Live Boldly and Seek God

Retired pastor Jim Panter preaches from Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8, presenting Solomon’s counsel as an older man’s wisdom to the young: enjoy life boldly despite risks, because youth is brief, but make decisions with God’s judgment in view. He illustrates “live life” with stories and examples (backpacking advice, “moosing,” cliff jumping, family adventures) while stressing this is not a call to sin. The core exhortation is to “remember your Creator” early by knowing God through Scripture and creation, serving Him, and seeking His ways. Panter then urges listeners to consider eternity, using vivid Ecclesiastes imagery of aging and death. He concludes that life is vanity without God, and prays for faith in Christ.