Week 6 (November 30): God or Mammon: Wealth, Worship, and Kingdom Stewardship

Money isn’t neutral—it forms us. Jesus presses the heart with three moments: the Rich Young Ruler walking away from the Treasure he couldn’t buy (Matt 19:16–30/Mark 10:17–31), the warning that you cannot serve God and money (Matt 6:19–24; Luke 16:10–13), and the Parable of the Talents calling us to faithful, fearless stewardship (Matt 25:14–30). 

Together they answer the questions modern disciples actually live with: What do I treasure? Who do I trust? What will I do with what God has entrusted? Expect a gospel vision of generosity, contentment, and courage that fueled the early church—and still frees hearts today.

Week 5 (November 23): Sermon on the Mount: The Way of the King

Before the early church had buildings or budgets, it had Jesus’ manifesto—the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). On a hillside, the King redefines life in His Kingdom: blessedness that runs against the grain, righteousness that is deeper than rule-keeping, enemy-love that disarms cycles of hate, prayer that trusts the Father, and wisdom that builds on rock. 

This message gathers the Beatitudes, salt-and-light calling, the Lord’s Prayer, freedom from anxiety, and the call to do what Jesus says. If you’ve ever asked, “What does discipleship look like in real life?”, Jesus answers here—clearly, concretely, and compellingly.

Week 4 (November 16): John: The Eagle — Jesus the Son of God

John soars. From “In the beginning was the Word” to the seven signs and the thunder of the I AM statements, John unveils the divine identity of Jesus and invites you to believe and have life in His name. This week shows why John is often a first read for seekers and a lifetime companion for saints. 

We’ll trace how John structures his Gospel to reveal glory through love, truth, and the cross—forming a church that abides in Christ and bears lasting fruit. If you need assurance, renewal, or a fresh view of Jesus, John will lift your eyes.

Week 3 (November 9): Luke: The Man — Jesus the Son of Man

Physician. Historian. Disciple-maker. Luke writes an orderly account so you can have certainty about the things you’ve been taught. He highlights Jesus’ true humanity, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and good news for the outsider and overlooked. 

From the songs of chapters 1–2 to unique parables like the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son, Luke reveals a Savior who seeks and saves the lost and gathers a table of sinners turned saints. Come ready to see prayer, mercy, and mission up close—and to join Jesus in seeking the lost where you live.

Esther: For Such A Time| Midweek | November 5th, 2025 | Ministry Director, Beth Allen

Week 2 (November 2): Matthew: The Lion — Jesus the King

Matthew opens with a royal genealogy and never stops announcing “the Kingdom of Heaven.” Aimed especially at a Jewish audience, Matthew presents Jesus as the long-promised Messiah-King who fulfills the Law and the Prophets and calls disciples into a new way of life. 

From the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission, you’ll see how Matthew organizes Jesus’ teaching into five great discourses and why that matters for your daily obedience. If you’ve ever wondered how the Old Testament promises land in Jesus—and in us—this week will help you follow the King with clarity and courage.

Week 1 (October 26): Mark: The Ox — Jesus the Suffering Servant

Brevity. Urgency. Power. Mark’s favorite word is “immediately,” and the pace drives straight to the cross. Here Jesus is the Servant-Savior whose authority over demons, disease, and nature is matched by His call to costly discipleship: “Take up your cross and follow Me.” 

You’ll discover how Mark’s eyewitness feel (rooted in Peter’s preaching) strengthens a church under pressure, and how embracing Jesus’ path of service and sacrifice turns ordinary believers into bold witnesses. If you’re tired, anxious, or tempted to quit, Mark will reframe your mission.

Week 7 (October 19): Nehemiah and Malachi: Rebuilding and the End of an Age

Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, but more importantly, to rebuild the people in covenant with God. Through opposition and difficulty, Nehemiah teaches us perseverance, prayer, and leadership rooted in God’s strength. His work prepares the way for a renewed community that looks forward to God’s ultimate redemption. Simultaneously, Malachi closes the Old Testament with a call to faithfulness. He confronts empty worship, corrupt priests, and weary people, while pointing to the coming “messenger” who will prepare the way of the Lord. His final words leave God’s people waiting, longing for the day when God’s promises will be fulfilled in the Messiah.

Week 6 (October 12): Ezra: Return & Restoration

Under Persian rule, God’s people are allowed to return home. Ezra leads a spiritual renewal, teaching the Word of God and restoring covenant faithfulness. This return is only partial — the people are back in the land, but they long for full redemption. Ezra reminds us that true restoration is not just physical but spiritual — a restoration of heart and covenant.

Week 5 (October 5): Daniel: Faith in Exile

Daniel and his friends stand as models of faith in a pagan empire. From the fiery furnace to the lions’ den, they show that God honors those who remain faithful even in exile. God proves Himself sovereign over kings and kingdoms, humbling the proud and exalting His name. Daniel shows us how to live courageously in a culture that opposes God.