Podcasts about in ecclesiastes

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 3The Vanity of Worldly PleasureEcclesiastes 2:1-11 | King's Chapel Live StreamWhat if “living the dream” is not the dream we thought it would be?In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon sets out to test pleasure. Laughter, possessions, accomplishments, experiences. He holds nothing back. If pleasure could satisfy the human heart, Solomon would have found it. And yet his conclusion is sobering. Under the sun, even the best experiences leave us empty.In this message, we explore the vanity of worldly pleasure and the limits of hedonism. We reflect on how modern ideas of success and the American dream echo Solomon's experiment. No achievement, possession, or experience can fill a heart made for eternity.Scripture reminds us that our hearts are deceitful and restless. God has placed eternity within us, which means we were created for something more than temporary satisfaction. The issue is not that we long too deeply, but that we often pursue too little.True joy is not found in squeezing everything we can out of this world. It is found in glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. When our hearts are rightly ordered, pleasure is no longer ultimate. God is.If you have ever chased something you thought would satisfy you only to find it did not last, this message invites you to consider a deeper and more lasting joy in Christ.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 2 sermon, vanity of pleasure, living the dream sermon, biblical view of success, King's Chapel Longwood FL, meaning of life Bible, hedonism and Christianity, joy in God sermon, American dream biblical perspective

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 2The Vanity of Worldly WisdomEcclesiastes 1:12-18 | King's Chapel Live StreamWe live in an age overflowing with information. Knowledge is everywhere. Technology is advancing rapidly. Artificial intelligence can process more data than any human mind ever could. And yet the deepest questions of the human heart remain unanswered.In Ecclesiastes 1, Solomon explores the limits of worldly wisdom. He pursued knowledge, understanding, and insight, only to discover that wisdom under the sun cannot restore what has been lost or heal what has been broken.In this message, we consider how modern forms of wisdom, including artificial intelligence, still fall short. Worldly wisdom cannot recover our lost relationship with God. It cannot repair the damage of sin. It cannot satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. No amount of information can replace redemption.This sermon also offers practical guidance for living wisely in a technological age. Be aware, but do not be afraid. Use tools, but do not depend on them for what only God can provide. Artificial systems may process knowledge, but only the living God transforms hearts.As we continue our Ecclesiastes series, we are reminded that true wisdom is not found merely in accumulated knowledge. It is found in reverence for God, trust in His Word, and dependence on His Spirit.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 1 sermon, vanity of wisdom, biblical view of artificial intelligence, meaning of life Bible, King's Chapel Longwood FL, limits of worldly wisdom, AI and Christianity sermon, wisdom under the sun, purpose in Christ

This message continues our series on becoming the unstoppable church Jesus designed. Facing death, sin, and spiritual opposition, we find life through Christ's body. In Ecclesiastes 4:7–12, we see that relationships bring strength, support, and protection. In a lonely culture, intentional church community is essential, not optional.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTz8p2W0w58&t=2401s0w58

This message continues our series on becoming the unstoppable church Jesus designed. Facing death, sin, and spiritual opposition, we find life through Christ's body. In Ecclesiastes 4:7–12, we see that relationships bring strength, support, and protection. In a lonely culture, intentional church community is essential, not optional.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTz8p2W0w58&t=2401s0w58

"In Ecclesiastes 12:9–14, Solomon brings his searching, unsettling, and deeply honest book to its decisive conclusion. After exposing the vanity of life lived “under the sun,” he leaves us with the only answer that can bear the weight of death, judgment, and meaning: fear God and keep His commandments.This final passage reminds us that Ecclesiastes does not end in despair but in clarity. The Preacher—wise, deliberate, and orderly—has spoken words of truth given by one Shepherd. These words are described as goads that pierce the conscience and well-driven nails that provide a firm foundation for faith. They convict, but they also secure. They unsettle false hopes, but they anchor us in what lasts.Solomon warns us not to go beyond these words. Endless books and human speculation weary the soul, but the Word of God alone comes with divine authority. Scripture is not merely human wisdom—it is the voice of the Shepherd Himself, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who speaks life to His people.The climactic exhortation is unmistakable: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” This is not moralism divorced from grace. True fear of God expresses itself in obedience that flows from faith, repentance, and refuge in Christ. Those who truly fear God trust Him, tremble at His Word, and seek to walk in His ways—not to earn life, but because life is found in Him.The reason for this call is sobering and unavoidable: God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing. Nothing escapes His sight. All of life is fleeting, but judgment is certain. Only those who fear God and take refuge in Christ will stand on that day.And yet, these are called words of delight. Why? Because when all false securities are stripped away, the Shepherd provides a hope that does not fade—a life that is not vanity, but eternal. Ecclesiastes drives us away from trusting the world and presses us into the only refuge that lasts.May God grant us grace to hear these words, to tremble, to trust, and to find them a true delight as they lead us to Christ, whose words are everlasting life.#Ecclesiastes #FearGod #KeepHisCommandments #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianSermon #WordOfGod #ChristOurShepherd #JudgmentAndGrace #EternalLife"

We live in a world more connected than ever, and yet many of us feel more alone than we would ever admit. Relationships are hard, exhausting, and costly, but the ache we feel without them is even heavier. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that isolation is not freedom, it is loss, and that God has woven wisdom into friendship, marriage, and even singleness.This message explores why our culture trains us for convenience instead of intimacy, and how the gospel calls us back to something deeper. Whether you are married, single, lonely, or surrounded by people but still unseen, this sermon asks one simple question, who is walking with you when life gets hard? Discover how God meets us, and sustains us, through the gift of meaningful relationships.Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

"In Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8, Solomon brings his meditation on life, meaning, and death to a powerful climax. With striking realism and poetic beauty, he confronts one truth that no one can escape: the days of darkness are coming. Youth fades, strength declines, and death draws near. Wisdom, therefore, demands that we live now in light of the end.This passage is especially directed to the young. Solomon acknowledges that youth is good—light is sweet, and it is a blessing to enjoy the strength, clarity, and joy of early years. Yet youth is also deceptive. It tempts us to live as if time were endless and death far away. Solomon shatters that illusion and calls the young to rejoice in their days while remembering that they are fleeting.At the heart of the passage is the controlling exhortation: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” Youth is not to be wasted on empty pleasures or postponed obedience. It is to be offered to God in worship, service, and joyful fear, before the years arrive when strength fails and delight diminishes.Solomon reinforces this exhortation with a vivid poetic description of old age and death—eyes dim, strength bends, desire fades, and finally the body returns to dust. These images are meant to awaken wisdom, not despair. They remind both young and old that life moves inexorably toward its end, and that forgetting God at any stage of life is folly.The book closes where it began: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Yet now the meaning has deepened. Life is not meaningless—it is fleeting. Its brevity is precisely what gives it urgency and purpose. Numbering our days teaches us to live by faith, to serve God with what strength we have now, and to set our hope beyond the grave.For the believer, this call is filled with hope. Though days of darkness come, Christ has been raised from the dead, and those who belong to Him will pass from fading light into everlasting glory. The sun will grow dim, but a greater Light will dawn.Remember your Creator—your Maker and your Redeemer—while there is still time.#Ecclesiastes #RememberYourCreator #ChristianSermon #BiblicalWisdom #YouthAndFaith #FearOfTheLord #LifeAndDeath #ChristOurHope #NumberYourDays"

In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, the reality of pervasive corruption in both civil and religious institutions is acknowledged as a reflection of humanity's fallen condition, yet the response is not despair or social activism, but a profound trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereign providence. The passage confronts the tension between present injustice and the certainty of divine judgment, affirming that while death equalizes all—beast and human alike—true contentment is found not in this world's fleeting things, but in fearing God, embracing life as a gift, and rejoicing in one's labor as part of God's ordained order. The believer's hope is anchored not in temporal reform, but in the eschatological promise of final justice, where God will right every wrong, and where faith will become sight. This perspective, rooted in the Reformation doctrine of providence and the assurance of salvation in Christ, enables Christians to live with joy and peace amid corruption and mortality, trusting that God's delays are not denials, but expressions of His patience and grace for the salvation of His people.

