Before we begin, let me briefly remind you where we left off last week. We saw that Ecclesiastes is unlike any other book in the Bible. Rather than beginning with certainty, it begins with a question. The Preacher conducts what we called “the Great Experiment.” He examines every obvious source of meaning—achievement, wealth, pleasure, work,…

In asking me to lead a discussion on Ecclesiastes, Dr. Weaver probably knew he was taking a risk. He probably knew I would not be able to resist approaching it from my perspective as a futurist.  The book’s author and narrator is commonly thought to be King Solomon (though some dispute that), and he tends…

We have been reflecting on the questions God asks throughout Scripture. On the surface, some of these questions seem almost unnecessary. The factual answers are often obvious. When God asks Adam, “Where are you?” or when Jesus asks, referring to the dead Lazarus “Where have you laid him?” it is not because God lacks information.…

Last week, we looked at God’s question to Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” We saw that shame did not come from God’s voice, but from listening to the wrong voice. God came not to condemn Adam and Eve, but to call them out of hiding and cover them with grace. Today, as…

Last week we explored Jesus’ question to His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” We saw that Peter could speak the right words and still miss the reality of who Jesus truly was. His confession was correct, yet his understanding remained shaped by his own expectations. This week we return to the very beginning,…

Last week, we looked at Jesus’ question to the man by the pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be made well?” Through that question, Jesus reached a man who had spent years near the place of healing, yet remained trapped in disappointment and helplessness. In that place, Jesus offered him healing and grace. This…