First Baptist Church - Troy, TX - Audio

In Esther 6, we see the visible outcome of God’s invisible providence. While Haman schemes to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people, God is quietly working every detail for their deliverance. A sleepless king, a forgotten act of loyalty, and Haman’s own pride become instruments in God’s sovereign plan. Esther reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, pride leads to destruction, and no circumstance lies outside His control. God is just, He protects His people, and even when we cannot see what He is doing, we can trust His sovereign purposes.

Esther shows us what courageous faith looks like when following God is costly. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing obedience even when we’re afraid. Her example reminds us that following God may require sacrifice, humility, careful wisdom, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. Yet Esther doesn’t step forward alone. God is already at work, providentially arranging circumstances, protecting His people, and even directing the heart of the king. Ultimately, Esther points us toward Jesus, who gave Himself to rescue us. We can step forward in faith because God is sovereign, present, and faithful to provide.

Do we still carry things Christ never meant for us to carry? Like sin, regret, bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, grief? If you are holding on to any of these things, here’s what to do. First, release the weight of yesterday. Let it go. Then, renew your mind with God’s truth and remember that our feelings aren’t always reliable but God’s word is. And finally, allow God to redeem your pain. He transforms it into ministry to others. God never wastes what we surrender to Him. So surrender everything to the Lord.

When evil rises against God’s people, God is never absent or outmatched. In Esther 3, Haman’s pride and hatred grow into a plot to destroy every Jew in the Persian Empire. Though his plan appears unstoppable, God is governing every detail. The chapter reminds us that the true battle is not merely against people but against the spiritual forces that oppose God’s plan of redemption. Believers can trust that God remains sovereign, faithful, and victorious over every scheme against His people.

Even when we cannot see Him, God is faithfully at work for His people. In Esther 2, He quietly guides events, opens doors, grants favor, and shapes circumstances to place Esther exactly where she needs to be for His greater purpose. Through Esther's humility, wisdom, and faithful character, we see that God often works through ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary plans. The chapter reminds us that while the choices of others may change the direction of our lives, they can never stop God's loving purposes. He remains faithful, working all things together for His glory and the good of those who trust Him.

This message introduces the book of Esther by highlighting its central theme: the providence of God. His sovereign hand is evident in every event, quietly guiding history to accomplish His purposes and protect His people. The sermon reviews Israel's covenant with God, their rebellion, exile in Babylon, and God's faithfulness in keeping His promises of both judgment and restoration. We meet the key characters—Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and Haman—and begin to see how God will use ordinary people and extraordinary circumstances to fulfill His perfect plan. 

This sermon from Deuteronomy 6 reminds fathers and families that the greatest investment they can make is wholehearted devotion to God and the spiritual leadership of the next generation. Moses gives six directives: make obedience to God’s Word a priority, love God with all your heart, diligently teach His truth to your children, worship Him alone, submit to His authority, and remember His faithfulness in the past. The message emphasizes that parents are the primary discipleship influence in the home and that faith is passed from one generation to the next through intentional teaching and faithful example. Ultimately, strong families are built not on worldly success, but on a growing relationship with God. 

This sermon explores the biblical qualifications for pastors, elders, and bishops in light of a recent Southern Baptist Convention amendment concerning pastoral leadership. Rather than focusing on cultural trends or public debate, the message encourages believers to ask a simple question: “What does the Bible say?” Looking primarily at 1 Timothy 2–3, the sermon explains that God has created men and women with equal value, dignity, and purpose while also assigning distinct roles within the home and the church. Women are called to learn, serve, teach, disciple, and lead in many meaningful ways, yet Scripture reserves the office of pastor/elder for qualified men. Grounding this teaching in God's design from creation, the sermon calls the church to trust God's wisdom and joyfully follow His pattern for His people.

Many drift through life wondering what their purpose is. God created you on purpose and for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). There are at least 5 reasons that you have been created. You were created to be a part of God's family – you were adopted! You were created to be part of a local church family. You were also created to become like Christ and created to serve God. One of the ways to serve God is to make Christ known to those around you. And finally, our greatest purpose in life is to glorify God.