In Ecclesiastes five, verse ten, King Solomon write, “He who loves money never has money enough.” Consider the negative impact of greed. It can divide churches, ruin families, and severely impact your fellowship with God. Today, Ron tells us how we can defeat this deadly sin as we wraps up his teaching series, “Undefeated: Overcoming the Deadly Sins That Drag You Down.” 

"In Ecclesiastes 10:16–11:6, Solomon addresses the relationship between wisdom, leadership, diligence, and sloth, showing how personal character shapes not only individual lives but entire households, churches, and nations. His message is direct and searching: sloth, which flows from folly and self-indulgence, destroys kingdoms, while diligence, which flows from wisdom, preserves and builds what God has entrusted to us.The passage begins with a series of proverbs about kingship. A land is cursed when its leaders are immature, self-indulgent, and more concerned with pleasure than responsibility. It is blessed when rulers exercise restraint, discipline, and diligence for the good of others. Solomon exposes the logic of slothful leadership—“let us feast, drink, and trust that money will solve everything”—and shows how this mindset inevitably leads to decay, collapse, and ruin.Although most of us are not kings, the application is broad. Any position of authority—parents in the home, elders in the church, leaders in the workplace—carries real consequences for others. Wisdom in leadership is not theoretical; it is displayed in diligent, self-sacrificial care rather than indulgence of self. Solomon ultimately points us to Christ Himself, the true King, whose wisdom and diligence were perfectly expressed in laying down His life for His people and building an everlasting kingdom.In Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, Solomon expands the theme from leadership to life in general. He exhorts God's people to diligence in generosity, labor, and obedience, even in the face of uncertainty. Waiting for perfect conditions leads to paralysis. The wise person acts—not because outcomes are guaranteed, but because God is sovereign and good. We sow seed faithfully and trust the Lord to give the increase.This passage confronts passivity, fear-driven inaction, and self-centered living. Christians are not called to idle waiting, but to active faith—working diligently, giving generously, and serving sacrificially, confident that God governs what we cannot see.Sloth ruins. Wisdom builds. May God grant us grace to walk in wisdom, imitate our diligent Savior, and faithfully steward what He has placed in our hands."

Time is always slipping through our fingers, no matter how tightly we try to hold it. In Ecclesiastes 3, we are invited to face the beauty and the ache of living in seasons we do not control. This message explores why joy never lasts as long as we want it to, why hardship feels endless when we are in it, and why our hearts keep longing for something more. You will be reminded that God is not trapped in time the way we are, but faithfully at work within every moment of our lives. From hourglasses to seasons, from joy and grief to love and loss, this sermon asks what it looks like to live wisely while the sand is still falling. If you have ever wondered whether your time, your season, or your life truly matters, this message is for you.Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 ESV

Why does injustice bother us so deeply, and why do success, ambition, and leadership so often leave us empty? In Ecclesiastes 4, God's Word speaks honestly to the brokenness we feel and points us to the only Judge who can make sense of it - and make us whole.

Why does injustice bother us so deeply, and why do success, ambition, and leadership so often leave us empty? In Ecclesiastes 4, God's Word speaks honestly to the brokenness we feel and points us to the only Judge who can make sense of it - and make us whole.

Some seasons feel beautiful. Others feel brutal.The hardest part is realizing you can't fast-forward your life.In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon reminds us there is a time for everything—and God is not absent in the waiting, the loss, the change, or the unknown. In this message from A Wild, Messy, Beautiful Life, we talk about learning how to live where you are, trust God with your timing, and believe that He really can “make everything beautiful in its time.”If you're in a season you didn't choose… this sermon is for you.1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:2 a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace.9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.Ecclesiastes 3:1-13We'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get updates on our latest content and resources that will help more people know Jesus and people know Jesus more.GIVE : We believe that generosity is golden. Freely we have received and so freely we give back to God. If you would like to give to support the work Jesus is doing here please visit: https://www.elevatecc.church/give.Elevate City Church is a Jesus Over Everything Church that launched in the Atlanta Perimeter area on October 4th, 2020.Jesus Over Everything.Give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecity.church/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatecc.churchPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H8BBrEFWxGKsTF8wPSvrn?si=epcQMMrmQIiTpeXEnyxMOQPodcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-city-church/id1536637567Visit our website for more information about who we are as a church and how you can get involved.https://www.elevatecc.church/home

"In Ecclesiastes 10:1–15, Solomon continues his extended meditation on wisdom by placing it side by side with folly and showing, in concrete and practical ways, that wisdom is far better than folly. Though wisdom is often overlooked and undervalued, folly is destructive, self-harming, and ultimately impossible to hide.Building on the previous passage, Solomon reminds us that wisdom is not merely intelligence or accumulated knowledge, but knowledge rightly applied to life under the fear of God. A person may be intellectually gifted and yet live foolishly, continually harming himself and others. True wisdom governs every area of life and brings the whole person into submission to God.Solomon begins with a striking image: just as dead flies ruin a perfumer's ointment, a little folly can outweigh much wisdom and honor. This teaches us that partial obedience or compartmentalized faith is not enough. Wisdom must govern the whole life. The wise and the foolish are moving in opposite directions, and while wisdom is often difficult to recognize outwardly, folly is always revealing itself.The passage then turns to leadership and authority. It is a great evil, Solomon says, when fools are elevated to positions of power while the wise are ignored. Such disorder leads to societal ruin, because decisions made in folly affect many, not just the individual.Solomon goes on to show how folly repeatedly comes back upon the fool himself. Those who dig pits fall into them. Those who act without wisdom injure themselves. Life lived in foolishness is harder, more dangerous, and more exhausting—like trying to cut wood with a dull axe. Wisdom, by contrast, brings success and safety.A significant portion of the passage focuses on speech. Wisdom and folly are especially revealed in words. The words of the wise are gracious and constructive, while the words of fools multiply endlessly, grow increasingly incoherent, and weary both the speaker and the hearer. Fools believe their many words will make them appear wise, yet this is precisely how their folly becomes obvious.In the conclusion, Solomon presses the warning home. One of the great dangers of folly is that fools rarely know they are fools. Therefore, the question is not merely whether we can identify foolishness in others, but whether we are willing to examine our own hearts. The dividing line is clear: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and hardness of heart toward God is the beginning of folly.True wisdom is found in humility before God, repentance of sin, love for Christ, and joyful submission to His Word. To reject this path is to walk steadily toward self-destruction, even while remaining blind to it. May God grant us grace to fear Him, to walk in wisdom, and to find that wisdom fully revealed in Christ.#Ecclesiastes #BiblicalWisdom #FearOfTheLord #WisdomVsFolly #ChristianSermon #OldTestament #ChristIsWisdom #BibleTeaching"

