InPerspective

Ecclesiastes 8

The redeeming grace that came to our nation in the 18th century Gospel Awakening brought the rich blessings of common grace to countless unbelievers. Yet God's judgment upon a nation for sin and unbelief can bring collateral damage to the lives of God’s people. We must be ready to negotiate these ups and downs in life as we live in the fear of the Lord during our earthly pilgrimage.

Colossians 1:19-23

The Apostle Paul reminded the Colossians what they were like before they came to know Jesus Christ – and it's not a pretty picture. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he gives the biblical profile of a Christian with a transformed life.

Puritan preacher and theologian John Owen said that the fear of God in the life of a believer is when the smile of God is that which you most desire in life, and the frown of God is that which you most want to avoid. The one who does not fear God may seem like he is prolonging his days, but he is really enjoying the patience of God while the fearsome Day of Judgment is inevitable.

Ecclesiastes 8

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Every person, whether rich or poor, wise or simple, powerful or humble, faces the same grim certainty of death. It's a subject we would rather avoid, but the book of Ecclesiastes wrestles honestly with this stark truth. What insights can we glean from Ecclesiastes 8 about the reality of death?

Ecclesiastes 8

Skeptics tend to view any type of religious belief as blind faith – a leap into the dark, in the face of all reason, logic, and scientific evidence. Others define faith as mere wishful thinking, or an uncertain hope that everything will somehow work out in the end. But Ecclesiastes shows us that faith in the Lord is not a leap in the dark – it is a leap into the LIGHT, firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word.

Ecclesiastes 8

The epistle of James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” – and that wisdom from God will impact the way you relate to those in authority over you. What does the example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego teach us about the relationship of God's people with civil magistrates and governing authorities?

Ecclesiastes 8

1 Peter 2 tells us to fear God, and honor the king.” This is a good summary of the theme we will explore today in Ecclesiastes chapter 8, which urges us to honor the king, fear God, and seek wisdom. What does Ecclesiastes 8 teach us about our biblical responsibilities as Christians before our governing authorities and civil magistrates?

Colossians 1:15-20

There is one place that Jesus should never have in your life – second place. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he examines a hymn of praise from Colossians extolling the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 7

Life without God can lead to two paths – unrighteousness and self-righteousness – and both promise what they simply cannot deliver. Immorality may thrill and invigorate for a time but always takes a toll in the end. Self-righteous moralism focuses on mere external behavior, but fails to account for the necessary component of internal righteousness which is always corrupted by our sinful hearts.

Ecclesiastes 7

Life without God can lead to the path of immorality – but it can also lead to the path of moralism that can be just as fruitless and destructive. The way of self-righteousness is paved with merely external, ethical rule-keeping divorced from the necessity of a regenerate heart, and mere human willpower and outward behavior can never set us free from a sense of ultimate vanity and meaninglessness.