Join us as we dive into the thought-provoking message, "The Lottery of Life," based on Ecclesiastes 9:1-12. Our preacher will explore the profound observations and frustrations of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, who grapples with the apparent randomness of life and the inevitability of death. Key Points: Guiding Frustration: If following God’s ways offers no guarantee that life will go well, what is the point? (Ecclesiastes 9:1) The Best Players Don’t Always Win: The Teacher notes that skill and strategy do not always determine success because chance has a role in the outcome (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12). Moreover, death is the ultimate equalizer, affecting everyone regardless of their choices (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3). The Teacher’s Application: Since God has "pre-approved" enjoyment of His good, created gifts, the Teacher advises to find joy in life's ordinary aspects (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9). However, his understanding is limited, as he views death as the end (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Jesus’s Application: Jesus affirms the Teacher’s observations that life circumstances do not indicate righteousness (Luke 13:1-5). He challenges the notion that death is the end, promising a future accounting and an ultimate guarantee of well-being for those who follow Him. Join us as we unpack these themes and learn how to navigate the seeming randomness of life with faith and trust in God's plan. Our service will also include worship, prayer, and the Lord's Supper. Connect with us: Website: https://www.creekside.cc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Creekside.Community.Elizabeth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creekside.community.elizabeth/ Thank you for being part of our online community. Let's journey together in understanding and applying God's timeless wisdom!