It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives MESSAGE SUMMARY: Following Jesus brings peace into our lives even though we may face great trials and tribulations. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”. However, when observing the lives of modern-day Christians, we don't find many of their lives saturated with peace. God has given each of us a capacity for our lives with His expectations for living as Jesus described in John 10:10: “. . . I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.". The difference between what would be considered our lives' capacity and our lives being filled to overflowing is our lives' margin. God desires to bless us and to have our lives filled with His presence through the Holy Spirit. Often, technology and the other worthwhile benefits of this age bring the stresses of time, making wimps of us in the management of time in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God tells us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:". As we manage the elements and demands of time in our lives, we must manage time for ourselves and our kids. Kids spell love as “time” – be present in their lives, mentally and emotionally. Indifference can be interpreted as a lack of genuine affection and esteem. Also, we need “God time”, a time to nurture and deepen our relationship with Jesus. Without margin, we have built our life-foundations on sand and not on the rock of Jesus' teachings. Ways we can build margin back into our lives is by: 1) having a weekly Sabbath; building back into our lives a time alone with God every day; 3) expecting that the unexpected will happen; 4) learning to say “no”; 5) using technology wisely; 6) pruning our activity branches; 7) prioritizing our calendars; and 8) giving thanks to God.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 1:35; John15:1-11; 1 Theologians 5:16-17. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Life often feels rushed, repetitive, and out of our control. But what if that's the point? In Ecclesiastes 3, we'll explore the mystery of time and discover why lasting meaning cannot be found in chasing what the world promises, but only in trusting the God who gives true joy and purpose through Jesus Christ.

Life often feels rushed, repetitive, and out of our control. But what if that's the point? In Ecclesiastes 3, we'll explore the mystery of time and discover why lasting meaning cannot be found in chasing what the world promises, but only in trusting the God who gives true joy and purpose through Jesus Christ.

It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives MESSAGE SUMMARY: Following Jesus brings peace into our lives even though we may face great trials and tribulations. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”. However, when observing the lives of modern-day Christians, we don't find many of their lives saturated with peace. God has given each of us a capacity for our lives with His expectations for living as Jesus described in John 10:10: “. . . I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.". The difference between what would be considered our lives' capacity and our lives being filled to overflowing is our lives' margin. God desires to bless us and to have our lives filled with His presence through the Holy Spirit. Often, technology and the other worthwhile benefits of this age bring the stresses of time, making wimps of us in the management of time in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God tells us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:". As we manage the elements and demands of time in our lives, we must manage time for ourselves and our kids. Kids spell love as “time” – be present in their lives, mentally and emotionally. Indifference can be interpreted as a lack of genuine affection and esteem. Also, we need “God time”, a time to nurture and deepen our relationship with Jesus. Without margin, we have built our life-foundations on sand and not on the rock of Jesus' teachings. Ways we can build margin back into our lives is by: 1) having a weekly Sabbath; building back into our lives a time alone with God every day; 3) expecting that the unexpected will happen; 4) learning to say “no”; 5) using technology wisely; 6) pruning our activity branches; 7) prioritizing our calendars; and 8) giving thanks to God.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 1:35; John15:1-11; 1 Theologians 5:16-17. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Ecclesiastes 2 gives language to what many of us feel but rarely say out loud: You can have everything you wanted and still feel unsatisfied.In this message from A Wild, Messy, Beautiful Life, we look at Solomon's honest search for meaning—and discover why joy was never meant to be found in achievement alone.In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon runs the experiment we're all living—pleasure, achievement, and nonstop effort—and calls it what it is: a chasing after the wind.Ecclesiastes 21 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun...24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, Ix saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.We'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get updates on our latest content and resources that will help more people know Jesus and people know Jesus more.GIVE : We believe that generosity is golden. Freely we have received and so freely we give back to God. If you would like to give to support the work Jesus is doing here please visit: https://www.elevatecc.church/give.Elevate City Church is a Jesus Over Everything Church that launched in the Atlanta Perimeter area on October 4th, 2020.Jesus Over Everything.Give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecity.church/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatecc.churchPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H8BBrEFWxGKsTF8wPSvrn?si=epcQMMrmQIiTpeXEnyxMOQPodcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-city-church/id1536637567Visit our website for more information about who we are as a church and how you can get involved.https://www.elevatecc.church/home

In Ecclesiastes 9:11–18, Solomon confronts one of the great paradoxes of life under the sun: wisdom is of immeasurable value, yet it is often invisible, ignored, and forgotten. Outcomes in this world do not reliably reveal who is wise, righteous, strong, or favored. Time and chance disrupt our expectations, and even the wisest people may live and die unnoticed.Solomon begins by observing that success does not always correspond to ability. The swift do not always win the race, the strong do not always prevail in battle, and the wise do not always gain riches or recognition. Life's outcomes are uncertain, and death comes unexpectedly to all. Because of this, we cannot reason backward from success or failure to determine wisdom or worth.Against this backdrop, Solomon presents a striking illustration: a poor, wise man who delivers an entire city through wisdom rather than strength—yet is quickly forgotten. The lesson is clear. Wisdom is greater than power, louder voices, wealth, or military might, even though it is frequently despised and overlooked.Solomon then presses the point further. Wisdom spoken quietly is better than the shouting of rulers, and wisdom accomplishes what weapons of war cannot. Yet he also warns that a single sin can destroy much good, reminding us that true wisdom is inseparable from righteousness and the turning away from evil.This passage calls us to walk by faith and not by sight. Wisdom cannot always be recognized by outward circumstances, social standing, or visible success. Like acceptance before God, wisdom often remains hidden in this life. Its true value is not measured by outcomes but by alignment with God's will.Ultimately, Scripture leads us beyond Solomon to Christ Himself, who embodies this “unknown glory” of wisdom. Jesus was despised and rejected, overlooked by the world, and crucified in weakness—yet He is the Wisdom of God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. What the world counts as foolish, God declares wiser than all human wisdom.True wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord, in turning away from sin, and supremely in coming to Christ. Though the world may ignore it, this wisdom is more valuable than all the treasures it can offer.#Ecclesiastes #BiblicalWisdom #FearOfTheLord #Wisdom #UnionWithChrist #ChristIsWisdom #ChristianSermon #OldTestament #WalkingByFaith

