Playlist: hebel (topic)
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Ecclesiastes presents a profound critique of worldly pursuits through the recurring theme of hebel (H1892), often translated as vanity or futility. This term encapsulates the emptiness, brevity, and impermanence of life and its activities when lived apart from God. Solomon, referred to as the teacher or preacher, …
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word *hebel* (or *hevel*), found in Ecclesiastes, is a vivid metaphor suggesting a breath or vapor, akin to a puff of smoke or one's breath on a cold day. It indicates that life is brief, fleeting like a momentary vapor that vanishes almost instantly. In the context of a seventy-year lifespan, *hebel* underscores how …
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes teaches that life has meaning and purpose only when lived by faith for God's Kingdom, not just for earthly, 'under the sun' pursuits.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Until Christ returns, the world's problems will not be solved. Using godly wisdom helps us to deal with our circumstances, but it won't change the world.
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVanity has many nuances, including transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
Notes from the Trail
Sermonette by James C. StoertzAt the Feast of Tabernacles, we live in temporary dwellings, mirroring our temporary lives. Hiking and backpacking can teach us valuable things about this journey.