The Next Thing: Why You're Never Satisfied | Pastor A.R. Bernard

About this sermon

Do you find yourself constantly chasing the "next thing"—the next phone, the next achievement, or the next relationship? In this powerful message, Pastor A.R. Bernard reveals why temporary things can excite us, but will never truly satisfy us. We live in a novelty-obsessed, consumer-driven society designed to keep us chronically dissatisfied. In this dynamic C3 Sunday service at the Christian Cultural Center Brooklyn Campus, Pastor A.R. Bernard addresses the universal human restlessness we all feel. Joined on stage by emerging young leaders, actor Jamie Hector, and relationship experts, Pastor Bernard explores this problem through theological and psychological lenses—including the "hedonic treadmill" and the "seven-year itch" in relationships. Drawing from the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, he exposes the truth: God has placed "eternity" (olam) into the human heart, and only the infinite can satisfy a space designed for God Himself. [Scripture References Mentioned] * **Ecclesiastes 1:8** – "The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear content with hearing." * **Ecclesiastes 3:11** – "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart..." * **Philippians 4:6** – "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication..." * **Psalm 63:1, 5** – "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You... My soul shall be satisfied..." * **Psalm 107:9** – "For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." * **Psalm 73:25-26** – "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You..." --- ### [Key Takeaways & Quotes] * *"The next thing can excite you, but it cannot satisfy you."* ── Pastor A.R. Bernard * *"The eye has a remarkable ability to turn yesterday's miracle into today's normal."* ── Pastor A.R. Bernard * *The Hedonic Treadmill:* We chase things that quench our immediate thirst but leave us spiritually dehydrated, quickly reverting back to our baseline. * *The "Olam" Void:* God put eternity in our hearts. Because we were not made for temporary things, temporary things will never be enough. --- ### [Connect & Support CCC] If this sermon impacted your life, please **Like**, **Subscribe**, and **Share** this video to help us spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 🔔 **Click the notification bell** to be notified immediately when we post new sermons and live worship experiences! 🌐 **Visit Our Website:** [www.cccinfo.org](http://www.cccinfo.org) 📱 **Follow Us on Social Media:** @ccc_brooklyn (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) *Our praise and worship team brings a powerful, dynamic live worship experience every Sunday. Streaming times are listed below—we hope to see you online or in person at our Brooklyn Campus next Sunday!* Welcome to Christian Cultural Center's Worship Experience How can we pray for you? Prayer Request: https://bit.ly/3bgzdZo Morning Prayer Line (M-F, 6am-6:30am/EST & F, 10pm-11pm) Call: (425) 436-6277 Access Code: 565636 - Ways to DONATE Online: https://bit.ly/3dNcVPX Text: Text “CCCINFO” to 77977 Phone: (833) 269-2652 Mail-in: Mail to: Christian Cultural Center - Po Box 1008 Smithtown, New York 11787 GIVE ONLINE Christian Cultural Center depends on the generosity of our members, friends and partners in ministry to maintain our beautiful campuses and facilities. Weekly, thousands receive hope, encouragement and growth in their faith. Especially important are the many lives that are shown the love and compassion of Christ through our missionary efforts at home and abroad. - Connect with CCC: CCC Brooklyn on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Gc1U9U CCC Long Island on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2KVKRwx CCC Brooklyn on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2jRLHhm CCC Long Island on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2rE1MLM CCC Brooklyn on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2KVVNde - Find Christian Cultural Center at https://bit.ly/33IirQh Find A.R. Bernard at https://bit.ly/33U6Uxz Find Jamaal Bernard at: https://bit.ly/39iEkqC

Topics

• Leadership