REFUGE KENOSHA

We are in part two of our message “Life Backwards” from Ecclesiastes chapter 9. Today we are looking at two more ways that we are called to live backwards in this life. We often want control over everything in our lives. However, as Christians we have to realize that we are under the control of a God who has all of nature and human history in His hands. How, then, are we to live in light of God’s total control over all things?

Why do things and experiences not bring us ultimate happiness and satisfaction? Why are we left always wanting more? As we look at Ecclesiastes 9:1-10, we are going to see how humanity is not made for the “stuff” of this life, and that’s why it doesn’t satisfy. Instead, Christians will be encouraged to live life backwards, so to speak, from a world that is living to find ultimate fulfillment elsewhere.

When you experience troubles with authority, evil, or the unknown, it can take your focus off of the simple fact that God has the might and right to do whatever He wants. In short, we can forget to fear God. So what do we do to bring our focus back on Him when life's hardships get in the way? Today, Pastor Tom takes us through Ecclesiastes chapter 8.

What does it mean to fear God? Does it mean that we are scared that He is going to pop out of the closet at night? What happens, even as Christians, when we lose a bit of the fear of God in our lives? We often resort to thinking we can manipulate His purposes through our actions--whether rebellious or seemingly righteous. Today, Tom Dryer looks at Ecclesiastes 7:15-29.

Most parents have had to tell their kids to  “wait and trust” for a particular outcome. In the same way, God encourages His own kids to wait and trust Him, specifically in moments of pain and difficulty. Today, Tom Dryer continues through our study in the book of Ecclesiastes.

We live in a time that offers distractions for us no matter where we are. Our first response in moments of pain is generally to numb or “stream” the pain away. Today, as Tom Dryer continues through our study of Ecclesiastes, we will see how wisdom actually makes room for us to consider the hardships that we experience.

We are always looking for something that is going to satisfy the deepest desires of our heart, but how come we can’t seem to find it? Even as technology and riches have increased, people are not satisfied with the lives they live. Today, as Pastor Tom continues through Ecclesiastes 6:1-12, we will look at how God is the creator and goal of satisfaction.

Does loving money cause us to build upon solid foundations or shaky foundations? Jesus had a lot to say about money, and the author of Ecclesiastes was in agreement hundreds of years before Christ came. Pastor Tom takes us through part 2 of "Get Rich Quick" in our study of Ecclesiastes.

What determines whether or not we are truly rich in this life? Is it the never-ending accumulation of wealth? Or does the never ending desire for wealth actually have destructive effects? Tom Dryer continues through Ecclesiastes.

It's really easy to point out when other people act foolish, but we are experts at ignoring the foolishness that lies within our own hearts. Today, we are looking at what marks the heart of foolishness and will be challenged to watch our speech and posturing before God and others.