The preacher has searched and seached. His first round of trying to find ultimate fulfillment is over, and he is crushed. His hopes have failed him. In this text, he walks us through his deepest depression and darkness, but little does he know, he is closer to the light than ever before.

Last week we reviewed out themes from the book, this week we walk back through the scripture we covered last semester so that everyone is caught up! We learn about the idolatry of pleasure, wisdom, and how - if we only look under the sun - we will always feel like we are stuck on a treadmill. There must be a better way.

PVN College is BACK!! It's been 4 months since we last left The Preacher in his search for ultimate fulfillment. So let's go back and remember: Who is The Preacher? Who is he probably not? Why is the book called Ecclesiastes? What exactly is Vanity? And much more!

Jesus is asked why his disciples do not Fast. He responds by telling two parables and calling himself The Bridegroom. What can we learn from this section of scripture? Plenty. But Pastor Ryan draws out 3 important truths.

The Preacher has searched far and wide for pleasure. He has sought it through being care-free, through achievements, and through possessions. So after all of this, what has he actually gained? His answer is haunting, and is a warning for us when we think finding pleasure is the answer.

The Preacher sees that Wisdom cannot make him whole. Well if Wisdom doesn't work, then let's try pleasure instead. If living wisely doesn't work, why not just live for the moment? Qoheleth tells us why not...this also leaves us feeling empty.

The Preacher now tries Wisdom. Is Wisdom the key? With more Wisdom will we really find fulfillment? The Preacher gives us the answer we all need to hear.

Vanity not only affects Creation and human nature, it also affects human plans, human generations, and it can even affect our hope. How can we stay hopeful in such difficult times? By looking above the First Floor and by keeping our hope rooted in the "New" thing God is doing Under the Sun.

All is Vanity. Life Under the Sun can be so difficult, and the things in our lives can let us down. But is this the whole story? In this section, The Preacher walks us through a difficult life on earth, but in that difficulty, we already start to find the source of our hope.

Right out of the gate, The Preacher tells us life is Vanity. But what does the word Vanity mean? Is it all bad? Understanding these first two verses of Ecclesiastes will help us see this book (and ourselves) with greater clarity.