Don't build all your business on platforms you don't own! Sure, be on social media and build something there, but don't put all your eggs in that basket alone. Monetize that email list that you own!   In Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, the richest man ever to live said… Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.  Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.  If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.  He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.  As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.  In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.   I run my email list through Mailchimp- http://eepurl.com/iRGMHo  Kit is another awesome option- https://partners.kit.com/awnqv8uyzd9l   If you need help getting started, get in touch. It's also one of the things I teach inside my Income Engine Academy.   --- Click here to change your life- http://eepurl.com/gy5T3T   Hit me up for a one-on-one brainstorming session- https://militaryimagesproject.com/products/brainstorming-session-1-hour    Check out my Linktree for different ways to rock your world! https://linktr.ee/ruggeddad    Check out the sweet Hyper X mic I'm using. https://amzn.to/41AF4px    Check out my best-selling books: Rapid Skill Development 101- https://amzn.to/3J0oDJ0 Streams of Income with Ryan Reger- https://amzn.to/3SDhDHg Strangest Secret Challenge- https://amzn.to/3xiJmVO This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn't affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible. #passiveincome #sidehustle #cryptocurrency #richlife

In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon makes a series of surprising statements: funerals are better than parties, sorrow is better than laughter, and criticism is better than praise. At first glance, none of it seems to make sense—until we press in and discover the deep truth behind his words.In this message, we explore why God often uses sorrow, adversity, and seasons of suffering to refine us in ways comfort never can. We look at how grief slows us down, clarifies our priorities, and opens space for God to shape our hearts. We also confront the mystery of suffering—why life doesn't always add up and why faith must make room for both joy and hardship.If you're walking through a difficult season, this message will encourage you to trust God not only as Deliverer, but as Sustainer. If you're in a season of strength, it will challenge you to look with compassion on those who are hurting.“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed…” — Romans 8:18

"Why does God allow His people to suffer? What possible good could come from mourning, loss, and pain? In Ecclesiastes 7:1–7, Solomon gives us a surprising answer: suffering is often better for us than laughter—because God uses it to make us holy.In this sermon, we see that holiness is worth suffering for. A good name—true godly character—is better than all the wealth or comfort the world can offer. When God takes away our “precious ointment” but gives us a “good name,” He has done something far better for us. Suffering, when received in faith, is the refining fire that produces righteousness and wisdom.We'll look at how the “house of mourning” teaches us to live in light of eternity, how rebuke is better than flattery, and why the wise learn more from sorrow than from song. As Solomon shows, the one who fears God and keeps His commandments—trusting in His Son—has nothing to fear in death, for holiness will shine forever when all else fades away.

3:13 For now I would have lain still and been quiet- When Job lays down he gets no rest (7:4). Job's point “not that death is so wonderful, but that life has become intolerable. Wilson. Again, the term Sheol is not used in the passage but that is clearly the idea. I would have been asleep then I would have been at rest- Rest is a great blessing of God tied with receiving the land of promise Ex. 33:14; Deut. 3:20; 12:10; 25:19; Josh. 1:13, 15; 21:44; 22:4; 23:1; II Sam. 7:1, 11; I Kings 5:4. This  word translated rest will also be used in 3:17, 26. Job believes the same kind of rest associated with the promised land is available in Sheol. Here “Job does not hope that death will rectify the injustice of his undeserved sufferings. It will be enough that it ends them” Anderson, 106.This roll call of Sheol includes the powerful, kings, counsellors of the earth, princes and great men (14-15, 19). It also includes the weak and powerless like infants, stillborn children, the weary, and the slaves, the small (16, 19). This list also has those who are ungodly like the wicked and prisoners (17-18). All together are united in Sheol. Death and Sheol are great equalizers for all kinds of people (Eccl. 9:2-6). Job speaks of Sheol as a place of rest (13, 17), ease (18), and freedom (19). How much of Job's words here can be trusted? When the LORD speaks, He will ask Job how much does he really know about these things he speaks about with such authority (38:16-18)?" Smick, 891.Job's view of Sheol is not consistent throughout the book. For example, the words of Job 10:18-22 and 17:13-16 are much gloomier than the picture in 3:11-19. Job uses at least three of the five terms used in 3:4-6 to describe darkness in speaking of Sheol in Job 10:21-22. Other passages of the OT do not portray Sheol or death in the positive terms seen here (Ps. 6:5; 30:9; 88:11-13; 115:17; Isa. 38:18). In Ecclesiastes in particular it is death itself that renders life's pursuits vanity (Eccl. 2:12-17, 18-23; 9:5, 10)    It is probably best to see Job's positive view of life after death in 3:11-19 not as representing his final word on Sheol, but as a manifestation of his state of mind at that time. Anything looks better to Job than his present condition. 3:21 Who long for death, but it does not come- The word long for is used for longing or waiting on God in Ps. 33:20; Isa. 8:17; 30:18; 64:4 and of God's longing to be gracious in Isa. 30:18. God longs to be gracious to those who are longing for Him. The longing for God is most common object of such longing in the biblical account. However, here the object of longing is death and that thought appears only here in the Bible. 3:26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet- The word for at ease was used in 3:18 and is used later in Job 12:6. In 12:6 the destroyers and those who provoke God are at ease but Job has none. The word quiet was used in 3:13. Here Job has no quiet in contrast to what he envisioned for those who are in Sheol- 3:13. I have no rest, for trouble comes- The word for rest was used in 3:13, 17. The point is the same as that made above about the word quiet. While Job has no rest, those who are in Sheol do in 3:13, 17. The word trouble in vs. 26 is the same word translated raging in vs. 17. Interestingly, in vs. 17 the word is said to characterize the wicked. Job raging is not from his wickedness but from his depth of pain. 

"What does it mean to truly enjoy the fruit of your labor? Solomon teaches that this enjoyment is not the result of wealth itself, but a blessing from God.In Ecclesiastes 5:18 – 6:12, we see two people with the same material possessions — one finds joy, the other despair. The difference? One receives his labor's fruit with thanksgiving to God; the other lives for wealth and cannot enjoy it. This contrast reveals a profound biblical truth: to enjoy your work and its rewards is a divine gift, while to labor without joy is a curse.In this sermon, we explore:Why all things are vanity when lived apart from GodHow enjoying your work reflects God's covenant blessingsWhy some cannot enjoy their wealth — even when they have everythingThe danger of the “futility curse” and how Christ redeems itHow faith transforms labor and gratitude into worshipSolomon points us back to the Garden — and forward to redemption in Christ, who removes the curse of futility and restores us to the joy of fruitful labor.

In Ecclesiastes 1–2, King Solomon goes on a search for meaning. He chases three main paths the world still runs after today: pleasure, wisdom, and work. Yet in the end, he calls them all “vanity”—a vapor, a breath, chasing after the wind. In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart explores what Solomon discovered about success, satisfaction, and the purpose of life apart from God. If you've ever wondered why achievements, relationships, or self-improvement never seem to satisfy for long, this talk will help you see where true meaning is found.Key Verses // Ecclesiastes 1-2 —With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurch.com/dc—Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurch.com/dc/give —Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc—Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc—Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_—Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Life doesn't always go the way we plan — dreams fade, plans twist, and sometimes what we thought was progress turns out to be loss. In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon turns from despair to wisdom, showing us that there's a better way to live in a fallen world. In this message, Pastor Darrell Underwood explores how God uses sorrow, correction, and limits to teach us what success and wisdom really look like. You'll discover: • Why the “house of mourning” is a better teacher than the “house of feasting.” • How to avoid the twin traps of self-righteousness and reckless living. • What it means to walk humbly in the fear of God when life doesn't make sense. With real-life stories like “The Pink Slip Providence,” this episode reminds us that even our hardest days can become classrooms of divine wisdom. The better way isn't the easiest — it's the one that leads us closer to the heart of God.

