Posts by Jim Jamison

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Looking for purpose – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

by Jim Jamison

There are many theories about the meaning of life, and the book of Ecclesiastes there are 5 areas which people attempt to find that meaning. First, “pleasures,” Ecclesiastes 2:1 says, “I said in my heart, come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure; but surely, this also was vanity. Here we conclude that pleasure seeking in its various forms is meaningless because it ultimately accomplishes nothing. No matter what I do – how pleasurable it is, it is fleeting and short-lived, and simply brings no lasting satisfaction. Our battle is that our heart always wants a little more. Another is “possessions'” We believe that whoever dies with the most toys, wins. Solomon concluded in Ecclesiastes 2:11 that wealth and possessions actually bring more problems than they are worth. The more we have, the more people there are who will try to take what we have. The task of looking for meaning in this world is wearisome, but if you put a relationship with God into the picture, everything changes. God has created life to be meaningful only in Him. We find meaning when we place our trust in the wisdom and sovereignty of God, when we trust … READ MORE

What is our purpose? – The book of Ecclesiastes

by Jim Jamison

Have you ever asked yourself, “Is there any purpose to my life?” We want to know that the life we live is meaningful. If you have not pondered this question recently, then all it usually takes to bring them to the surface is a sudden tragedy. Tragedies wake us up and make us think about reality – about life and death. King Solomon, in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, wrote that it is better to attend funerals than to go to parties. The reason is that we are more lucid about our lives during funerals. Funerals strike us with the frailty of life and cause us to reflect on how we are spending our time. Solomon started out well in his life, but then made many serious mistakes. Later is life he became concerned about those who would live on after him, that they would not make the same mistakes he made. Through the direction of the Holy Spirit, Solomon wrote this book to warn others not to go down the same dead-end streets he had. After seeking meaning in may ways, Solomon concludes his book by saying, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all … READ MORE

The point of spiritual growth – 2 Corinthians 3:18

by Jim Jamison

Our position in Christ is majestic. God has raised us up with him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, according to Ephesians 2:6. Our position could not be more lofty. Positionally, we are perfect. Now God want us to reflect that position i our progressive experience. That is what growth is all about. Some people say that growth is about perfection, but we struggle to even attempt to come close to perfection. The goal is the same for every Christian, according to 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are to be “transformed into the Lord’s image.” Spiritual growth is not mystical, sentimental, devotional, psychological, or the result of clever secrets. It comes through understanding and practicing the principles that are given in the word of God. Its boundless blessings are in the divine vault that is easily unlocked by a series of unique keys. And it is the purpose of the body of Christ to be a motivation and a catalyst for the introduction and application of those keys. it all starts with the basis of learning and understanding the Word of God, which leads us to a desire to glorify God by:1. Practicing obedience to … READ MORE