TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11
Read: John 10:10-11
Listen: John 10
TODAY’S MESSAGE
As we wrap up the series based on Ecclesiastes called Making Sense Out of Life, we see life is fleeting and meaningless apart from God. The author (probably King Solomon) sums it all up by saying to enjoy life and live without worry by trusting God who is your Creator, Shepherd and Judge. But he doesn’t know these roles also ascribe to the promised Messiah and Savior, Jesus.
King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes almost 1000 years before Jesus. The Messiah was still only a promise. What Solomon believed about God came mostly from the first five books of our Old Testament.
Solomon says that life is meaningless apart from God, and that includes Jesus too. Jesus gives our lives meaning by dying on the cross in our place as payment for all our sins—past, present and future. When we accept his generous gift, life is no longer a meaningless vapor. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit to experience God and life to the fullest for all eternity (see Ephesians 1:13-14).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Watch the video clip below as Pastor Aaron Buer explains how to enjoy life and find freedom from worry by trusting in Jesus as your Savior. If you haven’t taken this step, tell him today you believe he died for your sins. If you have taken this step, affirm to Jesus you give him authority and want to follow.
Have questions or want to talk more about following Jesus? Send an email to btw@adabible.org or text “Next Step” to 616-421-4221 to start a conversation.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
