There's an aspect of the book of Esther that's important to catch, but it's hard because of the narrative technique used. It's not immediately obvious to us, but it's meant to make you laugh—in a "gallows humor" sort of way.

Esther 1:1-22

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The church in America has utterly failed God's people. It has not taught on sin and on the darkness of the human heart because we've wanted a feel-good message. The result of that is that we always say that the problem is outside of us. But Jesus says the problem is within.

Jude 1:17-25

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There is no doubt that we need to do what Jude is calling us to do: contend for the faith. In the church in America today, false teaching is prevalent. God's word is so relevant for our lives today.

Jude 1:1-16

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Everyone has a need for encouragement. And while this passage shows us the path to encouragement, it also has some sobering predictions in it. But we can come away from this message with fresh, spiritual courage to live the life we're meant to live for Jesus.

John 16:29-33

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It's not about happiness or a big house or successful children—all that will be dust in the end. Happiness is temporary. It's about joy which is lasting and unrelated to what is happening around you. Joy is ultimately related to who Jesus is.

John 16:17-28

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We will never achieve much nor make life work until we master our fears. The only way to do that is to fear and reverence our Master. The Lord is good and loving, and his perfect love casts out all fear.

Proverbs 1:1-7

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When we hold on to life how it is, we may be missing out on something better. You may be in the situation where you think you have everything you could possibly want, so why do you need to follow Jesus with any kind of real commitment? There is so much more on offer, and Jesus speaks to it here.

John 16:5-16

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These days people have to be very careful what they say at work about the Bible. There are different kinds of persecution, and while you're not likely to be killed in America or England for being a Christian, there is opposition to Christian claims to truth and to Christian morality.

John 15:18 - 16:4

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This isn't about the person who has never been to church. This is about people who look like they're connected to the vine, but aren't. It's quite possible to grow up in the church and do all the "right" things, but not actually bear any fruit. It all comes down to regeneration by the Spirit.

John 15:1-17

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It may be that you're here because you feel your life isn't having the impact that you wish it would. You don't feel that you're fulfilling what you were made to do. In biblical terms, you're not bearing fruit—so how do we do that?

John 15:1-17

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