A Behind-The-Scenes God

RHCCC

Sermon

A Behind-The-Scenes God

Downtown Markham site | May 26th, 2024

May 26, 2024 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • Esther 1—2

Sermon Notes

Esther: For A Time Such As This

A Behind-The-Scenes God

Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui

Scripture: Esther 1-2:23

How do you live in a culture that holds values opposed to your own? How do we live faithfully as God’s people in a hostile world?

The Book of Esther was written to help us

BIG IDEA: Often, God may place us in situations where we may not know or understand the purpose until we respond to His call to action.

Observations:

no mention of God

no miracles

no spiritual practices

We see two key themes emerging in the first two chapters of Esther:

1. Nothing is a coincidence (God’s providence is often hidden)

The Book of Esther teaches us how to spot the activity of God.

2. Everything is under his control (God’s love is unwavering)

The Book of Esther teaches us to lean on the love of God.

a. God reverses the expected

b. God uses the imperfect

More from Esther: For A Time Such As This (DTM)

Kingdoms of Heaven and Earth

June 30, 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 23, 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 16, 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