In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher declares that limitations point to the meaninglessness of life. Yet, rightly understood, these limitations actually draw us into a life of true meaning.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to spend money, and how hard it is to keep it? Solomon did. In Ecclesiastes 5, he describes what happens when people clutch their possessions and gamble everything to get more. The result is insecurity, regret, and anger. But Solomon also shows us a better way—a way of life marked by gratitude, contentment, and joy. In this episode, Stephen Davey walks us through Solomon's two case studies—one man who guarded his riches until he lost them all, and another who viewed life, work, and possessions as gifts from God. Along the way, you'll discover four priceless gifts God has given every believer: the gift of life, the gift of enjoying what you have, the gift of accepting where you are, and the gift of enjoying what you do. Rather than chasing more and losing what matters most, this passage invites you to redeem the gifts God has already given. When you live with gratitude and surrender, you can move forward with joy and anticipate your eternal inheritance with Christ. Don't miss this powerful reminder that the better way is obedience—and the greatest gift is learning to find satisfaction in God Himself. Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to spend money, and how hard it is to keep it? Solomon did. In Ecclesiastes 5, he describes what happens when people clutch their possessions and gamble everything to get more. The result is insecurity, regret, and anger. But Solomon also shows us a better way—a way of life marked by gratitude, contentment, and joy. In this episode, Stephen Davey walks us through Solomon's two case studies—one man who guarded his riches until he lost them all, and another who viewed life, work, and possessions as gifts from God. Along the way, you'll discover four priceless gifts God has given every believer: the gift of life, the gift of enjoying what you have, the gift of accepting where you are, and the gift of enjoying what you do. Rather than chasing more and losing what matters most, this passage invites you to redeem the gifts God has already given. When you live with gratitude and surrender, you can move forward with joy and anticipate your eternal inheritance with Christ. Don't miss this powerful reminder that the better way is obedience—and the greatest gift is learning to find satisfaction in God Himself. Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

In this message, we talk about how the people you surround yourself with can make all the difference. Your inner circle influences who you are, the choices you make, and where your life is headed. Jesus was intentional about His closest friends—and we need to be too.In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we see how important it is to have the right people in your corner. They help you grow, keep you steady, and push you toward your purpose.Today, social media makes you think you're close with a lot of people, but real friends—those who genuinely support you, challenge you, and want the best for you—are gold.This message will help you see if your circle is helping you become more like Jesus or holding you back. It's time to evaluate and build relationships that strengthen you and point you toward God and all He has for your life.

Life is full of seasons—joy and sorrow, gain and loss, beginnings and endings. We often find ourselves asking, “Why now? Why this?” In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon reminds us that every season has been appointed by God and that nothing in our lives is wasted. In this message, Pastor Darrell Underwood explores what it means to trust God's timing, embrace both the good and the hard, and live fully in the moment as an act of worship. Whether you're in a season of laughter or tears, this passage offers hope: the God who holds eternity in His hands also holds your life in His plan.

"In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon lays out two radically different ways of thinking about life: one that denies God and sinks into meaninglessness, and one that recognizes God and finds true purpose. In a world full of injustice, your perspective on God will determine whether life is empty or eternally significant. Discover how rejecting God reduces humanity to mere beasts—and why only faith in Christ restores our true dignity and hope.#Ecclesiastes #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Sermon #GospelTruth #WisdomLiterature #GodsJudgment #FaithInChrist #MeaningOfLife #ChristianLiving"

# Understanding Ecclesiastes: A Journey Through Meaning and Purpose In this session of "Truth Worth Living," we delve deeper into the enigmatic book of **Ecclesiastes**, often dubbed the "Debbie Downer of Scripture." This moniker arises from its candid exploration of life's futility when pursued without God. Our journey today uncovers the profound wisdom embedded in its pages, guiding us toward a life of true purpose. ## The Authorship Debate Traditionally, **Ecclesiastes** is attributed to Solomon, the wise son of David and king of Israel. The book is strategically placed between **Proverbs** and **Song of Songs**, both penned by Solomon, and opens with the words, "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem" (**Ecclesiastes 1:1**). This introduction seems to confirm Solomon's authorship, especially given the teacher's claims of surpassing all in wisdom and greatness. However, the book's form raises questions. According to Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman, **Ecclesiastes** might employ a literary style known as "fictional autobiography." In this style, a fictional character is introduced to share insights and lessons. This perspective suggests that while the teachings reflect Solomon's wisdom, the actual author might be a narrator preserving these teachings under divine inspiration. ## Two Voices: The Narrator and the Teacher Throughout **Ecclesiastes**, two distinct voices emerge: the narrator and the teacher. The narrator introduces and concludes the book, while the teacher's reflections span from **Ecclesiastes 1:2** to **Ecclesiastes 12:8**. The teacher's musings explore his life experiences, lessons learned, and the outcomes of his pursuits. In **Ecclesiastes 12:9-10**, the narrator reappears, affirming the teacher's wisdom and the reliability of his words. ## The Teacher's Message Central to **Ecclesiastes** is the idea that life "under the sun," pursued through godless, worldly philosophies, is akin to "chasing the wind" or "chasing your tail." This metaphor vividly illustrates the emptiness of seeking significance apart from God. The teacher, acting more as a philosopher, imparts that true meaning and satisfaction come from living for God's glory, not self-glory. ### Key Takeaways - **Life's Futility Without God:** The teacher repeatedly emphasizes the futility of life when God is excluded from the equation. Pursuits of wealth, wisdom, and pleasure are ultimately meaningless without a divine purpose. - **The Role of the Narrator:** The narrator serves as a guide, helping readers discern the teacher's insights and ensuring the lessons resonate with the audience. - **The Pursuit of True Purpose:** The ultimate message is clear: fulfillment and purpose are found in aligning our lives with God's will, not in the transient pursuits of this world. ## Conclusion **Ecclesiastes** challenges us to reevaluate our pursuits and priorities. It invites us to consider the transient nature of worldly achievements and the enduring significance of a life devoted to God's glory. As we reflect on these teachings, may we find wisdom and inspiration to live purposefully, embracing the truth that is indeed worth practicing. Thank you for joining this exploration of **Ecclesiastes**. May these insights illuminate your path and bring peace to your journey.

