Crich Baptist Church

After describing how to live amongst the world, Peter goes on to explain the need for submission in various forms. The first requirement is to submit to the King and governors, yes, those who are persecuting them ! What does this mean, how should they do it, and why...What implication does this have for us today in our pilgrim walk?

The Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ

We've reached the final message of the series on Ecclesiastes. Solomon concludes his sermon on the vanity of life by summarising what a prosperous and fulfilled life looks like – and we've been seeing it all along. In his final admonition to all his hearers, he urges them to "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." May we know and conclude the same. Anything else is vanity of vanities, friends – grasping and chasing for the wind.

Having reinforced the wonderful work that God has done with purpose in these pilgrims' lives, Peter now goes on to give some practical application and instruction in living that out. Firstly, Peter begs these pilgrims that amongst all the trials and persecutions thrown at them from their gentile accusers, they should live nobly and credibly amongst them as a pilgrim witness.

Peter continues his message to the persecuted pilgrims as he demonstrates that their calling is to fulfil a huge purpose in the plan of God. These very same persecuted people, who were once not a people, are living stones, being built into a living spiritual house, a royal priesthood and a holy nation whose purpose is to proclaim the praises of Him, who called them out of darkness into His marvellous life. This is the pilgrims' purpose across all ages.

As we come towards a close on our journey through Solomon's sermon in Ecclesiastes, we learn that there is a labour which is not vanity nor chasing after the wind. A labour for God, a labour in which God is the master builder, a labour which must be diligent, urgent, and faithful. What have we learned? What can we do?…Solomon says the same as Paul: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" : - "do everything as unto the Lord."

Peter rounds off his thoughts on the pilgrims' holiness by stating that they too should also grow. The enduring word should be desired just as a new baby craves its mother's milk...if this occurs, spiritual growth will occur and old ways will be laid aside.

Solomon moves on to look at the inevitability of death; it comes to all, and none can stay its hand. With that in mind, how should men live their lives? "A living dog is better than a dead lion." Whilst there is life, there is hope.

Five years on since the church and the nation were in "lockdown". But has the church learnt any lessons? Chris Hand reflects on some personal testimony of the Lord's help during the pandemic. The sermon goes on to consider the underlying fear of death it unearthed; the sometimes uncritical conformity to government edicts that was given; and the evidence of state overreach that emerged.

Solomon moves onto an area which should challenge our Christian worship. There is a true and a false way of worshipping God; Solomon shows us that there is a way to approach Him, a way to speak to Him, and a way to walk with Him. Anything else is vanity.

Peter moves on from his opening greetings, theology, and doxology to remind the early pilgrims that all of this sonship comes with a responsibility of action in terms of "Living before God our Father." To do this, they/we must gird up the loins of our mind, be sober, rest our hope in Christ, and live as obedient children in the call to "Be holy as He is holy."

Solomon continues his review of a fallen world by looking at Jealousy, envy, idleness, selfish toil, loneliness, and popularity. He comes to the same conclusion: without God, it is vanity of vanity and grasping after the wind. As Christians, what can we learn from these first four chapters of Ecclesiastes in terms of our witness to this vain world?

Peter declares to his pilgrim hearers the wonder and the magnificence of their salvation. Wrought by God for a purpose, the Prophets inquired into it as they foretold of this future grace; the angels around God's throne desire to look and peer into it as they marvel at his saving power. What about us, are we amazed at the abounding grace that saved a wretch like us

Solomon looks at the world and sees that it works opposite to how it should. Injustice, oppression, corruption, and iniquity are ever before him…and it's always been like that since Adam. Rather than lose heart, Solomon advises us all that God will judge wickedness and righteousness according to His perfect standard and that all things past will have to be explained before His very presence. We must take heart and pray. We must fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all!

There is much irony in this account of Christ's resurrection as he walks with two men who tell him all about this man who had been crucified in Jerusalem. Christ keeps his identity hidden and preaches about Himself from the Old Testament as they walk the seven miles. He makes Himself known in the breaking of bread…what a wonderful moment, for them, and for us if we know His resurrection life.

There is much irony and in this account of Christ's resurrection as he walks with two men who tell him all about this man who had been crucified in Jerusalem. Christ keeps his identity hidden and preaches about Himself from the Old Testament as they walk the seven miles. He makes Himself known in the breaking of bread…what a wonderful moment, for them, and for us if we know His resurrection life.

Peter moves from his doxology to some initial application with regard to the pilgrims' trials . What are they? Why do they come? What is God's purpose behind them? He tells these early pilgrims that the trials have and will come "if need be" in order to strengthen their faith…The same applies to all of God's pilgrims today.

Dr Nathan Paylor, Elder at Watchorn Church, Alfreton, shares the timeless and helpful repentance Psalm of King David, Psalm 51. David acknowledged his sin, confessed his guilt, requested mercy, experienced assurance, and showed repentance. After all this, he was able to teach transgressors God's ways and convert sinners back to Him. Repentance is the necessary precursor to the outreach of God's Church, as judgement starts in the household of God.