In this episode, we dive into the opening chapter of Ecclesiastes as we launch a 12-week sermon series exploring one of Scripture's most brutally honest books. We begin by discussing why Ecclesiastes is such a timely message for our church family and explore the debate surrounding authorship—did Solomon actually write this book, or was it written in his voice by someone else? We examine the significance of verse 16 in answering that question.

We unpack the Hebrew word "hevel" (vapor, breath, smoke), translated as "vanity" in many translations, and discuss modern examples of pursuits that promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us feeling empty. From there, we tackle a crucial distinction: what's the difference between doing godly activities and doing things that are truly centered on God? How can we honestly evaluate which category our own lives fall into?

The conversation then moves to practical application as we explore what it means to live "under the sun" versus viewing life through the lens of eternity. How does an eternal perspective practically reshape the way we approach our daily work, relationships, and pursuits?

We close by pointing listeners toward helpful resources for personal study through Ecclesiastes, equipping them to dig deeper into this profound book over the coming weeks.

Whether you're wrestling with questions of meaning and purpose or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of this challenging book, this episode provides a solid foundation for the journey ahead.

The Gospel Coalition