All sermon series

Sermon series

Ecclesiastes

Consider life's deepest questions through Ecclesiastes and learn to fear God, receive his gifts, and live wisely in a fleeting world.

24 sermons in this series

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Pride and Position

Bryan Schneider

December 12, 2025

Ecclesiastes 10:4-7

We like to think that we're totally free here in America. But even here, we are still under more authority than we realize at times. And sometimes those authorities are wise, sometimes they are not, and sometimes they are even angry. The Bible gives us many examples of how wise people reacted to an angry king or ruler: David and Saul, Daniel's three friends and Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah and Artaxerxes, and even Christ Himself before Pilate. Conciliation pacifies great offenses. It's not uncommon for fools to be promoted to high places, while those who are honorable are treated like dirt. And when this happens, the people suffer for it. The world has been turned upside down, and we know it shouldn't be this way. But the King of glory Himself came to earth as a man, and suffered humiliation and even death, so that the world would be flipped over again. In this world, we need to maintain a Christian posture. Don't be surprised when people look down on us, even though we are sons and daughters of the King. And we will despair if we place our confidence in finally having all the right people in government offices, or even in the church. So we must not put our hope there. The anchor of our soul is in Jesus alone, and not in any earthly authority system. Our hope must be grounded in Christ. Rulers will mess things up under the sun. But in heaven, King Jesus still reigns perfectly, and we can look forward to the day when He will return and make all things right.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

On Wisdom and Folly

Bryan Schneider

December 5, 2025

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

Folly makes things foul. It destroys the reputation of those who are in high esteem, but then engage in foolish acts. Folly is connected with sinful ways of thinking that influence our lives. There is only one Man Whose life was never stained with sin or folly: Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of purity and wisdom. As we increase in wisdom, we increase in the ability to live life skillfully for God's Kingdom. We can only become truly wise by seeking the Lord in His Word and knowing Him. As we do so, our affections are stirred up and we long to have our clumsy, foolish lives changed and made holy. Fools manifest their folly by calling everything foolish that's outside of "their own ways." Refusing to follow practical advice when it doesn't contradict Scripture is folly itself. This pride will also keep us from the wisdom of God in Christ. We can live our lives with Christ-filled skill; but it starts with God humbling our heart, leading us to Jesus, and causing us to abide in Him and bring forth much fruit for His glory.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Wisdom is Not Respected

Bryan Schneider

November 28, 2025

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

A quiet wise man can save a city, but a loud fool can ruin it. What are you listening to and being discipled by in life: the still small voice of God's Word, or the bombastic clamor of the world? The hero in Solomon's story is not who we would expect it to be: a poor wise man without rank or riches. Similarly, our salvation comes from an unlikely source. Jesus was the wise Man Who was poor and despised in this world, but He delivered us from the strong man of sin and death. Sadly, however, just like with Jesus, the unfortunate reality is that the world doesn't always honor those who who save and care for them. They prefer to give attention and preference to those who are loud and noisy, even if their words are worthless. Let's honor those who are Biblically wise, not those in the spotlight who tell us what we want to hear through a microphone. Many families, friendships, churches, and businesses are destroyed because of one loud fool. Who is guiding your soul and your life? The Good Shepherd, or the noisy commentators of the world? Tune your ears to the quiet voice of God's Word. And if the world thinks you're a fool, so be it, and give God the glory. They esteemed Christ as a fool too.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day

Bryan Schneider

November 21, 2025

Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Seize the day that God has given you, and use it for the glory of His Kingdom! Death is certain to come to us all; but in the meantime, life is a gift from the Lord. He has given us good gifts, and He wants us to take them with an open hand. We can live joyfully with our spouse, and we can enjoy the work that God has given us to do. And even when disastrous things happen to us, we know that these things are not accidents. Our life is in the Lord's hands, and we can trust Him. Seize the day for Jesus Christ, and live with the full knowledge and assurance that you can trust Him with your life.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Politics, Justice, and Frustration

