Episodios

  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E4

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E4
    Oct 2 2025
    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E4: Approaching God with Caution In this episode of Truth Worth Living, we delve into Ecclesiastes 5, where the teacher, in his relentless quest for meaning "under the sun," turns his attention to God. This chapter marks a pivotal point in Ecclesiastes as it explores the dynamics of approaching God, listening to Him, and making commitments. Here are the key takeaways: The Teacher's Quest The teacher in Ecclesiastes embarks on a journey to find peace and purpose without God. However, in Ecclesiastes 5, he turns to spirituality as "another stone to look under." His exploration is not driven by a desire for divine intervention but rather a negotiation for limited involvement—a "foxhole faith" approach. Approaching God Cautiously The teacher advises that when approaching God, one must do so with caution: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means: - Tread Lightly: Be mindful of how you approach God and what you seek from Him. - Fear God's Righteousness: Understand that God is a consuming fire, zealous for commitment. Approaching Him requires a healthy fear and respect. The Israelites recognized that God could be "unmanageable" and might demand a complete shift in their lives, calling them to abandon personal agendas for His will. Listening Closely When turning to God, listening is paramount. The teacher warns against being "quick with your mouth" and advises to "let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). This is important because: - God Knows All: He sees and understands everything, so our words are less significant than His wisdom. - Avoid Foolish Sacrifices: Offering "the sacrifice of fools" is meaningless when we fail to listen to God's guidance. Committing Carefully The teacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to God: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it" (Ecclesiastes 5:4). Key points include: - Keep Promises: God values promise-keeping, and failing to fulfill vows can lead to divine displeasure. - Avoid Desperate Bargains: In times of desperation, we may make hasty promises to God, but it's crucial to honor these commitments. An example shared about a man praying for a parking space illustrates the danger of making vows lightly. Once his problem was solved, he reneged on his promise to God, emphasizing the teacher's warning against such behavior. Conclusion The teacher in Ecclesiastes 5 offers profound insights into our relationship with God. Approaching God on our own terms can be “dangerous business” because “we don’t manage the Almighty God.” Instead, we should: - Approach cautiously, listen closely, and commit carefully. By following these principles, we align ourselves with God's will, acknowledge His sovereignty, and embrace the true essence of faith. As the teacher wisely notes, "This is truth worth noting, and this is truth worth living."
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    9 m
  • Books of the Book Week 3

    Books of the Book Week 3
    Sep 30 2025
    The Book of Malachi: A Call to Authentic Worship In this sermon, we delve into the often-overlooked Book of Malachi, the last prophetic voice in the Old Testament before an extended silence that lasted until the Advent of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the theme of genuine worship and the importance of covenantal faithfulness. Understanding Malachi's Context Malachi's message was delivered in a period known as the post-exilic era, a time when the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile. Despite their return to Jerusalem, the people had become disillusioned and questioned God's love for them. The prophet Malachi responds by reminding them of God's unwavering love and challenges them to examine their own faithfulness. The Core Message: God's Love and Human Response God's Love Affirmed: Malachi begins with God proclaiming His love for Israel, despite their circumstances. The people question this love, pointing to their hardships as evidence of God's neglect. Covenantal Context: The sermon highlights three significant covenants: the unconditional Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, and the conditional Mosaic covenant. The Israelites' failure to uphold their end of the Mosaic covenant led to their hardships. Malachi's Challenge to Israel Worship and Offerings: The Israelites' worship had become perfunctory. They offered blemished sacrifices, revealing their lack of reverence for God. Malachi rebukes them for offering what they wouldn't even present to their earthly governors. Life as Worship: The sermon stresses that worship extends beyond temple rituals. It encompasses every aspect of life — including family, finances, and community relationships. The Israelites' failure in these areas reflected their spiritual apathy. A Divine Challenge: Test God’s Faithfulness In a unique biblical moment, God invites His people to "test" Him in Malachi 3:10. He challenges them to bring their full tithes and offerings. He promises to "open the floodgates of heaven" and pour out blessings if they do. This call to trust God with their resources is a metaphor for trusting Him in all areas of life. Modern Application: Worship in All We Do Excellence in Worship: The message calls believers to offer their best to God in all endeavors, echoing Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Holistic Worship: True worship involves honoring God in our relationships, work, and community engagement. It's about serving God with integrity and excellence, recognizing that everything we do is an offering to Him. Conclusion: A Call to Reflect The sermon concludes by urging believers to evaluate the quality of their worship. Are we offering God our best, or are we merely going through the motions? The challenge is to serve God wholeheartedly, honoring Him in every facet of life. This is the essence of true worship — living for the glory of God, knowing that we are ultimately serving the Lord Jesus. In embracing the lessons from Malachi, we are reminded that God's love is steadfast and His blessings are abundant when we align our lives with His covenantal promises. Let us strive to be a people who live out our worship in every aspect of our lives, reflecting the greatness and love of our God.
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    37 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E3

