Episode Ecclesiastes | Week 1
We often don't know what our expectations are until they go unmet. And then suddenly, we discover that the things we put our hope in can't help us, satisfy us, or make us happy. George Bernanos once said, "In order to be prepared to hope in what does not deceive, we must first lose hope in everything that deceives." This is what the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is all about. The wise teacher brings attention to many of our expectations and false hopes, and systematically crushes any confidence we have in what we think could make life worth living. But, actually, this is good news! By discovering our false hopes, we can discover true life and purpose in Jesus.
Chapter 1
Our Creator is a God of purpose and design, and yet some seasons of life feel random and pointless. In this chapter, you’ll join the group’s in-depth study of Ecclesiastes as they search for meaning during life’s incomprehensible and troubling times.
Chapter 2
Where do you go to find wisdom? The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” And yet the author of Ecclesiastes desperately searched every dark corner to uncover this timeless truth. In this chapter, you’ll study writings attributed to the wisest man who ever lived.
Chapter 3
The Bible is full of hope and encouragement. But the book of Ecclesiastes takes a surprisingly pessimistic view in order to spotlight the futility of life without God. In this chapter, you’ll get a much-needed reality check as the group continues to explore the book of Ecclesiastes.
Chapter 4
Although the author of Ecclesiastes doesn’t identify himself by name, his writings clearly point to the eternal God as inspiration for this book of enigmatic wisdom. In this chapter, you’ll consider who’s really behind the scenes directing the big story!
Chapter 5
Have you ever questioned everything? When life doesn’t make sense, it can be hard not to give in to despair and doubt. In this chapter, you’ll consider these faith-shaking and challenging seasons of questioning.