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Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eight): Death
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon in Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 reflects on the reality of death, stating that the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth, under the ideal condition that life is lived wisely. This perspective hinges on the choices made during life, suggesting that a better conclusion is possible for those who align their lives with God's purpose. An apprehensive awareness of death influences attitudes and conduct in all people to varying degrees, stemming from a spiritual source. This fear, often vague and wrapped in hopelessness, arises from not fully believing God-given truths about death, holding individuals in bondage to sin. As long as death seems distant, many pay it little attention, yet the fear subtly shapes their actions due to a lack of connection between personal sins and their own mortality. Solomon encourages filling the mind with sober yet joyful thoughts about these realities, even in times of mourning, as they offer hope and reveal the extent of God's efforts to free humanity from this fear.
Our 'Mental' Deathbed
Sermonette byMoses asks God to teach us to number our days, realizing that our physical lives are finite, requiring a sense of urgency to get rid of our sins.
Deadlines
'Ready Answer' by Joseph B. BaityGod knows the span of human lives and has given each person a biological clock with an unknown deadline. The day of physical death completes judgment for good or for bad. Decisions made in the present and current behavior determine how God will judge at that deadline. Focus should remain on pursuing holiness and righteousness with urgency rather than on the deadline itself. A thought exercise involving different time frames until the return of Christ reveals varying levels of urgency in resolving issues and increasing spiritual activities. Regardless of the remaining time each person must determine where he stands in relation to the path given by God. God assigns tests and challenges within a framework of time to develop righteous character. Staying close to God provides perspective and balance along with peace.
House of Mourning
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe prospect of death makes one more mature and self-aware, illuminating the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 that it is better to go to the house of mourning.
Consider the End!
'Ready Answer' by StaffEven in death, we should show love toward our survivors, which we can do by taking certain legal and organizational steps now to cover this eventuality.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Three): Ecclesiastes 8:10-9:1
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFor the called, enjoying life's pleasures should not be the top priority, but rather seeking first the kingdom of God, trusting that physical things will be added.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.
Our End Time
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe timing of Christ's return and of our own deaths is unknown, so we should prioritize spiritual preparation and faithful service over worldly comfort.
The Unknown Deadline
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe do not know how long the project (our sanctification process) will take. Each day is critical in doing our part to be of the same mind as God.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes provides a testimony to the conundrum of life, showing the result of both bad and good choices, enabling us to effectively use time.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fourteen): A Summary
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAlong with the central paradox of Ecclesiastes 7, the chapter emphasizes the importance of an individual's lifelong search for wisdom.
The Unknown Deadline
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod gives His elect two unknown deadlines: Christ's return and the Christian's lifespan. They focus His people on becoming spiritually rich toward God.
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe activities that Solomon put to the test and found wanting are exactly those things the world emphasizes: hedonism, silliness, mirth, and foolishness.
To Live, We Must Die
'Ready Answer' by Bill OnisickHow many of us go through life with our noses to the grindstone? Real life comes as a result of giving our own.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 7 contains a series of 'this is better than that' observations. Wisdom seems to carry more sadness and sorrow than mirth or foolishness.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
Appreciate the Gift
Sermonette by James BeaubelleWe should continually choose to look at the work God is doing in our lives and take advantage of the new knowledge imparted to us by the Holy Spirit.