InPerspective

Ecclesiastes 3

Two important spiritual principles come into focus in the latter part of Ecclesiastes 3. First, justice is ultimately in the hands of God; and secondly, because of the curse of sin under the sun everybody dies. God made us from the dust and to the dust we return. Death is inevitable but God has declared your eternity and if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your destiny of everlasting life is secure.

Ecclesiastes sets forth three statements from the perspective of spiritual truth. Number 1, the seasons are in the hands of God and God works beauty, purpose, and order in and through them. Number 2, we can see the sovereign hand of God at work in the rhythmic passage of time and with it, the awareness of eternity. And Number 3, there is something far better coming for those who fear God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Ecclesiastes 3 verses 1 thru 8 formed the framework for a popular song from the 1960's – "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds. Now many people believe this is just a reflection on the futility we experience as we predictably cycle through the seasons of life. But time itself is subject to the sovereignty of God, and life's ups and downs are ordered, significant, and meaningful for His glory and praise.

Ecclesiastes 1 & 2

C.S. Lewis wrote, "I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy. The only explanation is that I was made for another world." We all fear the sense of meaninglessness and insignificance, as we spend our lives seeking to fill that void within us. But Ecclesiastes reveals a deep, abiding longing for something more – specifically, for God Himself.

Ecclesiastes 1 & 2

Carl Sandburg said, "Life is like an onion – you peel it back one layer at a time and weep as you do." This sentiment is echoed in the book of Ecclesiastes as it examines the implications of life without God. Ecclesiastes honestly examines life in a fallen world, forces us to examine our pursuit for meaning and purpose, and reveals where that search will ultimately lead us

Colossians 1:1-2

Our spiritual lives will be radically transformed when we truly comprehend the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he begins our new series, "Christ Is All and In All: Colossians in Biblical Perspective."

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

Psalm 144:4 declares, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” If we are separated from God, then life under the sun is brief and temporary, and seems ultimately empty and unfulfilling. It is only when we live IN the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, that the vanity of life apart from God is transformed into a life of spiritual vitality, meaning and eternal significance.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

At first glance, the opening verses of Ecclesiastes don't inspire much hope or confidence. Solomon writes, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!" – or to paraphrase, "I have seen it all, and nothing makes sense. Everything is meaningless!" However, when we begin to look at life through the lens of a relationship with the Lord, our lives suddenly take on eternal meaning, significance, and purpose.

James 5:19-20

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” This line is from the great hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – and the man who wrote this hymn did wander from the Lord for several years, until the Gospel once again captured his heart and brought him back to fellowship with Christ. Are you walking closely with the Lord – or are you wandering from the truth?

James 5:19-20

Sheep often put themselves in danger by wandering away from the flock and the shepherd – and sadly, so do Christians. James addressed this tragic tendency by writing, "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."