# Truth Worth Living: Embracing Ecclesiastes In today's session of Truth Worth Living, we delve into the profound and often misunderstood book of **Ecclesiastes**, a text that challenges our conventional pursuit of meaning and success. This session is part of our ongoing journey to understand God's word so we can live in His will. ## The Demotivational Parallel Pastor Chris begins by drawing a parallel between the satirical company Despair Inc. and the book of **Ecclesiastes**. Despair Inc. is known for its "demotivational" posters that cynically critique the motivational industry. These posters, with slogans like "None of us are as dumb as all of us" and "The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others," humorously highlight the futility in certain pursuits. Similarly, **Ecclesiastes** is often seen as the "demotivational poster" of the Bible. It opens with stark declarations like **Ecclesiastes 1:2**: "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Such statements seem to contradict the uplifting messages we typically expect from scripture. ## The Search for Meaning The core message of **Ecclesiastes** is a profound critique of our attempts to find fulfillment through worldly achievements. The Teacher, traditionally believed to be Solomon, explores various avenues such as intellectual pursuits, wealth, luxury, and politics, only to conclude that all are ultimately futile in the face of death. In **Ecclesiastes 2**, the Teacher reflects on the toil and anxiety of human labor: "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." The book challenges the notion that success and accomplishments can provide lasting satisfaction. ## A Call to Fear God Despite its seemingly bleak outlook, **Ecclesiastes** offers a crucial lesson: the pursuit of worldly success is empty without a foundation in faith. The Teacher concludes his reflections in **Ecclesiastes 12:13-14**: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." This conclusion shifts the focus from human endeavors to a divine perspective, emphasizing the importance of living a life centered on God's commandments. ## An Invitation to Reflect Pastor Chris encourages us to read **Ecclesiastes** before the next session. This book, though challenging, is essential for today's culture as it exposes the fallacy of finding meaning in success alone. Instead, it invites us to ground our lives in the eternal truths of God's word. By embracing the lessons of **Ecclesiastes**, we can navigate the complexities of life with a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Join us next time as we continue to explore these timeless truths and their relevance to our daily lives. --- **Join the Conversation:** Share your thoughts and reflections on **Ecclesiastes** in the comments or with your small group. Let's journey together in discovering truth worth living.

Security comes with the confidence of knowing who you are and where you belong. In Ecclesiastes 4, we see Solomon mourning for the lost outside his palace gates as he watches them toil with the meaningless distractions of this world. Today, there are still millions of people walking around with the emptiness of not knowing God. And as this breaks the Lord's heart, it should move us to take action in sharing the Gospel. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29

In a world filled with “me-first” thinking, it's natural to wonder if we matter to anyone. Who really cares about me? In Ecclesiastes 4, we get to see Solomon's longing for significance in another's life, which ultimately can only be satisfied by God. In this message, Jill uses an acrostic for W-I-S-D-O-M. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29

Can you really have it all—and still feel empty? In Ecclesiastes 1–2, King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man in history, wrestled with that exact question. He built, achieved, acquired, and indulged in every pleasure, only to discover it was all “meaningless…a chasing after the wind.” In “You Can Have It All and Still Regret It,” Pastor James explores Solomon's journey to uncover why chasing success, pleasure, and possessions still leaves us restless—and how true fulfillment is only found in God. Everyone helping someone take steps to follow Christ. This is the vision of Journey Church, led by Pastor James Hilton, with multiple locations throughout Central Florida. https://journeyconnect.org Website: https://journeyconnect.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/journeyconnect Instagram: https://instagram.com/journeyconnect/ To support Journey Church's mission and help us transform lives both locally and globally, visit: https://journeyconnect.org/giving

What if the path to real joy isn't found in chasing happiness—but in remembering that life doesn't last forever? In Ecclesiastes 7, we're reminded that thinking about death can actually lead to a more meaningful life.This session challenges us to consider the legacy we're leaving and to bring our struggles into the light—especially when it comes to dark thoughts or hopelessness. True wisdom means living with eternity in mind, knowing that for believers, death is not the end but the beginning of eternal joy with Christ. When we live with the end in mind, we find true purpose and lasting joy. Don't chase what fades—live with wisdom, hope, and eternity in view.Ecclesiastes 7:1-41 Corinthians 15:54-58SWO25 Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible speaks of seasons: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” This verse is often interpreted to mean that there is a specific time and purpose for everything in life, and that nothing lasts forever. It acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and the different experiences that come with each season. We are about to go into a new season with the BEB podcast. Having done this show since 2014 and for 580 weeks consistently, I think it's time to make a change. I'm not sure if I'm going to rebrand the show, change the format, or do both. But my goal is to continue to provide actionable content for my BEB Family members. So, look for a transformation in the next few months. GET YOUR FREE ENTREPRENEUR RESOURCES: https://blackentrepreneurblueprint.com/  

Ecclesiastes 11:1-11:10 // In Ecclesiastes 11, the Preacher reminds us that life's uncertainty should not leave us paralyzed and ineffective. Rather, in the face of uncertainty, we are drawn to trust and obey the God who created us and protects us.

Associate Pastor Ron King continues our Ecclesiastes series.Have you ever found yourself chasing "just a little bit more" yet always feeling empty? Today, we're diving into wisdom from Solomon, the wealthiest man in history, who still struggled profoundly with satisfaction. In Ecclesiastes 5 and 6, Solomon exposes the truth that money itself never satisfies, we can't take our earthly treasures with us, and failing to find joy in God's gifts isn't just sad — it's spiritually corrosive.But there's hope. God offers a different path where we express deep gratitude for what we have and invest our lives in what truly lasts. If you're ready to break free from the endless hamster wheel of dissatisfaction and step into a life of authentic contentment, God has something powerful for you today.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on July 13, 2025, at 10:15am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:06 Message: Finding Joy in What You Already Have05:31 Lesson 1: Money Never Satisfies09:32 Lesson 2: You Can't Take It With You12:34 Lesson 3: Enjoy God's Gifts17:54 Lesson 4: The Evil of Ingratitude22:28 Lesson 5: The Limits of Human Understanding26:15 Closing Remarks

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our Ecclesiastes series.We were made for friendship, but we're living through a friendship famine. In Ecclesiastes 4, Solomon reflects on a life filled with accomplishments but lacking deep connection. His words are hauntingly honest: without true friends, even success feels hollow.In this message, we'll explore why friendship is so hard today, why it matters more than ever, and how the church can be a healing place to form lasting relationships. Whether you're surrounded by people or feeling painfully alone, this conversation might change the way you pursue community.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on June 29, 2025, at 10:15am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:01 Message: The Friendship Famine05:29 Solomon's Insights on Friendship07:21 Eight Reasons Why Friendship Matters20:58 The Friendship Recession24:48 Barriers to Making Friends30:30 Understanding Different Levels of Friendship35:04 Practical Steps to Cultivate Friendships

In Ecclesiastes, the author takes the position of a practical secularist. And he asks, “If this life is all there is, then is life meaningless?” The writer says if this life is all there is, if there's no God and no meaning that you have to submit to, then you're free to construct your own meaning. And so, he sets out to build meaning by living a cause-based life, and then by living a pleasure and beauty-based life. When he finds those both to be meaningless and burdensome, he decides to create a work-based life, to let work and career be an organizing principle in his life. In doing this, he finds three things: 1) that a life of work is not worth it, 2) why it's not worth it, and 3) what is worth it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 23, 2003. Series: When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

