Through Faith and with Courage

RHCCC

Sermon

Through Faith and with Courage

Bayview site | June 2nd, 2024

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Stephen Hsu • Esther 4:15—5:8

Esther: For A Time Such As This

Through Faith and with Courage

”If I die, I die”

Speaker: Pastor Stephen Hsu

Scripture: Esther 4:15-5:8 NIV

Sermon Notes

BIG IDEA: To find God during crisis, we must learn to fast & pray, be willing to risk all, and wait upon the Lord.

HOW TO FIND GOD DURING YOUR BIGGEST PROBLEMS

1. Fast & Feast 4:16a)

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done,” —Esther 4:16a NIV

“In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing…” —Esther 4:3 NIV

Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”—Joel 2:12 NIV

2. Don’t Fear Failure (4:16b)

“…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” —Esther 4:16b NIV

3. Wait For God (4:17-5:8)

Why didn’t God include His own Name in the book of Esther?

“whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” —Colossians 1:16b-17 NIV

More from Esther: For A Time Such As This

Kingdoms of Heaven and Earth

June 23, 2024 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • Esther 8—10

Esther: For A Time Such As This Kingdoms of Heaven and Earth Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui Scripture: Esther 8-10 Two Key Observations: • no mention of God = “I don’t feel God’s presence” • no miracles from God = “I don’t see God’s work” A Theology of Possibility: • Learning to SPOT the activity of God - knowing God is still at work for us. • Learning to JOIN the activity of God — knowing God is still at work through us. Joining the Activity of God: a. Seek Justice (for a time such as this) b. Choose Joy (for a time such as this)

The Hope of Deliverance

June 16, 2024 • Rev. Shu-Ling Lee • Esther 7:1—8:14

Esther: For A Time Such As This The Hope of Deliverance Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling Lee Scripture: Esther 7-8:14 RECAP Esther 1-6 SUMMARIZING Esther 7-8:14 CLARIFYING Esther 7-8:14 Prescription vs. Description BIG IDEA: In positions of worldly power, position and/or influence, could God be giving you an opportunity to make a difference for His purposes? Now write another decree in the king’s name on behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. —Esther 8:8 1. We may have to work within this world’s system and structures, but doesn’t mean we have to perpetuate them. 2. WARNING: You may gain a certain worldly influence to make a difference in this life, but don’t forget, the world can rid of you just as easily. CONCLUSION

Present, Yet Unseen

June 9, 2024 • Rev. Kelly Tam • Esther 5:9—6:14

Esther: For A Time Such As This Present, Yet Unseen Speaker: Rev. Kelly J. Tam Scripture: Esther 5:9-6:14 We can be encouraged to trust in God’s plan even in the face of injustice and oppression. 1. Haman’s Pride (5:11) 2. Haman’s Status (5:12) 3. Haman’s Vengeance (5:14) What can we learn about God’s faithfulness? 1. God has His timing 2. God has his purpose 3. We can trust God’s timing and purpose