Kevin Franklin

The Freedom of Letting GoRemember the first time you tried a Chinese finger trap? The harder you pulled, the tighter it held. But when you relaxed, you were set free. That simple toy tells a profound truth about life — the more we grasp for control, power, or status, the more those very things control […]

Paul writes from prison in Philippians 1:12-13, yet he doesn’t complain. Instead, he rejoices that the gospel is advancing because of his imprisonment. Like many historic attempts by powers to stop or contain various things, attempts to suppress the gospel often accelerate its spread. History and Scripture remind us that God’s purposes cannot be stopped. 

1. Truth That Hurts Can HealEcclesiastes 12:11 describes wisdom as like “cattle prods” and “firmly embedded nails.” These aren’t soft images—they’re intentional tools meant to correct, guide, and anchor us. The truth of God’s Word isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always good. Just as a shepherd’s rod protects by keeping sheep from danger, the Word

1. Remember Your CreatorSolomon’s closing words in Ecclesiastes issue a clear—and urgent—challenge: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come.” Youth and vitality are fleeting, and when the season of strength and clarity fades, regret often follows. The metaphors of aging—trembling arms, dimmed eyes, broken vessels—aren’t meant to depress

1. Embrace Uncertainty with GenerosityLife is full of uncertainty—storms come unexpectedly, trees fall where they will, and we cannot predict the future. But Ecclesiastes 11 calls us not to shrink back in fear or confusion. Instead, we’re urged to “send” and “give,” to live open-handedly and generously, even when we don’t know what’s coming. The

ECCLESIASTES 10 This Sunday’s sermon opened with a surprising image: a million-dollar bottle of perfume—lavish, beautiful, and memorable. But as Ecclesiastes 10:1 warns, even the most exquisite fragrance can be ruined by a single fly. In the same way, a little foolishness can unravel much hard-earned wisdom. The message is clear: wisdom is fragile. As

  In yesterday’s sermon, we explored how pain often pushes us to escape, and how the “escape” routes we choose—whether productivity, entertainment, or nostalgia—can end up trapping us instead of freeing us. Where do you turn when life hurts?  Are your escapes actually giving you rest—or draining you further? “Better what the eyes see than