Good afternoon,
On Sunday, I laid out something of a vision for our study through the book of Ecclesiastes. It's not that the pulpit would necessarily settle once and for all every nuance within this notoriously complex book. Instead it's that we'd walk through it together, be open to its hard truths together, and would help one another understand what it means to live with hope under the sun together.
Then, in the Lord's kindness, that kind of interaction happened after the service in the foyer, over lunch in my home, and even in my inbox this morning. I'm grateful for a church that listens attentively, thinks deeply about what God has revealed, and encourages one another to walk in the fear of Him. If you missed Sunday's introduction to Ecclesiastes, you can read or watch it here: (“Vanity of Vanities”, Ecclesiastes 1:1–2)
Speaking of a proper fear of God, Chris will conclude our study through Michael Reeves's book tomorrow night at 6:30. I mentioned Sunday that Chris and I have been discussing what kind of Wednesday night study would pair well with Ecclesiastes. After some thought, we landed on Andy Davis's book, The Glory Revealed: What We'll Discover About God in Heaven. Neither Chris nor I could remember doing a study on this particular subject at South Woods. And since we're talking on Sundays about the nature of what's currently "under the sun," it might be a helpful balance to consider the nature of our world when vanity itself blows away, when death dies, and when creation is restored. Andy's preached in our pulpit before––masterfully, by the way. Many of you are familiar with his work on memorizing the Scripture. We have those books on the book rack for purchase. We'll begin that study next Wednesday, a week from tomorrow.
Speaking of Andy in the pulpit, after our typical summer pause, we'll pick back up with our monthly Sunday evening services this coming weekend. Andy Fortner will open up that immensely helpful passage in Colossians 3:12–14 where Paul helps us know what we should "put on" as God's chosen people. I'm eager to hear Andy encourage us from that text. If you're trying to keep things straight, we're scheduling these monthly Sunday night worship services on the second Sunday of the month. So, put down October 9th and November 13th as future dates for the Colossians series.
I made a comment Sunday about control being an illusion. I don't think the guy on the skid–steer outside my window heard the sermon, but they are making progress on the drive today. We're thankful. And I'm appreciative of everyone's patience and flexibility this summer.
This coming Sunday I'll pick up with verses 3–11 in Ecclesiastes 1. We'll observe the Lord's Supper together. Our Bible Study Groups will begin Romans 10. Speaking of Paul's evangelistic emphasis in Romans 10, if you know an unbeliever that would be willing to visit South Woods, Ecclesiastes is a book that attempts to knock the secular props out from underneath humanity. Pray that they'd be open to an invitation. And invite them. I saw so many of you welcoming guests on Sunday at South Woods. Few things make me more grateful to be part of your number.
We'll see many of you tomorrow night!
Matt
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