Episodios

  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E9

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E9
    Nov 13 2025
    🤔 **TWL: Faith and Formulas - Is Life Meaningless?** Welcome back to Truth Worth Living! Today, we explore the surprisingly pessimistic perspective of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, whom we'll refer to as "Douggie Downer." Despite achieving great success—often referred to as "the Midas touch"—Douggie concludes that life "under the sun"—meaning life apart from our benevolent Creator—is utterly meaningless. His viewpoint, powerfully illustrated in Ecclesiastes 9:3-10, suggests that since death is the ultimate destiny for all, searching for lasting satisfaction is futile. **The Douggie Downer View (Ecclesiastes 9:3-10 NIV):** - "Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (v. 4) - His "solution" to the reality of mortality? Enjoy simple pleasures while you can: "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart... Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life..." (v. 7, 9) ⚠️ **The Sobering Warning: There Are No Guarantees!** Just when Douggie offers a glimmer of positivity, he reminds us that even this fleeting joy isn't guaranteed. He presents pure wisdom in verses 11-12: there are no formulas in life that guarantee success. **The Reality Check (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 NIV):** - "The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant, or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." We often confront two cultural misconceptions around dealing with problems: 1. **Faith as a Magic Wand:** Believing strongly enough will simply ward off misfortune. 2. **Formulas for Success:** Following 5 steps to achieve a perfect marriage, or 7 steps to wealth, etc. However, the Teacher points out that life doesn't operate according to these principles. Strong faith and disciplined adherence to formulas do not guarantee success. ✨ **The Truth Worth Living** The good news emerges when we look beyond Ecclesiastes to the rest of Scripture. God doesn't promise to shield us from every problem, but He does promise to be with us through them. Faith in His presence provides us with: - The strength to persevere. - The confidence that He will ultimately redeem our challenges for our good and His glory. The most important thing we can do daily is to cultivate our relationship with Him. When we learn to view life—from every angle—through His perspective, we can find joy and peace, no matter what challenges come our way. That is the truth, and this is Truth Worth Living! Thank you for joining me today! Help us spread the word about Truth Worth Living by liking and sharing this post with your friends! #TruthWorthLiving #Ecclesiastes #Faith #Wisdom #Formulas #BibleStudy #ChristianLife #HopeInGod
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • Books of the Book Week 8

    Books of the Book Week 8
    Nov 11 2025
    # Understanding Jonah: A Lesson in Grace and Obedience In our ongoing series, **Books of the Book**, we turn our attention to the story of Jonah, a narrative often misunderstood and sometimes dismissed due to its miraculous elements. This week, we delve into the Book of Jonah to uncover its deeper messages about grace, obedience, and the miraculous nature of faith. ## The Miracle of Jonah The story of Jonah is not just about a man being swallowed by a large fish; it is a profound narrative about God's grace and the lengths He will go to reach people. **Jonah 1:1-3** introduces us to Jonah, a prophet who receives a divine command to preach to Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah flees, highlighting his reluctance to extend God's grace to his enemies. ## The Struggle with Miracles The miraculous element of Jonah being swallowed by a fish often overshadows the story's true message. The narrative challenges us to examine our belief in miracles. If we believe in the resurrection of Jesus, as central to our faith, then the miraculous nature of Jonah's story becomes plausible. The real question is whether we believe in a God who can do the impossible, including transforming hearts and extending grace where it seems undeserved. ## Jonah’s Reluctance and God’s Grace Jonah's journey is marked by his struggle with God's command. His reluctance stems from his hatred for the Ninevites, who were known for their brutality. Despite his disobedience, God’s grace is evident as He orchestrates events to bring Jonah back to His purpose. The storm and the fish are not just miraculous interventions but also symbols of God’s relentless pursuit of His prophet. ## The Power of Repentance Upon Jonah's eventual obedience, **Jonah 3:1-5** describes how the Ninevites, from the king to the common people, respond to Jonah’s message with genuine repentance. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's word and His willingness to forgive. The story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. ## Lessons from Jonah’s Anger In **Jonah 4:1-3**, we see Jonah's anger at God's mercy towards Nineveh. This reaction reveals a common human struggle: the desire for justice over mercy. Jonah's story challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those we consider undeserving of grace. It calls us to embrace God's perspective, which values every soul and offers second chances freely. ## Embracing Our Call The story of Jonah is a call to action for believers. Like Jonah, we are tasked with sharing the truth of God's love and grace. We must overcome our reluctance and doubts, trusting in God's power to change hearts. Our role is to shine our light and proclaim the message of salvation, leaving the transformation to God. In conclusion, Jonah's story is a powerful reminder of God's boundless grace and our responsibility as His messengers. It encourages us to trust in the miraculous, embrace our calling, and extend grace to all, just as it has been extended to us.
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E8

