Esther is often remembered for her courageous entrance into the Persian throne room as she hazarded death to save her people form genocide. But that is not the most remarkable (in my opinion) moment in the book. In Esther 7, Esther finally and boldly confronts Haman–the master manipulator who bears the king’s authority–and her erratic, egotistical husband-king who signed her death warrant and that of her people. In this chapter, we study the critical second banquet and learn about the importance of courage tempered by wisdom; patience and trust; and how God often uses dramatic reversals to judge evil and protect His people.

Series overview: Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen.

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The right of parents to direct the education, health care, and religious instruction of their children is under scrutiny and assault in our schools, courts, child welfare systems, and the broader culture. How should parents respond—and what can pastors, churches, and other concerned citizens do to protect children and preserve the God-given role of parents?

In this episode, Vernadette Broyles, President and Chief Counsel of the Child & Parental Rights Campaign, joins me to discuss the legal and cultural battles surrounding parental rights, children’s health, and the protection of female sports and spaces.

Key Takeaways and Links:

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The advanced AI revolution is here; and much of the national conversation is focused on breakthroughs in productivity, national security, and healthcare. But what happens if AI becomes powerful enough to reshape government surveillance, human relationships, and even our understanding of human purpose? In this conversation, Randan Steinhauser from The Alliance for Secure AI. explains how we can secure AI for the good of humanity—and ensure that this transformative technology serves human flourishing rather than undermining it.

In the episode, we cover topics such as the geopolitical implications of AI, the dangers of domestic surveillance and concentrated technological power, how AI may reshape our relationships with one another, and why questions about human dignity and purpose must remain at the center of the conversation. Here’s the latest on securing AI for the good of humanity as AI rapidly changes and changes the world.

Randan Steinhauser is the Founding Partner of Steinhauser Strategies, which she launched in 2013 after relocating to Austin from Washington, D.C. Randan specializes in issue advocacy, non-profit, and corporate communications. Randan’s career began in the Governor’s Office in South Carolina. In 2009 she joined the staff for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint in Washington, D.C. and later transitioned into the non-profit world working in foreign policy and education reform for former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. She has worked in more than 30 states on issue advocacy and political campaigns. Randan assists clients with media relations, coalition development, strategic communications, and government affairs. Originally from South Carolina, Randan is a graduate of The University of South Carolina. She attended The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University and earned her Master’s in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. She is the proud mother of five including a set of identical twins.

Key Links:

X: Randan Marie Steinhauser

Alliance for Secure AI

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Esther is a remarkable story because it turns on, of all things, a case of royal insomnia. In Esther 6, the same divine hand that guided David’s sling guides the hand of a Persian servant to select a record of Mordecai’s forgotten service to the king, Haman faces humiliation and a forecast of the consequences of fighting against God, and a great and just reversal is set in motion. In this sermon, I explore these themes and the comforting thought that God never sleeps so we can.

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What does Christian engagement in public life look like in New Zealand? And what lessons should we learn from a nation further down the road of secularization and hostility toward Christian principles? In this episode, Bob McCoskrie from Family First New Zealand shares about his personal journey into ministry and his calling to engage the culture and government for the good of his nation; the systemic differences in New Zealand’s government (including an unwritten constitution) and recent debates over the anti-smacking law, marriage redefinition, euthanasia, and freedom of speech; the state of the church in New Zealand and increasing pressure to remain silent; and what gives him hope as he looks to the future. His perspective is a reminder that faithful citizenship is not ultimately about controlling political outcomes—it is about remaining faithful, speaking truth, serving others, and trusting God with the results.

Bob McCoskrie is the Founder and National Director (Chief Executive) of Family First New Zealand, a leading pro-family and pro-life advocacy organisation established in 2006. A former talkback radio host on Radio Rhema and South Auckland social worker, Bob has spent decades championing strong marriages, stable families, and the protection of life as the foundations of a strong nation. He holds a Master of Commerce with Honours from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Teaching from the Auckland College of Education. Since founding Family First, Bob has become one of New Zealand’s most prominent public voices on family policy. He has led national campaigns on issues including the anti-smacking legislation, the redefinition of marriage, abortion law reform, cannabis legalisation, euthanasia, gender ideology in schools, and protections for women and children

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The 2022 Dobbs decision marked a historic victory for the pro-life movement—but it also ushered in a new era of challenges and opportunities.

