This message was preached during the installation service for Pastor Carey Hardy.

Solomon gives us four realities in the natural world that drive home the point of the transitory nature of man, as well as the ultimate futility of his efforts.

After stating his qualifications, Solomon journals about his first approaches to finding meaning in life. He discovers that the pursuits of wisdom and pleasure both wind up being dead ends.

Most people have the idea that the world is the one that gives enjoyment and God is the One who clubs us when we have fun -- but, in reality, it's the other way around. Purpose cannot be found in any one of the good things found in the world. Life is empty without God.

Solomon turns his attention to the one thing each of us has: time. Time is the picture of God's providence; He has placed eternity in our hearts and we can't properly deal with lafe until we are ready for death.

Because God has put eternity in our hearts, he has a natural curiosity about the future. Solomon interjects two great truths about God: that he is both good and sovereign.

Because God has put eternity in our hearts, we have a natural curiosity about the future. Solomon interjects two great truths about God: that He is both good and sovereign.

How can one focus on God's goodness and sovereignty and rejoice in it when you look around and see all the injustice in the world? Solomon brings two problems and two solutions on the matter of injustice.

Solomon turns his attention towards the subject of companionship. He gives us three scenes that seem to threaten the beauty of God's plan, but also scenes that explore why companionship is such a blessing.

A wise person understand that the political world is unstable and therefore dangerous. He does not seek to gain security from it. So what are our roles as Christians when it comes to political activity?

In spite of all the vanity of earthly existence, Solomon has told of a sovereign God who gives a life of joy and pleasure. But how can this God be approached? Solomon inserts a proverbial unit that deals with the proper way to approach God.

It goes without saying that Solomon was an expert on wealth. After his proverbial interlude on proper worship, he returns to the subject of wealth, specifically drawbacks to it.

If wealth is not the secret to happiness and can bring darkness and gloom, what is the answer? Solomon reminds us that there is another aspect to life, three priceless gifts which he says are "good and fitting" and from the Lord.

Prosperity without the divine gift of enjoyment is nothing. Solomon notes that there is nothing that we can "add" to life to make it more colorful -- these kinds of dreams sets us on a collision course where fantasy hits reality broadside. The subject of God's sovereignty becomes front and center.

Solomon introduces the subject of wisdom in the midst of this "life under the sun" reality. He first gives us some examples of wisdom, followed by its benefits.

Solomon's approach is neither to abolish nor to explain life's anomalies, but to enable a person to live with them. He presents three facts about wisdom that help us understand its great benefit to us, and to help us see how it works its way out practically in our lives.

Solomon's approach is neither to abolish nor to explain life's anomalies, but to enable a person to live with them. He presents three facts about wisdom that help us understand its great benefit to us, and to help us see how it works its way out practically in our lives.

One area of life that we must apply wisdom to is in the sphere of both authority and submission to it. Solomon gives us some principles that have to do with leadership, and with our response to authority.

One area of life that we must apply wisdom to is in the sphere of both authority and submission to it. Solomon gives us some principles that have to do with leadership, and with our response to authority.

In his journal, Solomon now addresses a couple rather familiar mysteries, such as the triumph of wickedness, the unfairness of consequences. Yet through these ministries, we need to trust in Jesus Christ and learn to depend on His word.

From a high level, Solomon has been dismantling four major philosophies: materialism, epicureanism, humanism, and fatalism. But he now begins to more clearly present the major realities that give life definition and meaning.

If we are to find meaning in life we must say "no" to empty philosophies and affirm the realities of God's sovereignty, that death is certain, our indwelling sin, and that there is a real hope. Solomon offers some concluding counseling to live and respond to these realities.

We can't just live by our senses or by what the majority says. We must "fly by the instruments." Solomon gives us wisdom to live by so that our lives have substance and significance.

Solomon makes the somewhat surprising statement that wisdom has the advantage of giving success, but it is not a guarantee of earthly success. Ultimately, we will be successful the way God measures success. He draws several conclusions to help us live wise and sensibly.

Solomon has spent some time sharing what the wise person looks like. But now he doesn't shy away from discussing the negative side, of what not to do. He gives us a snapshot of a fool and how his folly is manifest in four ways.

Solomon is encouraging a "bullish" attitude about life in his journal. We find a refreshing hope, counsel to be actively involved in life as that is what God expects from us... even when success is not guaranteed in every situation.

