Most of our lives, in one way or another, revolves around money. We need money to live, to eat, and to provide for our families. Much of our time is oriented around the pursuit of those needs. And money is a fine tool, according to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, but it is a terrible god. In this sermon, John Ely exposes the god of money for the fraud it is. It promises control, pleasure, and power, but in the end, it doesn't satisfy.

The world around us has a way of using power that means "I win, you lose." Power is about authority, coercion, the ability to make others do what you want them to do. That kind of power naturally leads to the oppression of many. In this sermon, Pastor Will discusses Ecclesiastes 4 and compares the normal "economy of power" in the world with the "upside-down" vision of power that Jesus has. Which one will you choose?

One of the fundamental problems that many of us face is we think we have control over our lives. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes knew better. He describes human life as fitting within a larger framework, out of the control of human hands. In this sermon, Adam Hendricks talks about the seasons of life in Ecclesiastes 3, reassuring us that the One controlling the seasons cares for us through it all.

(Note: This sermon is PG-13 in portions). Our modern world is full of the pursuit of pleasure. And the Preacher of Ecclesiastes certainly understood pleasure. He had extensive resources and could pursue anything that he desired, and he did! In this sermon, Pastor Will explains that the god of pleasure offers everything and leaves us with emptiness. The God of the Bible offers true joy and pleasure, but often we have to wait for Him. What choice will you make?

Who are you? Some of us might be tempted to answer with our profession: "I'm a teacher." "I'm a plumber." "I'm a pastor." In this sermon, Dan Kruer cautions us to find a godly balance with how we view work. When viewed wrongly, work can become onerous for many reasons. When viewed well, work is something we do because God designed us to work and because we can work for Him. That shift in perspective will help us navigate a life filled with responsibility and labor.

When we begin to read Ecclesiastes, we might be tempted to pay the Preacher no mind. He has a dreary story to tell, and we don't want to think about that right now. But the Preacher calls us in deeper to consider the truth, to shine the light in dark places. In this sermon, Meghan Wierwille talks about how God calls us to His living water instead of the cisterns that we build on our own. Our gains pale in comparison with God's plans for us in eternity.

What is the meaning of life? What do we do when life doesn't go the way we expect it to go? These questions are worth wrestling with. This new series on Ecclesiastes will help us dig into our lives to search for what matters and what lasts, which is foundationally found in relationship with God through Jesus. In this sermon, Pastor Will explains a bit about the series and wisdom literature before describing what life looks like "under the sun." Everything is vanity, fleeting, absurd, and meaningless for its own purpose. As we enter into the valley together, we can expect God to remove things from us as we cooperate with His loving hand. As we emerge on the other side, we should expect greater clarity of purpose and vision for what truly matters and lasts.

Preaching the gospel requires understanding the gospel and having the boldness to speak to others about the good news. But that's not all that is required. In this sermon, Rev. Leon Weller explains that the power of God is vital to preaching the gospel. God works within us as we boldly share the good news, and He often opens doors for us to see His power in operation.