SONG: "PURIFIED"
SEQUENCED AND PERMISSION GIVEN BY
PAGE BY SHY
Ecclesiastes ~~~Ancient Wisdom for Modern Man
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The word "Ecclesiastes" means preacher. "Koheleth" is the Hebrew name for this book and means "an assembler or convener." That is what Solomon was: he gathered the people together and then preached to them this sermon describing his backsliding.
The contents and the scope of this book is to expose the vanity of all worldly enjoyments; to show that man's happiness does not lie in natural wisdom and knowledge; nor in worldly wealth; nor in civil honor, power and authority; nor in the mere externals of religion but in the single God and the worship of Him.
"Ecclesiastes is a divine commentary on the words of Christ: 'Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again' {John 4:13}. It is good that this book is followed by the Song of Solomon, because the one compliments the other. We learn in Ecclesiastes that without Christ we cannot be satisfied even if we possess the whole world, the heart is too large for the object. We also learn that if we turn away from the world and set our affections on Christ, we cannot fathom the infinite preciousness of His love.
Ecclesiastes contains 12 chapters, 222 verses, and 5, 584 words and reads like poetic philosophy. Most scholars say that it was written by Solomon around 935 B. C., late in his life. In this book Solomon is looking back on his lie, much of which was apart from God.
The Key verse in this book: 12:13
"Here is my final conclusion; Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person."
When Soloman became king, he asked God for wisdom
{II Chronicles 1: 7-12}, and he became the wisest man in the world. He studied, taught, judged, and wrote. Kings and leaders from other nations came to Jerusalem to learn from him. But with all of his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral. Near the end of his life, Solomon looked back with an attitude of humility and repentance. He took stock of his life, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow and meaningless.
As we read Ecclesiastes we must not discount the beginning of the book because of it being negative and pessimistic, do not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his
conclusions. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble} and spiritual wisdom {how to find and know eternal values} . Solomon had a very honest approach to life. All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there
for a purpose: to lead us to seek fulfillment and happiness in God alone. He was not trying to destroy all hope, but to direct our hopes to the only one who can truly fulfill them and give our life meaning. Solomon affirms the value of knowledge, relationships, work, and pleasure, but only in their proper place. All of these temporal things in life must be seen in light of the eternal.
WHEN you READ Ecclesiastes try to learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and dire predictions and commit yourself to remember your CREATOR NOW !
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Chapters 1:1 ~ 2:26 ~ Solomon's personal experience
Chapters 3: 1 ~ 5:20 ~ Solomon's general observations
Chapters 6:1 ~8:17 ~ Solomon's practical counsel
Chapters 9:1 ~ 12:14 ~ Solomon's final conclusion.
Searching ..... Solomon searched for satisfaction almost as though he was conducting a scientific experiment. He realized from his mistakes, even with all the wisdom, and riches that he had that without God they meant nothing. He wanted to shake his peoples confidence and show them that their lifes could be richer with God's love than with material things. A lesson that he had learned himself the hard way. Without God all those things only brought emptiness, deep longings and sad hearts. With out God there is no lasting rewards or benefits.
The certainty of death makes all human achievements futile. God has a plan for each one of us that goes beyond life and death. The reality of aging and dying reminds each individual of the end to come when God will judge each person's life.
Human wisdom doesn't contain all the answers. Knowledge and education have their limits. To understand life and make right choices, we need the wisdom that can be found only in God's Word.....The BIBLE.
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WISDOM IS-- WHAT WISDOM DOES
There are those who are searching
Wanting to find happiness for certain.
But they know not what to seek,
Money, success, is that all they need.
They may think they are wise
But they are fooled by disguise.
The missing link is still beyond
The reach of all their wisdom.
They are searching in the wrong place
Missing the mark, by their mistakes.
Solomon knew, his lesson had been learned
He had the wisdom, but God he spurned.
Don't put the cart before the horse
A saying that has run its course
When people learn to put God first
They can put an end to their search.
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( This brings to mind a beautiful song)
I'd rather have Jesus, than silver or gold
I'd rather be His than have riches untold.
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by His nailed scarred hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
and be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than any thing
This world affords today.
(Music: George Beverly Shea..
Words: Rhea F. Miller.
POEM WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY BARR
BIBLE STUDY COMPILED BY USING
Bible References: Life Application Study Bible
Published and copyright 1996
Reference for Hymn: The FWB Celebration Hymnal
MAY 1, 2005
Jesus Put A New Song In My Heart