We find that enjoying life and obeying God go hand-in-hand. We are to seek to enjoy life but to be wise. We are not to do something sinful or foolish. We will give an account.

This very famous section of Ecclesiastes deals with the reality of progressive deterioration -- both mental and physical -- and how it ought to prompt us to prepare for eternity.

A preacher is always seeking to challenge his listeners with truth that will hopefully impact the way they live. This final part of Ecclesiastes provides us with some insight into what makes for effective teaching.

In his closing words of his journal, Solomon the Preacher gives a final warning against pagan counsel and an exhortation of true worship.

In order for Christians to grow in a way that pleases the Lord, we must, just like in a garden, pull out the ‘weeds’ of sin (putting off) and plant the ‘fruit’ of righteousness (putting on).

Our faith in Christ demands that we put off all unrighteous resentment and bitterness and replace it with righteous anger.

God’s people must avoid all forms of theft, replacing it with hard work and an increase in giving to believers in need.

How we speak to one another, and the types of words that come out of our mouths, ends up being a true test of our spirituality.

In this final look at ‘Christian Gardening’ we find the sinful results of just reacting to the circumstances of life, instead of intentionally putting on kindness, compassion, and graciousness towards others.

We not only have positive commands to follow as we grow in Christ—we also must intentionally choose to avoid sins that the world dismisses as insignificant issues.

God rescued us from our darkness and made us light in Christ—and that demands a change in lifestyle.

Paul calls Christians to look closely at their walk and examine how they are living for the Lord.

Paul instructs wives about their privilege and responsibility to uphold God's design in creation and redemption by being subject to their own husbands.

Paul boils the duty of a husband to his wife down to one word, love, and then develops what this love looks like, patterned after the love Christ shows to His Bride, the church.

In the final verse of Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul summarizes both the role of the husband and the wife.

Paul addresses the parent/child relationship as he seeks to unpack what it looks like for Christians to be filled with the Spirit in their homes.

In the last crucial relationship addressed in the Household Codes, Paul gives us the keys to a Spirit-filled, Christian work ethic that transcends a diligence that meets the eye.

Jesus explains to us what the relationship of the Christian ought to be with the unbelieving world that we live in.

Scripture gives us some principles to guide our prayer for help in our pursuit of practical righteousness.

In this passage, before Paul enumerates for us all the different pieces of the armor of God that are at our disposal, he charges us as Christian soldiers and says that if we are to be successful in this spiritual battle, we must put our confidence in God, we must know our enemy, and we must train and prepare diligently for the fight!

Paul tells us here of the spiritual resources that are available to us by faith and how to use them that we might successfully battle sin and temptation in the Christian life.

To conclude the Armor of God, Paul tells us here of the absolute necessity for dependent prayer in our successful stand against the devil's temptations to sin.

In Paul’s final words to the Ephesians, he gives us two encouragements to the necessity of personal ministry and prayer in addition to the ministry of God’s Word.

In this Psalm, God answers for us life’s most important question.

In this passage, Paul addresses the carnal mindset of the Corinthians by exposing their confidence in the flesh and exhorting them to give all glory to God in the church.

Genesis is the book of beginnings. The beginning of Creation and the beginning of corruption, but also the beginning of God’s plan to restore mankind and His own dominion over the earth through a Promised Seed.

God rescued His chosen people out of Egypt, and gave them His law to stamp His identity on them. This law instructed the nation of Israel how to live in devotion to Him, and how to live showing affection to others.

In this overview of 1-2 Chronicles, we see the Old Testament in miniature, and learn of the God’s faithfulness to David’s kingly line and the Temple, so that we too can hope and long for the Son of David to return and build His Temple.

The Book of Ezra records the initial restoration of Israel back to the Promised Land after the Babylonian Exile and the remaking of the Temple that leaves some of God’s promises yet unfulfilled to be anticipated.

God protects the identity of His chosen nation, from which the Messiah would come, by moving upon Nehemiah’s heart to lead a rebuilding project of the walls around Jerusalem.

A silent but sovereign God protects and preserves His people spread throughout the Persian empire.

This Old testament hymnbook presents timeless encouragement and wisdom for God’s people.

In this overview of Proverbs, we examine what makes a Proverb, what is the fear of the Lord, and the important message of chapters 1-9.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives us wisdom for how to understand the meaning of life that God has hardwired into this fallen world.

This unique love poem by Solomon describes the romance and passion that is inherent in the pure love between a man and a woman.

