Rev. James Harper preaches on Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3 as part of our sermon series entitled, "The Search: Questions of Meaning and Purpose."

Life's greatest question - why does God allow suffering - has puzzled humanity throughout history. Despite all our advances, suffering persists, and human philosophies like stoicism, dualism, hedonism, and karma ultimately fall short of providing real answers. The Bible reveals that suffering entered through human sin, disrupting God's originally good creation. However, God hasn't remained distant from our pain. Through Jesus Christ, God entered into suffering Himself, taking on our sin and its consequences out of love. While we see only a small piece of God's plan, like viewing three inches of a tapestry being woven, we can trust that the God who creates beauty is crafting something beautiful from our circumstances.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 as part of our sermon series entitled, "The Search: Questions of Meaning and Purpose."

Americans rank 23rd globally in happiness despite unprecedented opportunities for pleasure and material wealth. The ancient book of Ecclesiastes reveals why our common happiness strategies fail us. Pursuing pleasure leads to a hedonistic treadmill where we need more and more to feel satisfied. Accumulating beauty and material possessions provides only temporary fulfillment. Instead, lasting happiness comes through three biblical principles: caring for our physical health as God designed, building meaningful relationships that combat loneliness, and pursuing spiritual restoration through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Scott York preaches on Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 to begin our sermon series, "The Search: Questions of Meaning and Purpose."

Life often feels empty when we try to find meaning without God's perspective. Ecclesiastes contrasts living under the sun (without God) versus under heaven (with God's eternal view). When we seek purpose through worldly wisdom, achievements, or human philosophy alone, we encounter the same meaningless cycles described in Scripture. We were designed as eternal beings to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This dual purpose gives significance to every act of kindness, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Living with an eternal perspective transforms how we view daily choices and challenges, making even difficult Christian principles meaningful.