The Building Blocks of Abundant Living
Friday, July 22, 2022
The Building Blocks of Abundant Living
Solomon’s Shifts from Regrets to Advice
Despair is the opposite of hope. God’s people are spiritually designed to be bearers of hope. Not a cheap hope based on happy circumstances, but a deep hope based on conviction in Christ. However, we can find ourselves equating a hopeful disposition with a happy disposition.
One misunderstanding people have is that "people of faith" shouldn’t talk about or process deep despair (or even experience it). That would be a denial of our humanity. The human experience is filled with moments of despair. The question is, “Do we have hope to lift us up out of despair?” Think of what it must be like to have “no hope” living in a world of despair.
Solomon sets out to learn what makes people happy but keeps ending up in despair. He then begins to interject these, “But, here’s what works…” comments here and there. I call these building blocks for abundant living.
This Sunday, we will explore these comments from Solomon, connect them to the life and teachings of Jesus, and attempt to focus on building blocks vs. stumbling stones. Stumbling stones refer to those things that trip us up and land us in despair. A few of these might be...
So what might be some building blocks?
I hope you’ll join us for this study and conversation as we all pursue the abundant living Jesus desires for everyone.
One misunderstanding people have is that "people of faith" shouldn’t talk about or process deep despair (or even experience it). That would be a denial of our humanity. The human experience is filled with moments of despair. The question is, “Do we have hope to lift us up out of despair?” Think of what it must be like to have “no hope” living in a world of despair.
Solomon sets out to learn what makes people happy but keeps ending up in despair. He then begins to interject these, “But, here’s what works…” comments here and there. I call these building blocks for abundant living.
This Sunday, we will explore these comments from Solomon, connect them to the life and teachings of Jesus, and attempt to focus on building blocks vs. stumbling stones. Stumbling stones refer to those things that trip us up and land us in despair. A few of these might be...
- A friend leaving the faith
- Sickness or death
- Loss (family, job, status, etc.)
- Leaving a tight-knit community (faith or otherwise)
- Broken promises or failed pursuits
So what might be some building blocks?
- Self-Denial
- Sharing & Giving
- Enjoy Life (don’t just live it)
- Comfort Others
- Contentedness
- Centered Living (avoiding extremes)
I hope you’ll join us for this study and conversation as we all pursue the abundant living Jesus desires for everyone.
Lesson: The Building Blocks of Abundant Living
Solomon’s Shifts from Regrets to Advice
Reading: Ecclesiastes 2-7
Solomon’s Shifts from Regrets to Advice
Reading: Ecclesiastes 2-7
Posted in Lead Pastor