Gospel Chapel GF

Humble Anticipation (Luke 2:22-38)

Lent. What is it really about, and why should we consider observing Lent? We observe Advent, we like that story - waiting for baby Jesus. But spending six weeks anticipating and preparing for Good Friday? Isn't that a bit morbid? Easter is the foundation of Christianity, and we need to focus on it more than we sometimes do. We need to look beyond the infant Jesus to the redemption of God. That is what Simeon and Anna saw the day that Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the Temple. They were waiting, watching, longing for God's redemption to arrive. May we approach Easter with the same focus.

The Final Word (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)

The last section in Ecclesiastes! We're done! This is the "final word" of the book (12:13). The narrator offers his evaluation of the contribution of Qoheleth, issues a warning to his "son", and leaves us with the final commands to fear God and keep His commandments, because that's what being human is all about.

Enjoy Life Now! (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8)

The first of two conclusions to the book of Ecclesiastes calls us to Rejoice in the life we have been given, and to remember our Creator now. Don't wait for circumstances to change, don't let questions and harsh realities of life under the sun steal your joy. 

Risk Boldly (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Life has many ups and downs. We can't know what tomorrow will bring. We don't know how long we have on this earth. These realities have been presented (pushed in our faces really) throughout Ecclesiastes. Now the author addresses the reader with some advice as to how to live in the light of these realities. Take bold risks and use wisdom.

Wisdom is Always Better

As we get closer to the end of Ecclesiastes, the author is wanting to address a number of topics. On first reading, this passage seems a bit shot-gun. But there is a coherence benether the seemingly scattered thoughts: choosing the way of wisdom is always the best. Wisdom is still fragile, but still the best option.

Enjoy Life (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)

When we first start Ecclesiastes, it seems like the author is just the eternal pessimist--everything is meaningless, a chasing after wind. But as we approach the conclusion, things begin to shift. Yes, there are hard things in life. Yes, there are mysteries. Yes, life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. And yes, death is inevitable. But there's more to life than the struggle.
In this passage, Qohelet isn't making suggestions, he's issuing commands - and they all add up to this: Enjoy Your Life!

Change Your Face (8:1)

The short poem that starts Ecclesiastes 8 asks us a question and then defines how being wise can and should change our outlook on life. We need two things in life: 1. admit how limited we are, and 2. a changed face.

Life in Paradox (Ecclesiastes 7:15-29)

Life has many questions and mysteries. We have a hard time coming to terms with some of the realities we experience, but experience them we will. Life is unpredictable. Humanity is sinful. Wisdom is elusive.
But in this passage - as much as Qoheleth is despairing of finding any definitive answers - there are also three responses to God that can help us navigate the questions: stand in reverent God; live to please God in faith; and don't blame God because He made us upright, but we pursue life without him - and that has consequences.