Ecclesiastes 11:1-9
Livestream is available on the Grace Media App and the Livestream webpage.
Wednesdays, 7–9 pm
Worship Center
The sin of Adam introduced the human race to vanity. As the necessary response to Adam’s sin, God judged him with these words:
Cursed is the ground because of you; with hard labor you shall eat from it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; yet you shall eat the plants of the field; by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, until you return to the ground, because from it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:17b–19)
The experience of vanity is now inescapable. We come face-to-face with it every day of our lives. It is life outside the Garden. Whether in our work or in our rest, in our relationships or in the solitude of our souls, we feel its burden. It follows us everywhere. As the apostle Paul says, the whole creation groans under its weight (Romans 8:19–21).
It has always been man’s aim to eradicate this experience—or at least to numb it. Countless philosophers and their followers have tried in futility to avoid it. Hedonists try to drown it by pursuing endless pleasure. Nihilists just give up and wish for death.
So, is there any hope? Can we find significance and satisfaction outside the Garden? The book of Ecclesiastes answers this question with a profound yes! Although many mistake the book to be contradictory and cynical, Solomon guides us with unfettered candor through all the false hopes and unrealistic expectations this world offers to the final, correct solution: accept God’s judgment, apply His revelation, and await His redemption.
Learn about the Leadership Seminar taught by Chris Hamilton.