Bryan Schneider

October 24, 2025

Ecclesiastes 8

Solomon presents us with heavy thoughts here, but the rest of the Scriptures provide us with the joy, peace, and hope that the Lord offers and Solomon wanted to know. We are called to obey lawful authorities over us; and even though there are times when tyrants rule unjustly, we don't ever have to worry about the King of kings ruling unrighteously. This world is unjust and corrupt, but there is a day of justice to come -- it's not the end of the story, and we do have a Righteous Judge. Our King will return and give each one his due, but we don't need to fear this final judgment if we are in Christ. There are things in life that we can't control. We can either spend all our time in anxiety over them, or we can enjoy the good blessings in life that the Lord has given us. We do not have to be shackled by anxiety and lack of control over things we can't change. We can rest in the assurance that our Redeemer lives, and that all injustice will be set right one day. Rest in Christ and His love!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Men are Schemers

Bryan Schneider

October 17, 2025

Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1

It's a blessing for us to learn from Solomon's wisdom, which he unfortunately found out by sad experience. There is no one who is righteous; no matter how hard we try to live righteously, we will still sin and should not be surprised by it. We must also be aware of the traps and snares that are set for us, and stay away from them. The ultimate unfortunate reality is that we were created upright, but we continually scheme and carry out the works of sin. So what do we do? Our only hope is to fear the Lord and trust in Jesus Christ. That is the most wise thing we can do. It is in Christ alone that we find true righteousness, wisdom, and freedom from the schemes and traps of sin.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

We Don’t know It All

Bryan Schneider

October 10, 2025

Ecclesiastes 7:7-14

This section of Ecclesiastes almost reads like a portion from Proverbs. Extortion, oppression, and bribes destroy men's hearts and reason, but abiding in Christ causes us to grow in self-control and the fruit of the Spirit. We need to have a long view of things and not get discouraged when they take a long time. We all want to bring back the "good old days," but there were no perfect days in the past. If we live in the past, we will miss the opportunity to love and invest in the people around us today. The only thing that can redeem society is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wisdom can be a defense for us, but the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Also, we can make plans for our lives, but we don't have to be anxious to control the outcome. What are you loving and living for? Have you found wisdom? Go to Christ and find wisdom and rest for your sould. Have rest, enjoy the seasons of life as they come, and find peace in Jesus Christ!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Living Life in the Light of Death

Bryan Schneider

September 19, 2025

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

Your life matters, and what you do with your life matters, and what you do with your soul matters. We must live our life in the light of our death. This does not mean that we are called to live a life of stoicism or depression, without enjoying God's good gifts. But it doesn't mean that life is meant to simply fulfill our earthly pleasures and desires, either. Christ transforms the reality of our death into life. Not even death can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus! Let's live for His glory, and seize the day to love others and love Him -- living in the good name of those who are His children, with eternity always in view.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

What Are You Satisfied With?

Various Speakers

September 12, 2025

Ecclesiastes 6

We all want to enjoy good things, and we want to be satisfied with them. But we also know the feeling of disappointment, too. To make our problem worse, our standard for defining goodness is flawed as well. Our hearts are never filled, and we can never satisfy their deepest longings; we are continually plagued with never-ending desires. Life without this satisfying goodness is an evil affliction. Jesus was the perfect embodiment of goodness, and the Holy Spirit is the One Who helps us to see Jesus for Who He really is. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. He is the solution for the dissatisfaction of this earth. Wake up to the dissatisfaction of this life by finding your true satisfaction in the goodness of God!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

What Does Success Look Like?

Bryan Schneider

August 29, 2025

Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

What does success look like to you? If it's about "having all the stuff" and life being picture-perfect, you're chasing the wrong picture of success that will give you joy. Politics and money are unstable and unsatisfying; and if we seek for peace of mind in those things, we will always be disappointed. But God is higher than even the highest government official, and our lives are not measured by the abundance of our possessions. Riches can perish through misfortune, and you can't take any of it with you anyways; so why should we spend our time chasing after these things of the world? Success is not about having more; it's about enjoying the simple blessings and good things that God gives us in this life! Our treasure is secure in heaven; what more can we need? Christ became poor for our sakes, so that we might be rich in thankfulness, contentment, and joy. Dwelling with Him in heaven, where there is no oppression, and where He has made all things new – that is success!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Don't Vow Hastily

Bryan Schneider

August 22, 2025

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

If we are going to make vows and promises before the Lord, He does not let us take them lightly. We are to approach the Lord in a spirit of worship and reverence, as Jesus taught His disciples to do – not using Him as a bargaining chip. How do you view God? What is your attitude when you worship? Do you see God as a tool to help you achieve your own ends? Or do you love Him as the all-glorious One Who is worthy of all praise, honor, and reverence?

