Let's Talk About the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS | What Is Up With Ecclesiastes?

Failure has been explained as “Climbing the ladder of success only to find out that the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.” People are looking for happiness. Is there anything wrong with that? No, there is not anything misguided about the pursuit of happiness. But be careful; the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction is a dangerous path. That path is crowded with broken-down lives and shattered hopes of people who took a wrong turn. In the first eleven verses of the first chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon introduced us to the cold, hard realities of living in a fallen world. He announced that he intended to use his power and privilege to run an experiment on our behalf. He tells us that he is embarking on a search for what good can be found in this life under the sun, and what, if anything can bring happiness to our lives. Today we will witness Solomon’s personal testimony concerning his search. He will begin in earnest and proceed with dispassionate clarity and report to all who care about his surprising discoveries. References: Ecclesiastes, Philip Ryken: https://a.co/d/dRU8QXD Jordan Peterson:    • Article: Message ...      • Why Should You Go...      • Jordan Peterson's...      • Jordan Peterson: ...      • "I Had Vision And...      • This Speech Will ...      • "The World is Get...      • 6 Minutes Ago: Jo...   Ecclesiastes, Charles Bridges, Banner of Truth: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/co... Ecclesiastes, Derek Kidner: https://a.co/d/7nMdXT8 Why does life sometimes feel pointless? Why does our work feel futile and our progress turns out to be temporary? Ecclesiastes is fixed firmly upon the existence and joy of God in the life of the believer. It proves and establishes the true joy of living on this earth by dispelling all of the myths and counterfeits that allure us. This is done through philosophical experimentation and personal experience. Solomon was given the ability, access, and acumen to conduct such an experiment and to draw the proper conclusions. With this said, we will see that Solomon spares nor mercy in his examination of those philosophies and ideologies that promise us satisfaction and joy but deliver neither, nor can they. He opens his book with a scathing dissection of the foundational elements we all share and holds out for some hope of progress, meaning, and happiness and declares them all empty.