When death and fear surround us, where is God? Remember the third day: He is with us, redeeming our suffering for His glory.

 Esther 3:1–15 Ancestral HateThis animosity is generational. Genocidal HorrorThis scheme is satanic. Covenantal HopeThis plight is spiritual. Takeaway: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” —Psalm 23:4

How can we remain faithful in a hostile culture? Like Esther and Mordecai, believers face four dangers as a minority, but God remains faithful through it all.Esther 2:1–23 The Danger of ConformityDare to be different. The Danger of CompromiseDare to be obedient. The Danger of ConcealmentDare to be unashamed. The Danger of CapitulationDare to be faithful. Takeaway: Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.

When the world feels out of control, who is really in charge? God’s hidden hand is at work, holding His people and fulfilling His purposes.

  Esther 1:1–22  Projected PowerHistory is full of egomaniacs trying to rule the world.  Personal PowerNever underestimate the influence of quiet refusal.  Providential PowerGod works all things according to the counsel of His will.  Takeaway: God’s hidden hand of history is holding us still.

Leviticus 23:23–44 Big Idea: The feasts of Israel reveal God’s plan of redemption: the spring feasts point to Messiah’s first coming, while the fall feasts anticipate His return, Israel’s restoration, and God dwelling forever with His redeemed people. I. The Feasts Point to Messiah II. Trumpets: The King is Coming III. The Day of Atonement: Israel Turns to Messiah IV. Tabernacles: God Dwells with His People

Romans 10:1–4 Nothing is wasted. Truth. What do you want?

Jeremiah 18:1–18The Potter—GodHe works purposefully.

He works patiently.

He works authoritatively.

Does He fail? His purposes are hidden and yet visible.The Wheel—LifeThe circumstances of life (e.g. Jonah).

The various people of life.The First Vessel (you and me)Resist? Lopsided?

Broken dreams.The Remade VesselThe same clay; a different shape.

The heat. . .The Bottom LineGod loves to remake marred vessels. . .some refuse to be remade.

We must submit to the Potter.

Subject: The Law keeps you bound to what you can do. Love sets you free for what only God can do in you.

 

John 3:1–21

 Enough to Ask, Not Enough to Enter (3:1–8)

 Bound by Law (3:9–14)

 Freed by Love (3:15–21)

 Conclusion: Can you see the love of God all around you, calling you to believe? Are you ready to enter into His kingdom and find true freedom?

The holiness of God is dangerous, but we cannot have life without it.

 

Numbers 15:37–17:8

  

The Prelude

 The Rebellion(s)

• Rejection of God’s Servants

• Rejection of God’s Holiness

• Rejection of God’s Goodness

 The Result

• Vindication of God’s Servants

• Vindication of God’s Holiness

• Vindication of God’s Goodness

 The Staff

 The Consuming Fire

The unstoppable Gospel confronts every heart, calls for repentance, and offers hope in Christ. How can we join Jesus on His mission in the world?

 

Acts 28:17–31

 

Gospel Character

• The Gospel is embodied.

 

Gospel Compulsion

• The Gospel is decisive.

 

Gospel Contrition

• The Gospel is humbling.

 

Gospel Confidence

• The Gospel is victorious.

 

Takeaway: “In our words and by our deeds, we will proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth and unto the end of the age.” —The Moody Church Covenant

Can anyone be beyond hope? Acts 28 shows the gospel reaches outsiders as Jesus transforms sinners by grace.Acts 28:1–16Real PowerGod’s power demands attention.Real GraceGod’s grace shatters religion.Real FamilyGod’s family includes barbarians.Real AuthorityGod’s authority reigns supreme.Takeaway: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” —Romans 1:16