and a sense of worth. A man gets this from his job. Many women who work now get it from their work instead of from their husband and children. If the Husband would complement the wife on the good job she does in keeping house, fixing meals, etc then she would want to do these things more.

Eccl 07 CONSIDER ADVERSITY

“Good and Bad Story”- Man finally gets to ride in an airplane (Good), ran out of gas (bad), had a parachute (good), parachute would not open (bad), falling toward a huge haystack (good), pitchfork in the middle of the haystack (bad), missed the pitchfork (good), missed the haystack (bad).

Ecc 7 is a chapter of Contrasts. The writer is comparing one thing against another in order to get us to consider some of the issues we face in our everyday life. In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14)

I. THE REASON FOR ADVERSITY:

A) Who is to Blame- Satan Attack, My sins, God’s Punishment, Normal Human Sorrow, Another’s attack on you.

B) Why is this happening- Consider the following:

1. Adversity could be a way for God to get our attention. Has God been the priority in your life, or have you ignored His will for your own?

2. Adversity is God’s way of reminding us that He loves us. He chastens those He loves. (HEB 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.)

3. Adversity is God’s way of conquering pride. Success often breeds pride which in turn leads to failure. (1PE 5:5 ….. God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.)

4. Adversity is God’s way of reminding us of our weaknesses. When your back is to the wall and there seems to be no way out, you suddenly recognize you are not sufficient in yourself. You need the Lord. The Apostle Paul learned through his adversity that in his weakness he became strong. (2CO 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.)

5. Adversity is God’s way of preparing us to comfort others. You become more useful to God and others through your own suffering. (2CO 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.)

6. Adversity is God’s way of increasing our hatred of evil. Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalms 97:10)

Heat from the fires purifies. Yesterday’s adversity is strong motivation for today’s obedience.

7. Adversity is God’s way of demonstrating His faithfulness. Your helpless state is God’s opportunity to keep His promises to you. (PSA 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.) 2CO 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

II. THE RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY: The key to overcoming adversity is the proper response. Ask yourself this question “God, what are you up to in my life and what do you want me to gain from it?” By your reaction, Adversity can destroy you or develop you into the person God created you to be. The choice is yours.

GatewayFWB Church in Panitanki, India was built not only as a Church but also as a refuge for those being persecuted in Nepal. People learn that when trouble comes they can run to God for protection and peace. A lesson I hope you have also learned.

Eccl 07:7 ARE YOU CRAZY?

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:7).

The Word “oppression” comes from a word meaning to control someone in a way that is cruel and hurtful. Normally it is used to describe a foreign army capturing a country and then treating the captured people badly (something Israel was well acquainted with). In this verse, however, Solomon is using “oppression” as a specific thing that comes into a wise man’s life and causes him to act as a “mad man”.

Sadly, that describes the situation of many people in church today. They should be living a victorious abundant life but their gossip, grumbling, and lukewarm living bring reproach on the reputation of the church and defeat to the work of God. How did this happen and what can we do to correct it?

Right thinking produces right living (Doctrine and then duty was Paul’s plan). One way to determine insanity was to put a stopper in a sink. Turn on the water. Let the sink begin to overflow. Give the person a mop and a bucket and tell them to clean up the water. If they have enough sense to cut off the faucet and unstop the sink before they begin cleaning then they are sane.

You want me to talk about sin in general and let you voice your disapproval but that will not “Clean up the mess” in your life. We must “turn off the water” in order to get our life cleaned up and allow it to stay clean.

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? (Galatians 5:7). You began the journey well. What has brought you to the place where a secret sin now controls your life?

No one decides to be trapped. No one desires to be trapped. We descend into the captivity of Egypt by “easy stages” as an experiment leads to a stronghold which leads to a captivity bondage. As we tell drug addicts, “You chose to use until you cannot make the choice not to use.” Here is how you became a “captive” and now live under oppression:

You tried a sinful activity and you liked the results you got. It made you feel better.
At the beginning you Suffer little or no negative consequences
Enjoy the stability of the habit- get the same feeling each time
Thing you can control the habit- You learn your limits and believe you can always stay within them
Eventually the habit becomes a habit- you need it in order to survive
Habit changes into a harmful abusive problem without warning- you begin to lose control over the use and priority of the habit.
You begin violating your value system (change friends and standards in order to do your habit)
Your habit snowballs into pain and problems as your self-imposed rules are regularly broken
You isolate yourself from those who love you and want to help you. Eventually you lose your family, you finances, your friends, and your future as you end up feeding hogs and eating husks in hog pens.

Denying your problem is like trying to keep a balloon under water- It will occupy all your time and the balloon will pop to the surface from time to time.

One Definition of insanity: Doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different result. Over and over Jesus would ask people what they wanted. He knew you have to identify your problem before you can solve your problem. Determine to change things in your life (repent).

Come to the Word and then learn to use the word to defeat Satan- And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness (Acts 26:24-25).

Eccl 10:10 HOW TO KEEP THE AXE SHARP

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

II Kings 6:1 7 tells the Story of the lost Axe head that was made to “Swim”. Sadly today, some people are trying to do God’s work without the “Axe head” and all they are doing is expending energy and time and bruising the trees!!! Their life has no meaning or purpose and they consider themselves failures because they can’t accomplish anything. So if God is to work THRU us He must first work ON us to give us something to work with. He then must keep that Axe head sharp so it can accomplish its job. Let’s see how He does this [In the rest of this Chapter Elisha is faced with a surrounding Army and a desperate King (faced with a city that was dying because it was surrounded].

Anytime you want to do something you need something to work ON and something to work WITH. So the first thing we need to understand is WHAT IS GOD TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH???

A) Relationship God desires relationship with His people and He is trying to build that. But Sin stands in the way; therefore there must be

B) Redemption God had to make a way to redeem man from the bondage of sin and death so fellowship would be possible. He did that by sending His own Son to die in our place and pay the debt we owe. But God knows it is not enough to simply “buy us off the slave market”; we must now be

C) Renewed There are 2 main ways God uses to accomplish this:

1. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives guides us into the ways of God thru the Word of God.

2. Circumstances that God allows to come our way to conform us to the image of His son Jesus.

So God can take an “old Stick”, fit only for the fire, and give it Purpose and direction. Suddenly we find ourselves with Joy in this life and rewards in the life to come

Sad to say though, as we work the axe can become dull and the Joy turn into a real Job. Ecc 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct HOW CAN WE KEEP THE AXE SHARP??

A) Avoid things that would dull the axe (The Sinful “stones” of Society) II Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (Change friends Abram left Ur and his family). Satan will try to 1) Trivialize your Time 2) Fragment your Family 3) Corrupt Your Character

B) Don’t let the Axe sit idle and get “rusty”

Witness of what God has done for you

Tithe your income to God’s work

Maintain contact with God (Prayer Talk to God/ Bible Study God talk to you)

C) Understand God’s way of Sharpening you CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Prov 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Join God’s People (Church Membership). You need the Fellowship Ecc 4:9 12 Two are better than one because:

1. They have a good reward for their labor an award means little if no one knows you received it. Sharing Triumph is important

2. If they fall, one helps the other. Sharing Troubles is necessary (Mountain climbers tie together to help should one fall)

3. Two together have heat a single coal goes out

4. Two can withstand stress strength in unity

Are you “Beating your head against the wall” and just getting a headache for your efforts?? God wants to Redeem you today, so you can find Abundant Life in service with Him.

Is your “axe” dull and your life ineffective?? Dedicate yourself to doing right by becoming a working part of Christian Fellowship.