Messages

A message from the series “Sermons.” As an Agagite, of the Amalekites, Haman is part of a line that has a seething, centuries-old hatred for the people of Israel. Mordecai’s disrespect and insubordination is all the excuse he needed to push him to commit genocide. So he devises a plan to manipulate the king into ordering the execution of all the Jews in the Persian empire. However, even Haman’s seething anger is directed by God’s hand of providence to lead His people to seek Him again with prayer and fasting.

A message from the series “Sermons.” Pastoral Intern Jacob Thomas gives an overview of the book of Ruth and shows us how chapter 1 teaches us to view God’s providence in light of His character.

A message from the series “Sermons.” Why is it that the wicked seem to flourish and advance while the righteous are ignored or left to suffering? This question is asked often by the biblical writers. What we see through through Mordecai in this part of of the book of Esther today is that sometimes, doing the right things may lead us into circumstances that feel wrong, but we can trust that Christ is with us, and He is working all things together for His glory and our good.

A message from the series “Sermons.” What we see here in chapter two of Esther is not an exciting episode of “Persia’s Got Talent.” There is no romance here. As Esther is taken to the harem of the king, there is a lot of moral ambiguity and a lot of spiritual compromise. Our heroes seem more characterized by fear and worldliness as they are forced to deal with a governmental system that practices abduction and sexual enslavement. And yet, through them, we see that God’s purpose is not thwarted by our sins and failings.

A message from the series “Sermons.” In this sermon from Joshua 1:10-18, Pastor Jon English explains the source and characteristics of the spiritual virtue of courage.

A message from the series “Sermons.” As we explore the first chapter of the book of Esther this morning, what we are meant to see is that for all the opulence and extravagance displayed by King Ahasuerus and the Court of the Persian Empire, in reality, they had nothing of eternal value. Even their power was a sad illusion. They are prime examples of the foolishness of earthly kingdoms which make us long for the true wisdom, power, and rule of Christ, our heavenly king.

A message from the series “Sermons.” Esther is a book with absolutely no mention of God, no mention the promised land of Israel, no reference at all to the laws of God, and not a single word about worship or the sacrificial system. But there is a central question that the book of Esther answers: Would God still honor His covenant and be with His people who remained in a foreign land with no temple, no priesthood, and no prophet? The answer is Yes! In this introduction to the book of Esther, we explore the context and prominent themes to prepare ourselves for the exposition of this book.

A message from the series “Sermons.” In this sermon, Pastor Jordan shows what it means to abide and the joys of abiding.

A message from the series “Sermons.” In this sermon from Joshua 1:1-9, Pastor Jon English explains reasons why we’re tempted to fear, and how God’s presence and promise are the cure.