Laying the foundation

Hope City Church

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Laying the foundation

June 19, 2024 • Pastor Holly Smith • Esther

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We're laying the foundation for reading the book of Esther by understanding it's historical and biblical context.

Be sure to have your Bible, a pen, and paper as you sit down to listen to this session.

Here are the questions to answer in your outline of Esther:

1. Who's believed to have written the book of Esther?

2. Around what time period was this book written?

3. What's the literary genre of this book – historical narrative, law, wisdom, poetry, prophecy, gospel, epistle (letter), or apocalyptic?

4. What was happening during this time period?

5. What's the overarching message of this book of the Bible? How does this book fit into the entire story of the Bible?

And here are the other journaling prompts:

1. What did you learn about the book of Esther in your preliminary work?

2. What fears or hindrances often keep you from studying the Word of God?

_____

MEMORY VERSE: PSALMS 103:19

"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."

Week One Recap

June 22, 2024 • Pastor Holly Smith • Esther 5—10

No audio devotional today! Use this weekend to review what you've learned or catch up on your preliminary work for the book of Esther. Take time to prepare your heart. Set yourself up for Bible study this week. Keep your Bible, notebook, pen, and any other items you use in one place where you can find them easily. Join the Esther Devotional Group in the Hope City RI app! Whether you're keeping up with a lesson each day or are taking your time with it, it's a great spot to share what you're learning and encourage others as they're studying this book. Study with excitement and expectation, knowing that as you open the Word you are meeting with the God who created this world. There is nothing better than that gift! Journal prompt: 1. What did you learn about studying the Bible from this initial week of laying the foundation for the book of Esther? _____ MEMORY VERSE: PSALM 103:19 "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."

Unearthing Clues, Part 2

June 21, 2024 • Pastor Holly Smith • Esther 5—10

No audio devotional today! Today you'll continue your initial read-through of the book of Esther. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Read Esther 5 - 10 and write your initial notes, observations, and questions in your notebook. _____ MEMORY VERSE: PSALMS 103:19 "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."

Unearthing Clues, Part 1

June 20, 2024 • Pastor Holly Smith • Esther 1—4

Today we're walking through our contextual overview of the book of Esther and starting to read and take notes on the book. Be sure to have your Bible, a pen, and notebook as you sit down to listen to this session. Read Esther 1 - 4, Write any notes, observations, or questions that come to mind. _____ MEMORY VERSE: PSALMS 103:19 "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."