Restore Church NJ

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Esther

For Such a Time as This

The Purpose of the Exile

November 8, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

God's word helps us see God's purposes in the events of our lives. In the book of Esther, we are given a glimpse into the purpose of the exile, and how God's people learn to live in reliance on Him. The story also points us towards another reality: that although human leaders will always be temporary, King Jesus reigns forever.

Influence

November 1, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

How does the exile serve the world–especially when they have a position of influence? Esther chapter 8 provides a template for how the exile can best serve the world once they recognize that the story is going to end in their favor.

Role Reversal

October 25, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

Would you rather pursue honor for yourself, or shame? A dichotomy is presented in the book of Esther between two characters; one who pursues honor for himself, and one who pursues humility and even shame. In the end, their roles are reversed, reminding us of the role reversal of the Gospel itself: Jesus humbled himself, and was honored by God.

Subversive

October 18, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

How does an exile impact change? The story of Esther teaches us that the exile has more power than they realize, since their confidence is not in their position but in their full dependency on God.

For Such a Time as This

October 4, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

What is our purpose? Most of us have wrestled with that question. In Esther 4, Esther goes through a process of discovery to figure out what it is that God is calling her to. We can learn some things from her story to help us uncover our "for such a time as this" moments.

God's Timing

September 27, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

Why do things happen when they do? Rarely do we get to step back from our momentary circumstances and get a glimpse of what God is doing. Esther and Mordecai's knowledge of God's sovereignty was what prepared them for such a time as this.

Where do our allegiances lie?

September 20, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

In this sermon we consider the question, "where do our allegiances lie?" Esther 2 forces us to consider our how corporate identity has an impact on how we experience and engage with the world around us. Do we engage based on a secondary identity? Or do we engage with the world based on our primary identity in Jesus Christ?

Which Kingdom Do You Belong To?

September 13, 2020 • Jeremy Mulder

The book of Esther begins by presenting us with a picture of what life was like under Persian King, Xerxes. He is proud, self-indulgent, and in the midst of throwing a wild party for himself and then for the capital city when the Queen, Vashti, disobeys his command. It is a tale of two cities; on the one hand, a city filled with wealth and celebration. On the other hand, a city ruled by the worst types of people. Join us as we consider why this would force Esther to consider which Kingdom she belonged to before we are ever introduced to her in the text.