CrossPoint Fellowship Messages

We are called to be citizens of Heaven, to transcend our Earthly citizenship.  What does that mean for us today, especially with how politically charged our nation has become?  How do we live in a way that puts our Heavenly citizenship above our status as Americans?

Chapter 9 and 10 show the natural response to the Goodness of God - celebration. We must celebrate the goodness of God and praise him for all he has done.

• You need not worry about what the enemy has planned for you. Just have faith that the reverse is going to occur. 
• God influences others through your trials and impending victories.
• Motivation matters. Success is rooted in the Why. 
• It’s important to remember all that has been accomplished on our behalf.
• If God doesn’t get praise for the good things in your life, then he doesn’t deserve your anger either. 

Esther continues to lay herself at the king’s feet, this time for the rescue of the Jews. In Chapter 8 we see that God not only hears his people, and spares his people, but blesses his people.

• This is God at work to bring about the redemption of his people. 
• that God’s redemption isn’t simply about removing bad but replacing it with better.
• In this moment, we see that faith builds.
• Occasionally, we must participate in our own deliverance.
• The proper response to witnessing the work of God is to rejoice.

Haman’s evil deeds are brought to light. God’s people will not be wiped out by the evil plans of others. Haman brought his destruction on himself, and again we see God’s work from the beginning.

• Esther shows us the way in which we should approach the Lord - with humility and hope.
• God sees, he hears, and he moves.
• A lack of appreciation for our blessings leads to our destruction. 
• Someone out there is praying for the family you take for granted. The home you wish was bigger. The job that pays your bills. We cannot let our sinful nature outweigh our blessings.
• What the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.

Mordecai saved the king and Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. This chapter shows us the difference between those that seek to bring glory to themselves versus those who seek to serve the greater good. 

• The invisible providence of God is at work when the rest of the world is sleeping.
• I don’t believe in coincidence, luck, or happy accidents. I do subscribe to a powerful God of purpose.
• Hello Big Head, welcome hot coals.

Esther risks her life to save others. But throughout the entirety of this book, we see God preparing her for this moment. And so it shouldn’t be any surprise that it works in her favor.

• This moment shows both the continued providence of God as well as the power of prayer and fasting. 
• While we may be fearful of approaching earthly kings, we never have to be afraid of approaching God. 
• While earthly kings often withhold good fortune in favor of self-preservation and glorification, we serve a God who delights in answering prayers.
• What man so often plans to show his own might, God uses instead to glorify himself. 
• Men can scheme and plan and prepare all day long, but the Lord has the final say in all.

Mordecai becomes the villain but, because of God’s providence, he has an opportunity to rescue his people. He just Needs Esther to speak to the king, which could cost her her life.

• It’s okay to grieve for what’s been lost, even if it was given away for the right reasons. 
• Grief without a plan leads to aimless wandering instead of purposeful progression.
• Sometimes fear gets in the way of you taking necessary risks. 
• It’s important to surround yourself with people who will tell you hard truths. 
• Hard truths without unwavering support are cruelties.

They say if you live long enough, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Mordecai manages to experience both happenings in very quick succession. This passage shows us that you can do the right thing and have very different outcomes for your actions.

• Time reveals that God has Mordecai in this position as part of his larger providence for the remnant.
• It is naive to think that standing firm in our faith won’t at some point cost us.
• Haman’s inability to be satisfied is ultimately his downfall.

Esther, in a series of fortunate events, finds herself in the favor of Hegai, leader of the harem. She shows through these events her God-given ability to listen to wisdom which leads to her being chosen as the new queen, ultimately saving her people.

• When our tempers control us, regret can’t take away the damage we cause.
• Good men raise good children.
• Blessing comes from inner beauty.
• Real wisdom and our ability to listen to the experience of others are related.
• Stop telling God that He can’t use you because of your past decisions and stop letting others tell you the same.

The king is a jerk and Vashti wasn’t willing to play his game. While she is punished, the Bible doesn’t speak against her actions. Still, this moment is used by God to rescue his people.

• Riches, wealth, and status don’t make a man.
• God’s purpose was being fulfilled through earthly failure. 
• Sometimes justified actions are met with unjust consequences. 
• Godly male authority in the home is based on servant leadership, not brash decrees.