1. What on earth are we here for?
Graeme Sterne
2005

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. “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

6. “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

7. 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

8. 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:
Ephesians 1: 3 – 10
Ephesians 3: 10,11

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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