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E8
    Oct 30 2025
    Welcome back to Truth Worth Living, where we dig into God’s Word to live in God’s will. Harvard professor Thomas J. DeLong studied hundreds of top professionals—doctors, lawyers, executives—and found that over 80% constantly compare themselves to others. He called it the “Comparison Obsession.” Even the most successful felt like failures because someone else seemed “more successful.” But this isn’t new. Scripture nailed it long ago: “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless—a chasing after the wind.” — Ecclesiastes 4:4 When our drive comes from envy, we lose peace, purpose, and people. The “comparing reflex” isolates us—just like the man in Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 who worked endlessly, gained wealth, but had no one to share it with. God didn’t design us for competition; He designed us for community. “Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 Comparison kills joy. Community builds it. Let’s stop chasing someone else’s race and start living God’s purpose for ours. 💡 Truth Worth Living: Community is worth working for—envy isn’t. ✝️ Like, share, and help spread the Word! #TruthWorthLiving #FaithOverComparison #Ecclesiastes #BibleWisdom #ChristianLiving
    Más Menos
    6 m
  • Books of the Book Week 7

    Books of the Book Week 7
    Oct 28 2025
    Books of the Book Week 7: Amos and the Plumb Line In this week's sermon, we explored the book of Amos, a minor prophet whose message is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. Amos 5:24 is famously quoted in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech: "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." This verse encapsulates the heart of Amos's message—calling for justice and righteousness. The Context of Amos Amos was not a professional prophet; he was a shepherd from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, called by God to deliver a message to the northern kingdom of Israel. At this time, Israel was prosperous, and its people believed their wealth was a sign of God's favor. However, Amos warned that their prosperity was built on injustice and exploitation. The Sins of Israel Amos's message was initially well-received by the Israelites because he began by condemning their enemies. But soon, he turned his attention to Israel itself, highlighting their sins: Amos 2:6-7: "They sell the innocent for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed." These verses reveal that their wealth was gained through the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice. Unlike their enemies, Israel's sins were more grievous to God because they violated the special revelation given to them through the Law of Moses. The Plumb Line Vision In Amos 7:1-9, God shows Amos a vision of a plumb line, a tool used to measure the straightness of a wall. This vision symbolized God's standard of righteousness. When God measured Israel against His laws, they were found to be crooked and unjust. Unlike previous judgments, Amos could not intercede for Israel because they had violated the covenant with God. The Responsibility of Revelation The sermon highlighted that as believers, we are in the "given much" category. Luke 12:48 reminds us that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." We have been entrusted with God's Word, and it is our responsibility to live by it. Ignorance of the Word is not an excuse; we are called to study and apply it in our lives. Conclusion Amos's message challenges us to examine our lives against God's plumb line. Are we living justly and righteously? Are we using our resources to uplift others, or are we complicit in systems of oppression? As we approach the holiday season, the sermon also encouraged us to participate in the "Clean Water from Clear Water" initiative, aiming to fund wells in communities without access to clean water by Christmas. The call to action is clear: Let us live out the justice and righteousness that Amos proclaimed, ensuring that our actions align with God's Word. By doing so, we not only honor God but also bring His kingdom closer to earth, as it is in heaven.
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E7

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E7
    Oct 23 2025
    In this episode of "Truth Worth Living," we delve into the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7, exploring the theme of balance in life. The ancient teachings challenge us to rethink our modern views on righteousness and wickedness, encouraging a pursuit of equilibrium in our daily existence. We discuss the concept of balance, emphasizing that while we often strive for a well-rounded life—encompassing diet, work, and emotional health—the author of Ecclesiastes, known as "The Teacher," offers a different perspective. He notes the unpredictability of life, highlighting that both the righteous and the wicked encounter unexpected outcomes. This leads to the conclusion that extremes—whether excessive righteousness or wickedness—can be detrimental. Key verses from Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 remind us that striving too hard for righteousness or wisdom may not guarantee success and can even lead to disappointment. The Teacher argues that a rational approach encourages moderation rather than extremes, including the careful navigation of moral boundaries. Shifting to a New Testament perspective, we reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10-14, where he discusses his passionate pursuit of knowing Christ. This imbalanced devotion, we conclude, is what ultimately leads to abundant life. In summary, while balance is crucial for navigating life under the sun, our greatest truth lies in an unbalanced dedication to Christ, which promises fulfillment now and hope for eternity. Join us as we unpack these insights and consider what it means to live a life focused on Christ amidst life's complexities.
    Más Menos
    8 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E6