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E3
    Sep 25 2025
    # Finding Meaning in the Book of Ecclesiastes In today's sermon, we delve into the profound and sometimes perplexing book of **Ecclesiastes**. Known for its candid exploration of life's meaning, this book challenges us to reflect on the purpose behind our daily toil and the transience of our earthly pursuits. ## The Theme of Meaninglessness The sermon begins by addressing the stark declaration from **Ecclesiastes 1:2**: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." This refrain sets the tone for the exploration of human endeavors "under the sun," a phrase used to describe life without divine perspective. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes, often thought to be Solomon, examines life’s pursuits—wealth, wisdom, pleasure, and labor—and finds them all lacking in true fulfillment. ### Vanity and the Pursuit of Gains The Hebrew term often translated as "meaningless" could also mean "vanity," akin to chasing after the wind. This metaphor illustrates the futility of seeking satisfaction in worldly achievements. The sermon highlights **Ecclesiastes 1:3**, which poses a rhetorical question: "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?" The answer is sobering: without God, there is no true gain. ### Observations from Nature The Teacher uses nature to illustrate the cycle of futility: - Generations come and go, yet the earth remains unchanged. - The sun rises and sets, only to return to its starting point. - Winds blow in circles, and streams flow into the sea, yet it never fills. These observations, as noted in **Ecclesiastes 1:4-7**, underscore the repetitive and unchanging nature of the world, mirroring the repetitive cycles of human life. ### The Illusion of Progress Despite technological advancements and modern conveniences, the fundamental human condition remains unchanged. The sermon cites **Ecclesiastes 1:9-10**: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Even with the advent of inventions like the light bulb and the internet, our existential questions and quest for meaning persist. ### The Ultimate Destiny The sermon touches on a sobering truth from **Ecclesiastes 9:3**: "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead." This verse points to the inevitability of death, which renders all earthly achievements ultimately meaningless without a higher purpose. ## A Hope Beyond the Sun While Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture of life "under the sun," the sermon concludes with a message of hope. It reminds us that true meaning is found not in earthly pursuits but in a relationship with God. **John 14:6** is cited, where Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." In this way, the sermon encourages us to seek fulfillment not in the transient but in the eternal. This exploration of Ecclesiastes challenges us to rethink where we place our hope and encourages us to find lasting meaning in the divine rather than the temporary. As we reflect on these teachings, we are invited to live a life grounded in faith, seeking purpose beyond the ephemeral nature of the world.
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    8 m
  • Books of the Book Week 2

