Convergence Church Podcast

Why is it that "under the sun," the race is not always to the swift, the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise?In this message on Ecclesiastes 9:11–18, Michael Rowntree explores the uncomfortable reality that life does not always reward merit. "Time and chance" disrupt our expectations of fairness, and wisdom often goes unnoticed.Michael unpacks the parable of the poor wise man who delivered a city yet was immediately forgotten, illustrating a hard truth: Wisdom is valuable, but it is also vulnerable. In a fallen world, wisdom builds, but "one sinner destroys much good."Yet, the call is to value wisdom not for the applause or success it brings, but for the objective good and beauty it brings into God’s world. Discover why "wisdom is better than weapons of war," even when it goes unrewarded.

Have you ever chased after success, pleasure, or hard work—only to feel empty in the end?In this powerful message on Ecclesiastes 8:16–9:10, Michael Rowntree tackles one of life's most uncomfortable truths: the uncertainty of God’s plan and the certainty of death.Solomon wrestled with the limits of human knowledge, admitting that no one "can find out the work that is done under the sun." The same final event awaits the righteous and the wicked, leading to the unsettling question: What's the point?Michael shows that this uncertainty is not a reason to despair, but rather the motivation for the book's "loudest imperative": "Go!" True joy is found in receiving life, work, and every good gift as blessings from the hand of God today.The shadow of death is not meant to paralyze but to prioritize. Learn why the certainty of Sheol compels us to seize life urgently, find joy in God's approved gifts, and do "whatever your hand finds to do... with your might."

Have you ever wished you could experience God’s love in a deeper, more tangible way? In this message on Ephesians 3:14–21, Sam Storms explores Paul’s breathtaking prayer that believers would be strengthened with power, rooted in love, and filled with all the fullness of God. Discover how the Holy Spirit expands your inner life, how Christ dwells more richly in your heart, and how God’s love surpasses knowledge—overflowing into a life shaped by His immeasurable glory.

Why does God let injustice go on so long? In this message on Ecclesiastes 8:1–15, Michael Rowntree explores the tension between wisdom and mystery—how we trust God when life doesn’t make sense. Solomon reminds us that even when evil seems to prosper, God’s justice is certain, His timing is perfect, and joy is still possible for those who fear Him and walk in humble faith.

Why do we swing between striving for control and running from failure? In Overcoming Shame: The Perfectionist, the Prodigal, and the Receptive Child, Michael Rowntree explores Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 to reveal how both self-righteousness and self-indulgence are forms of pride. True freedom, Solomon teaches, comes not from mastering life but from fearing God—trusting Him when logic fails, humbling ourselves when pride rises, and receiving His grace as children instead of schemers.

How can we find joy when life feels heavy? In Joy in the House of Mourning, Michael Rowntree unpacks Ecclesiastes 7:1–14, where Solomon turns conventional wisdom upside down—showing that sorrow, loss, and hardship can shape us more deeply than pleasure ever could. Discover how godly grief produces wisdom, humility, and lasting joy that only comes from trusting God in the middle of pain.

Is Jesus really enough? In this message, The Unsearchable, Unfathomable, Unparalleled, Incomparable Excellencies of Christ, Sam Storms dives into Ephesians 3:1–13 to reveal the boundless riches of Jesus—riches that no mind can fully grasp or heart can ever exhaust. Discover why every longing of the human soul finds its answer in Him alone, the Lion and the Lamb, whose beauty, power, and mercy surpass all comparison.

Why do some people have everything--and still feel empty? In this message on Ecclesiastes 6:1-12, Michael Rowntree exposes the tragedy of blessing without joy. Solomon shows that apart from God, even wealth, wisdom, and long life leave the soul unsatisfied. Discover how true contentment comes not from having more but from knowing the Giver-and how humility and gratitude break the curse of restless striving "under the sun."

Can the gospel truly unite people divided by race, religion, and culture? In The Church: The One New Man in Jesus Christ, Sam Storms unpacks Ephesians 2:11–22, showing how Christ broke down the walls between Jew and Gentile to form one new humanity—the Church. Discover how the cross not only reconciles us to God but also to one another, creating a diverse yet unified temple where God’s Spirit dwells.

Why do wealth and power so often lead to emptiness instead of peace? In this message on Ecclesiastes 5:8–20, Michael Rowntree examines Solomon’s wisdom on money, work, and worship. Discover why greed leads to restlessness, why joy is found not in grasping but in receiving, and how true contentment comes when we see every good thing as a gift from God’s hand.