In Isaiah’s prophecy, God alone can save, He alone is to trusted, He alone will accomplish righteousness and peace, for He alone is God, the Holy One of Israel.

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah gives us a "liturgy of grief" to show God's people how to worship when experiencing severe suffering and judgment for sin.

In this overview of Ezekiel, we trace the glory of God as it departs Israel in judgment and returns in future restoration.

Though some historical stories, and through some apocalyptic visions, the book of Daniel confirms that God is sovereign over all the nations, and as well that He is sovereign over the lives of HIs people.

Hosea teaches us of God’s holy love for a spiritually adulterous people.

In this overview, we learn about the Day of the Lord—prefigured in history by a devastating locust plague, and depicted in the future as a time of judgment and restoration.

In the book of Amos, we learn that spurning God’s grace and silencing God’s Word will secure God’s judgment.

In this overview of Obadiah, we see a message boomerang—going out and against against Edom in judgment, then returning in restoration to Israel.

The book of Jonah teaches us that as those who have received mercy ourselves, we have no right to limit God’s mercy toward others. He is free and sovereign to have mercy on whom He will have mercy.

Micah pronounces judgment on Israel and Judah for their idolatry and their social injustices. But he also proclaims words of hope, especially concerning the future Millennial Kingdom.

In the book of Nahum we read of a war oracle against Nineveh that declares the coming of God as a Divine Warrior to deliver His people by destroying His enemies.

As Habakkuk laments the injustice he sees, God calls him—and all believers—to live by faith and wait for His perfect justice.

Haggai proclaims a four-fold message to post-exilic Israel, so they can rebuild the temple and correct their mixed priorities.

Zechariah’s prophecy offers us encouragement to obey the Lord when we have grown accustomed to disobedience as the new normal.

From the last Old Testament prophet, God delivers a final call to Israel to return to Him.

John Glass, missionary in Geneva Switzerland, gives his testimony of how he came to know Christ, and also challenges Christians to be evangelistic.

The Gospel of Matthew explains how Jesus is the Promised Messiah King of the Old Testament and why He must come again to establish His Kingdom.

This is an overview of the entire book, including a discussion of whether Mark 16:9-20 was written by Mark.

The proclamation of the gospel, by a Gentile physician, gives an amazing overview of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. Included is a clear explanation of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John, we see seven signs that demonstrate Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

In this study, we survey the book of Romans and understand God’s righteousness—needed, provided, reigning, defended, and manifested.

Paul’s letter to a church facing many problems provides important counsel for churches today as well.

Scattered among the sections of Paul’s defense of his apostleship are several powerful and helpful passages related to how we are to live our Christian lives.

Paul unpacks for the Philippians—and all Christians since—what a Gospel-Driven life looks like.

In the book of Colossians, Paul teaches us that Christ is sufficient for the Christian life of sanctification.

To a church that was very young, Paul corrects some wrong thinking about the Lord’s return. He also encourages Christians to live in light of the Lord’s return.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to comfort them in their affliction, to correct their eschatology, and to command them to live a disciplined life as they hope for Christ’s Return.

In a letter to his young disciple, Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides a handbook for what the church should be and do.

2 Timothy teaches us that faithful ministry ensures both suffering and time.

In this short letter from Paul to Titus, we find the timeless example of the Great Commission in action.

The shortest of Paul’s letters, where he shows how Philemon and Onesimus can be reconciled, through forgiveness.

This letter to a community of believing Jews still encourages Christians today with its message of the superiority of Christ.

James is a letter that puts our theology to the test by examining our faith, wisdom, humility, and patience in the midst of suffering.

In 1 Peter, we are told how to persevere in persecution.

In a much neglected book in the Bible, Peter reminds Christians of foundational truths, warns against false teachers, and instructs about the future.

John writes to help Christians know that they have eternal life, by explaining how real Christians believe in Jesus Christ, obey His Word, and love His people.

The Apostle John encourages Christians to resist error and walk in the truth.

In the book of Jude, Christians are exhorted to contend for the faith by remembering God's judgment, remaining in God's love, and rescuing God's people.

An overview of Revelation, plus a walk-through of chapter one and the vision of Christ.

Jesus Himself commended the church at Smyrna for their faithfulness during times of great persecution.

Both individual Christians and churches must avoid worldliness.

In the message to the church at Thyatira, Jesus admonishes this corrupt church for tolerating the sinful influence of a “Jezebel”, and exhorts faithful Christians to hold on.