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E6
    Oct 16 2025
    Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 – Embracing Life's Seasons In our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, we encounter a profound reflection on the cyclical nature of life. The teacher, often identified as Solomon, offers a contemplative view of the pursuit of happiness and the inevitability of life's seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 provides a poetic exploration of life's dichotomies, emphasizing that every aspect of existence has its appointed time. The Pursuit of Happiness In today's world, the pursuit of happiness is a common endeavor. We often make decisions based on our desire for happiness, sometimes at the expense of long-term well-being. Whether it's acquiring unnecessary material possessions, accumulating debt, or making impulsive life choices, these actions are frequently justified by the desire for immediate gratification. Temporary Nature of Happiness: Happiness, as the teacher notes, is fleeting. Life presents us with both joyous and challenging moments, and the pursuit of happiness alone can leave us feeling empty. Chasing the Wind: The teacher likens the pursuit of happiness to chasing the wind, highlighting its elusive and transient nature. Life's Dichotomies The teacher's poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 serves as a reminder of the dualities within life. It is not a prescription for action but a description of the human experience. We do not control the timing of these events; they unfold as part of the divine order. A Time for Everything: The passage lists various life events, from birth to death, planting to uprooting, weeping to laughing, and mourning to dancing. These events are not within our control, emphasizing the unpredictability of life. Descriptive, Not Prescriptive: Unlike other parts of Scripture that prescribe actions, this passage describes the inevitability of life's seasons, urging us to embrace rather than resist them. Finding Meaning Beyond Happiness The teacher's exploration of life's seasons leads to a deeper understanding of our true yearning—not for temporary happiness, but for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” and “set eternity in the human heart.” Eternal Perspective: Our longing is not for the fleeting moments of happiness but for a connection with the eternal. This perspective shifts our focus from immediate gratification to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. Faith in Jesus: Through faith in Jesus, we find victory over life's challenges, whether they bring happiness or sorrow. Conclusion As we navigate the complexities of life, the teachings of Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 offer wisdom and perspective. Life's seasons are beyond our control, yet each moment contributes to the tapestry of our existence. By recognizing the temporary nature of happiness and embracing the eternal, we align ourselves with a truth worth living for. In the words of the teacher, let us turn to God in faith, trusting in His guidance and finding peace in both the happy and unhappy times. This eternal perspective enriches our lives, leading us toward a deeper understanding of our purpose under the sun.
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • Books of the Book Week 5

    Books of the Book Week 5
    Oct 14 2025
    # Discovering Meaning in the Book of Ecclesiastes In this week's sermon, we delved into the often misunderstood and overlooked book of **Ecclesiastes**, found in the Old Testament. This book, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is a profound exploration of life's meaning when lived "under the sun," a phrase that appears 28 times throughout its 12 chapters. The sermon aimed to guide us through its themes and encourage us to seek a more profound understanding and relevance in our lives. Discovering Meaning in theDiscovering Meaning in the Book of Ecclesiastes In this week's sermon, we delved into the often misunderstood and overlooked book of Ecclesiastes, found in the Old Testament. This book, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is a profound exploration of life's meaning when lived "under the sun," a phrase that appears 28 times throughout its 12 chapters. The sermon aimed to guide us through its themes and encourage us to seek a more profound understanding and relevance in our lives. The Teacher's Experiment The book begins with a stark declaration: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The Teacher, identified by the Hebrew term "qohelet," embarks on an experiment to find meaning in life through a humanistic worldview, leaving God out of the equation. His journey is a cautionary tale, illustrating that pursuing meaning on our terms, without divine guidance, is like "chasing the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Life "Under the Sun" The phrase "under the sun" signifies a life lived solely by human wisdom, without reference to God's insight. The Teacher's quest led him to explore various paths to meaning, including: - Worldly Wisdom and Knowledge: Despite achieving unparalleled wisdom, the Teacher found it unsatisfying, as noted in Ecclesiastes 1:16-17. - Pleasure: Turning to pleasure, he found it equally empty (Ecclesiastes 2:1). - Work and Wealth: Even grand achievements and riches failed to provide lasting satisfaction. - Worship: The Teacher even tried worship "under the sun," but without genuine reverence, it too was hollow (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). The Conclusion of the Matter Ultimately, the Teacher's findings reveal that life "under the sun" ends the same for everyone—empty-handed. This realization is captured in Ecclesiastes 9:1-3, emphasizing that the same fate awaits all, regardless of their earthly pursuits. Finding True Meaning While the Teacher's report paints a bleak picture, the sermon highlighted that true meaning is found not "under the sun" but through a relationship with God. The key to a meaningful life is twofold: - Godliness with Contentment: As stated in 1 Timothy 6:6, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." This involves placing faith in Jesus Christ and being content with God's provision, regardless of our circumstances. - Faith in Jesus Christ: True godliness and purpose begin with faith in Jesus, who offers life beyond earthly success or failure. Embracing God's Wisdom We are encouraged to abandon our pursuit of meaning on our terms and turn to God, trusting in Jesus as our Savior. By doing so, we find life more abundant and purposeful, as promised in Scripture. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on where we find our meaning and to seek a deeper relationship with God, ensuring our lives are not a futile "chasing after the wind." For those seeking further exploration of these themes, the church offers "Truth Worth Living" sessions, available on Facebook Live and as a podcast, where these and other biblical insights are discussed weekly. Let us embrace the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, learning from the Teacher's journey, and discover true meaning in a life lived in the presence of God, not just under the sun. Book of Ecclesiastes In this week's sermon, we delved into the often misunderstood and overlooked book of **Ecclesiastes**, found in the Old Testament. This book, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is a profound exploration of life's meaning when lived "under the sun," a phrase that appears 28 times throughout its 12 chapters. The sermon aimed to guide us through its themes and encourage us to seek a more profound understanding and relevance in our lives. The Teacher's Experiment The book begins with a stark declaration: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." (**Ecclesiastes 1:2**). The Teacher, identified by the Hebrew term "qohelet," embarks on an experiment to find meaning in life through a humanistic worldview, leaving God out of the equation. His journey is a cautionary tale, illustrating that pursuing meaning on our terms, without divine guidance, is like "chasing the wind" (**Ecclesiastes 1:14**). Life "Under the Sun" The phrase "under the sun" signifies a life lived solely by human wisdom, without reference to God's insight. The Teacher's quest led him to explore various paths to meaning, including: - **Worldly Wisdom and ...
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E5

