Prairie Bible Church Messages
Prairie Bible Church is a non-denominational, Christian church located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our mission is; "Help people grow their faith through a simple, authentic representation of Jesus' love". We hope you will enjoy hearing these inspirational, faith based messages to enrich your life and help grow your faithwww.prairiebible.org
Prairie Bible Church Messages
Searching for Fulfillment: Part 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11
"I would like to buy about three dollars' worth of gospel, please. Not too much – just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don't want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don't want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don't want to love those from different races. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars' worth of gospel, please." – D.A. Carson.
If we want true fulfillment, we must desire more than "three dollars' worth" of gospel. We must go all in on godliness.
Take-Home Message: My fulfillment is determined by my choice of worldliness or godliness.
The Vanity of Worldly Wisdom (1:12-18)
Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom
Worldly wisdom – I can play the role of God.
Godly wisdom – Fear God and turn away from evil.
The Vanity of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3)
Worldly Pleasure vs. Godly Pleasure
Worldly pleasure – God doesn't want me to have fun.
Godly pleasure – God gives me true pleasure.
The Vanity of Worldly Materialism (2:4-11)
Worldly Materialism vs. Godly Management
Worldly materialism – I'm an owner.
Godly management – I'm a manager.