Synopsis "Study On Your Own Ecclesiastes: LARGE Print - 18 point type"
Study On Your Own will keep you Busy in the Bible(TM) as you read through the book of Ecclesiastes, write it out, discover the meaning of biblical words, then enjoy the many activities designed to help you retain understanding as you have fun learning. It includes: - Definitions of many words found in the text- Puzzles, stress-less coloring pages, word search and more - Points to ponder for personal application or small group discussionThe book of Ecclesiastes might be the least taught book of the Bible. On the surface, it seems cynical, negative, sarcastic, and pessimistic. Once studied, you'll discover reasons for The Preacher's (likely King Solomon 935 B.C.) perspective on the realities of human life in our fallen world. He ponders the purpose and meaning of life "under the sun." The book begins with the statement: "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun?" Eccl 1:2-3The Hebrew word vanity translates to hebel/hevel in English. It means something empty, lacking strength or power, temporary, unsatisfactory, and vanishing. The Preacher (teacher) tried to find satisfaction in his social life and through all these: abundance, alcohol, architecture, desire, dreams, indulgence, luxury, morality, pleasure, popularity, possessions, power, philosophy, relationships, riches, science, work, and human wisdom. His observations include the realization that dark times, death, evil, fools, and injustice affects us all. He makes observations from his experiences and provides counsel on how to live a balanced life. In conclusion, he counsels to fear (respect) God and obey His commandments.Worldly pursuits, "chasing after the wind," leave you feeling depressed, dissatisfied, empty, frustrated, hopeless, and isolated. Ecclesiastes teaches a life lived apart from a relationship with God IS meaningless. Studying Ecclesiastes should prod your thinking as to the direction you are choosing, your goals for the future, and what matters in eternity because eternity matters!The Bible teaches the way to eternal life: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18One day your life will end. Is everything you've done of no eternal value? "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37Do you live under the sun, or under the Son?
