Transformative Truth:

2. The fruit of love

3. The fruit of hope

Transformative Truth:

Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

Peace in a Person

“Children ought to love the Lord Jesus Christ above all things in the world.” 

There is no love so great and so wonderful as that which is in the heart of Christ.

Peace through his Provision

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…. - Ephesians 2:14

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace that is Perpetual

Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

Transformative Truth:

BLESSED BE THE NAME: Part Three: "Everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a *voice from heaven* said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:16-17

1. Jesus Christ is the founder and head of the household of faith.

2. Jesus Christ is the benevolent protector and provider for his people.

3. Jesus Christ will never let us down.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5-6

Transformative Truth:

Transformative Truth:

The Prophetic Context

Matthew 4:12-13 Now when he heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali....

Matthew 4:14-17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles- the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... - Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.... - Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

The Preeminent Counselor

1. Jesus is all-wise. 

2. Jesus is approachable. 

3. Jesus is reliable.

4. Jesus is available.

As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him.

Applications:

Transformative Truth:

2. Root your confidence in God.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. - 1 John 3:2

3. Reaffirm our commitment to one another.

Transformative Truth:

II. Application

Transformative Truth:

A Grand Feast - Esther 9:20-32

1. It was recorded.

2. It was required. 

A Great Friend - Esther 10:1-3

1. What he sought

2. What he spoke

Transformative Truth:

The Victory Described Esther 9:2-19

1. What God's people did for themselves

Believers can fight valiantly, knowing that God is for us.