What on earth are we here for? Graeme Sterne 2005

Without God life makes no sense No truth beyond what we construct No certainty of life beyond death No compulsion to follow anything No escape from self No purpose behind suffering No forgiveness of sins

Over the centuries many have tried to explain the meaning of life Metaphysical – being beyond the natural Pragmatic – we are, that’s what matters Religious – there’s more to life than this physical existence e.g. morals, eternal life Mystical – spiritual existence Fatalist – no point in asking the question Atheist – don’t believe in God Agnostic – god exists but can’t know him

When we can’t find answers to this question we struggle with … Our identity – who am I? Our significance – do I matter? Does my life count for anything? Our security – does anybody love me? Am I important? Am I adequate? Our priorities – what am I supposed to achieve with my life?

“You won’t discover life’s meaning by looking within yourself “You won’t discover life’s meaning by looking within yourself. You didn’t create yourself, so there is no way you can tell yourself what you were created for” Rick Warren ‘Purpose Driven Life’, pg 18 Jeremiah 2:13

“Being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose are not at all the same issue. You could reach all your personal goals, becoming a success by the world’s standards and still miss the purposes for which God created you.” Rick Warren ‘Purpose Driven Life’, pg 19 Luke 9:23-25

It’s not about you! The purpose of your life fits into a much greater, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity Rick Warren ‘Purpose Driven Life’, pg 17 The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment Rick Warren ‘Purpose Driven Life’, Pg 21

Colossians 1: 15 - 20 Ephesians 1: 3 – 10 Ephesians 3: 10,11 The easiest way to find out the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering life’s purpose. Ask God. Colossians 1: 15 - 20 Ephesians 1: 3 – 10 Ephesians 3: 10,11

Colossians 1: 15 - 20 It’s all about Jesus All things were created by Him and for Him He reconciled the world to Himself

Ephesians 1: 3 – 10 He chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight To the praise of His glorious grace To bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, even Christ

Ephesians 3: 10,11 “Through the church (‘ecclesia’) the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” We are part of a cosmic demonstration being played out for an audience we cannot now see.

So, what on earth are we here for? Created for Him We know our identity We belong … we are loved To be holy and blameless Character is the priority of our lives Dependence is the quality we need For the praise of His glorious grace The point of the exercise A cosmic display of God’s grace