"Life under the sun" not only affects the desires of our heart, it makes our relationship with others difficult. However, the Teacher tells us in chapter 4 that no matter the difficulty, community is better than isolation.  

There is a time for everything, but who controls that time? We are created beings and not God. This chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us of our limitations and how those limitations point us to an eternal God. 

Pursue your heart; grant yourself the desire of your eyes. These themes echo through society. In chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher/Teacher shares with the audience an experiment. He did not keep from himself anything his eyes or heart desired. What was the end result? Vanity of vanities.

Who is this guy, and what is his problem? These two questions are the focus of this lesson. As we journey through the Book of Ecclesiastes, we learn that life under the sun is hard, but there is hope.  

Paul calls the Thessalonians to see the difference Christ makes in their lives. The idea of different implies that there is an examination of characteristics that reveal how a Christian operates is not like those who are not in Christ. They are not primarily external differences. Grace and peace are spiritual realities that transform our everyday lives. 

Paul gives the Thessalonians two actions that lead to the quenching of the Spirit. Both of these actions, unmediated by the act of testing, dull our ears to his work in our lives.

We often think of God's faithfulness in relation to the material gifts he provides and the salvation we receive through the work of Christ. However, we often overlook two aspects of God's faithfulness: his faithfulness to sanctify us and his faithfulness to keep us. At the end of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds the believers of these great truths.

Who is the Holy Spirit? What does he do? The answer to these questions matters. He is not an impersonal force, but a divine person–the third person of our one, Triune God.

In this message, ORBC youth minister Chad Nuss challenges us to live a life that rejoices in Christ, prays without ceasing, and gives thanks in all circumstances. 

The life of a Christian is such that it requires a deep investment in community. Within the simple exhortations that Paul gives the Thessalonians, there are two truths they must embrace: believers must know each other well and be known by one another.