The Book of Ecclesiastes
A Series of Sermons and a Paraphrase

Written by Rev Tom Halls

God's great gift is not the riches and will-being he supplies, but the ability to receive and enjoy his gracious generosity. The man who understands this will be satisfied; the joy of his heart is the reflection of the goodness of his God. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

Older translations of the Bible call this book Ecclesiastes, following the Greek version of the Hebrew title Qohelet. This word meant caller of assemblies; someone who brings us to the place where truth can be shared. Modern English versions translate Qohelet as a preacher, and the New International Version has teacher. All are shades of the same meaning. What we are presented with here is a book of sermons, which are earthy and helpful.

The Sixteenth Century German Reformer, Martin Luther considered that no exposition has fully mastered the Book of Ecclesiastes. Writing in his journal two centuries later the English preacher, John Wesley, claimed that he "had clear sight of its meaning… which tended to prove… that there is no happiness out(side) of God." The best evidence for this claim is the fact that Wesley had discerned one of the themes of the book accurately. There is no lasting happiness apart from an ongoing fellowship with God.

Two centuries further on the contemporary writer G.S.Hendry said: "The Book of Ecclesiastes provides the corrective against all attempts to reduce religion to a mere tool of secularism." Here we can learn how to stop our religion degenerating into something less that it ought to be.

The sermons in this volume were preached at St Peters Church, Cooks River in 1989 as a contribution to the 150th Anniversary celebrations of the Church. Some members of the congregation considered that a small book based on the printed outlines issued during this series would be useful in sharing the teaching of the ancient book of wisdom with their friends. Since the Book of Ecclesiastes is effectively a book of sermons, this present volume is actually a book of sermons on sermons.

Because of the many different translations of the Bible now available, it was also considered important to print a modern paraphrase of the passage being expounded in each chapter of the book. I would urge serious students to consult the Revised version (1984) and the New International Version (1984 edition) of the Bible for scholarly translations. My paraphrase is an attempt to convey the meaning to ordinary readers in the everyday idiom used in our urban environment. Mr prayer is that , as with those converted or strengthened in the faith at Cooks River where the sermon series was preached first, so readers of he volume will come to know the living God personally, or grow in their knowledge of and commitment to him.

Rev Tom Halls
Christmas, 1990

Life and Other Trivial Pursuits is priced at:

• $A 6.95 + $4.00 PH for 1 copy
• $A 6.50 per copy + $7.00 PH for 5 copies
• $A 6.00 per copy + $10.00 PH for 10 copies
• $A 5.00 per copy + $20.00 PH for 50 copies

Order your copy of Life and Other Trivial Pursuits today - just download and print a copy of our Books Order Form. Once you have filled in the form please post it with your payment (cheque or money order) to St Peters Church, 187 Princes Highway, St Peters NSW 2044.