    Books of the Book Week 2
    Sep 23 2025
    Books of the Book: Week 2 - The Book of Jude ### Introduction This week's sermon delves into the **Book of Jude**, exploring its profound relevance for modern believers. Despite being one of the shortest books in the Bible, Jude's message is powerful and urgent, calling Christians to contend for their faith amidst ancient and contemporary challenges. ### The Importance of Scripture The sermon begins by emphasizing the foundational role of Scripture in the life of a believer. Echoing the words of Jesus, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God," and Paul in **2 Timothy 3:16**, which states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This underscores the necessity of engaging with all of God's word to be equipped for every good work. ### Understanding Jude Jude, Jesus's half-brother, addresses his letter to those who have come to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Despite his familial connection to Jesus, Jude identifies himself foremost as a servant of Christ, highlighting humility and obedience over personal prestige. The core of Jude's message is a call to "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people" (**Jude 1:3**). This faith, established through Jesus' death on the cross, is unchanging and must be defended against distortion. ### The Threat of False Teachings Jude warns against individuals who have infiltrated the church, perverting the grace of God into a license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ as Lord (**Jude 1:4**). He references historical examples of rebellion against God, such as the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt but later judged for unbelief, the fallen angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (**Jude 1:5-7**). These false teachers are described as dangerous and destructive, akin to "clouds without rain" and "autumn trees without fruit" (**Jude 1:12-13**). They are accused of leading believers astray by promoting a message that cheapens grace and denies the call to righteousness. ### Call to Action Jude's letter is not just a warning but a call to action. Believers are urged to: - **Build themselves up in their most holy faith** - **Pray in the Holy Spirit** - **Keep themselves in God's love** - **Show mercy to those who doubt** - **Save others by snatching them from the fire** These actions are crucial for personal growth and maintaining the faith community's integrity. ### Conclusion The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength and wisdom to contend for the faith with mercy and love. It emphasizes the church's responsibility to uphold the truth of Scripture and to resist the divisive and destructive influences of false teachings. In a world where beliefs and morals are constantly challenged, Jude's message is a timeless reminder of the importance of standing firm in the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (**Jude 1:3**). As believers, we are called to be pillars of truth, reflecting God's mercy and grace to a world in need of hope and salvation.
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    45 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E2

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E2
    Sep 18 2025
    # Understanding Ecclesiastes: A Journey Through Meaning and Purpose In this session of "Truth Worth Living," we delve deeper into the enigmatic book of **Ecclesiastes**, often dubbed the "Debbie Downer of Scripture." This moniker arises from its candid exploration of life's futility when pursued without God. Our journey today uncovers the profound wisdom embedded in its pages, guiding us toward a life of true purpose. ## The Authorship Debate Traditionally, **Ecclesiastes** is attributed to Solomon, the wise son of David and king of Israel. The book is strategically placed between **Proverbs** and **Song of Songs**, both penned by Solomon, and opens with the words, "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem" (**Ecclesiastes 1:1**). This introduction seems to confirm Solomon's authorship, especially given the teacher's claims of surpassing all in wisdom and greatness. However, the book's form raises questions. According to Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman, **Ecclesiastes** might employ a literary style known as "fictional autobiography." In this style, a fictional character is introduced to share insights and lessons. This perspective suggests that while the teachings reflect Solomon's wisdom, the actual author might be a narrator preserving these teachings under divine inspiration. ## Two Voices: The Narrator and the Teacher Throughout **Ecclesiastes**, two distinct voices emerge: the narrator and the teacher. The narrator introduces and concludes the book, while the teacher's reflections span from **Ecclesiastes 1:2** to **Ecclesiastes 12:8**. The teacher's musings explore his life experiences, lessons learned, and the outcomes of his pursuits. In **Ecclesiastes 12:9-10**, the narrator reappears, affirming the teacher's wisdom and the reliability of his words. ## The Teacher's Message Central to **Ecclesiastes** is the idea that life "under the sun," pursued through godless, worldly philosophies, is akin to "chasing the wind" or "chasing your tail." This metaphor vividly illustrates the emptiness of seeking significance apart from God. The teacher, acting more as a philosopher, imparts that true meaning and satisfaction come from living for God's glory, not self-glory. ### Key Takeaways - **Life's Futility Without God:** The teacher repeatedly emphasizes the futility of life when God is excluded from the equation. Pursuits of wealth, wisdom, and pleasure are ultimately meaningless without a divine purpose. - **The Role of the Narrator:** The narrator serves as a guide, helping readers discern the teacher's insights and ensuring the lessons resonate with the audience. - **The Pursuit of True Purpose:** The ultimate message is clear: fulfillment and purpose are found in aligning our lives with God's will, not in the transient pursuits of this world. ## Conclusion **Ecclesiastes** challenges us to reevaluate our pursuits and priorities. It invites us to consider the transient nature of worldly achievements and the enduring significance of a life devoted to God's glory. As we reflect on these teachings, may we find wisdom and inspiration to live purposefully, embracing the truth that is indeed worth practicing. Thank you for joining this exploration of **Ecclesiastes**. May these insights illuminate your path and bring peace to your journey.
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    7 m
  • Books of the Book Week 1