“All his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 2:23That verse from Ecclesiastes reveals a painful truth: even a productive life can feel empty when the wrong purpose drives our work. Wealth on its own doesn't bring peace—often, it brings more pressure. But Scripture offers a better way.What's Driving All That Effort?It's easy to admire someone who plans wisely, saves consistently, and builds steadily over time. Our culture praises that kind of discipline as responsible and virtuous—and often, it is. But Ecclesiastes challenges us to ask: What's driving all that effort?In Ecclesiastes 2:18, the Preacher writes, “I hated all my toil... seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me.” He isn't condemning hard work—he's grieving that all he's built will one day be handed off, possibly to someone who won't value or steward it well.That's where sorrow begins—not in failure, but in success without peace. “All his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest” (Ecclesiastes 2:23). The more we accumulate, the more we fear losing it. What promised security only multiplies anxiety.What a striking image—someone lying awake at night, not from failure, but from success. The more he possesses, the more he worries. This is the irony of accumulation: it convinces us that security is just one more achievement away, while quietly making us more anxious the more we gain.Jesus' Warning About Bigger BarnsJesus echoes this same warning in Luke 12. He tells the parable of a rich man who reaped such a bountiful harvest that he decided to build bigger barns to store it all. His conclusion? “Take life easy—eat, drink, and be merry.” To the world, that sounds like winning. But Jesus calls him a fool. Why? Because that very night, his life would be demanded of him. Then comes the haunting question: “The things you have prepared, whose will they be?”What's even more interesting is the context of that parable. Jesus tells it in response to a man asking Him to settle an inheritance dispute. This wasn't someone who earned the wealth—he simply wanted his share, and maybe more. Jesus' warning is clear: a greedy heart isn't the only danger. An entitled heart is just as spiritually destructive. And that's exactly what the Preacher feared in Ecclesiastes—wealth falling into the hands of someone who didn't labor for it and may not know how to handle it wisely.We see this all the time in real life. Many financial advisors and estate planners will tell you that inherited wealth, especially when passed down without spiritual or emotional maturity, can do more harm than good. It can fracture families, distort priorities, and erode purpose. The problem isn't money itself, it's the absence of wisdom alongside it.A Better Definition of SuccessThat's why this lesson matters. You can save well, build wealth, and still feel anxious and unsatisfied—not because you failed, but because you expected your efforts to give you what only God can: peace, joy, and purpose.But here's the good news—Ecclesiastes doesn't leave us in despair. In verse 26, we read, “To the one who pleases Him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” The solution isn't to stop working or saving. The solution is to stop worshiping our work. Stop defining success by the size of your bank account and start defining it by your faithfulness to the One who owns it all.When we live as stewards instead of owners, the pressure lifts. We begin to see wealth not as a prize to secure our future, but as a tool to serve God's Kingdom. Accumulation loses its grip, and generosity takes root. That's when real joy begins.So, ask yourself today: Am I building bigger barns, or am I faithfully stewarding what God has already entrusted to me? Am I chasing peace through my possessions, or receiving it from the Prince of Peace Himself?Because in the end, peace doesn't come from what we've earned. It comes from who we trust.A Resource to Go Deeper: Wisdom Over WealthNow, if you're wrestling with these questions, we'd love to help. That's why we're excited to offer our brand-new Bible study based on Ecclesiastes called Wisdom Over Wealth. It dives deeper into this theme of dethroning the idol of accumulation and learning to live with contentment and purpose.This month, when you support the ministry of FaithFi with a gift of $35 or more, we'll send you Wisdom Over Wealth as our way of saying thank you. Just head over to FaithFi.com/wisdom to request your copy.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I bought a house a year ago, and my primary goal is to pay off the mortgage as quickly as possible. I'm wondering if I should pause my 15% retirement contributions to accelerate my debt payoff goal or continue contributing to retirement while also working towards being debt-free.I want to understand the right markup for my business. I'm an electrician. What would be a reasonable general number for a company like mine to ensure I'm covering my costs and generating a profit?I opened a Roth IRA because I don't have to make required minimum distributions. When my children inherit my Roth IRA, do they have to make withdrawals? I want to understand the inheritance.I'm wondering about the $8,000 maximum Roth IRA contributions for those over 50. Is the $150,000 income limit based on my income alone or my combined income with my wife?I'm considering retiring at 65 even though my full Social Security retirement age is 67. If I live off my 401(k) for 2 years and don't register for Social Security, will my benefits continue to grow?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Movement MortgageSocial Security Administration (SSA.gov)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Associate Pastor Ron King continues our Ecclesiastes series.Solomon had it all: wealth, wisdom, wine, women, and work. Yet he called it all hevel: vapor, mist, a striving after the wind. In Ecclesiastes 2, we meet a man who tried everything under the sun and still found himself empty.But this isn't just ancient pessimism; it's a timeless invitation to stop grasping for satisfaction in things that can't fulfill you, and to start pursuing God, the only pursuit that lasts, the only One who gives true joy.If you've ever asked, "What's the point?" — this is for you.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on June 15, 2025, at 10:15am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:13 Message: Finding Meaning Beyond the Pursuit02:27 Solomon's Pursuits and Reflections05:19 Context and Interpretation of Ecclesiastes11:59 Solomon's Achievements and Realizations20:01 The Pursuit of Wisdom and Work24:42 Finding True Contentment in God30:54 Call to Reflect and Journal

