The Search for Meaning

Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • February 1, 2026

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1. Amusement cannot fill the emptiness of our souls.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.

Proverbs 19:20 (CSB)

“Hedonism”

The belief that the highest good in life is personal pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.

Hebrews 11:25 (CSB)

Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.

Proverbs 14:13 (CSB)

2. Achievement cannot fill the emptiness of our souls.

“Materialism”

The belief that significance, security, and satisfaction are found in what you build, own, accumulate, or accomplish.

He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15 (CSB)

3. First Conclusion: Disappointment and Direction

• Disappointment in “under the sun” living.

• Direction that there must be more.

When Having It All, Still Leaves You Empty

Ecclesiastes 1:1–11

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • January 18, 2026

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1. Life is pointless when we leave God out.

For the idols speak falsehood, and the diviners see illusions; they relate empty dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they suffer affliction because there is no shepherd.

Zechariah 10:2 (CSB)

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

James 4:14 (CSB)

For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope

Romans 8:20 (CSB)

2. Life is repetitious when we leave God out.

3. Life is disappointing when we leave God out.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (NASB 95)

AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE

State of the Church – 2026

Matthew 16:13–18

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • January 11, 2026

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

To give, click here.

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1. There Is a Question We Must Clearly Answer

A. The Question of Popular Opinion

B. The Question of Personal Commitment

“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us… depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”

Colossians 1:28–29, NLT

2. There Is an Obstacle We Must Constantly Attack

A. The Foundation of the Church

B. The Mission of the Church

C. The Power of the Church