Our Vocation

 Eph. 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

Not everyone that is a believer is called into full time ministry. Someone needs to pay the bills and support the work of the kingdom. As part of the body of Christ, we all have a part and function within the body.  Beyond the work that God has called us to in the church, He also has given us a vocation, work that will not only support the livelihood of one’s family, but support the church and other ministries around the world that are spreading the Gospel. God has given each of us a talent, an ability to learn and acquire specific skills to work. All work is honorable if the work is honest and does not violate the scripture. We are to always give 100% of our efforts to the job that is given to us. Whether it is rolling out pizza dough, or doing heart surgery, we glorify God in what we do. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” words given to us by Solomon. We are ambassadors for Christ, let our vocation and work ethic reflect the life of Christ.

The Whole Duty of Man

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10; 12:1,13,14
Sept. 30th, 2007

The philosophy of man is to get all it can, well they can. Life is short and many choose to live it in sinful self-indulgence and gratifying pleasure. The carefree life style of the youth of our day, and most generation is the epitome of a life, void of fearing God. They go through life without much thought of facing God at the judgment for the deeds done in the flesh. They reason, that such a life of piety and righteous living is for the latter days of their lives. But God say, that the whole of man from youth to old age is to serve and fear God. God has not deprive the youth a life of gaiety, but all must remember that everyone will give an account to God for acts done in the flesh.

Giving of our Substance (cast your bread)
• Giving in faith- God gives the increase
• The principle of giving- because we want to
• “Lord, when did we see you hungry” in so much…
Go and Sow (in the morning sow thy seed)
• What about calculated giving? Are we not to be stewards
• Waiting till the right situation
• If you never sow, you will never reap
Gaiety of the Youth (let thy heart cheer)
• Young people having fun. What is God’s Plan
• The benefits of serving God in our youth- growing mature
• We will give an account for how we spend our days
Gifts of Youth (days of our youth)
• Remember who gave you your gifts
• We our not are own, we belong to God
• Choices that are made in youth have lasting effects
God’s Purpose for man (this is the whole of man)
• What does it all boil down to?
• What really matters in life- money, job, success?
• The being of man is the knowing and living in awe of God
Good and Bad Brought Before God (bring every work)
• All we be accountable to God- Young and old alike
• Facing God at the Judgment without pretense
• We must all appear the judgment seat.. 2 Corith. 5:10

Time and Judgment

Ecclesiastes 8: 1-13
September 23, 2007
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” the words of warning from the pen of the Hebrew writer should cause all of us to take inventory of our lives. We all must someday face the reality that this life will come to an end and only that which is done for Christ will last. May we follow the words of Solomon and live our lives with a holy fear of God.

Countenance of the Wise- (wisdom makes his face to shine)
• Understanding what is really important in life
• Wisdom from God- the light of God shines
• Shine for Jesus- Our countenance reveals spirit
Council to Obey- (keep the king’s commandment)
• Maintaining respect for authority even when we don’t agree
• Obey them that govern over you- maintain civil rest
• Better to obey God than man
Comprehend God’s Time- (discerns both time and judgment)
• Chafe not under His providence
• God does all things right
• To every thing there is a season
Concern about the Future- (he knows not that which shall be)
• Those who seek a sign- astrology (the way of the wicked)
• Be not anxious for tomorrow- sufficient is the day…
Control of Life is Gods- (no man hath power…)
• Only God can give life and maintain it
• He knows the number of our days
Confronting Death- (there is no discharge…)
• Life is life a vapor- a shadow passing
• All will face death- there is no avoiding this enemy
• Christ has overcome death- we can be victor
Coarse of Wicked Leaders- (they were forgotten…)
• The dangers of being elevated to a position of authority
• Come and gone from the place of the holy
Continuation of Evil- (fully set … to do evil)
• Presumption of God’s mercy
• False security leads to recklessness and uncheck behavior
Coming Judgment- (it shall not be well with the wicked)
• For the righteous there is no fear to them that fear God
• The day of reckoning for the Godless-wicked

Vanity and Vexation

September 9th, 2007
Eccl. 1:12-2:4,10,11
Solomon, known to be the wisest man who every lived to his day. Unfortunately, he failed to apply his own knowledge and wisdom to his own life. Solomon comes to the end of his life and reflects back with dissatisfaction. What has been gain from the fruit of his labor? He realizes that he obtained everything that the world had to offer and he still was left empty. His pursuit for life’s purpose and meaning could not be found in earthly mean or worldly satisfaction. He set his affection on things below and not on thing above. Such is the case with all who seek lasting joy and contentment in this life. It is only through seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that one finds fulfillment. Jesus said, “I am come that they (mankind) might have life, and that they (mankind) might have it more abundantly.” The abundant life can only be found through Christ, all else is vain and vexation when seeking true meaning and joy in this life.

Prestige or position (king over Israel)
• Being known and held up in high esteem
• Having rank or power
Philosophy of the world (my heart had wisdom and knowledge)
• Thinking- expanding the mind- looking within
• Wisdom- knowing what is right prudent
• Knowledge- obtaining information and retaining
Powerlessness of Man (cannot be made straight)
• Man’s inability to make himself right
• Man is corrupt and sinful and in need of a sinless Savior
Pleasures or enjoyment of life (pleasure is also vanity)
• Have a sense of good feelings-“Happiness”
• Amusement and entertainment
• Sinful satisfactions
Prosperity or possessing worldly gain (I am come to great estate)
• Seeking fortune
• Things and material wealth
Production by my hand (I made me great works)
• Job satisfaction
• Place of employment