First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. Paul Gibson | Ecclesiastes 8:14-17

The Teacher wrestles with a number of things he does not understand or think fair. We cannot know the mind of God, so we enjoy Him and His blessings.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, 23

We are never going to be able to figure out the reasons for why God acts as He does or why things happen to us in life as they do. The point Solomon makes is that, in all of it, learn from it. Be wise. Trust in what God is teaching.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 6:1-2

Ecclesiastes 6 sort of seems like more of the same. The teacher is naming the nuances of evil that pervade a life of finitude. In this case, a person is given great amounts of all the things that ought to delight the heart, and yet, they are "unable to enjoy." We will think on the nature of enjoyment and contentment in a finite world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 

"The love of money is the root of all evil" but those who understand where it comes from and who live with that perspective will find pleasure and enjoyment in the provision of God. 

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

The Teacher gives us an appropriate warning to worship rightly, an important admonition in a time where we have lost our sense of the holiness and wonder of God.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Ecclesiastes 4:1–12

The Teacher says that in a world of pressure, comparison, and quiet loneliness, life “under the sun” can leave us isolated - even among others. Companionship is a gift, but it cannot satisfy our deepest longing for meaning. It points us beyond ourselves to the God who alone gives life its purpose.

Dr. Case Thorp | 1 Peter 2:9-17

The 250th anniversary of our country is significant, indeed, and Christianity has played a key role in her formation. Of course, we want Christianity to play a key role going forward, even as our nation diversifies. What, then, is the allegiance we hold as citizens of a nation and citizens of God's Kingdom? What is the difference between nationalism, of which we hear much, and patriotism? How does the Bible show us how to prioritize God and love one's country?

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 3:9-22

We are not built to understand everything. The big picture would overwhelm us, but we ARE built to pursue the biggest thing - eternity with God. He made us in a way that our hearts long to find Him...

Pastoral Intern Ben Willsey | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Time is a tremendous challenge for us. It moves slow at points and too fast at others. We never seem to have enough and we know ours will one day run out. God, thankfully, orders the seasons of our lives - our "times" (Psalm 31).

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23

These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken world.