Christ commends the small and suffering Church in Philadelphia for its faith and obedience and encourages them with the promises of His coming.

Christ calls the apostate church in Laodicea to repent of their self-righteousness.

Observing the scene in heaven around God’s throne, Christians learn how to worship on earth as in heaven—worshipping God the Creator.

In this chapter, John sees four dramatic scenes declaring Christ as worthy of all worship because of His perfect redeeming work.

The Apostle John’s vision of the Tribulation in these verses centers on 4 seal judgments that will take place in the first 3-1/2 years of that future period. A 5th seal is also introduced that will be the bridge into the second half of the Tribulation.

With the arrival of the 6th seal judgment, in the second half of the Tribulation, the earth and heavens will experience incredible disturbances.

In this interlude between the 6th and 7th seal judgments, John has a vision of two groups—the numbered missionaries and the innumerable multitude.

In the Great Tribulation period, God's trumpet judgments will supernaturally render a partial devastation of the Earth and its inhabitants. But mankind will still refuse to repent.

In Revelation 11:1-14, God gives a glimmer of grace to His nation Israel through the preaching of His two witnesses in the last moments before the final outpouring of judgment.

As the seventh trumpet is sounded, three words unpack what occurs: coronation, confrontation, and communion.

Especially when the pressure is on, and the storms of life rage, we need to be careful to think through and apply some important "Do's" and "Don'ts."

Children are a blessing from the Lord—an attitude demonstrated by Jesus, and to be found in His disciples.

Satan's battle against God is the longest war in history. It is still going on today, but will intensify during the final portion of the Tribulation. And God wins.

Satan is symbolized by the ferocious red dragon that John saw in his vision of the future. And this dragon hates the woman — which is Israel.

Enraged and desperate, Satan’s assaults on Israel during the Great Tribulation will be severe. But God will protect them.

To mock the Triune God, Satan—the Dragon himself—will bring forth his own counterfeits during the Tribulation, forming an unholy trinity.

The seven bowl judgments are unleashed upon the earth and the empire of the Beast, prompting blasphemy against the true God.

In Revelation 17, in John’s vision of the final culture of the Antichrist, we are shown the unbelieving world as it really is, when all restraining grace is removed.

Satan’s worldwide financial system will be destroyed during the final bowl judgment.

The final heaven will be a place of perfect bliss for eternity.

The final heaven will be a place of perfect bliss for eternity.

Those who reject the Lord and His truth face an "inheritance" of the eternal lake of fire. Those who are true believers will enjoy an eternity basking in the glory of God.

The eternal New Jerusalem — heaven — will be marked by several unique features.

As the glories of the new heavens and new earth are stated, they are reminiscent of the glories of Eden—yet far better, for believers will behold Christ’s face for eternity.

In the epilogue of Revelation, and the final verses of the Bible, final thoughts are stated to draw Christians to hope for heaven and unbelievers to come to Christ.

The Word of God gives strength and direction in our pursuit of living pure lives in an impure world.

We learn the two parts to the Pilgrim’s tune—the Pilgrim’s Prayer and the Pilgrim’s Pressure.

The psalmist knows his weakness, so he petitions God for help in several ways. We are just as weak and need God’s help just as much.

The Psalmist’s three responses to Scripture help believers stay glued to God’s Word.

Christian pilgrims face many trials on their journey, including affliction, persecution, and alienation. This section of Psalm 119 teaches believers how to face these trials biblically.

Believers today can learn from the psalmist the right attitude to have, plus how to pray, during times of difficulty and trial.

The Psalmist walks a challenging path of despair, yet clings to hope found in God’s Word.

Only Scripture provides true wisdom.

The Psalmist reveals that Scripture—truth for life—is a guide, guard, and gift.

The Psalmist’s three responses both test and teach believers in spiritual fitness.

The unknown author of Psalm 119 closes this wonderful presentation of the glories of God's Word with a humble declaration of his spiritual needs.

The Bible's understanding of love is very different than that of the lost world.

Agape love is the opposite of all forms of selfishness and self-seeking. And Jesus is the greatest example for us to follow.

One of the most beautiful treatments of love in all of literature challenges believers to be like Christ in every circumstance.

Habakkuk was a godly man who had serious concerns about the sin amongst his fellow Israelites, and who was perplexed over God's seeming indifference.

God is perfectly just, and that justice requires judgment on sin.

Christians have a wonderful opportunity during times of suffering and persecution to proclaim gospel truth.