Broadmoor Baptist Church Podcasts

In this episode, we dive into Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, examining the tension between authentic faith and empty religious performance. We explore the challenging question of when our spiritual practices cross the line from meaningful worship into what Scripture calls "smoke" or religious activity that looks right but lacks genuine substance.   Our conversation centers on cultivating true reverence in modern worship contexts. We discuss practical strategies for keeping our religious practices from devolving into self-centered displays or spiritual arrogance. This leads us to examine our own worship services: Are we creating space for listening and stillness, or have we prioritized activity over encounter?"   We tackle the sobering concept of the "sacrifice of fools" and identifying what contemporary behaviors might fall into this category and how we can guard against them. The discussion extends to the serious matter of vows and commitments to God, using the stark example of Ananias and Sapphira to reshape our understanding of what it means to make promises to God.   Finally, we consider a profound shift in perspective: moving from fixation on our own commitments and promises to focusing instead on God's promises to us. This reorientation offers a healthier, more grace-centered approach to faithfulness and worship that keeps us anchored in God's character rather than our own performance.

In this episode, we explore the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, focusing on the essential role of community in our spiritual lives. Our conversation examines how Solomon's observations about isolation, partnership, and mutual support speak directly to modern challenges of loneliness and disconnection.   We wrestle with practical questions about maintaining healthy community, particularly for those who are naturally introverted. How do we honor our need for solitude and personal recharging while still engaging in the meaningful relationships God designed us for? The discussion offers insights into recognizing when healthy alone time crosses into unhealthy isolation that damages our mental and spiritual well-being.   The episode also tackles one of Ecclesiastes' most challenging assertions: that the world's injustices stem from our envy of one another. We unpack what this means for how we view competition, comparison, and our relationships with others in both personal and societal contexts.   Whether you're navigating the tension between introversion and community, concerned about isolation in your own life, or seeking to understand the roots of relational brokenness, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance for building the connections we were created for.

In this episode, we dive into the opening chapter of Ecclesiastes as we launch a 12-week sermon series exploring one of Scripture's most brutally honest books. We begin by discussing why Ecclesiastes is such a timely message for our church family and explore the debate surrounding authorship—did Solomon actually write this book, or was it written in his voice by someone else? We examine the significance of verse 16 in answering that question.   We unpack the Hebrew word "hevel" (vapor, breath, smoke), translated as "vanity" in many translations, and discuss modern examples of pursuits that promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us feeling empty. From there, we tackle a crucial distinction: what's the difference between doing godly activities and doing things that are truly centered on God? How can we honestly evaluate which category our own lives fall into?   The conversation then moves to practical application as we explore what it means to live "under the sun" versus viewing life through the lens of eternity. How does an eternal perspective practically reshape the way we approach our daily work, relationships, and pursuits?   We close by pointing listeners toward helpful resources for personal study through Ecclesiastes, equipping them to dig deeper into this profound book over the coming weeks.   Whether you're wrestling with questions of meaning and purpose or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of this challenging book, this episode provides a solid foundation for the journey ahead. Further study: The Gospel Coalition  Living Life Backward by David Gibson Why Everything Matters by Philip Ryken