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Glory Fades

Bryan Schneider

August 15, 2025

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

Mankind naturally desires fame and the glory that comes with it. We want our life to mean something and be significant. Yet no human glory lasts forever. It all fades away. Wisdom can potentially raise up those who are lowly and despised; but in the end, we are eventually going to be forgotten, as the fickle heart of man moves on to the "next popular thing." But Jesus is the wise King whose fame endures forever! He gets all the glory forever, everywhere. He was despised and without reputation and died in humilation, yet He won the greatest victory the world has ever seen, and He is now exalted to the right hand of the Father. We get the blessing of serving and working for a glory that never fades! In every daily act of life that we do for Christ, there is eternal significance and glory laid up in heaven for eternity. Why are you doing what you're doing with your life? Is it from a spirit of pride, so that you get glory for yourself; or is it from a spirit of love, so that Jesus gets the glory?

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Don’t Do Life Alone

Bryan Schneider

August 8, 2025

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

20% of Americans – and 1 in 3 young people – feel lonely everyday. Part of what makes us human is our need for relationships. That is why companionship is such a blessing. God designed us to be in fellowhip and community with one another, showing our love for our spouse, our family, and the Body of Christ in a pratical way. Do we live with the goal of amassing wealth and living in isolation at the top of "the ladder"? Or do we live like Christ, in such a way that other people may flourish and be blessed and have a better life? Even Jesus surrounded Himself with 12 close companions. And He poured out His love and died for us so that we can love others. We weren't designed to live life alone, and Jesus actually commanded and exemplified quite the opposite.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

The Rat Race

Bryan Schneider

August 1, 2025

Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

Relentless toil and the pursuit of wealth that is driven by envy and selfish jealousy ultimately leads to a meaningless existence. We are called to work hard for God's glory – but life is more than work. Our value is not based on our work or the stuff that we seek to build up and accumulate; our value is because God loved us, regardless of anything else. He loved us enough to give us Christ Jesus, appoint us as heirs of righteousness, and give us a spirit of contentment. We can rest in the Lord, knowing that we are treasured by Him, and so we don't need to serve money or be filled with selfish ambition for our own little kingdom. We can rest in Christ!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

Life is Harsh

Bryan Schneider

July 25, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3

In this Book, "the Preacher" is wrestling with the hard things in life. One of those hard things is the injustice, oppression, and abuse that are so often seen in this world. But it won't always be this way! God is the ultimate Judge, and He will judge the world in righteousness and truth. This should fill us with comfort and hope. Even though tyrants abuse their power today, there is a day coming when God will make all things just and right. He is the Redeemer of the oppressed and the Just Judge of all the world. And even though we ourselves have sinned and broken God's Law, His justice for our sins was poured out on Jesus; and in Him, we may find mercy and enjoy everlasting life with Him when we die!

Audio
Ecclesiastes

What is the Meaning of Life?

Bryan Schneider

July 11, 2025

Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26

Too often in life, we strive to find something in this world to fill our hearts with the joy and peace that can only be found in Christ alone. Solomon knew well what our human life is like. He frustrated himself with working endlessly for things that fall apart. He chased after academic pursuits and found no satisfaction in them, either. Nor did he hold back from building an empire and indulging in pleasure. Simply "upgrading" our lives will not bring satisfaction. And everything in our lives will be left behind us when we die, and we'll have zero control over them. Only Christ can ever satisfy our souls! We can thank Him and find simple joy in the good gifts He's given us. Stop striving, and receive joy from His hands! Seek after His Kingdom, not a vain empire of your own.

Audio
Ecclesiastes

What is the Point of Life?

Bryan Schneider

July 4, 2025

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

After experiencing all the riches and pleasures of this world, King Solomon in his old age decided that everything in this world is vanity, just as we so often find today. Our cars break down, our houses need repaired, and people fail us. What is the point of your life? The world will always try to make you find joy and ultimate purpose and comfort in something other than Christ. But He alone is the substance of our hope. Our satisfaction is only fulfilled in Him, for He has given us purpose both in this life and the life to come!