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E5
    Oct 9 2025
    Discovering True Peace and Lasting Contentment Welcome to our exciting new episode of "Ecclesiastes S6E5"! Today, we’re diving into the remarkable wisdom of the Teacher, who shares incredible insights into wealth and its true impact on our lives. This sermon invites us to challenge the common belief that more resources bring more peace and security, prompting us to explore where real contentment truly lies. The Illusion of Wealth The Teacher sheds light on a vital reality: as we acquire more, we often find ourselves facing increased demands on our resources. This is perfectly illustrated by two key groups that vie for our hard-earned assets: - Bill Collectors: As our income rises, so does our spending, which inevitably leads to higher bills. This cycle of earning and outlay often becomes a source of stress, as we find our good fortune disappearing into the hands of creditors, leaving us feeling anything but peaceful. - Consumers: These individuals might expect a share of our wealth based solely on their connection to us. As we accumulate resources, we often attract more people looking to partake in our success. Through the Teacher's insightful reflections, we learn that what we often see as wealth can, paradoxically, lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction instead of the peace we seek. The Paradox of Peace In Ecclesiastes 5:12, we encounter a thought-provoking paradox: "The sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep." This powerful verse beautifully reminds us that genuine peace isn’t found in lavish abundance; rather, it’s discovered in simplicity and a deep reliance on God. Ironically, the more we think we’re securing our future through resources, the more we may find ourselves spiraling into worry—especially without God at the center of it all. The Teacher teaches us that wealth can sometimes morph from a blessing into a source of stress when we allow ourselves to be consumed by it. A Modern Reflection Reflecting on our contemporary landscape, this sermon highlights a recent Wall Street Journal article by Bret Stephens, suggesting that America’s struggles with mental health may stem from our comfort and wealth. Having the luxury of time to play detective in our lives can lead us to feelings of dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, those facing greater challenges often find surprising pockets of peace amidst chaos and hardship. The Pursuit of Meaning There's a striking parallel between the Teacher's insights and Jesus' teachings, as we’re reminded that "it doesn’t profit a man anything to gain the whole world if, in the process, he loses his soul." This profound truth gently nudges us to rethink the pursuit of wealth as our primary source of meaning and fulfillment. Conclusion In closing, this inspiring sermon encourages us to seek genuine contentment not through the accumulation of material wealth, but through cultivating a heartfelt relationship with God. As we navigate the complexities of life together, let’s open our hearts to find peace and satisfaction in the divine, allowing His presence to steer us toward authentic contentment. May God bless you abundantly and keep you safe! May His face shine upon you and fill your heart with the peace that comes from being content with what you have. Remember Ecclesiastes 5:12 as it reminds us that true peace lies in simplicity and unwavering trust in God’s provision. Let’s wholeheartedly embrace this encouraging truth and lead our lives with purpose and joy!
    Más Menos
    4 m