    Books of the Book Week 1
    Sep 16 2025
    # Books of the Book: Embracing God's Word In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey to rediscover the profound impact and necessity of being diligent students of the Bible. As we delve into the series "Books of the Book," the focus is on understanding why engaging with Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in a chaotic world. ## The Call to Stand Firm in Truth Pastor Chris opened with a reflection on the chaotic state of the world, emphasizing the Christian duty to respond with courage and truth. He cited **Ephesians 6:12**, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. This sets the stage for the critical need to anchor ourselves in God’s Word, which is the ultimate source of truth and peace. ## The Importance of Bible Engagement The sermon highlighted a concerning trend: many believers neglect regular Bible reading. Statistics show that only 11% of Christians read the Bible daily, while a significant portion never intends to engage with Scripture at all. This neglect, Pastor Chris argues, is a form of self-sabotage, depriving us of spiritual nourishment and guidance. ### Biblical Foundations for Success 1. **Joshua 1:7-9** - God promises Joshua success if he meditates on and obeys His Word. This passage underscores that true prosperity comes from aligning with God’s commands. 2. **Proverbs 2:6** - Solomon reveals that wisdom, necessary for making life’s difficult decisions, comes from God’s Word. 3. **Matthew 4:4** - Jesus, during His temptation, affirms that man shall not live on bread alone but on every word from God. This illustrates the soul's need for spiritual sustenance. ## The Transformative Power of Scripture - **Hebrews 4:12** describes the Bible as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of discerning thoughts and intentions. This power is vital for personal transformation and spiritual maturity. ### Practical Steps to Engage with Scripture - **Prioritize Quiet Time:** Commit to daily Bible reading as a non-negotiable part of life. - **Let God Speak:** Move beyond devotional snippets to immersive Scripture reading. - **Apply the Word:** Live out the teachings found in the Bible, ensuring they guide daily actions and decisions. ## Building a Foundation on the Rock In closing, Pastor Chris referenced **Matthew 7:24-27**, where Jesus likens those who hear and act on His words to a wise man building his house on the rock. This parable serves as a stark reminder that only by grounding ourselves in Scripture can we withstand life's storms. ## Conclusion The sermon concluded with a call to action: to be a people of the Word and prayer, shining God’s light in a dark world. By embracing Scripture, we not only enrich our spiritual lives but also prepare ourselves to be vessels of God’s peace and truth. --- As we continue this series, let us commit to making the Bible a central part of our lives, ensuring that God’s wisdom and truth guide us in every step. For more insights and to join us in this journey, visit our [website](#) or attend our next service.
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    44 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E1

