Rich Toward God: Finding Purpose Beyond Possessions

What gives life true meaning? In this powerful sermon, we explore timeless questions through the lens of Scripture: Is life defined by wealth, longevity, or success? Or is there something deeper that gives our existence purpose? Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and the Gospel of Luke, this message confronts the futility of chasing possessions and highlights the transformative power of relationship—with God, with others, and with creation.

The author of Ecclesiastes calls life “vanity”—like chasing the wind. But the Gospel offers a radical shift: through Christ, we die to futility and are reborn into a life of meaning rooted in divine relationship. This sermon unpacks how being “rich toward God” is not about material accumulation, but about sharing life, appreciating beauty, and living in the flow of grace.

Whether you’re wrestling with questions of purpose, navigating grief, or simply seeking spiritual depth, this reflection invites you to reconsider what truly matters. Discover how Scripture reframes abundance—not as possession, but as participation in God’s love. Learn how relationships, gratitude, and presence become eternal treasures.

📖 Key Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-11; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

🔑 Keywords: meaning of life, rich toward God, Christian reflection, Gospel message, spiritual abundance, biblical wisdom, abundant life

🙏 Join us as we reflect on what it means to live a life that matters—not in the eyes of the world, but in the heart of God. Like, share, and subscribe for more sermons that speak to the soul.

This sermon was preached on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13C), August 3, 2025, by the Rev. Theresa Newell.

Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

The Episcopal Church welcomes you.