“I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.' But behold, this also was vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 2:1What happens when someone has the power to indulge in every pleasure the world can offer? In Ecclesiastes, we find one of Scripture's boldest experiments: a search for lasting joy through earthly delights. The Preacher—often thought to be Solomon—pursues laughter, wine, work, wealth, sex, and success, all in an effort to answer one question: Can pleasure truly satisfy the human soul?A Culture Chasing the WindToday, we live in a world that echoes the Preacher's experiment. “Treat yourself.” “Follow your heart.” “Do what makes you happy.” These aren't just slogans—they're mantras for modern living. From the vacations we plan to the gadgets we unbox, we're told that happiness is just one more swipe, scroll, or splurge away.But Ecclesiastes challenges that narrative. It forces us to wrestle with a deeper question: What if pleasure doesn't lead where we think it does?The Preacher's pursuit wasn't careless. It was a deliberate, calculated test. He writes, “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). He built houses, planted vineyards, created lush gardens, hired singers, amassed wealth, surrounded himself with comfort—even concubines.This wasn't indulgence for indulgence's sake. It was a methodical pursuit of happiness. Today, we might say: “If it looked fun, I bought it. If it felt good, I did it.” The experiment was thorough, and the results were heartbreaking.“Behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind.” — Ecclesiastes 1:14The Thrill FadesTo picture this, imagine a bag of old receipts. Each one once captured a moment of excitement—a new purchase, a fancy dinner, a spontaneous trip. But now? They're just scraps. The joy is gone.That's exactly what the Preacher realized. Pleasure was never meant to carry the weight of our deepest needs. It promises fulfillment but delivers only fleeting escape. It's like trying to hold smoke in your hands—real for a moment, then gone.The Preacher's story finds a parallel in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. The younger son squandered his inheritance chasing worldly pleasures, only to end up broke and broken. The twist? The Preacher had everything the prodigal son dreamed of—wealth, opportunity, indulgence—and yet he ended up just as empty.Different paths. Same conclusion.A Warning That Leads to FreedomHere's the grace in all this: We don't have to repeat the experiment. The Preacher's pain can be our wisdom. He's waving us down from the road ahead, saying, “There's nothing here. Don't waste your life chasing shadows.”That's a gift. It frees us to reflect:What am I turning to when I feel tired or discouraged?What “quick fixes” do I reach for without thinking?What would it look like to seek joy in God instead?God is not against pleasure. He is the Creator of joy and the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). But those gifts were never meant to replace Him. When we look to pleasure as the destination rather than a signpost to the Giver, we miss the point—and our hearts remain restless.So next time you reach for something to lift your spirits, ask: Is this joy, or just escape? Is this feeding my soul, or simply distracting it?A Better Way to LiveEcclesiastes doesn't just warn—it redirects. It helps us tear down the idol of pleasure and place our hope in a Person, not a product. And that Person—our God—is the only source of joy that doesn't fade.At FaithFi, we want to help you explore this truth more deeply. That's why we created Wisdom Over Wealth, a Bible study on Ecclesiastes that unpacks themes like pleasure, wealth, and contentment from a biblical lens.This month, when you support FaithFi's ministry with a gift of $35 or more, we'd love to send you a copy as our way of saying thank you. Just visit FaithFi.com/wisdom to request your copy today.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm wondering if it's better for my husband, who just retired, to take Social Security now or wait two more years, which would mean withdrawing about $96,000 from our 401(k) during those two years to cover our living expenses.I have a nonprofit property I want to sell, and I'm planning on giving the proceeds to another 501(c)(3) organization. Since I'm not very experienced with this process, are there any specific forms or steps I need to take at the closing of the sale? I recently made a claim for a new roof, and my insurance went up. Do insurance companies research when you've made a claim on the internet or through a database? I was told by two roofers I didn't need a new roof, but the insurance company insisted I did. I have some money in a credit union that I want to move somewhere to earn more interest. I just discovered I can use my Fidelity account for investing, and they're offering 4%.  I'm wondering about the difference between keeping my money in my Fidelity account or moving it to an online bank, and what the benefits might be.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Fr. Mike explains the details of Solomon's dedication of the Temple, and the power of God's presence dwelling in it. In Ecclesiastes, we continue to learn more nuggets of wisdom about friendship, prudence, and money. Today we read 1 Kings 8, Ecclesiastes 3-5, and Psalm 6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9You don't have to study Scripture long to realize that God's wisdom differs sharply from what the world considers wise. John Cortines joins us today to talk about the nature of wisdom, and spoiler alert— it's a Person, not a thing.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.The True Nature of WisdomIn our modern world, we often equate wisdom with knowledge, education, and the ability to make good decisions. While these aspects are certainly part of it, Ecclesiastes teaches us that wisdom is far more than intellectual mastery or a collection of best practices. In fact, wisdom is not just a set of principles—it is a person. That person is Jesus Christ.Throughout Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (likely King Solomon) wrestles with the big questions of life: What is our purpose? Where can we find joy? How should we handle money? The book explores the various paths people take—seeking pleasure, accumulation, and status—but ultimately concludes that all these pursuits are vanity, or "chasing after the wind."The key takeaway? True wisdom is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments. But it's not merely about following rules—it's about cultivating a relationship with God through Christ.Ecclesiastes isn't just a book about the limitations of human wisdom; it points us to the deeper truth that wisdom is found in a relationship with God. Near the end of Ecclesiastes, we read that "the words of the wise are like goads," and these words come from "one shepherd."Interestingly, this shepherd's identity is made clear in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John. Not only does Jesus impart wisdom, but He is wisdom. In Colossians, we learn that Jesus is the one who orders and sustains all things—He embodies wisdom.Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Jesus became "to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification." This concept shifts our understanding of wisdom from a set of teachings to a relationship with a person.Ecclesiastes and the Limitations of Human WisdomEcclesiastes acknowledges the limits of human wisdom. Even Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, struggled to make sense of life's paradoxes. He sought knowledge, but it never gave him lasting meaning. In fact, knowledge alone cannot answer the deeper questions of life, such as suffering, uncertainty, or death.True wisdom isn't found in education or achievement; it's received from outside ourselves. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and in the knowledge of the Holy One, there is insight. True wisdom is about trusting in Christ, who alone leads us into all truth and understanding.Walking in Wisdom with ChristIf wisdom is a person, the way to grow in wisdom is to walk closely with Jesus. John offers some practical ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and grow in wisdom:Spend time in God's Word: Not just for information but to encounter Christ and be transformed.Pray and seek His guidance: God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it.Live in obedience: Wisdom isn't just knowing what is right; it's living it out.Surround yourself with wise counsel: Engage with fellow believers who are also walking with Christ.Trust God in times of uncertainty: Lean on Christ in suffering and hardship.Develop a heart of gratitude: Recognize and enjoy the simple gifts God gives us each day.These steps, though simple, shape our lives and our relationship with God. They allow us to grow in wisdom and understanding as we live in step with Christ.The Connection Between Wisdom and FinancesOne area where wisdom plays a critical role is in our financial lives. The way we handle money is closely tied to our spiritual journey, and the book of Ecclesiastes speaks directly to this. Money is often viewed in our culture as a means of fulfillment, but Ecclesiastes teaches us that wealth is a tool, not our source of meaning.In Ecclesiastes 11, we are reminded of the importance of generosity: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Giving reflects God's nature and His wisdom, and it produces Kingdom fruit. Generosity is a key part of living for Him.Ecclesiastes teaches us to appreciate the simple gifts God provides, while also reminding us that money and possessions are fleeting. As we apply the wisdom of Christ to our finances, we see the balance between frugality, generosity, and enjoying the blessings God has given us.The Ultimate Wisdom: JesusAt the heart of Ecclesiastes—and of all Scripture—is the call to fear God and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, we understand that this means following Jesus Christ, who is wisdom incarnate. Our pursuit of wisdom isn't about accumulating knowledge or living by a set of moral principles. It's about knowing Jesus personally and living in relationship with Him.If you're seeking wisdom, the answer is not found in more knowledge or better strategies—it's found in Jesus Christ. As we follow Him, we grow in wisdom, and our understanding of life's challenges—including money and possessions—becomes clearer. Wisdom is a person, and that person is Jesus.For those interested in diving deeper into the book of Ecclesiastes, our new study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, offers a comprehensive exploration of this biblical text and its profound teachings on money, work, and contentment. Visit FaithFi.com/shop to get your copy today or to place a bulk order.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a son who has separated himself from our family. We haven't spoken in two and a half months. I want to know if there are any biblical references that would support changing my will to take my son out of it, given our current strained relationship.I made an insurance claim for a new roof, which was necessary. Now my insurance company has raised my rates, and my next payment is $163 higher than usual, which I can't afford this month. Do I have any recourse, and what should I do besides looking for another insurance company?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineTrue Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart by John Cortines and Gregory BaumerSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.