ESTHER
The Hiddenness of God
In a Great Reversal
May 5, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 8, Esther 9
In this final message Esther and Mordecai press on to save the Jewish people from annihilation at the date appointed by the king's edict. God's working behind the scene is again revealed and reminds us all of the great reversals that have taken place throughout the book. Finally, we understand that the greatest reversal of all comes through Christ and his death and resurrection which has reversed our eternal fate.
In a Wish and Request
April 21, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 7
Explore the climactic moment when Queen Esther confronts King Ahasuerus to plead for the lives of her people. See the tension and Esther's bravery and strategic planning in the face of impending disaster. Esther risks her life to intercede for the Jewish people, ultimately revealing Haman's treachery and securing their deliverance.
In a Sleepless Night
April 14, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 6
The sermon explores how a sleepless night for King Ahasuerus leads to a providential turn of events. Unable to sleep, the king orders the chronicles to be read, stumbling upon Mordecai's past deed of saving his life. This sets the stage for a series of ironies and reversals, culminating in Haman inadvertently honoring Mordecai instead of seeking his demise. Through this narrative, the sermon highlights God's hidden providence working through ordinary events to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Historical intro. - In a Fool's Fury
April 7, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 5
Esther chapter 5 is built upon the historical context of the book of Esther and the narrative progression. See how the Persian Empire's defeat at the battle of Marathon, 490BC by the hands of the Athenian Greek State, and a subsequent naval battle defeat at Salamis in 480BC, plays a role in the sovereign plan of God for the Jewish people held in exile.
In a Fool's Fury
April 7, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 5
Esther chapter 5 explores the contrast between Esther's courageous faith, emphasizing her selflessness and Hamans' cursing anger, emphasizing his selfishness. Haman reveals his foolish folly by being wise in his own eyes and set in his ways. Haman's fool's fury is a result of selfish desires and unchecked emotions. The sermon warns against the destructive power of anger, emphasizing its roots in thwarted desires and selfishness.
In a Feast by Faith
February 18, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 5
Esther chapter 5 explores Esther's courageous faith, emphasizing her selflessness and willingness to identify with her people. Esther's choice to redirect her fears and take risks for the greater good is highlighted, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Moses.
In Crisis and Courage
February 11, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 4
Esther chapter 4 explores the effects of a crises in our lives and how we may recognize and respond. Esther must make a choice, will she remain isolated and passive to the upcoming annihilation of the Jews? Or, will she demonstrate courage and risk approaching the king to stop it?
In the Pressure of Persecution
February 4, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 3
Esther chapter 3, explores the theme of "The Pressure of Persecution" and the chain reaction of decisions and actions. Haman's rise to power, Mordecai's refusal to bow down, and the subsequent plot to annihilate the Jews illustrates the power of destructive anger. However, just as an edict of destruction and murder is sent by couriers throughout the empire, so Jesus would proclaim an opposite message of healing, liberation and forgiveness sent out by his messengers, the church.
In Our Pain
January 28, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 2
How do you deal with painful situations in your life? Do you have a numbing solution of your choice? Esther chapter 2 explores the Hiddenness of God in our pain and challenges our solutions. How does Ahasuerus deal with his pain of a lost battle? How does Esther deal with the pain of living in exile without mother or father? Sometimes our pain and sin lead to compromise and we believe the world's false promises. But Esther's story reminds us that those things will not disqualify us from the opportunity for later obedience. God is not finished with us yet.
In the Courts of Kings
January 21, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 1
What does a lost Persian battle at Marathon and a king's rash rule making have to do with the Jewish people in exile? Esther chapter 1 explores and answers these questions. Listen and see how the seemingly Hiddenness of God is really about God at work even when we can't see it.