Pastor Ryan continues in our series on Ecclesiastes, addressing the five ways that the Teacher recommends to combat the "level" in our lives, Today we discuss recommendation no. 2 - wisdom.

Pastor Ryan returns to our series on Ecclesiastes. Finishing with the five proofs that there is Hevel under the sun, he now shares five teachings that the Teacher advises us to do about it. First, we discuss "pleasure" - can pleasure cure ur woes with Hevel? Fortunately, the Truth of the Gospel provides a much more lasting solution!

Eccles. 2: 1-14 is our Scripture for today.

Pastor Ryan departs from the "Ecclesiastes" series for this Sunday, instead focusing on the anniversary of Martin Luther and his roe in the dawn of the Reformation. Pastor Ryan shares with us the three joys that the Reformation gave us. A dramatic narrative by Martin Luther is also given to us by BCC's resident actor, Jadon Moore.

Everything in life is "Hevel!' In the last proof of this, Pastor Ryan explains the Teacher's position regarding God;'s Ways; life is "hevel", and roof of this is that God's Ways under the sun are unknowable. Who knows what God thinks and will do next?

Fortunately, the Gospel sheds great light on both, and Pastor Ryan is careful to point out this wonderful truth!

Pastor Ryan compares the Teacher's advice (pay attention-be ready!-enjoy the moment) of the "live for now" mentality (Carpe Diem!) with the eternal hopes and future confidence embedded in a life rich in Gospel promise. The resigned fatalism of the Teacher must give way to the Resurrection reality of Jesus - our Savior!

You have heard it before - you have asked it before...."Why!?" Why does evil and suffering happen to good people. Pastor Ryan shares from Ecclesiastes about the reality of evil and suffering "under the sun".

What is the teacher's conclusion? What is his advice. Under "Gospel Grace", what should our response be to this?

Also in the sermon are three video clips that emphasize our reality under the Lord Jesus.

Pastor Ryan gives us Evidence 2 that all under the sun is "Hevel" - Chance.

Chance just happens; or "the rain falls on the good and the evil". Pastor Ryan points out the Teacher's advice: Take opportunity as it comes; work hard.....

and yet...... for us there is Grace and the Gospel - even here!

Pastor Ryan begins the discourses on evidences that Hevel (vapor, smoke - we say "futility" or "Vanity") by concentrating on Evidence 1 - Time (there are five altogether). Ryan shares the Teacher's advice, and what Time means for us now that we are in the Gospel Age - trust in the Alpha and Omega!

Chap. 1:3-11; 3:1-15 = our Scripture.

Pastor Ryan begins a new series today entitled "Ecclesiastes - Life Under the Sun"

Pastor Ryan gives us an introduction to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible, which includes this book. He then shares about Ecclesiastes' two main themes: everything is "hevel" (vapor), and reality of life "under the sun". Today we learn from Chap. 1:1-14 and 12:8-14.

Pastor Symps leads us into the "Finale" of our series on the Psalms of Ascent, and gives a fitting connection to Jesus' work through His Church, to come to our Jerusalem with shouts of joy and proclamation.