Scripture Reference: Esther 8:1-17

Sermon in a Sentence

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest news ever proclaimed because it is the only remedy by which condemned sinners may have their death sentence reversed.

Sermon Outline

A law that prescribed death was put in place that could not be reversed.

Without changing the law, a remedy was provided that reversed the fortunes of the condemned.

Because of the remedy, sorrow and mourning are turned into joy and gladness.

The post The Remedy that Reverses the Irreversible first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  John 20:24-31

Sermon in a Sentence

All of your hope for this life and your hope for the life to come rests upon your belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead to be your Lord and your Savior.

Sermon Outline

There are many who doubt the apostolic witness to Jesus’ resurrection.

An encounter with the resurrected Lord turns doubt into an astounding confession of faith.

We encounter the resurrected Christ through the apostolic witness of the Scriptures.

The post Moving from Doubt to Faith first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference: Esther 7:1-10

Sermon in a Sentence

In our sin, we construct our own gallows upon which we will die unless we fall before God, the Righteous Judge, and appeal to His grace that comes only through Christ.

Sermon Outline

Esther spills the beans.

The king is caught on the horns of a dilemma.

Haman is hanged on his own gallows.

Implication #1:   You will ultimately reap what you sow

Implication #2:   God, the Righteous Judge, has provided a remedy for sin.

Implication #3:   You must bow before Christ and trust in God’s only means of salvation.The post Hanged on His Own Gallows first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 6:1-14

Sermon in a Sentence

In His sovereign providence and perfect timing, God acts on behalf of His people to reverse their fortunes by bringing about their salvation.

Sermon Outline

1. Believers should be encouraged to know that when things are bad and headed for worse, the invisible hand of God is often at work through seemingly insignificant events to reverse our fortunes and bring about our deliverance.

2. Unbelievers should be warned that though circumstances may appear great, living self-centered lives will ultimately bring about a reversal of fortune that will lead to their downfall.The post Reversal of Fortunes and God’s Providence first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 5

Sermon in a Sentence

Believers must guard themselves against the fear of death and the devastation of pride by humbly approaching the throne of God with confidence in the finished work of Christ.

Sermon Outline

Unlike Esther, Christians have no reason to fear death.

Unlike Esther, Christians are invited to approach the throne of God boldly.

Unlike Haman, Christians must not succumb to a prideful heart.

The post The Contrasts of the Christian’s Life first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 4:1-17

Sermon in a Sentence

Faced with decisions that define our future and determine the destiny of others, you and I must identify with Christ and follow His example.

Sermon Outline

The crucible of life in this fallen world will inevitably bring about moments of decision that will force you to choose with whom you will identify.

In His providence, God has placed you where you are in order to confront you with decisions that He will use to accomplish His purposes in your life.

The critical decisions you face will likely define your future and determine the destiny of others.

The post Part 2: Decisions that Determine Destinies first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 4:1-17

Sermon in a Sentence

When crises come, our first response, our identity and our hope should always be characterized by a robust faith in God.

Sermon Outline

To whom do you turn when life’s crises approach?

Do you feel a connection with God and with His people, or do you find yourself isolated and living in your own world?

 In times of crises, does your hope rest upon what the Lord has done and upon what He promises to do in the future?

The post Part 1: God-Shaped Holes first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 2:19-3:22

Sermon in a Sentence

Our hope does not rest in the ease of today’s or tomorrow’s earthly circumstances, but in the perfect, sovereign and certain rule of God.

Sermon Outline

Even though we may not appreciate or understand it, God’s timing is always perfect.

Even though godless people may rise to power and rule wickedly, God’s authority is always sovereign.

Even though the threat of death and defeat appears imminent, God’s promises are always certain.

The post God’s Rule, Our Hope first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

Scripture Reference:  Esther 2:1-18

Sermon in a Sentence

The light of God’s providence shines brightest against the dark and messy backdrop of our pain, helplessness and sin.

Sermon Outline

God causes even the painful and evil circumstances forced upon us by wicked and sinful people to accomplish His own purposes.

God overcomes even our own sin and unfaithfulness by remaining faithful to His promises and His plan of redemption.

The post God’s Providence, Our Mess first appeared on Ivy Creek Baptist Church.