Sovereignty in Sin and Suffering

Independent Bible Church

Sovereignty in Sin and Suffering

May 5, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 2:1–18

On the surface, Esther 2 might sound like a fairy-tale. A beautiful Jewish lady is chosen by the rich King of Persia to be his Queen. However, on closer inspection, Esther 2 is a nightmare filled with great sin and suffering. We might wonder: “Is God still in control and does he still care for his people?” Answer: God is and he does. God’s sovereignty over sin and suffering means believers can experience security and peace no matter their circumstances.

God's Reversals

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Mark Johnson • Esther 9—10

Today, we conclude with the amazing wrap up of “Esther: Silent Sovereignty.” Doomsday had been set for the destruction of the Jews (3:13). A counter-decree was issued (8:11-12). What would happen on the fateful day? What lessons are we to learn?

Providence Fulfills Promises

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Mark Johnson • Esther 8

Providence is God’s purposeful sovereignty or “the hand of God in the glove of history.” The entire Book of Esther, without mentioning God’s name, illustrates His providence fulfilling His promises to His people. As New Covenant believers, we rightly relish Romans 8:28. God’s people the Jews, even in their exile in the days of Esther, could count on the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:3. Esther 8 continued to sort out the fortunes of Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews in Persia. Notice the God sightings even though He is not mentioned directly!

Salvation Through Judgment

June 16, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 6:14—7:10

Psalm 73:27 promises that God will vanquish all his enemies. In Esther 7, God sovereignly brings the evil Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to an end. Though God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, themes of the gospel run throughout. We see that God delivers justice against all evil-doers, but provides grace for all sinners who turn from their sin and trust in him.