Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on Ecclesiastes entitled, "The Book of Smoke," looking this week at chapter 2:1-26. SERMON QUESTIONS 1. According to Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, what has this Solomon character accomplished in his life? What was his motivation? Why did it all end up seeming pointless?

2. In Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 this highly accomplished, yet disillusioned character, turns his attention to the pursuit of wisdom. What conclusions does that lead him to?

3. In Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 he begins to ponder what comes next after he dies. What does he find distressing and why?

4. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 finally brings some resolution. In what does he finally find some peace?

This Sunday, Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on Ecclesiastes entitled, "The Book of Smoke," looking this week at chapter 1:12-18. SERMON QUESTIONS 1. Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. How would you describe the “Preacher”?

2. God rarely makes an appearance in Ecclesiastes, but he does show up briefly in verse 13. Compare this to Genesis 3:17-19. What connections do you see between these two passages? Do you think those connections are intentional or coincidental?

3. Have you ever devoted a lot of time to a project that, in the end, appeared to be completely pointless? What was the project? How did you deal with the aftermath once you realized it had all been for nothing?

4. Read John 1:1-4. What difference does Jesus make to the business of life compared to the frustrating picture we find in Ecclesiastes 1:12-18? Are there specific ways you have found that to be true in your own life journey?

This Sunday, Pastor Tim Richards begins his new series on Ecclesiastes entitled, "The Book of Smoke."

SERMON QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes? If so, what did you like? What did you not like? What did you find confusing?

2. Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. In verse 8 the Preacher says, “All things are full of weariness…” What does he mean by that?

3. Have there been or are there places in your own life where you have had that treadmill kind of feeling?

4. What difference does being a follower of Jesus bring to life?