Good afternoon,
We've quoted Derek Kidner multiple times to say that the author of Ecclesiastes demolishes in order to build. Finally, three weeks in, we caught a brief glimpse of the message the Preacher intends to share through this book. He disillusions us, in part, to show us reality. And he does so for our joy. I read a brief article yesterday where J. I. Packer called Ecclesiastes his favorite book of the Bible. And he said that for many of the reasons we've looked at. Packer wrote, "Whoever he was, Qohelet (The Preacher) was a realist about the many ways in which this world gives us a rough ride. But while temperamentally inclined to pessimism and cynicism, I think, he was kept from falling into either of those craters of despair by a strong theology of joy." If you missed Sunday's sermon on the experiment of Ecclesiastes, you can read or watch it here: (The Experiment of Ecclesiastes, Eccl. 1:12-2:26)
Speaking of demolishing in order to build, the construction folks are here today tearing up the old front sidewalk. After they do so, the landscapers will come in and grade the ground on both sides of the new walkway. (The ditches are not in the long–term plans). Then, they'll be able to pave the rest of the path into the building. There is indeed a time to tear down and a time to build up. I'm not going to make the mistake of presumption and write a finish date down in an email, but we are seeing good progress being made.
Speaking of dates, our fall Elder Burger is planned for October 23rd! Go ahead and mark that date down and plan to join us that early afternoon/evening time.
Speaking of time, this coming Sunday we'll study possibly the most well–known passage in the book of Ecclesiastes. Jim sent along his worship order this morning; The Byrds are nowhere to be found. Do be praying for Chris as he works through that oft–quoted but oft–misunderstood passage. Speaking of Chris, I'm grateful for him teaching the teenagers tomorrow night. I'm eagerly looking forward to leading the study on chapters 3–5 of Andy Davis's book on heaven, thinking through the nature of resurrected bodies, minds, and hearts, as well as the idea of reward in heaven.
Speaking of Wednesday nights, each week is a theatre where the film on repeat is selfless service. Thank you to those that clean up after the meal, to the teenagers that move chairs to facilitate this or that study, and to the faithful adults that invest in our children's classes.
We'll look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night.
Matt
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