1-16-15

Ecclesiastes: Chapter Four

This week we saw in Ecclesiastesthat Solomon takes on the question of oppression in the world. With our news sites dominated by Islamic State, welfare, human trafficking, etc., this chapter seems to be ripped-from-the-headlines.

Solomon saw only hopelessness and despair for the oppressed because he lacked what we possess: the completed cannon of scripture. We saw from Psalms, Romans, and Revelation what God’s plans are for the oppressed, along with the oppressors. Spoiler Alert: they involve good things for the former but not for the latter.

Good Questions to ask your student(s)

  1. What role does oppression play in the plans of God?
  2. Why would God allow anyone to be oppressed in the first place?
  3. What is God’s plan for dealing with oppression in the here-and-now?
  4. What is God’s plan for dealing with oppression in the future?
  5. Why does God frown on vigilantes?
  6. Is there ever a time for vigilante justice?
  7. Why is oppression fundamentally wrong?
  8. What is the appropriate response of a believer when confronted with oppression?

Calendar Concerns

Winter Camp: the bus leaves church for Barakel at 4:30pm sharp on January 23rd. Have your student here at least by 4:15pm to ensure that they can get their luggage marked and loaded before then. We will be stopping for dinner on the way up so bring money for food.

Winter Jam: There will be a group of students and leaders going to the Winter Jam concert on February 21st. Cost is $10, see Pastor Ernie if you are interested.

Student ministry opportunity: Our Youth Group now has a student led technology development group. You can find out more information at:

Poll Results

  1. Do you have an electronic game that you play too much?

Yes = 80%

No = 20%

  1. Did you get into trouble (with consequences) from your parents this week?

Yes = 16%

No = 86%

  1. Do you have a “best friend?”

Yes = 88%

NO = 12%

  1. Do you prefer sweet or salty snacks?

Sweet = 58%

Salty = 42%

  1. Would you rather go to summer camp or winter camp?

Summer camp = 39%

Winter camp = 61%

Parents’ Poll Discussion Guide

  1. About #1 ask:What game is it? Why is it so addicting? Have you avoided people so you could play the game? What are some healthy boundaries and limits to set? Should we get an app that tracks smart phone/app use and reports to us?
  2. About #2ask:What did you do that got you into trouble? Did you think the consequences were fair? Have you received consequences for this thing before? What are some things you would like to see changed in this regard? How can we be more consistent in our discipline of you?