Johnson Ferry Sermons

God has invited us to sit at his table. This is an evangelistic message that gets at the heart of the gospel. We are both invited, particularly as Gentiles, to sit at this table as well as we are instructed, like the servant, to invite others.

To unbelievers: Have I accepted God’s invitation for salvation, given through Jesus Christ?

To believers: Am I actively inviting those far from God to have a seat at His banquet?

This parable asks us to eternal account for leveraging our income/gifts/talents for God’s Kingdom. We can all join together using our gifts to make a real difference in the world.

We are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:11-13). This means we all have a role to play in both being equipping and in equipping others.

These two short parables talk about the unstoppable Kingdom of heaven. The Church has proven to be an unstoppable force. The life and death of Christ did not catch the world’s attention any more than a mustard seed would lying on the ground by the road. But this was a work of God. What seemed inconsequential at first grew into a movement of worldwide influence, and no one could stop it (see Acts 5:38–39).

The parable of the persistent neighbor. This text reminds us that our heavenly father loves to meet the needs of his children. We are to seek him and allow him to direct us. Though we used the word “inspire” all the time, its etymology speaks of being “led” by divine direction. A prayerful life is a spirit-led life. Are we praying for revival, awakening and for God to move?

Start here with a personal decision. And personal prayer. Am I seeking God to move in my life? Am I motivated to serve Him in the way He wants me to serve Him? Is Jesus First for me?

Mordecai (and Esther) are remembered. Their legacy endures and points us to a better Savior, Jesus.

God’s people are victorious; the Jews united and their enemies are destroyed. The Feast of Purim is Inaugurated.

Esther helps to save God’s people; a new edict is published; Mordecai is honored and the Jews rejoice.

Esther makes her appeal to the King; Haman is killed.

Esther devises a plan to tell the king; Haman shows his arrogance; a reversal happens and Mordecai is honored.