# Summary Pastor Malcolm Carter, the pastor of Temple Baptist Church of Cullman, AL, discusses the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from God, not material possessions. He references King Solomon's life, highlighting his quest for satisfaction without God, which ultimately led to emptiness. Pastor Malcolm stresses that salvation, total submission to God's will, and seeking His purpose are essential for true joy. He urges the audience to find fulfillment in a relationship with God, rather than chasing temporary satisfactions. The message concludes with a call for those seeking salvation to come forward and accept Christ. ## Action Items - [ ] Invite those who are not saved to come forward and accept salvation. - [ ] Invite those who are saved but not fully submitted to come forward and surrender their lives to God. - [ ] Pray for those who come forward to find fulfillment and satisfaction in God. ## Outline ### Satan's Deception and the Pursuit of Happiness - Pastor Malcolm emphasizes the importance of being prepared for dangerous times ahead, acknowledging Satan's mastery in deception. - Pastor Malcolm discusses how society markets happiness but fails to deliver, leading people to constantly seek something they don't have. - The concept of a "satisfied life" is introduced, highlighting the importance of satisfaction and the allure of buffets as a symbol of satisfaction. - King Solomon is introduced as a case study, known for his wisdom and wealth, but also for his backslidden state and search for satisfaction without God. ### King Solomon's Search for Satisfaction - Pastor Malcolm delves into Ecclesiastes, where Solomon documents his search for satisfaction without God, using phrases like "under the sun" to denote earthly pursuits. - Solomon's efforts to find joy through accomplishments, wine, and folly are detailed, including building houses, planting vineyards, and acquiring servants and singers. - Despite his wealth and wisdom, Solomon concludes that all his efforts were vanity, leading to a sense of emptiness and vexation of spirit. - Pastor Malcolm emphasizes that Solomon's experience illustrates that true fulfillment cannot be found through material possessions or worldly pleasures. ### The Role of God in Finding Fulfillment - Pastor Malcolm explains that Solomon's wisdom remained with him even in his backslidden state, highlighting that God allowed him to experience the emptiness of worldly pursuits. - Pastor Malcolm uses the example of King Solomon and other wealthy individuals who were still miserable despite their riches, to illustrate that true fulfillment comes from God. - The importance of enjoying what one has and works for is emphasized, with Pastor Malcolm noting that this enjoyment comes from God. - Pastor Malcolm contrasts the misery of the wealthy with the happiness of those who have less but are content, illustrating that joy and fulfillment are not tied to material possessions. ### The Necessity of Salvation and Submission - Pastor Malcolm stresses that true fulfillment starts with salvation, as a lost state is an enemy to God, and reconciliation is necessary for peace. - The story of the woman at the well is used to illustrate how meeting Jesus brought her fulfillment and peace, contrasting her previous burden and thirst. - Pastor Malcolm emphasizes that salvation is a prerequisite for true joy and fulfillment, as it brings peace with God. - The importance of total submission and surrender to God's will is discussed, with Pastor Malcolm noting that many Christians are miserable because they are not fully submitted. ### Seeking God's Purpose and Presence - Pastor Malcolm highlights that fulfillment requires seeking God's purpose for one's life, as each person has a unique gift to use for the edification of the church. - Pastor Malcolm emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence, as it brings fullness of joy, and contrasts this with the emptiness of worldly pursuits. - A poem about a rich man with a satisfied mind is used to illustrate that true fulfillment comes from within, not from material wealth. - Pastor Malcolm concludes by encouraging those in attendance to seek God's purpose and presence, and to live a life of total submission and fulfillment.