In this episode, Sue Swayze Liebel—Director of State Affairs for SBA Pro-Life America and a leading pro-life advocate—joins me to discuss where the movement stands today. We explore the rapidly changing legal landscape; state-by-state battles over abortion; the rise of chemical abortion; and the growing importance of serving women, children, and families with compassion and practical support.

We also examine how Christians can engage faithfully in the public square, why the pro-life cause remains the defining human rights issues of our time, and what lies ahead as advocates continue working to protect the unborn. Whether you’re seeking to better understand the post-Dobbs landscape or looking for practical encouragement to make a difference, this conversation will equip you to strategically impact the life issue.

Sue Liebel is the Director of State Affairs for SBA Pro-Life America, where she leads nationwide efforts to advance pro-life legislation and elect leaders who will protect women and unborn children. A longtime Indianapolis resident with over 30 years of experience in policy development, lobbying, and political strategy, Sue has worked with organizations including the United Way and the Indy Chamber of Commerce. Since the Dobbs decision, she has been instrumental in supporting state-level victories, including Indiana’s groundbreaking post-Roe legislation. Passionate about empowering the Church and communities to provide real support for women, Sue also oversees initiatives like Her Plan, a comprehensive Pregnancy & Life Assistance Network. A dedicated advocate who lives out her faith in the public square, Sue continues the legacy of trailblazing women like Susan B. Anthony by fighting for policies rooted in dignity, truth, and compassion.

In this episode:

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After two years of research and writing and just in time for America’s 250th, my latest book – Created Equal – is now live!

The United States was founded on a profound and Biblical idea: all people are created by a Creator and are, therefore, equal.

Though the phrases “created equal” and “made in the image of God” are often used in American public life, do we fully understand them? And how did this remarkable principle rooted in Genesis 1 end up in the Declaration of Independence? Most importantly, how can Americans recapture this ideal as a compelling and unifying vision for the United States in the 21st century? In this book, I explore America’s founding principle, review how she has faltered and triumphed in implementing it, and set out a vision for America’s future as example and champion of the truth that we are all created equal.

This is my most historically-focused work, with 575 references (and many of them original sources in the National Archives). And I trace America’s story from thirteen small colonies to a world power that discovered flight and sent astronauts to the stars. I also tell the story of freedom and equality unfurling–like a flag in a stiff and relentless breeze–to every American and explain why our founding principle–though faded with time and inattention–is the best hope of a new birth of freedom in our time.

*Note that we will be taking a summer break, and our next episode will release the first week of August!

Link to the Kindle and Print versions.

As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday or semiquincentennial, here are 4 facts about the 4th of July and some reflections on America’s present and future.

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After an inspirational family trip to Washington, D.C. in 2022, John and Faith Gelsthorpe launched Lost History Tours to create app-based, self-guided history tours that make David Barton’s rich historical knowledge accessible to everyone, anywhere. Just in time for America’s 250th (and summer road trips), here’s the story of this homeschool family’s kingdom entrepreneurship, some remarkable forgotten moments and individuals in American history, and how to use this tool to ensure America’s true history is never LOST.

Key Takeaways:

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In this chapter, the fate of Esther and her people hangs in the balance as she approaches the Persian king without invitation. This episode/sermon explores this dramatic moment, including the courage required to stand before an unpredictable ruler, the wisdom behind Esther’s surprising strategy, and the deadly pride and bitterness that consumed Haman. Along the way, we consider God’s providence working behind the scenes and the importance of using the position and influence God has entrusted to us.

Series overview: Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen.

Outline:

Key Takeaways:

Click Here to Watch on YouTube