Ecclesiastes has much to say to any thinking person who seriously questions the meaning and purpose of life in a universe that has little or no place for the God who created it. The writer leaves no stone unturned as he pursues his quest. Philosophy, power, politics, pleasure, and education are all carefully explored. Here is a man who appears to have everything, yet discovers that he has nothing. Ecclesiastes is a book for modern man to read and digest. It resonates with the sense of despair felt by many trapped in a materialistic world where time is rapidly running out, yet it continually offers glimpses of hope before unveiling the true meaning of life that can only be found in a living relationship with God.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Jim Winter has been an evangelical pastor in England for over 20 years and has preached and lectured in the UK, USA and South East Asia. After a long period of ministry in London's inner city, he now lives and ministers in the south of England. He and his wife have 2 sons.