The Puzzled Preacher
A Pastoral Exposition of Ecclesiastes
by
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What is it that gives meaning to human existence? There are many things, of course, which contribute to satisfaction in life. Among them are the satisfactions which are found in family relations, education, careers, material possessions, physical achievements, love of the arts, and humanitarian efforts. But, when all is said and done, none of these things are fully and finally satisfying. Though there are many things to enjoy on earth, life’s meaning in its fullest dimensions will never be found by those who look only on the face of the earth. Mankind was created by an omniscient God for reasons that reach beyond the earth, and it is only when a person takes God and His will into consideration in living that he will find life at its best.
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About the Book
Why did the Lord see fit to include the book of Ecclesiastes in His inspired Word? Down through the centuries, many people have wondered how Solomon could have moved so far from his walk with the Lord and the wisdom of the Proverbs to the pessimism of Ecclesiastes in one lifetime. For this reason, some have questioned Solomon’s authorship of the book. But Solomon is only one of many who have taken a spiritual detour in life. As a result, there are many people in our nation and our world who can readily identify with the outlook of Ecclesiastes, because they too are living their lives as Solomon did for a time—“under the sun.” This verse-by-verse tour of Solomon’s experience will help you understand where Solomon’s spiritual detour took him, and where he finally came to realize he should have been going instead. You will be encouraged to move out from “under the sun” to the abundance of life in the light of the Son!
About the Author
David Balsley followed his studies at Biola University and Western Conservative Baptist Seminary with more than forty years of pastoral ministry in Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. He was already fascinated by the book of Ecclesiastes as a college student and has spent years sharing his studies of the writings of Solomon in Bible studies and pulpit ministry. He and his wife, Janice, live in Brea, California, and he serves in semi-retirement as administrative pastor with Temple Baptist Church in Fullerton, California.