The Gathering, Chattanooga

Joy Hard to define because it’s not something that cannot be produced, nor is it something that is dependent on circumstances: Similar to happiness, but more of a state of being than a state of feeling. I said you can’t “choose it.” Why not? Because joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. Having joy…

Opening Illus: knotted up cord. Eventually want to give up! No amount of struggle makes it better because if you can get the tangles out, there are always more. This is life on earth. No lasting peace. It’s been this way since Eden. · When sin entered, peace left · Life became hopelessly entangled with…

Hopelessness Hopelessness is a feeling or state of mind characterized by the belief that there is no possibility for improvement, change, or success in a situation. It often involves a sense of despair and a lack of expectation for a positive outcome, leading to emotional or psychological stagnation.…

7:15-25, 29 Last week, Jacob walked us through the extended proverb section of Ecclesiastes, and helped understand how God can use adversity to develop wisdom within us and, with that, more Christlikeness as we grow in Humility, Patience, Gentleness, Self-Control, Contentment. The teacher continues that…

7:15-25, 29 Last week, Jacob walked us through the extended proverb section of Ecclesiastes, and helped understand how God can use adversity to develop wisdom within us and, with that, more Christlikeness as we grow in Humility, Patience, Gentleness, Self-Control, Contentment. The teacher continues that…

7:15-25, 29 Last week, Jacob walked us through the extended proverb section of Ecclesiastes, and helped understand how God can use adversity to develop wisdom within us and, with that, more Christlikeness as we grow in Humility, Patience, Gentleness, Self-Control, Contentment. The teacher continues that…

Ecclesiastes, Part 6: Less is More Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 The teacher inserts something of a reality check or “interlude” within the body of laments of life under the sun. [Goal: To encourage God’s people to remember that “God is in the heaven and you are on the earth.” So, “fear God.” – Unpack “fear”, as…

Psalm 127 – A Psalm that changes everything A song of ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. 2 In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, he…

Psalm 127 – A Psalm that changes everything A song of ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. 2 In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, he…

Song of ascents – songs that helped them prepare and re-orient themselves to the purpose of the journey and the expectation of the destination. Sometimes it reminded them of the past that helped shaped their perspective on the future; to remind them of who God was, what He had done, and what He could…

Psalm 122 Preaching Notes Psalm 120 – Far away from Jerusalem. Psalm 121 – On the journey to Jerusalem Psalm 122 – Arrived in Jerusalem. A Psalm of David. That’s not without it’s questions: · Description is of magnificent Temple in a grand city of Jerusalem · Jerusalem was the city of David. Center of…

Psalm 122 Preaching Notes Psalm 120 – Far away from Jerusalem. Psalm 121 – On the journey to Jerusalem Psalm 122 – Arrived in Jerusalem. A Psalm of David. That’s not without it’s questions: · Description is of magnificent Temple in a grand city of Jerusalem · Jerusalem was the city of David. Center of…

Psalm 122 Preaching Notes Psalm 120 – Far away from Jerusalem. Psalm 121 – On the journey to Jerusalem Psalm 122 – Arrived in Jerusalem. A Psalm of David. That’s not without it’s questions: · Description is of magnificent Temple in a grand city of Jerusalem · Jerusalem was the city of David. Center of…

Psalm 122 Preaching Notes Psalm 120 – Far away from Jerusalem. Psalm 121 – On the journey to Jerusalem Psalm 122 – Arrived in Jerusalem. A Psalm of David. That’s not without it’s questions: · Description is of magnificent Temple in a grand city of Jerusalem · Jerusalem was the city of David. Center of…

The Lord Our Protector A song of ascents. Psalm 120-134 – “Psalms of Ascent” = “to go up” Also called, “Pilgrim Songs” · Used as a “pilgrim’s hymnal” as Hebrew people would literally “go up” to Jerusalem to worship · 3 major festivals: o Passover in spring o Pentecost in summer o Tabernacles in fall…

1 Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. “The Lord” – Yahweh He is good – joyous, pleasing, desirable, friendly, lovely, deserving of esteem and respect. This “ Good One’s ” faithful love will last forever. God’s unfailing love, kindness, goodness is exemplified…

1 Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. “The Lord” – Yahweh He is good – joyous, pleasing, desirable, friendly, lovely, deserving of esteem and respect. This “ Good One’s ” faithful love will last forever. God’s unfailing love, kindness, goodness is exemplified…