A Call to Action

RHCCC

Sermon

A Call to Action

Bayview site | May 26th, 2024

May 26, 2024 • Pastor Joey Ling • Esther 3:1—4:14

Esther: For A Time Such As This

A Call to Action

Speaker: Pastor Joey Ling

Scripture: Esther 3-4:14

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Esther 1- 2 Recap

Nothing is coincidence

Everything is under his controlThis book teaches us to spot the activity of God.

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Esther 3

God can seem distant, but God is always present

1. God is omnipresent

2. God can seem absent, but God is committed to us

3. God demands commitment from us because He is committed to you

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?—

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Esther 4:13-14

1. Reminds us of the way God delivers His people (Esther 4:14)

The big idea: When we are in situations where the demands of people from you do not give God’s first place, we are faced with the challenge of obedience to God vs. obedience to People.

2. Reminds us to live faithfully in where God has placed you (Esther 4:14)

You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind but serve him where you are.—“Providence As Seen in the Book of Esther” Charles Spurgeon, 1874

What will you do in time such as this?

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