In the sermon on Esther 1, the series “The Hidden Hand of God” was introduced, emphasizing the story’s importance, especially for Jews celebrating Purim. The chapter reveals the opulent display of power by King Xerxes, who, after a lengthy banquet, drunkenly demands his queen, Vashti, to show herself to his guests, possibly in a demeaning way. When she refuses, it challenges his authority, exposing the limitations of his power. The king, unsure how to respond, consults his nobles who exacerbate the situation by recommending a royal edict which removes Vashti as queen and demands that all women respect their husbands. The sermon contrasts Xerxes’ oppressive rule with Jesus’ model of servant leadership, advocating for earning respect through genuine care and sacrifice. It concludes by suggesting that even chaotic events can align with God’s plan, setting the stage for Esther’s pivotal role in the story. Ultimately, the message is about trusting God’s workings in our lives, even when the path seems disjointed.
Today we finish our series on Profound Prayers; and, as I like to do, I’ll give you a quick review of the prayers we’ve covered over the past few weeks. As you remember these sermons from the past few weeks, you may notice that this series was not about giving you a pattern to follow. The Bible doesn’t give us a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all pattern for every prayer. Yes, the Lord’s Prayer is a model but we still don’t pray it…
In Kids’ Church today, our children will begin a series in which they wlll learn about the life of job, and how God was with job even in the middle of his suffering. Did I say “job”? I meant “Job.” Forgive me, please. I hope you have all forgiven me for this minor error. After all, I didn’t actually inflict any real pain on any of you. Mea culpa. But what if, when we are leaving today, I backed into…
Unfortunately, you can’t make Jesus your Savior, but not accept him as Lord. He must be both. James 2:26 tells us that faith without deeds is dead. A belief that Jesus saves without submitting to Jesus as Lord is described by James as a dead faith.
Hidden in the midst of our long Iowa winters is the season of love: Valentine’s Day. It’s a time for chocolate and card companies to reap huge rewards as we focus on the significant others in our lives. Symbols like hearts and tiny cupids emphasize the importance of romantic love in our culture. Beginning with the Valentine’s card you gave to your first crush, there is a constant push from society telling you that true happiness is only fulfilled when you…
In a world filled with stress and anxiety, if you’re struggling to find any peace, you are not alone. Countless people right here in our community are wrestling with mental health challenges, and we believe God offers answers. God wants more for you, and in the Bible He offers solutions to quiet your racing mind and find victory over your anxious thoughts.