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E1
    Sep 11 2025
    # Truth Worth Living: Embracing Ecclesiastes In today's session of Truth Worth Living, we delve into the profound and often misunderstood book of **Ecclesiastes**, a text that challenges our conventional pursuit of meaning and success. This session is part of our ongoing journey to understand God's word so we can live in His will. ## The Demotivational Parallel Pastor Chris begins by drawing a parallel between the satirical company Despair Inc. and the book of **Ecclesiastes**. Despair Inc. is known for its "demotivational" posters that cynically critique the motivational industry. These posters, with slogans like "None of us are as dumb as all of us" and "The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others," humorously highlight the futility in certain pursuits. Similarly, **Ecclesiastes** is often seen as the "demotivational poster" of the Bible. It opens with stark declarations like **Ecclesiastes 1:2**: "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Such statements seem to contradict the uplifting messages we typically expect from scripture. ## The Search for Meaning The core message of **Ecclesiastes** is a profound critique of our attempts to find fulfillment through worldly achievements. The Teacher, traditionally believed to be Solomon, explores various avenues such as intellectual pursuits, wealth, luxury, and politics, only to conclude that all are ultimately futile in the face of death. In **Ecclesiastes 2**, the Teacher reflects on the toil and anxiety of human labor: "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." The book challenges the notion that success and accomplishments can provide lasting satisfaction. ## A Call to Fear God Despite its seemingly bleak outlook, **Ecclesiastes** offers a crucial lesson: the pursuit of worldly success is empty without a foundation in faith. The Teacher concludes his reflections in **Ecclesiastes 12:13-14**: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." This conclusion shifts the focus from human endeavors to a divine perspective, emphasizing the importance of living a life centered on God's commandments. ## An Invitation to Reflect Pastor Chris encourages us to read **Ecclesiastes** before the next session. This book, though challenging, is essential for today's culture as it exposes the fallacy of finding meaning in success alone. Instead, it invites us to ground our lives in the eternal truths of God's word. By embracing the lessons of **Ecclesiastes**, we can navigate the complexities of life with a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Join us next time as we continue to explore these timeless truths and their relevance to our daily lives. --- **Join the Conversation:** Share your thoughts and reflections on **Ecclesiastes** in the comments or with your small group. Let's journey together in discovering truth worth living.
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    7 m
  • Our Mission Week 4

    Our Mission Week 4
    Sep 9 2025
    # Our Mission: Telling the Truth of God's Salvation In the fourth week of our mission series, we delve into the critical importance of truth-telling within the Christian faith. Using the story from **2 Kings 7** as a foundation, we explore how sharing the truth of God's salvation is not just a privilege but a duty. ## The Story of the Four Lepers The sermon recounts the story from **2 Kings 7:3-10**, where four lepers, outcasts from their community, stumble upon the abandoned camp of the Arameans. God had caused the Arameans to flee, leaving behind all their provisions. The lepers, initially keeping the discovery to themselves, eventually realize the importance of sharing this life-saving news with their city. - **2 Kings 7:3-4**: The lepers face a dire choice—stay and die, enter a besieged city and die, or surrender to the Arameans, who might spare them. - **2 Kings 7:5-8**: Upon discovering the deserted camp, they find food, clothing, and wealth, recognizing the abundance of God's provision. - **2 Kings 7:9**: They acknowledge their moral responsibility to share the good news, fearing the question, "Why didn't you tell us?" ## The Mission of Truth-Telling The story of the lepers is a powerful metaphor for the Christian mission. Just as the lepers found salvation and abundance, Christians have found salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes: - **Truth and Freedom**: Truth-telling is essential because it offers freedom to those who hear it. Without sharing the truth, people remain "trapped in the dark city," unaware of the salvation available to them. - **Mission of the Church**: The overarching mission is to make friends, meet needs, and make disciples. This involves sharing the truth of the human condition and the transformative hope found in Jesus Christ. - **Avoiding Regret**: By sharing the truth, believers avoid the regret of having someone ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" This question signifies a missed opportunity to guide someone to freedom. ## Application to Our Lives The sermon challenges us to reflect on our position in the story: 1. **Outside the City Gates**: Some may still be seeking answers from the world, unaware of the salvation offered through Christ. 2. **In the Camp**: Believers enjoying the blessings of salvation but keeping it to themselves. 3. **On the Road to the City**: Those who actively share the truth of God's salvation, fulfilling their mission. ## Conclusion The call to action is clear: we must not remain silent. The truth of God's salvation through Jesus Christ is a "day of good news" that we are compelled to share. By doing so, we not only fulfill our mission but also experience the joy and freedom of knowing we have done our part in God's plan. The sermon concludes with an invitation to reflect on where we stand in our journey of faith and encourages us to step boldly into the mission of truth-telling for the glory of God and the good of those we love.
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    34 m