The greatest gift God has given us in our discipleship is his Word. Jesus expects that his disciples will read and study their Bibles, because our God is a God who speaks.

Discipleship is the only way of life that adequately reflects the gospel, as we humbly submit to Jesus' Lordship, and prayerfully depend on his presence.

As we reach the end of Ecclesiastes, the Narrator gives his closing comments on the Preacher, his wisdom, and the book of Ecclesiastes. What's the bottom line?

Age is part of human existence. But can we find meaning in the energy and enthusiasm of youth? Or can we find it in the maturity of age? Neither, says the Preacher; instead we must not 'waste our life', whatever our age, and 'seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness' (Matthew 6:33)

Life is uncertain, except for death. It's certain that one day, each of us will die. How then should we live? We also look at the certainty of life after death that Jesus offers everyone who trusts him.

Life is no more substantial or permanent than soap bubbles. And yet, God gives us so much in life to enjoy. Enjoyment will only get us so far, though; we have to look to Jesus for real satisfaction.

We're rebels against time. And yet, God has created the seasons of our lives with purpose. Even Jesus had to face a difficult 'hour'.

Can work give us meaning and purpose in life? Not really, if the Preacher's observations about life are right. But it doesn't have to end there. Could there be a way to redeem the work we all have to do?

Can we find happiness and meaning in the things we can buy; in pleasures and possessions? The Preacher shows that we can literally have it all, and actually have absolutely nothing. By contrast, Jesus shows that we can have literally nothing, and actually have absolutely everything.