Sermon series: A Preserved People

Despite the fact that Haman has met his doom, danger was still lurking for the Jews. Haman's edict of death was still hanging over their heads. In order for God's people to attain safety, a complete reversal was still required. This involved the Jews resisting their enemies, as given in a new edict, before they're able to rejoice and celebrate.

Preacher: Joel Sim

Date: 5 December 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

In our study of Esther 7, we shall have a glimpse of the amazing mystery of how Man’s free will can be reconciled with God’s sovereignty. Although God may not be seen or heard in this chapter or for that matter, the entire book of Esther, all things work together towards achieving God’s ultimate purpose for the world. That is, salvation and preservation of His people through Jesus Christ; and death and destruction of evil and sinners as the full force of God’s wrath and justice is meted out.

Preacher: Joseph Tern

Date: 28 November 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

In Esther 6, God's providence is shown in dramatic fashion as Haman, who wants Mordecai to be killed, instead is commanded to honour Mordecai with the very honours he sought for himself.

Preacher: Aaron Akins

Date: 21 November 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

In Esther chapter 5, the plans and behaviour of Queen Esther is contrasted to the plans and behaviour of Haman. What does this comparison tell us about ourselves and Jesus Christ?

Preacher: Wong Yann

Date: 14 November 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

One of the primary ways we become a faithful and prophetic presence in society is through our vocation, that is God's calling on our lives. Esther had "come to the kingdom for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). But, to discover that, she had to first identify with the distress of her people, wrestle with the dilemma of what to do, but finally decide to obey God. We have a true and better Esther who identified with our distress, wrestled through the dilemma of "let this cup pass from me", but ultimately decided to say "not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). Only through him can we answer the King's call on our lives.

Preacher: Tan Huai Tze

Date: 7 November 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

Mordecai's service in the courts of King Ahasuerus gives us a case study for what it might look like for God's people to engage the culture they are in. He shows us that we need a posture of service, the courage to stand, the willingness to suffer and the knowledge that we are secure to engage well. Ultimately, only the Jesus who served us, stood for us and suffered for us can give us the security we need to engage faithfully and prophetically in the world.

Preacher: Tan Huai Tze

Date: 31 October 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

The introduction of the protagonists, Mordecai and Esther, helps us to see that the Jews were in a place of exile. They were people that were characterised by weakness under the regime of king Ahasuerus. Yet, there is hope that comes in the form of Esther's ascendancy to the queen's seat. Her position of glory is the means through which God delivers and preserves His people.

Preacher: Joel Sim

Date: 24 October 2021

Sermon series: A Preserved People

The Jewish people were a small minority at the hands of the powerful and cruel King Ahasuerus. Though he is formidable, we see that his power is contestable and subsumable into the power of a greater, better or more noble power: God is orchestrating history to preserve his people and bring his true king, Jesus Christ into the world.

Preacher: Tan Huai Tze

Date: 17 October 2021

Sermon series: Gospel Renewal

Gospel renewal is a sovereign work of God’s Spirit on the heart. However, God works through the means of our praying, applying and rejoicing in the Gospel.

Preacher: Tan Huai Tze

Date: 10 October 2021

Sermon series: Gospel Renewal

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus helps us to see the essence of Gospel renewal by contrasting the prayers of both individuals. In the Pharisee's prayer, we see the way of religion that is ultimately self-centered. In the tax collector's prayer, we see the way of the Gospel that reveals our need for Gospel grace from the beginning to the end of the Christian life.

Preacher: Joel Sim

Date: 3 October 2021