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  • 1 Peter 1 "Our Living Hope"
    "We all remember Peter, that disciple that opened his mouth too much with Jesus. Peter later, however, because one of the chief pillars of the early church. Peter and Paul were the two major apostles in bringing the gospel to the Jews (Peter) and Gentiles (Paul). The themes are hope, holiness, and suffering. This letter was mainly to bring encouragement and renewed motivation to live in Godliness no matter what the circumstances"
  • Nehemiah 13 "Cleaning House"
    "When you clean your house do you only have to do it once and then it remains clean? No. There is dirt around here and messy people. It takes a continual maintenance and cleaning. When you take a bath do you only have to do it the first time and then you don't have to bathe anymore? No, we get dirty living in this world. We need to keep on cleaning or we stink and become grotesque. The people had made many promises in chapter 10 of what they were going to do for God and how they were going to live. Unfortunately, when Nehemiah went back to report to the King the people had turned quickly back to the sin and impurity that they had said they would not do. Through God's Word, and spiritual leadership, God's people were going to clean house again. This chapter is about cleaning that which was rebuilt. It is a maintenance process to examine your life, family, church, and leadership to make sure they are according to the standard of purity that God has shown us in His Word. "
  • Nehemiah 11-12 "Rebuilding Together"
    "The work of rebuilding is not something we can do alone. We need God obviously, but we also need one another. There are a few lasting lessons that we can take with us about rebuilding our lives. We are given a reminder of those lessons in these final chapters. The people were now right with God, and together they continued in the day-to-day decisions that made this rebuilding last. Let us be reminded that: Rebuilding Together Needs People. Rebuilding Together Needs Praise. Rebuilding Together Needs Provisions."
Esther 1-2

Esther Chapters 1-2 “A Story of God’s Providence”

 

  1. I) Vashti has a Divine Removal (Chapter 1)

A) The splendor of king Xerxes (Verses 1-8)

  1. He was showing off his power and riches to all of the nobles—like CHOGM!

 

  1. B) Vashti’s disobedience (Verses 9-20)
    1. She had her own feast for the women
  • Men’s fellowship and women’s fellowship
  1. She disobeyed the kings order
  • This was a command given while drunk…usually these kinds of decisions and actions are regrettable.
  • Vashti probably didn’t want to expose herself to a bunch of drunken men. Drunken powerful men, and beautiful minimally clothed women are not a good combination.
  1. He was worried about his reputation but also made a point about example
  • People will follow our example, whether it is good or bad.

& Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”

  1. C) The queen is removed (Verses 21-22)
    1. This is a bad example of men ruling in their own house.
  • Yes, the headship of the husband is biblical, but the husband is also called to love and honor the wife.
  • Respect cannot be commanded, it must be earned

 

  1. II) Esther is Chosen to be Queen (Chapter 2)

A) Another queen is requested (Verses 1-4)

  1. All of the beautiful virgin women are called to the “Miss Persian Empire” contest
  • The ancient historian Josephus said that 400 women were called.

 

  1. B) Meet Mordecai and Esther (Verses 5-7)
    1. Mordecai was Esther’s elder cousin (cousin-uncle-father)

 

  1. C) Esther is favored and chosen (Verses 8-20)
    1. She was pleasing, both in appearance and attitude

& Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4  And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”

  1. By God’s providence Esther is chosen

& Psalms 75:6-7 “For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.”

D) Mordecai saves the kings life (Verses 21-23)