Weekly Update 09/13/2022
Good afternoon,
On Sunday we talked through both those rhythms that exhaust us (see Ecclesiastes 1:4-8) and participated in a rhythm that renews us (see the Lord's Supper). As always, sharing that meal both nourished and encouraged. Once again we proclaimed Christ's death to one another. If you missed Sunday's sermon from Ecclesiastes, you can catch up here: https://subspla.sh/r2n7d37
Much of Sunday's text wrestled with the question of verse 3, What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun? We saw, clearly, that the Preacher was in no hurry to answer. In this coming Sunday's text, he asks the question again, For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? (Eccl. 2:22). And, then in verses 23–26, he finally gives something of an answer. Life's more gift than it is gain. I look forward to preaching that step toward "resolution" this coming Sunday.
As mentioned before, the message of Ecclesiastes helps us reorient our hope and it helps us engage with the unbelieving world. We desire to be a people that the Lord uses to lovingly and graciously expose the false hopes our neighbors and co–workers trust in. Knowing what they worship is part of our mission.
Speaking of mission, do be praying for Chris and Jessica Wilbanks. In the next few weeks, they'll head overseas for a meeting with some of the missionaries we help support. They'll also be spending time with some of our members that moved overseas. As you might assume, though we haven't sent a team over the pond in a little bit, we're aiming for that to be different in 2023. Pray for Chris and Jessica as they make preparations to head out, represent us, and encourage workers.
Yet, we affirm with C. T. Studd, "The light that shines farthest shines brightest near home." So, this coming Sunday Chris will lead a group to carefully, lovingly, and winsomely share the good news of living hope through a Resurrected King at Shelby Farms. Maybe Romans 10 spurred you to consider how you might share the gospel more faithfully. If so, let Chris know you'll be joining him (Sunday from 4–6).
David Gibson writes, "Ecclesiastes urges us to think about life under the sun from the perspective of life above the sun. There is a God in heaven, a wise and loving Father, who holds the righteous and the wise in His hands" (Living Life Backward, 120). For that reason, among others, we thought Andy Davis's book on heaven might pair well with Ecclesiastes. Jim will kick off the study tomorrow night. Do plan to join us. I think this topic could prove to be deeply encouraging for us as God's people. Again, as I said Sunday, you won't find lasting hope until you lift your eyes. I'm thankful Andy's sermon on Sunday night from Colossians echoed that message.
We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow! "Welcome to Moe's" at 5:30; classes follow at 6:30.
Matt
On Sunday we talked through both those rhythms that exhaust us (see Ecclesiastes 1:4-8) and participated in a rhythm that renews us (see the Lord's Supper). As always, sharing that meal both nourished and encouraged. Once again we proclaimed Christ's death to one another. If you missed Sunday's sermon from Ecclesiastes, you can catch up here: https://subspla.sh/r2n7d37
Much of Sunday's text wrestled with the question of verse 3, What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun? We saw, clearly, that the Preacher was in no hurry to answer. In this coming Sunday's text, he asks the question again, For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? (Eccl. 2:22). And, then in verses 23–26, he finally gives something of an answer. Life's more gift than it is gain. I look forward to preaching that step toward "resolution" this coming Sunday.
As mentioned before, the message of Ecclesiastes helps us reorient our hope and it helps us engage with the unbelieving world. We desire to be a people that the Lord uses to lovingly and graciously expose the false hopes our neighbors and co–workers trust in. Knowing what they worship is part of our mission.
Speaking of mission, do be praying for Chris and Jessica Wilbanks. In the next few weeks, they'll head overseas for a meeting with some of the missionaries we help support. They'll also be spending time with some of our members that moved overseas. As you might assume, though we haven't sent a team over the pond in a little bit, we're aiming for that to be different in 2023. Pray for Chris and Jessica as they make preparations to head out, represent us, and encourage workers.
Yet, we affirm with C. T. Studd, "The light that shines farthest shines brightest near home." So, this coming Sunday Chris will lead a group to carefully, lovingly, and winsomely share the good news of living hope through a Resurrected King at Shelby Farms. Maybe Romans 10 spurred you to consider how you might share the gospel more faithfully. If so, let Chris know you'll be joining him (Sunday from 4–6).
David Gibson writes, "Ecclesiastes urges us to think about life under the sun from the perspective of life above the sun. There is a God in heaven, a wise and loving Father, who holds the righteous and the wise in His hands" (Living Life Backward, 120). For that reason, among others, we thought Andy Davis's book on heaven might pair well with Ecclesiastes. Jim will kick off the study tomorrow night. Do plan to join us. I think this topic could prove to be deeply encouraging for us as God's people. Again, as I said Sunday, you won't find lasting hope until you lift your eyes. I'm thankful Andy's sermon on Sunday night from Colossians echoed that message.
We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow! "Welcome to Moe's" at 5:30; classes follow at 6:30.
Matt
Posted in Weekly Updates